Conditions remain very similar to my last report with a few
exceptions. First, the water temps have come up a few degrees. On a recent trip
I was fishing a few miles below the last feeder creek in the Graeagle area, Smith creek,
and the water temperatures of the MFFR were at 56 in the afternoon.
You’ll find great variances in water temps and it all depends on location.
Secondly, the flows in the main stem remain about the same as my last report,
even on the feeder creeks as well. Overall fishing is great and the MFFR has
really come back strong since the drought, in fact it’s the best I’ve seen it
in a very long time.
Streamers have not been that effective since the water has
cleared up, though I have not tried super low light conditions like first
light, and the magic hour towards dark. That could be worth considering if you
have a hunch where a big apex predatory trout lives. The next couple of days could be really good with these series of strong spring storms. Right now, Tight Line
Nymphing is dominating throughout the day. Rubber leg stones, flashy caddis
pupa and mayfly nymphs, worms, and attractor nymphs like psycho princes, and
rainbow warriors. There are many different depths that are holding fish now, so
dial in your added amount of weight, or the weight of your flies while also
using the depth gauge from the bottom of your sighter to your bottom fly.
Make your drifts from the mid water column and gradually go deeper until you
are bouncing your flies off the bottom.
Mid-day to late afternoon has been good for dry fly fishing,
and dry dropper rigs. Some of the trout are being picky and it may take a
little time to figure out the puzzle as each fish may be eating something
different. Also each run will have different hatches going on so be sure to
observe more and cast less. It makes a difference. Lately it seems generic
patterns have had better results than specialized emerger/adult/spent patterns.
There are SO many aquatics out right now! Little green stones, PMDs, BWOs, Gray
Drakes (both duns and spinners), caddis (creamy #16), Golden Stones, and little
yellow Sallies. Yesterday there were tiny black termites on the surface which
the fish seemed to be keyed in on and eating for a short time. A drag free presentation, even in
fast water is a must with fishing a dry fly. With so many varied currents and structures in the MFFR,
high stick short line dry fly presentations have been extremely successful as
it allows for a better natural drift and also keeping the leader of the water.
Get stealthy and get as close to your quarry as possible while maintaining a lower profile. It helps.
A few days are still available for the end of May, and only 3 days for the month of June. Call, email, or text me if you want the best and most knowledgeable guide for the Middle Fork Feather River. If you plan to come up, make sure you are totally self sufficient with everything you will need including the basics: food, water, shelter, and fly fishing gear. Practice safe and responsible COVID procedures, please
be prepared to practice social distancing as much as possible and bring your
PPE: (Personal protective equipment, mask, sanitizer, wipes), whatever makes
you feel comfortable and safe. See you on the water...
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