4/04/07
Spring is underway. Everything around the rivers is blossoming and growing at breakneck speed, and the fishing has definitely come out of a little (ahem) winter slump. Water generation on the White River has been very unpredictable: shut down for days at a time, and then bouncing back into a more normal pattern. The Norfork River has also been unsettled, but we're seeing more and more low water there. Both lakes have sneakily crept back into their flood pools, so we may see an increase in flows. Probably not too bad, though, barring any heavy rain.
Our hatch cycle has begun, with the big light caddis all over the middle White River. Look for these big boys mostly on sunny days, in the early afternoon. This is a very clumsy bug, and attracts a lot of attention from the trout. The big caddis will shortly be replaced by a smaller (16-18) mottled tan caddis, which will continue for about a month. For the caddis dries, an Elk Hair Caddis in appropriate sizes (14-18) will usually do the job. For the caddis pupa, use a green Pulsating Caddis, Olive Caddis Pupa, or Bead Head Hare's Ear in 14 or 16. Traditional Soft Hackles with a bright green or olive body can be killers this time of year.
Don't forget the warm water fishing is opening up now, with both of the lakes starting to fish well. Stream smallmouth fishing is just around the corner. We'll probably have to weather one more cold snap, and then everything will break loose.
Have fun. Stop by and see us. ...Dale
