During the exciting June period, the eastern angler can expect heavy hatches of sulphurs (Ephemerella invaria, rotunda and dorothea) ranging in size from #14 to #18, large isonychia mayflies, and the spectacular hatching and spinner activity of the big green and brown drakes (Ephemera guttulata and simulans). The midwestern angler has an abundance of both sulphur and isonychia mayfly hatches, but is also blessed with the truly awesome hatches of the giant Hexagenia limbata. The midwestern angler also has the prolific activity of brown drakes (Ephemera simulans).

During this period, the water temperatures on freestone rivers ranges between 58 degrees F. and 65 degrees F., driving the trout to their metabolic peak. Hatching begins subtly in the mornings, and ends with a wild, heavy burst at twilight. During the day, Stenonema Cahills, Ephemera drakes, and Hex duns hatch sporadically. Their sparseness, together with their large size and fumbling efforts to take flight, create sporadic feeding activity. Trout generally are not very selective during this time, but good presentation is necessary, especially on sunny days when trout are spooky.



We're not in the east or midwest, but if he's right about the water temperature, you've got a short wait ahead of you.  Why does Al spend so much time in Montana in the summer? Water temp: 55°. 



So, you're in between hatches.  Break out the nymphs, have a dry fly rod rigged with a caddis and enjoy the rain:



Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and heavy rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming south southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.



Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 7am and 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Northwest wind 5 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.



Friday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 64. West southwest wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.



Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.  The river will be busy.

 

Your Cinco de Mayo fishing report!

Fishing has been excellent on The River the last few days.  With overcast skies and calm(er) winds, baetis and March Browns have been the hatches to fish on the water.  Reports of fish gulping foamy seams for mouthfuls of baetis on the surface have had folks tossing the dry flies.   BWO hatch matcher and biot comparadun blue wing flies have been working great up top, Galloup’s biot cripple is a great fly to fish just below the surface, and when the fish are really hitting the surface during a baetis hatch they’re probably going after march browns and Flick’s March Brown is working great during the brown hatch. 

Nymphing has also been outstanding.  Fishing a firebead sow/rays/Czech whatever with a midge or baetis beadhead underneath has been a great combo.  Zebra midges are still a go-to fly while a micro mayfly, little green machine, and tailwater tiny are great droppers for baetis.

Steamer fishing has been picking up as well.  Water temps are around 45F and the fish are becoming more aggressive.  If your streamer is not producing, try either changing the color or the fly every 10 mins or so.  With the water warming up don’t be afraid to get more aggressive with the retrieve.

The weather forecast is looking absolutely beautiful for this week.  70’s for the first part of the week and maybe some precip later this week.  Go fishing.

Fishing has been very productive on the river these days.  Nymphing with midges and firebead stuff has still been working great.  Midge clusters drys and soft hackles are working when the fish are slurping the surface.  Folks have been coming in all week with grins on their faces enjoying this beautifully calm weather. 

The fishing is about to pick up big time.  With high temps forecasted around 60 degrees this weekend, the water temp is going to rise as well.  This warmer water temp will bring more active and aggressive fish to your hook.  Although the streamer fishing has been a bit slow, the warmer water temps will get the fish on the move for stripping action.  A slight chance of rain is also in the forecast for this weekend, making for very promising dry fly activity.

Be ready for the baetis attack.  It will be here very soon.