Things are continuing to warm up on Crane and we are starting to increase our focus on the channels. Damsel activity is also increasing so it is worth spending some time in the trees with a slow stripped Damsel nymph. There are a some Callibaetis around and we’ve seen some sporadic success on the surface with ants and other terrestrials, but the majority of fish are being caught subsurface. The most efficient way to find fish is to indicator fish the channels, making sure to keep flies within 1-2 feet of the bottom. Small Chironomids and Callibaetis nymphs have been top producers, balanced leeches have also been a solid option on most days. Damsel nymphs should be slow stripped or twitched in areas of heavy timber and other structure. A floating line is sufficient in many parts of the lake, but in deeper areas it is good to have an intermediate or hover line to get flies a down a little. Vary the retrieve until you find one that the fish like, and cover a lot of water to find cruising fish.
Suggested Dries: Hackle Stacker Callibaetis #14-16, Parachute Callibaetis #14-16, Last Chance Cripple Callibaetis #14-16, D&D Cripple Callibaetis #14-16, Parachute Adams #14-18, Purple Haze #14-18, CDC Flying Ant #14-16, Peacock Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, Foam Beetle #14, X Caddis #14-18, Outrigger Caddis #14-18, Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
Suggested Nymphs: Dark Assassin #16-18, Black or Purple Zebra Midge #16-18, Red or Black Ice Cream Cone #14-16, Juju Chironomid #14-16, Traffic Light Black Nugget Chironomid #14-16, Bird’s Nest Hare’s Ear #14-18, Black or Bird’s Nest Depth Charge #14-16, FB Pheasant Tail #14-18