The warmer weather we’ve seen in the last week has provided for some pretty good fishing out on the Crooked. With the water as low as it is, any consistent bump in temperatures typically leads to increased fish activity. Nymphing with light indicators and a BWO or Midge pattern has been successful, just be sure to use light fluorocarbon (we like 6X to our small flies). Most warm afternoons are producing surface activity with a mix of BWO and Midge hatches which vary in strength by the day. When there are good numbers of BWOs coming off fish have keyed in heavily on emergers and cripples. Light dry dropper rigs or fishing a single dry can be quite effective when conditions are right. Some afternoons see hatches comprised primarily of Midges, and while fish may be all over the surface finding one on the end of your line can be a tough proposition. In these conditions tiny Midge emerger patterns are the best bet, but it may require flies that are size 22, 24, or even smaller. Many anglers won’t wish to go down the foxhole of tiny flies and unspeakably small tippet, but for those who do the Crooked will provide the challenge on the right days. A dry dropper with a little Zebra Midge or similar pattern should find a few fish regardless of conditions. When the weather turns and starts to cool down expect the fishing to do slow down with it.
Suggested Dries: Hackle Stacker BWO #18-22, Parachute BWO #18-20, Sparkle Dun BWO #18-22, Purple Haze #18-22, Nunya’s Midge #18-24
Suggested Nymphs: Black Winkers Midge #18-24, Black or Purple Zebra Midge #18-22, Black Beadwing Midge #18-22, Black Tailwater Tiny #18-22, BWO Emerger #18-22, Black or Red Two Bit Hooker #18-20