Local dry fly anglers have been looking forward to warm summer days and big Caddis hatches on the Lower D for some time now. The past couple of weeks have provided a taste of what’s to come, and we are starting to see more and more fish key in on the adult tan Caddis that have been increasing in number. The fish have moved past the big bugs, and have honed their appetites on the Caddis numbers that will sustain them through much of the summer. We’ve seen consistent afternoon and evening hatches of tan colored Caddis pretty much everyday, and plenty of noses along with the bugs. Certain pods of fish will key in on dries, while others will feed heavily on emergers in the surface film. While the fishing has the potential to be great on any evening, it can be relatively technical and it is important to have a good selection of adult and emerger patterns to match what the fish are seeing.
Nymphing is producing good numbers of fish as well. Mayfly patterns in the size 14-16 range and Caddis Pupa have been the go-to options for mornings and for those who want to keep things subsurface through the afternoon. We’ve been finding fish throughout the river, and a pupa or soft hackle swung through some of the faster riffles has been a fun way to find some nice fish.
Suggested Dries: Tan Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, X- Caddis #14-18, Outrigger Caddis #14-18, Foam Bodied Caddis #14-18, Edible Emerger #14-18, Cutters Caddis #14-18, Parachute Adams #14-18, Purple Haze #14-18, Tilt Wing PMD #14-18, Tilt Wing Mahogany #14-18, Parachute PMD #14-18
Suggested Nymphs: Olive or Hare’s Ear Soft Hackle #14-18, Tan Sparkle Pupa #14-18, Nitro Caddis #14-18, Jigged CDC Pheasant Tail #14-18, Tungsten Duracell #16, Jigged Hare’s Ear #14-18, Quill Bodied Jig #14-18, Black or Red Two Bit Hooker #16-18, Black or Purple Zebra Midge #16-18, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Black Rainbow Warrior #16-18, Electric Rock Worm #14-18, Caddis Larva #14-18