The Salmon Flies are here. We have heard reports and had guests picking up fish on big dries. It’s not lights out yet and it’s going to take a bit of warmer weather to get them out of the bushes/trees and fly around actively, but now is the time to have a big dry on with a dropper underneath. Speaking of warmer weather, we have heard a few reports of rattlesnake sightings, so watch your step while you’re out there on warm days. Nymphing stoneflies near shore can also be awesome in the early stages of the hatch. A chubby chernobyl or other salmonfly pattern with a couple feet of tippet and a mayfly or caddis nymph is an excellent way to pick up some fish. Don’t forget your golden stones as well. These are very prominent on the Deschutes and a bit smaller (easier for a fish to fit in its mouth). I know a few people who strictly fish Golden Stones during the hatch because of this reason. Caddis are going to be important now through the foreseeable future as well. Now is an awesome time to be down on the Lower and we are excited to see what the rest of Spring has in store.
Recommended Dries: Chubby Chernobyl #8-10, March brown #12-14, Hackle Stacker PMD #14-18, Parachute PMD #14-18, Hackle Stacker Baetis #16-20, Parachute Baetis #16-20.
Recommended Nymphs: Jimmy Legs #8 Black or Brown, Trout Retreiver black or brown #8-10, Jigged Hares Ear #14-16, Jigged Pheasant Tail #14-16, Psycho Prince #14-16, Duracell Jig #14-18, Copper John #14-18