The following report is by CrossCurrents Fly Shop in Craig and Helena:
Current Flows: 3,500
Weather Forecast:
Hatch Report: Tricos, PMDs, Caddis
First off Happy National Women’s Fishing Day! (June 27) What’s interesting about this summer, is the tricos have already started and based on the past that’s quite a bit early. Historically, tricos usually start after the 4th of July. The short leashing has been really productive. We explain it more in the next section. Dry fly city with low flows on the Mo’! We are thankful for the summer.
Nymphs: Zirdle, Gold Weight Fly, Frenchie, Purple Weight Fly, Psycho May (Olive), Tung Tied PMD, Zebra Midge,
ZIRDLE SEASON IS HERE! The crayfish are molting and so we are fishing girdles…go 4 to 5 feet deep and then drag a frenchie behind it. Warrior perdigon works well too.
Let’s also talk about short leashing. It’s a technique you can start at any time of the day, it presents two small nymphs anywhere from six inches to three feet deep. 18 to 20 inches from the top fly to the bottom fly. What you’re trying to do is present the nymphs shallow and without spooking them. The pinch ons
Dry Flies: Hi-Vis Trico Spinner, Cluster Midge, Buzzball, Cornfed Caddis, Hi-Vis Rusty Spinner, Missing Link, Last Chance Cripple, D&D Cripple,
Tricos have showed up early which has been a nice surprise. The low, warm water is moving all the hatches up about two weeks. Work on that reach cast and present the fly first.
Streamers: Lil’ Kim, Thin Mint Sparkle Minnow, Bow River Bugger, Heisenberg (Bow), Sex Dungeon, Urchin Bugger
Not much streamer fishing happening, to low of water and the weeds make it impossible.
