South Fork
SOUTH FORK
ReportThe river is in prime autumn condition. Water coming out of Palisades Reservoir (about 10% full) remains clear and cold and will continue to drop. Flow in the river has decreased enough to offer numerous wading locations such as side channels and gravel bars. Floating from the dam down to Conant is comfortable. Flow varies around 3,500 cfs at Irwin, about 4,000 cfs at Heise, and about 1,400 cfs at Lorenzo.
Terrestrial insects remain active during the warmer parts of the day. Mahogany duns are active during midday. BWOs are most active during overcast conditions from late AM to early PM. October caddis take over topwater fishing as evening approaches but are decreasing in hatch intensity, and midges can be active throughout the day.
During low-light conditions, stripped streamer patterns interest particularly migrating brown trout. Fish those patterns around deep water.
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrestrials (Ants) | #12–16 | Moderate | Midday–Afternoon (warmer hours) |
| Mahogany Dun | #14–16 | Moderate | Midday |
| Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) | #20–22 | Moderate — best on overcast days | Late AM to Early PM |
| October Caddis | #8–12 | Light and decreasing | Evening |
| Midge | #20–24 | Light to Moderate | All Day |
- MIDDAY (11AM–2PM): Mahogany dun and terrestrial activity peaks — fish dry-dropper rigs on side channels and gravel bars during the warmest hours
- LATE MORNING TO EARLY AFTERNOON (10AM–1PM, OVERCAST): Prime BWO window — switch to parachute BWOs and flashback emergers when clouds move in
- EVENING (DUSK): October caddis topwater action and low-light streamer fishing for migrating brown trout around deep water
