Flows are currently 139 cfs at Deckers, and the fishing is decent at the moment. Flows have dropped a bit since early August, which has led to significant algae blooms throughout the river. Make sure to clean off your bugs often! The lower flows have allowed for some solid dry fly fishing in the morning – ample hatches of tricos, PMDs, caddis, and midges have kept fish looking up in the 8-11 AM window and evenings. Hopper dropper and dry dropper techniques are also fishing well right now, and can be deadly alternatives to indicators in pocket water or tight to the bank.
Nymphing continues to be productive throughout the day, though consistent bug activity has made fish a bit selective. Matching the hatch with caddis pupa, midge imitations, and smaller PMD nymphs has been the best bet, though attractor nymphs are still a solid option for a lead fly. A Pat’s Rubber Legs, Pine Squirrel Leech, or San Juan Worm in sizes #8-14 is a good choice for a lead fly. For droppers, sizing down a bit has been productive. Black RS2s, Barr’s PMD Emergers, Chocolate Thunders, or Mayhem Midges in sizes #18-24 have been solid trailers behind a larger attractor nymph. A CDC Caddis Emerger, UV Caddis, or Graphic Caddis in sizes #14-18 have been productive when caddis are present.
Dry fly fishing has been great in the mornings with the tricos in full swing. Fishing trico spinners in sizes #20-24 from 8-11 AM has been productive, though fish are very willing to eat a black RS2 trailed behind a trico dry when things get technical. PMDs are still around, though hatches are getting sparser as the summer goes on. Caddis are still around and hatching in solid numbers, making for some excellent dry action in the evenings. We’re also currently at the peak of terrestrial season, making ants, beetles, and hoppers a great option for the afternoons and evenings when fished tight to the bank. Good dry fly patterns at the moment are #16-18 Parachute PMDs, #14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, #8-12 Chubby Chernobyls, #12-16 Hippie Stompers, and #14-18 Parachute ants.
As always, be sure to carry a thermometer and check water temperatures regularly. Keep an eye on the temps on hot afternoons and give the fish a break if it climbs past 67°F.
Tyler Banker