Fishing has been excellent on the Fall, and with the return of consistent stocking we are seeing great numbers and average size. A light nymph rig with an attractor pattern followed by a Midge or Baetis pattern has been the ticket for consistent production throughout the day. A small indicator and fluorocarbon tippet are ideal for the pressured fish of the Fall, and unnecessarily large indicators and careless rigging can have a substantial negative effect on the number of looks, takes, and fish to the net. We’ve also seen good opportunity to fish dries during afternoon PMD hatches and occasional BWO hatches on overcast days. Some of the larger PMDs have been in the size 16 range, which makes for a great time to fish a dry dropper. The light presentations small dry droppers make possible can be very productive when conditions are right. The standard access points will offer the highest concentrations of fish but there is definitely opportunity to hike away from the crowds in pursuit of stray fish, which are typically less pressured and willing to eat.
Suggested Dries: Parachute PMD #16-18, Tilt Wing PMD #16-18, Parachute Adams #16-18, Purple Haze #16-18, Sparkle Dun BWO #16-20, Parachute BWO #16-20, CDC Flying Ant #16-18, Foam Black Ant #16-18
Suggested Nymphs: Red or Black Winker’s Midge #18-22, Red or Black Zebra Midge #16-20, Black or Olive Tailwater Tiny #18-22, Red or Black Two Bit Hooker #16-20, BH Pheasant Tail #16-20, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail #16-20, BH Hare’s Ear #16-20, Hare’s Ear Anato-May #16-18, Tan or Red San Juan Worm