Crane Prairie can’t be beat as far as fishing the Cascade Lakes goes for now. Fish are heavily concentrated in the channels, and with the correct presentation there has been consistent action throughout the day. We see better fishing when there is wind to create a little chop on the lake, and afternoons tend to be the best time to find ideal conditions. Fish can be found on calm mornings as well, but it is best to cover water efficiently and change areas if there isn’t consistent action. There will always be fish cruising through the channels that will provide some take downs, but there are certainly areas of the lake with higher concentrations of feeding fish when the surface is calm. Effective presentation involves getting flies within a couple of feet above the bottom and maintaining a consistent depth while using the occasional twitch and short strip to cover water. Don’t leave fish to find fish, but if the fish aren’t eating there is no harm in moving to different areas of the channels to find better concentrations and more action.
Suggested Dries: Thorax Callibaetis #14-16, Parachute Callibaetis #14-16, Hi Vis Callibaetis #14-16, Black Flying Ant #16, CDC Flying Ant #16, Peacock Chubby Chernobyl #16, Hi Vis Beetle #16
Suggested Nymphs: Poxyback Callibaetis #14-16, Soft Hackle Callibaetis #14-18, Bird’s Nest Hare’s Ear #14-18, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Dark Assassin #16-18, Parallel Assassin #16-18, Bird’s Nest Depth Charge #16-18, Red or Black Ice Cream Cone #14, Black or Grey Zebra Midge #16-18, Flashback Pheasant Tail #16-18, Olive or Black Balanced Leech #10-14, Olive BH Mini Leech #12, Dainty Damsel #12, CDC Damsel #14