We’re in the final two-week stretch of the Crane Prairie fishing season. Fishing has been productive lately. The fish have spread out of the channels and they seem to be most active around the warmest portions of the day. We have a few days on the warmer side this week but for the most part, it’ll continue to be pretty chilly up there. Dry fly action will likely be scarce. Some callibaetis may pop off on a warm day and using a big buoyant fly as an indicator is still an effective tactic. Nymphing with small patterns has been productive. Size 16 - 18 chironomids are a great bet, black and red have been the ticket for us. Midges from sizes 20 - 22 are fishing well. The best size for assassins has been size 18. Leeches are still doing great out there, mainly balanced but retrieving them has also been putting fish in the net. Don’t give up on the lakes quite yet, the last few weeks of access can produce some outstanding fishing.
Recommended Dries: Parachute Callibaetis #14-18, Hackle Stacker Callibaetis #14-18, Chubby Chernobyl Patriot and Purple #12-14
Recommended Nymphs: Bruised Ballanced Leech #14, Two Bit Hooker #16-18, Zebra Midge #18-22, Biot Midge #18-22, Disco Midge #18-22, Super Sinker #16-18, bead wing midge #18-20, Red Pheasant Tail #14-18, Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Red Ice Cream Cone #14-18