We have continued to see some awesome fishing on Crane, which is without a doubt the best lake to be fishing in the area right now. All of the fish are packed into the channels and putting flies a foot or two off of the bottom should provide consistent action. Fishing is best anytime there is some chop on the surface, so afternoons tend to provide the best action. It is absolutely worth the effort to get on the water even when it’s calm, it just may take a little more time to find a group of fish that are willing to eat. Chironomids and Callibaetis nymphs continue to be the best producers, but Leeches and Damsel patterns will find fish as well. Slowly retrieving a Wooly Bugger or Leech pattern can be a good way to cover water and find fish when it’s slow or calm.
Suggested Dries: Rusty Spinner #14-16, High Vis Callibaetis #16-18, Almost Dun Callibaetis #14-16, A/C Caddis Peacock #16-18, Goddard Caddis #16, High Vis Foam Beetle #14, CDC Flying Ant #16, Black Flying Ant #16
Suggested Nymphs: Dark Assassin #16-18, Bird’s Nest Hare’s Ear #16-18, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #16-18, Bird’s Nest Natural Depth Charge #16, BH Pheasant Tail #16-18, Parallel Assassin #16, Olive or Black Zebra Midge #16-18, Black Ice Cream Cone #14, Balanced Leech #12-16, Thin Mint #10, Olive Wooly Bugger #10