Lakes Update - 4/24/2026

Opening conditions on Crane are excellent this year, especially with the low snowpack. Access is ahead of normal, and unlike a lot of past seasons, getting around is much easier this spring. Quinn is accessible, and some of the boat ramps are already in, which is a big deal for mid-April. Overall, we’re looking at one of the better early-season setups we’ve had in a while.

Fishing has been good early, and pretty standard for this time of year. Indicator rigs are doing most of the work, with balanced leeches being the most consistent producer so far. Chironomids are worth having in the mix, but this is not one of those heavy midge hatch windows yet. We’ve been sticking with 4x or 5x fluoro and focusing on slow, clean presentations. Stripping leeches is also a great way to cover water and find fish willing to move.

Wickiup is good to go and in a strong spot water-wise. With how much water is in there already, it should set up for a really solid early season. Fish will start pushing shallow on the warmer afternoons, especially around flooded structure, and the same balanced leech program should play well there too.

It’s still a little early for damsels and callibaetis, but we’re getting closer. For now, keep it simple: fish deeper, fish slow, and take advantage of how good access is this early in the season.

Recommended Dries: Double Chubbies #12-14, Para Cricket #12-16

Recommended Nymphs: Balanced Leeches, KJ Diawl, Red Ass, Zebra Midges, and fire starters.