Snake River

Abnormally cold temperatures over the past two weeks but temps have warmed up noticeably and fishing is a quite a bit more comfortable.  Water temperatures are still cold, so targeting deeper and slower portions of riffles pools and seams.  For the most part, it is just chironomids on the surface currently.  Nymphing is the best way to go.  Brighter colored chironomid and mayfly larva patterns are getting the most action.  Stonefly nymphs are also getting so attention.

Effective patterns – Pat’s Rubber Leg, BH Flashback Hares Ear Nymph, Super Xs, Golden Biot Bugs, Lightening Bugs, Booty’s Deep Stinker Nymph, Zug Bugs, Copper Johns, Booty’s Day-2 Midges, Ice Cream Cone Midges, and Zebra Midges.

South Fork

Warmer weather and warmer water temperatures over the past few days is allowing for more productive fishing on the South Fork.  Flows from Palisades Dam are only at about 900 cfs, so wading is fairly easy.  Fishing is by no means off-the-charts but there is some surface action on chironomids on the upper reach below Palisades Reservoir and on the lower reach from Kelly’s Island down to Menan.  As on the Snake, hitting slower riffle pools and seams is important.  There is also some action on flats in the mid-afternoon hours.

Effective nymphs – Pat’s Rubber Leg, BH Flashback Hares Ear Nymph, Golden Biot Bugs, Foxy Stone Nymphs, Lightening Bugs, Rainbow Warriors, Booty’s Deep Stinker Nymph, Zug Bugs, Copper Johns, Psycho Princes, Booty’s Day-2 Midges, Ice Cream Cone Midges, and Zebra Midges.

Effective Dry Flies – Mating Midges, Ritt’s ARF Midge, Foam Back Midge Emerger, Air Flo Tricos, and Parachute Adams.