We hope everyone had a fun and safe Memorial Day Weekend. Hopefully, you’ve been able to take advantage of this incredible weather. With temperatures this week 20 degrees above normal it seems we jumped right into summer. While the air is warm the water is still cold, over the weekend I measured the temperature at 45 degrees. Generally, we don’t see the dry fly fishing kick-off until the water hits 54 or 55 degrees so we have a ways to go. Still this weather begs the question will we see Salmon Flies earlier this year? I’d say that with lower flows than average and warm temps we will see Salmon Flies on or before Mid-June with the caveat that the weather can and will probably cool down which would slow the arrival of the “big bugs”.
Until then the fishing remains consistent with the nymph patterns and tactics we’ve mentioned in previous fishing reports. On the upper river where the fishing is a bit more technical smaller midge patterns fished under an indicator have been performing well in riffles, seams, and foam lines. On the lower river, a variety of stonefly nymphs, worms, and midge patterns are turning fish. Top flies include; size 18 Red Tungsten Thread Midges, Squirmy Wormies, Size 6 Cheater Belly Stones, and Pat’s Rubber Legs.
If you need any flies, gear, shuttles you can visit us at our new fly shop in Swan Valley or at the Lodge up the road in Irwin and as always if you need anything give us a call at 208.483.2222.
Have a great weekend!
If you would like our weekly fishing report delivered right to your email inbox every Thursday afternoon May – October. Sign up HERE.