Spring/ Summer Transition

What an absolutely stellar few weeks we have had since my last report.  It seems every big fish of every species has been feeding hard.  I've been guiding a fair amount and have hit a new river on every trip.  I even explored a new small stream with a client yesterday, where we found chunky Brook Trout, Rainbows, and Browns.  All wild and all in great condition. Can you identify the lone stocked fish above? 

I feel like a broken record but I cannot recall a better spring of trout fishing.  Every stream Ive been on has coughed up quality wild fish.  It's been good enough that I don't even feel I need to know a river or even been on the particular stretch to guide it.  Twice this past week I hit both a new stream and a new section of river with clients and we got into nice fish.  Hatches have been strong.  I've seen lots of yellow and lime sallys, tan and brown caddis, March browns, Bwo's, Hendrickson's, midges.  Dry fly fishing has been solid in the AM and Evenings, according to guides Andy and John.  I've only been on the water from about 7-3 and nymphing has been the only productive method midday. Fish have been eating mid and upper column however and swinging flies has been effective.

I had two fun 1 on 1 trips with clients looking to up their sightline nymphing skills.  I do love these kinds of trips. I have seen in both that there is a huge disconnect from what people see on YouTube and read about online vs the actual effective implementation of such strategies.  I find most entry and mid level tight line nymphers fish too one dimensional.  Generally too heavy, perpendicular to the current and very close.  This method will catch fish, but there is so much more to it than that, and a ton more fish ready to be caught by upping your game.  On yesterday's trip we worked on lightening up the flies, extending the cast, and extending the drift.  After the first 5 fish came to hand quickly I asked how many would have been caught on their own.  My clients answer was 0.  Both anglers will surely have a lot more success going forward. Guides Andy and John are also really exception tight line nymphers, so if I am booked do not hesitate to book them.  I am about at my capacity for the next three weeks.  There is a chance I could fit you in if schedules both worked out perfect, but I can get a few more days with my guides.

Going forward, we are moving towards a summer pattern.  It was 90 today, way too warm.  The big river I temped yesterday was 62 at 9 am.  They may have hit 70 today but we are cooling off tomorrow and got some storms last night.  I am still not too worried about warm water temps.  There is a lot of ground water and springs are pumping cool water into the rivers. That being said, these very warm days and nights are reason to get your stream thermometer out and avoid that heat of the day during mid afternoon.  Next week looks like seasonable weather and good fishing all day.  I have quite a few trips and a few floats.  I'd like to see some rain to top off the big rivers for the drift boat.

Have a wonderful memorial day weekend.