The fish in the Crooked River are definitely getting more comfortable with the low winter flows. Fishing has been good and it’s very likely to improve. This week starts out warmer than average and then begins to move back to cooler temperatures. With some warmth, there may be a few caddis that decide to show up. The predominant hatches have been midges and blue wing olives. BWOs have mostly been around size 18 but there are size 16s and 20s as well. Fish haven’t been hitting too many midges on the surface but that will change as it gets cooler. Nymphing has been consistent. Midges and BWO nymphs are the staple. Scuds are important as well. If the typical flies don’t work out, try a size 12 stonefly nymph. There aren’t lots of stoneflies in the Crooked but there is a small skwala hatch during spring. It’s going to be nice out in the canyon the next few days, enjoy it before winter hits.
Recommended Dries: Black, Tan or Olive Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, CDC Caddis #14 - 16, Purple Haze #18-20, Winkers Midge Black #18-24, Stillborn Midge #18-20, Hackle Stacker Baetis #18-20, Parachute Baetis #16-20
Recommended Nymphs: Perdigon Purple #14-18, Physco Prince #14-18, Two Bit Hooker #16-20 Red or Black, Trina’s BWO Angel-case Emerger #16-20, TailWater Tiny TB Olive #18-22, BWO Biot Emerger #18-20, Slim Shady Olive #18-20, Soft Hackle Olive #16-20, Zebra Midge #18-22, Biot Midge #18-22, Disco Midge #18-22, Olive BH Scud #16 - 14, Olive or Tan Sparkle Pupa #16-18, Nitro Caddis Pupa #16-18