Hosmer Lake was wet, cold, and a little snowy this past week. The fishing is slowing down now that the temperatures are so cold. Have a tow strap, chains, and a shovel just in case snow gives you some trouble. Midday may hold some opportunities for some good fishing. I would fish a balanced leech with a midge or small chironomid. Stripping leeches is also a good plan. The fish are looking to fatten up on big morsels. This will remain true until Hosmer is inaccessible.
We typically report on the Lava Lakes as our high lakes fishery. Unfortunately, Lava Lake and possibly Little Lava Lake suffered an over-winter fish kill. According to ODFW, the fish kill was related to the low dissolved oxygen content in the lakes, a possible consequence of low water years. Hopefully, this winter drops enough snow to improve conditions in the High Cascade Lakes. Hosmer and Three Creek Lake were our alternatives for the Lava Lakes. Thanks for reading our reports of the high lakes, we are optimistic about the conditions at the Lava Lakes for next spring.
Suggested Dries: Thorax Callibaetis #14-18, Almost Dun Callibaetis #14-16, D&D Cripple #14-16, High-Vis Callibaetis #14-16, Rusty Spinner #16-18, Peacock Chubby Chernobyl #16
Suggested Nymphs: Bird’s Nest Hare’s Ear #16-18, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #16-18, Dark Assassin #16-18, Black Two Bit Hooker #16-18, Flashback PT #16-18, Soft Hackle PT #16-18, Red Ice Cream Cone #14-18, Red or Black Zebra Midge #16-22, Biot Midge #18-20, Disco Midge #18-20, Olive or Black Balanced Leech #12-16, Ruby Balanced Leech #14, Thin Mint #8-12, Olive or Brown Wooly Bugger #8-12