CROOKED REPORT - 5/29/26
The Crooked River continues to fish really well and is settling its classic early summer pattern. Flows below Bowman Dam have remained stable around 190 CFS range this week, keeping fish spread into predictable holding water and creating great conditions throughout the river.
PMDs are becoming more consistent every afternoon and caddis activity has noticeably increased with the warmer weather this week. , Fish are spending more time looking up and dry fly windows are getting longer, especially during cloudy afternoons and calmer evening periods when fish are willing to stay on top. Our recent days on the water have shown improving surface activity.
Nymphing continues to be a productive approach. Zebra Midges, Two Bit Hookers, perdigons, soft hackles, caddis pupa, and smaller mayfly patterns are all producing fish consistently. Fish are holding in softer seams, tailouts, and walking-speed buckets where they can feed comfortably without fighting heavier current.
The Crooked feels is transitioning quickly toward prime dry fly season. Warmer days, increasing bug activity, and stable flows are all pushing things in the right direction heading into the first part of June.
Recommended Dries:
Purple Haze #18-20, Parachute March Brown #16, Winkers Midge Black #18-24, Stillborn Midge #18-20, Chubby Chernobyl Black #14-16, Parachute PMD #18-20, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16
Recommended Nymphs:
Peacock Jimmy Legs #10-12, Purple Perdigon #14-18, Psycho Prince #14-18, Two Bit Hooker #16-20 (Red or Black), BWO Emergers #16-20, Tailwater Tiny TB Olive #18-22, Soft Hackle Olive #16-20, Zebra Midge #18-20, Sparkle Pupa #16-18
