Fishing at the Crooked has been decent. The water is up to 301 CFS. We think it’s this high to protect the fish from the insane heat, but we’re not sure. It is safe to fish within the first few miles of the dam but beyond that the water may be too hot for catch and release. The heatwave makes insect activity pretty hard to predict. Hatches likely are starting much earlier or much later than usual. Caddis and pale morning duns will probably still be hatching. Terrestrials are also a good bet for dry flies. Nymphing is best with caddis pupa, PMD nymphs and other small mayfly or midge imitations. If dead drifting doesn’t seem to be getting much action, or it’s picking up too many whitefish, try swinging your flies. A lot of times trout key into nymphs that are mid-emergence. I would avoid fishing during the hottest part of the day, it’s not very productive and taking a swim sounds like much more fun to me. Make sure you are aware of the best ways to keep yourself and the trout safe during the heat.
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, Chubby Chernobyl Black #14-16, Tilt wing PMD #16, Hackle Stacker PMD #14-16, Tilt Wing Dun Mahogany #14, Black Stimi #14-16, CDC Thorax PMD #16-18, Hackle Stacker BWO #16-20
Recommended Nymphs: Peacock Jimmy Legs #10-12, 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, Soft Hackle Olive #16-20, Zebra Midge #18-20, Olive BH Scud #16 - 14, Olive or Tan Sparkle Pupa #16-18, Nitro Caddis Pupa #16-18