Snake River

As mentioned in previous reports, cooler days over the past three months or so have been more productive than warmer days, and we have had a lot of the latter.  We may have finally crossed the threshold over the past two weeks where warm days are now starting to fish better.  The best action is occurring in ledge rock pools, eddies, and along seams.  There is also a fair amount of surface action in currents with fast to moderate speeds.  Be prepared to change the depth you are fishing with your nymph rigs, as production is coming as deep as seven feet and as shallow as two and a half feet.

South Fork

Decent fishing with nymphs and streamers are occurring on the Swan Valley reach and the lower river from Wolf Eddy down to Lorenzo.  Fish have been feeding a little closer to the surface and with a bit more consistency.  As such, emerger patterns are starting to work well.  The action has been best from around 11:30 AM until 3 PM most days.

Streamers are producing best on the lower river, but still worth fishing on the upper reaches.  As with dry flies and nymph rigs, the most consistent action is coming from between 11 AM and 3 PM.  Go with small to moderately sized patterns on floating lines or short sinking tips in the 3ips range and target slower currents along seams, in side channels, and in riffle pools.