LAKE REPORT - 7/31/26
The Cascade Lakes continue to offer excellent midsummer fishing. Crane Prairie continues to provide action for both trout and kokanee. East and Paulina continue to fish well for rainbows, kokanee, and larger brown trout, especially during the low-light periods when fish move into the shallows to feed.
Callibaetis continue to be the primary hatch throughout the region, creating dependable dry fly opportunities. Chironomids remain productive from first light through much of the day, while damselfly nymphs are becoming increasingly active around emerging weed beds. Terrestrial patterns like beetles and ants are also producing fish along the shoreline. Trout have been moving between surface feeding and subsurface cruising, so staying flexible has been the key to consistent success.Â
Under an indicator, balanced leeches, chironomids, Callibaetis nymphs, and balanced damsels continue to account for the majority of trout. Anglers covering water with a slow strip using olive or black leeches are finding larger fish. As evening hatches build, switching to dry flies has continued to reward anglers who stay on the water through the final hour of daylight.
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)
- Balanced Damsel (#10–12)
- Callibaetis Nymph (#14–16)
- Olive Woolly Bugger (#8–10)
- Flying Ant (#12–14)
