The water levels are still on the low side of average, but the rain has been causing the levels to fluctuate, therefor making the fish a little on the tricky side. The fact that Trico’s are hatching, and they are keyed into small flies right now isn’t really helping either. Keep your flies small this time of year, like 18’s and 20’s small. If you see rising fish midday it’s like going to be Trico’s, so it might help to have rig set up with very light tippet if you are looking for top water action. Streamers are probably the most effective method of fishing right now, there is no particular colour that is working better than another, so it’d be good to have some options. Tying a small Woolly Bugger, Simi Seal, or Squirrel leech in behind your streamer tends to work well when the fish are a little picky. The big fly gets their attention, and the small fly usually gets the eat. Good luck this week, and don’t let the weather keep you off the water!
How to attack the river:
- Deflections and pools close to shore
- Seams and inside bends and corners
- Deep drop offs near rip rap banks
- Tungsten Ready Baetis (sizes 14-18)
- Copper John (size 12-18)
- San Juan Worms
- Small leeches
- JIggy Dropper PMD (Sizes 14-18)
- Juicy Hopper (sizes 8-12)
- Caddis adults (size 12-16)
- Para Sipper PMD (14-18)
- Pav's Cinnamon Toast Ant (10-12)
Things to remember no matter the fishing technique:
- Use sink tips or heavily weighted flies
- Focus on deflcetions and slack water close to shore
Safety Considerations:
- Watch your step and try to avoid wading too deep, the current is strong right now and it is easy to lose your footing.
- Don't forget to wear sun protection at this time of year, though it may not always be hot you can still burn easily being out all day.
