less snow…..

We got a short blaster of snow, which has melted mostly. The river is up to 660cfs and the color is good. Wade boldly, and you may need dancing shoes, and then a PFD. A wading staff is a good call for normal humans. This is a good time to break out the longer rod, to fish the water more efficiently.
Folks that field a standard 9ft rod are limited in range, and length of leader, and payload in these flows. The menu is varied now with all the scouring done by higher flows. Bug wise, we have the occasional March Brown, a few BWOs. I saw one Skwalla last time out. They are about done. Seeing crayfish parts, so they are now on the menu too. In higher flows the fish are holding tight to the bank under bushes. Bring a sharpish cast to deliver the “pizza”. The fish are already on their game for the season. They are intolerant of bumbling waders, flashy dressers, splashy casters, and crappy drifters. Bring your best skills…….the game is afoot. A budding fish ninja I’m coaching has found four risers to work out with….. one, is about 19″they are in their respective lye, everyday about the same time, and eating the same favorite bug. With a week of after-work lessons. The fish are still safe. This river is great place to dial in your fishing skills.