Fishing Report
Fishing report June 22,2008
At last! Area rivers are returning to nearly normal water levels after some of the heaviest rains in recent memory. The Maple is the only river still above normal. It remains at least six inches above normal and tannin stained. Look for the Maple to settle and clear in about a week.
The Pigeon and Sturgeon have been showing some Brown Drake activity and with stable water levels, fish should settle into a predictable after dark feeding pattern. Scout a few pools in daylight, make mental notes, and bring plenty of insect repellant and two flashlights after sundown. It's possible in the next few days to see both Brown Drakes and Hexangenia Limbata occur simultaneously. If you look closely, you'll notice feeding fish may prefer a Brown Drake spinner instead of the hatching Hexangenia. The rise forms are different. Be sure to have both patterns with you.
The West Branch of the Sturgeon remains clear and very fishable. This stream lags behind the larger streams as far as Hex and Brown Drake hatches. Caddis and March Brown hatches have been good though, as well as sporadic BWO emergences.
The Black is about an inch or two high with some coloration from tannin and sediment. The shallower stretches should be the best bets with BWO and March Brown patterns currently the best offerings.
A couple seasonal reminders about night fishing. Two or three pools is plenty to scout and fish. If they are far apart, WALK THE BANK BETWEEN THEM. No point in getting a good soaking because of a stumble over a rock or log in the dark. Wait to locate a feeder before you cast. If the flies are on the water, the fish will let you know. Let the fish get settled into a rhythm and time it. Place your fly on the water two counts before it's ready to feed. This works so effectively it might seem a mistake to offer this tip. Just don't keep everything you catch. One good one should be enough.
There still is good daytime fishing to be had during the storied Hex and Brown Drake hatches. Daytime hatches of caddis, BWOs, and March Browns bring out plenty of feeders. On overcast days, don't hesitate to cast a big Hex pattern in the larger pools. If you remember top beef up your tippet before you do this, you might be lucky and land the fish that will take the fly.
Streamer and nymphs will still work now, but let's face it. This is dry fly prime time! Most of us wait all winter for these next three weeks. Get out there, cast well, and release far more than you keep.
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