Deckers has been pretty technical as of late, with flows currently sitting around 115 cfs and gin clear water. Given the recent rain ( and more to come!) there’s small windows of slightly stained water to be had, easing the fishing difficulty a bit. That being said the fishing is a little tough right now, with nymphing and dry dropper tactics being the most productive. Ample hatches of BWOs, midges, and sporadic caddis have also made for some great dry fly fishing. These fish want long, clean drifts, so bring your A-game and come prepared with 5 and 6x and small flies!
Nymphing has by far been the most productive method recently, with smaller midge and baetis imitations doing the trick. Leading with a Kryponite Caddis, Hares Ear, Scud, Pheasant Tail, or Brown San Juan Worm in 14-18 is always a good way to start, but staying on the smaller side with your midges and mayfly nymphs has been the best bet. An RS-2, Chocolate Thunder, or B’s Midge MacGrubers, or Black Beauty in #20-24 have been solid choices, fishing well behind a slightly larger attractor. BWO Emerger patterns such as a Biot BWO or Foamback Emerger are also a good option for a second bug right now with the increased presence of BWOs.
Dry fly fishing is definitely starting to ramp up as we move further into spring, with Midges and BWOs hatching most consistently. Caddis are also starting to appear in larger numbers. Late mornings have been the most productive for dry fly fishing, though light dry dropper rigs have also been fishing well into the afternoon for suspended fish. Griffith’s Gnats, Parachute Adams, and Vis-a-duns in #18-24 to name a few, paired well with an unweighted or lightly weighted RS-2, Chocolate Thunder, Black Beauty, or Juju baetis in a #20-24 down below. Elk Hair Caddis, Element Caddis, and small Stimulators in a 14-18 have been fishing well for caddis dries. An emerger is also a solid choice if the fish are being super selective. Consider dropping a No-Mercy Midge, MacGruber, or Foamwing Emerger if fish are eating in the film. With the warmer temperatures, fish are starting to spread out a bit and are holding all throughout the river right now. Swing into the Lone Tree shop to pick up some flies and stock up on light tippet and small indicators, and we’ll see y’all on the water!
-Michael Stickley
Tyler Banker