Been kind of slow here according to folks we have talked to lately. But on a normal year, damselfly nymphs begin moving big time about now. This activity was slow to develop last year, and with the lake still relatively cool, same could happen this year. If we hear of damselflies getting active and fish chasing them, we’ll report it here.
We hear that fish are beginning to move to deeper water. This means get out on the lake and troll streamers, try midge pupa or even scud patterns. In a few weeks Damselfly nymphs will be the name of the game, then look for spring holes and shallow water.
Large midges are emerging, so midge pupa under an indicator will bring results. Stick to shallow water.
Giant stoneflies are still hanging around thanks to our cool rainy weather, but golden stones are coming on. The older, more experienced (meaning bigger) fish will be aware of them. Best locations are from Riverside down to Warm River, Coffee Pot area, or Box (most crowded) Canyon. Don’t overlook walking in to such as Bear Gulch, Mesa Falls and Hatchery Ford. The other oncoming event is the PMD emergence. For now the lower river ABOVE Chester backwaters will be the best location for this event. Fall River is still putting runoff water into the river, so it is tough for us to recommend fishing below Chester Dam. Caddis, of course, are just about everywhere, and if you visit the river in the evening and do not have streamer patterns in your fly box you could miss an opportunity for the biggest fish of the year.
Opening day fishing success depended on location. Near the hatchery and the State Park proved the best locations. Weather has been tough with wind rain & some snow, but looks to improve. Small leech (beadhead peacock leech) patterns seem best for fishing shallow waters for now. Let’s see what works as the weather improves.
Expect as many people as fish, but look for good fishing.
Iced over on 11/13/09 and closes to fishing Monday, 11/30/09. Ice is safest along west side of the lake.
Fish are in shallow water all around the lake. Small leech patterns in fall colors seem to work best. Ice-up is a matter of days away, so get out and enjoy these last few days on the lake.
Shallows almost anywhere on the lake will produce fish. Scud patterns on an intermediate line with and without a leech pattern tied in forward seem to work best. Dress warmly: water temps are around 40 Deg. F.