We’ve been seeing some great fish come out of the Crooked River over the past few weeks. The forecast predicts cool temperatures and snow/rain for the next two weeks at the Crooked. This will likely shorten the window where fish are active; although, during the active window they’ll be ravenous. Concentrate your heaviest fishing around late morning and late afternoon. Mid-winter surface action can be sparse but there is always a chance of running into a good midge or blue wing olive hatch. Nymphing has been the most consistent out there. Baetis and midges are the key nymphs, smaller is typically better on the cooler days. Classic mayfly patterns like pheasant tails and hare’s ears, scuds, and eggs are good choices. Euro-style flies are killer, especially when all else fails. It’s looking like Central Oregon will be under a blanket of snow pretty soon, right now is a great time to hit the rivers.
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, 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