LAKE REPORT 7/3/26
The Cascade Lakes are settling into a strong summer pattern, with water temperatures climbing and fish becoming increasingly active throughout the region. East Lake and Paulina continue to produce some of the most consistent trout and kokanee fishing, while lakes on the Cascade Lakes Highway are all fishing well as insect activity continues to build.
Callibaetis are becoming more consistent across many of the lakes, with chironomids continuing to provide steady action throughout the day. Damsel nymphs are becoming increasingly important as they migrate toward shore, while balanced leeches remain a staple for anglers targeting larger trout. Dry fly opportunities continue to improve during afternoon Callibaetis activity and evening spinner falls.
Fishing under an indicator continues to be the most dependable technique, with balanced leeches, chironomids, Callibaetis nymphs, and small damsel patterns producing consistently. Anglers covering water by slowly stripping leeches, buggers, and baitfish patterns along weed lines, shoals, and drop-offs are finding some of the larger fish throughout the Cascade Lakes.
Recommended Flies
- Callibaetis Sparkle Dun (#14-16)
- Callibaetis Cripple (#14-16)
- Black Chironomid (#16-20)
- Chromie Chironomid (#16-20)
- Balanced Leech – Black (#10-12)
- Balanced Leech – Olive (#10-12)
- Damsel Nymph (#10-12)
- Callibaetis Nymph (#14-16)
- Olive Woolly Bugger (#8-10)
- Olive Mini Leech (#10-12)
