February cont……..

The storm track is opening finally! We will only get a small dose of snow. They are calling for 2-4″ Mon and Tues. The pavement is very warm after days of sun……so, it will cause a spike melt if you are watching the USGS flow gauges. When it comes down on the other side of the spike, and levels out, it will be time to hit the water. Looks like a return to nuclear blue skies after that. The water is clear/green and 40ish. The flows are at winter levels……which is to say….low. About 200cfs in town, and 338cfs in the canyon…which is nice for most folks. Remember that the river rocks are as slippery as they get. Several folks have taken swims even though they had a wading staff and studded boots, even though the flows are not pushy. Bring extra clothes is my standard advice. The bug menu is still limited…..Midges are out in great numbers after lunch and you may see some noses if you watch closely. I’ve been looking hard for Skwalla, and they seem slow to arrive. They were THE March bug for many years…..they have come off in late January for a few years, but seem to be waiting this year. If you hear a big eat….maybe tie on a big bug………the nymphs are commuting to shore to emerge, and are on the menu too. Nearly no BWOs with all the sunshine. Since the snow is marginal at resorts for locals (read serious) to have fun. Most feel that if you can’t leave the groomers, it isn’t worth going. Ergo….you go fishing! That means lots of fisher out there. Be sneakier than them and you might catch a fish……Starting to get calls for trips, let me know if I can help.