Crane Prairie fishing is great. We are still seeing fish keying into all life stages of callibaetis. There have been some killer hatches already and there’s plenty more to come. Have plenty of callibaetis cripples and duns ready to go. If you’re looking to fish dry flies during lull periods where the callibaetis aren’t emerging, a terrestrial is the best choice. Dry droppers can work very well with large buoyant terrestrial patterns. Callibaetis nymphs are your best bet out there, size 14 - 16 is a good place to start. Chironomids always have potential on Crane, as do balanced leeches. Damselfly nymphs are an important nymph also, we’ve got some great balanced damsels in the shop, as well as the typical damsels for stripping. Stripping leeches hasn’t been insanely productive but it is a great way to cover a lot of water. Crawling callibaetis nymphs super slowly with an intermediate line can be a very fun technique. Callibaetis seem to like the cloudier conditions and damsels like the blue-bird days. Crane seemed to have a slower start than normal this year, but it’s hot now, so get out there before the water gets hot.
Recommended Dries: Parachute Callibaetis #14 - 16, Hackle Stacker Callibaetis #14 - 16, Chubby Chernobyl Patriot and Purple #12-14, Para- Cricket #16-12
Recommended Nymphs: Bruised Ballanced Leech #14, Two Bit Hooker #16-18, Zebra Midge #18-20, Super Sinker #16-18, bead wing midge #18-20, Red Pheasant Tail #14-18, Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Red Ice Cream Cone #12-16, Callabaetis Nymph #16-18