South Fork
SOUTH FORK
ReportFlow in the river has decreased enough to offer numerous wading locations such as side channels and gravel bars. Water temperature is in the upper 40s°F. Floating from the dam down to Conant is safest because of reducing daylight hours.
BWOs and remaining mahogany duns are most active during overcast conditions from late morning to early afternoon. 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 and stormy conditions, stripped streamer patterns on sink-tip lines with stout leaders interest migrating brown trout. Fish those patterns around overhead cover and deep water. Flow varies around 2,000 cfs at Irwin, about the same at Heise, and about 700 cfs at Lorenzo.
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) | #20–22 | Moderate — best under overcast skies | Late morning to early afternoon |
| Mahogany Dun | #16–18 | Tapering — remaining activity under cloud cover | Late morning to early afternoon |
| October Caddis | #8–12 | Decreasing in intensity | Evening |
| Midge | #20–24 | Consistent | Throughout the day |
- LATE MORNING TO EARLY AFTERNOON: Fish BWO and mahogany dun dry flies during overcast windows; this is the prime topwater hatch period.
- EVENING: Switch to October caddis patterns for topwater action as light fades, though hatch intensity is tapering.
- LOW LIGHT / STORMY CONDITIONS: Strip streamers on a sink-tip around overhead cover and deep water for migrating brown trout.
