Flow out of Mackay Dam is currently about 185 cfs and has been just below 200 cfs for several days now. This is a great flow for not only good wading conditions in the river below, but also enough to provide good cover for trout residing there. Look for PMDs, afternoon flavs, and evening caddis activity to attract trout into a feeding mode. So bring life cycle patterns for all of these, plus traditional dry and wet attractors.
On May 15th the flow out of Mackay Dam increased from 90 cfs to 500 cfs! That increase put the “kibash” on easy wading in the river below. It will also make for tough fishing.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is about 80 cfs. This means wading in the river below is easy. Midge and some BWO emergences still attract fish here, but flows are sure to increase when irrigation demands kick in. We will report here when this increase takes place.
With flow less than 100 cfs below Mackay Dam, fish are concentrated and taking midge life cycle patterns with gusto. Any day BWOs will begin emerging in significant numbers giving feeding trout afternoon variety. Pick low light conditions for best fishing. With such low flows expect fish to be wary making a stealthy approach necessary.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is only 54 cfs. This amount will concentrate fish into deeper holes and result in little bank side habitat for young trout. Small bead head nymphs, BWO and midge life cycle patterns will bring action. Be ready for stormy weather if you try the river here!
With flow out of Mackay Dam down to 170 cfs, wading the river below is easy. Just remember that a lot of private land borders the river here. You are legal by walking within the high water mark, so respect the private land and enjoy tricos in the morning and BWOs later in the day. Look for the river below the dam to drop further as the water storage season begins.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is at 200 cfs making for safe wading in the river below. Morning trico spinner activity with fish responding makes for good action. The later in the day follow-up is with hopper patterns trail by either an ant pattern or a bead head nymph.
With 250 cfs coming out of Mackay Dam, wading is easy in the river below. This makes for a great choice for a morning visit as tricos are quite active. After they wind down go to terrestrial patterns and a great day of fishing can result.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is a bit over 350 cfs. Craneflies are quite active and fish in the river below are responding well. Wade carefully or consider a float trip.
With flow out of Mackay Dam still close to 500 cfs, wading is limited. The flow is sure to drop, and make for easier wading to meet flav and terrestrial insect and later trico activity. Floating the river to fish is possible, and caddis, PMD, flav life cycle patterns will work. Likely some golden stoneflies remain. We will post decreases in flow here as soon as such happens.