South Fork

Flow out of Palisades Dam is around 13900 cfs, about the same at Heise, and 9060 cfs at Lorenzo.  Coming out of the dam, this clear, cool flow keeps water temperatures ideal for trout. Flow this strong will place most trout in slower waters such as near banks, eddies, and around seams.  Very few giant and golden stoneflies remain on the river just below the dam. PMDs and yellow sallies (some damsel flies on slow moving channels) make up most of the insect activity that attracts trout. The best time to encounter fish rising for them is between mid-morning and midafternoon.  Ants and beetles are becoming numerous. Wading is strictly limited to the shallows. So boating is the safest and most effective way to fish.  Most popular launch sites are becoming crowded, especially on weekends. So bring your tolerance because not all users play by the rules. Fish woolly bugger, San Juan worm, rubber leg, and streamer patterns and double nymph rigs deep throughout the river.  Caddis activity is best during late afternoon and evening hours.