October 29th
After seeing flows rise to their highest level of the year, back-to-back reductions have brought flows down to 367 CFS this morning.
Water clarity was already showing signs of improvement yesterday, and we expect fishing conditions to improve going forward.
Trico and caddis hatches are quickly fading as Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) and midges take their place in the fall lineup.
October 27th
The river increased another 200 CFS, bringing total flows to 665 CFS. Interestingly, this marks the highest flow of the year, including runoff season!
We expect flows to begin tapering down tomorrow or Thursday. However, lake turnover will likely keep water visibility low for the next several weeks, which is typical for late October and early November.
While clarity may be compromised, fish are generally unaffected and will continue feeding on hatches as usual. Surface feeding, however, is typically more limited under these conditions.
Fishing Tip: Leeches, worm patterns, and egg patterns can be productive, especially outside of peak hatch periods.
October 20th
The tailwater is in great shape for this time of year, with improved flows from recent rainfall and healthy water temperatures.
Fishing has been good throughout the day thanks to a steady mix of hatches, including tricos, caddis, midges, and pseudocloeon mayflies (also known as pseudo baetis).
Fishing Tip: Nymphing remains the go-to method for consistent success, but excellent dry fly opportunities are still available throughout the day if you spend some time looking for rising fish.
October 5th
Flows have dropped following last week’s heavy rainfall and are now sitting just above 100 CFS, including hatchery outflow.
Water temperatures have finally moderated and are remaining within a healthy range throughout the day, from the dam all the way through town.
October is typically a transitional month on the tailwater. Trico and caddis hatches gradually taper off while midge and Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) activity increases.
With warm, sunny weather forecast into next week, expect a strong late-season push of trico and caddis hatches, along with good dry fly opportunities during the morning and evening hours.
Fishing Tip: Juvenile crayfish, suckers, and leeches are plentiful this time of year, so experiment with larger patterns when insect activity slows. Egg patterns can also be effective as brown trout enter their pre-spawn period.
The next round of cooler fall weather should help trigger BWO hatches. In the meantime, watch for midday pseudocloeon mayfly hatches. These insects closely resemble BWOs but are generally one or two hook sizes smaller.
October 1st
Fishing has been very good on the tailwater, and recent rainfall is improving both river flows and water temperatures as we move into fall.
Today’s increase of 150 CFS brought flows to approximately 350 CFS, which will likely be the peak from this storm. With mostly dry weather expected next week, we anticipate flows gradually decreasing in line with inflows.
Hatch Update: Tricos and caddis remain the primary hatches, although midges and pseudocloeon mayflies are also active. Brown trout are entering pre-spawn mode and feeding heavily to build energy reserves before spawning begins in early November.
Now that water temperatures have moderated, the river is fishable throughout the day, from the dam all the way through town.
We currently have openings in our guide schedule, so give us a call if you’d like to set up a trip!
Tight lines!