LAKE REPORT - 9/4/26

The Cascade Lakes will begin to feel the effects of the cooler late-summer weather. East Lake and Paulina should continue to improve as water temperatures drop, opening up more of the day and allowing fish to move back into shallower water. Crane Prairie is taking a little longer to cool, so continue to monitor water temperatures and focus on the colder river channels and inflows until conditions improve throughout the reservoir.

Callibaetis remain an important part of the hatch at East, with good midday activity.  Ants and beetles remain good options around the shoreline at both East and Paulina, while chironomids continue to be important as fish move between deeper and shallower water. As September progresses and temperatures continue to cool, the terrestrial window should remain worth watching before the lakes make a more noticeable transition toward fall.

Subsurface fishing remains steady with chironomids, Callibaetis nymphs, balanced leeches, and smaller attractor nymphs all worth having in the rotation. At Paulina, leeches and chironomids under an indicator remain good options, along with stripping smaller nymphs on intermediate lines. Crane should become a better trout option as temperatures continue to fall, but for now the colder inflows and channels remain the areas to concentrate on while making sure to check water temps.

Recommended Flies

Callibaetis Sparkle Dun (#16-18)
Callibaetis Cripple (#16-18)
Foam Beetle (#12-16)
Flying Ant (#14-16)
Callibaetis Cate (#14-16)
Chartreuse Ice Cream Cone (#12-16)
Red Pheasant Tail (#14-16)
Diawl Bach (#14-16)
Balanced Leech – Olive/Orange (#10-12)
Balanced Leech – Black (#10-12)