Hoppers are becoming a significant food item for trout in most streams now. Be sure to have patterns for them wherever you fish. On higher gradient small streams remember that traditional attractor patterns are as effective as ever and that some are meant to imitate terrestrial insects.
Only significant change here is that flow out of Henry’s Lake has been dropped from 100 cfs to 71 cfs. This drop in flow means especially larger fish in the Outlet section will begin moving downstream to find cooler water and more cover. So the best fishing here is ending for the year. Look for further drops in flow as we move through summer. Elsewhere along the river start gearing up for terrestrial patterns being the most effective during daytime hours.
Not much change since our 7-17 report. Look for best fishing to happen during days when thundershowers start to build.
Draw down is warming water in our irrigation reservoirs. With temperatures near the surface as high as the low seventies in degrees F. one must fish deep for any action. Be ready to put those small midge pupa patterns deep below your indicator.
On all of these terrestrial patterns are working very well. Other than midge and evening caddis swarms, these are the most numerous insects available to trout. Late morning and late afternoon to evening hours are best times to be on most of these.
Because flow out of Mackay Dam is near 500cfs, wading in the river below is still a bit tough.
No big change since the 7-17 report. Creek mouths provide best action, but expect crowds.
Time to consider terrestrial patterns for best chances of success on the upper river. Flavs are well past their peak, and PMDs are smaller and less numerous. Evenings and late afternoons continue to bring activity because of caddis swarms and mornings bring activity from spinner falls. If you enjoy evening action from caddis swarms but want a bit more solitude, try the lower Coffeepot reach. Flow out of Henry’s Lake remains at 100 cfs, so fishing on the river in the Flat Ranch Preserve will hold up until flows drop when water storage begins on the lake. Look for evening caddis swarms, and PMDs emerging during late morning. But again, expect to have best success through presenting terrestrial patterns.
No significant change since the July 19th report. We have heard that golden stoneflies are emerging along the upper river and therefore providing good fishing for anglers slamming the banks with chernobyl types of choice.
Fishing has been good on the South Fork. All sections seem to be fishing well. The Salmon Fly hatch has now moved through the entire river and fish can still be caught on Salmon Fly patterns from the Dam down through the canyon. Golden stones have been effective when fished tight against the bank. The CFO Flamer Ant, Simulators and chubby Chernobyls have been working well for patterns. Bead head nymph as droppers will pick up those fish weary to rise to dry fly. Run the dropper 18 inches to 3 feet below the dry. No consistency on PMD hatches, but we should start seeing those hatches any day now. Keep checking back as we try to keep this report updated.