Stillwater 7-13-13

The summer doldrums have hit our favorite lakes to the south. Surface temperatures are now over 70 degrees on most, if not all, of the lakes down south. Hooking, landing, and releasing fish in water over 70 degrees is very tough on fish. If you do decide to fish, make sure you take the extra time to revive the fish and land them as quickly as possible on the heaviest line possible. Fish are going to be cruising weedbeds and hanging out in deeper water this time of year. Damsel nymphs and Chironomids would be your best bets right now.

To the North, the Sand Creek Ponds open up to float tubes and motor-less boats this coming week. Fishing should be excellent on adult Damsel flies and Callibaetis. I had great success on the shops parachute foam damsel size #12 last year up at the ponds. If the fish aren’t on the surface feeding or the wind is blowing, fish a damsel nymph like our Olive and Lt. Olive Mrabou Damsel nymph size #12 under an adult damsel or indicator. There are always some very nice fish caught up there in the first couple weeks so if you missed the dry fly fishing down south on the lakes this year, the Sand Creek Ponds are your best bet.