Crane has been heating up and we are seeing an increase Callibaetis and Damsel activity with the warmer water. With more Damsels around, look for more fish to be cruising through the shallows and near weed beds feeding on the Damsels as they work their way towards shore. Our preferred method for finding fish is slowly retrieving a damsel with an intermediate line, which can produce some explosive takes and tight line grabs from big Rainbows. Good numbers of Callibaetis also provide some excellent opportunity to fish dries, typically the hatch will begin around noon and continue through the afternoon. A variety of emerger, adult, and nymph patterns have been producing good numbers of fish. In the mornings and on colder days nymphing remains a good option. Fishing a small Chironomid, zebra midge, or soft hackle below an indicator is the preferred method when fish aren’t keyed in on the Damsels or Callibaetis.
Suggested Nymphs: Dainty Damsel #12, Rapunzel Wilcox #12, Dual Tone Damsel #12, Mini Damsel #14, Mighty May Calibaetis #16, Dark Assassin #16-18, Bird’s Nest Hare’s Ear #16-18, Olive or Black Zebra Midge #16-18, Red Pheasant Tail #16-18, Red or Black Ice Cream Cone #16-18
Suggested Dries: Hackle Stacker Cali #14-16, Thorax Cali #14-16, D&D Cripple #14-16, Last Chance Cripple #14-16, Foam Beetle #14-16, Black Foam Ant #14-16