The Crooked River has had fair fishing during the past few weeks. It’s been a bit busy out there so spreading out is a good idea. We’ve got some cold snowy weather moving in soon. The Crooked might be a good place to head for consistent access. Hatches have been pretty scarce but there are decent chances of seeing a few blue wing olives on any given day. Make sure to have baetis nymphs, emergers, cripples, and duns, there are times when fish will key into one specific life cycle stage. There are also times when the fish will eat anything so long as it’s the right size. Midges are the only other active bug right now. Midge larva and pupa patterns are great. Zebra midges are tried and true but we’ve got beadwing, disco, and biot midges that also have potential. Small mayfly nymphs are a good idea as well. Rainbow warriors, tailwater tinies, and two-bit hookers are excellent on the Crooked. Sometimes swinging a small leech or streamer gets the job done, especially with the larger fish. Thanks for reading the fishing reports this year and Happy holidays from all of the Fly and Field crew!
Recommended Dries: Purple Haze #18-20, Winkers Midge Black #18-24, Stillborn Midge #18-20, Hackle Stacker Baetis #18-20, Parachute Baetis #16-20
Recommended Nymphs: Perdigon Purple #14-18, Physco Prince #14-18, Two Bit Hooker #16-20 Red or Black, Trina’s BWO Angel-case Emerger #16-20, TailWater Tiny TB Olive #18-22, BWO Biot Emerger #18-20, Slim Shady Olive #18-20, Soft Hackle Olive #16-20, Zebra Midge #18-22, Biot Midge #18-22, Disco Midge #18-22, Olive BH Scud #16 - 14, Olive or Tan Sparkle Pupa #16-18, Nitro Caddis Pupa #16-18