4/26/07
We've been through a pretty bizarre April, weather wise. The month started out as the most beautiful spring we could imagine, but was crushed by a vicious freeze. Our first caddis hatch was in full swing when the freeze hit, but luckily the caddis only took a few days off and then started back up. Now, the big light caddis are definitely on the wane and are being replaced by a smaller mottled tan caddis, about size 18. This guy will be with us off and on for a few weeks, and he's no big deal to imitate: size 18 Elk Hair Caddis for dries and any neutral colored small soft hackle for a wet fly.
The caddis will shortly be overshadowed by the Sulfur Dun mayflies, which I believe are going to be a little early this year. Sulfur nymphs have been very active the last week, and we've seen a few adult duns, mostly on the lower White River. Expect them to move upstream rapidly after they start in earnest. Sulfurs generally hatch early afternoon, but often will hatch in front of rising water, almost any time of day.
The Sulfur hatch is pretty simple, small amber dries, sometimes with a hint of olive, size 16 or 18 are the ticket. Our favorite patterns are the Sulfur Sparkle Dun and the Parachute Sulfur. There are many specific Sulfur nymphs, but none work any better than Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Beadhead Pheasant Tails, and Copper Johns, mostly around size 16. Our Sulfur Emerger pattern can be very useful after the trout get used to the hatch (i.e. get thoroughly pounded).
Water flows on both the White and Norfork Rivers have been something of a nuisance for fishing the hatches, with steady low flows on the White and high flows most days on the Norfork. This has recently improved, so don't get discouraged. We should see plenty of low water in May as the agri guys downstream get to planting.
Stop by and see us ………….Dale
