The Crooked River has low flows. Fish are still being caught, they’re just in the pockets and deeper pools. The weather is mostly on the cooler side but it should be slightly warmer than last week. There may be a few pale morning dun hatches on warmer days but blue wing olives will start to be the most prominent hatch. Midges may start to bring fish to the surface as well. Make sure you’re stealthy while approaching smaller pocket waters, it’ll improve your odds. Nymphing is revolving around small baetis (BWO) imitations, the slim shady is my personal favorite. Two bits, tailwater tinies, and rainbow warriors are good choices as well. Don’t forget about midges, size 18 - 22 in red or black does well. Just because the flows are down doesn’t mean that there are any fewer fish in the river, we’ve still been seeing decent numbers and a few big ones being caught in the low water.
Recommended Dries: Black, Tan or Olive Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, CDC Caddis #14 - 16, Purple Haze #18-20, Winkers Midge Black #18-24, Stillborn Midge #18-20, Chubby Chernobyl Black #14-16, Tilt wing PMD #16, Hackle Stacker PMD #14-16, Tilt Wing Dun Mahogany #14, CDC Thorax PMD #16-18, 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, Split Back PMD #18, Slim Shady Baetis #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