The Salmonfly hatch is in full swing on much of the Lower D right now, and the Warm Springs area is seeing just as many bugs as the lower stretches of river are. With the warming trend that started early this week the bugs are increasing activity and we are seeing more and more egglayers flying around by the day. The easy, big dry fly setup should be effective for much of the foreseeable future. There is usually a day or two of stellar dry fly fishing during the hatch but its best to expect raising opportunistic fish sporadically throughout the day, try not to get frustrated by the inconsistency of surface action when there are huge Stoneflies all over the banks and in the water. Nymphing will still be effective in some of the deeper runs, and it can be beneficial to drop a Jimmy legs below the dry at times. However, fish tend to be pretty focused on the surface and not pay attention to much other than the windblown tree-hangers or clumsy fliers that hit the water’s surface through much of the hatch.
There have been good numbers of Golden Stones around as well, the patterns for the two big Stoneflies can generally be used interchangeably. There have also been some great Mayfly hatches and plenty of Caddis flying around. Sometimes the fish’s attention will turn away from the big Stoneflies if conditions are right so be prepared to adjust tactics if necessary. Those who decide to head down in the pursuit of the crushing dry fly eats should expect to have plenty of company. A decent weather forecast, good fishing, and the holiday weekend will undoubtedly bring out the crowds. Boater’s Passes have minimal to no availability for certain stretches of the river right now, so don’t expect to make too many last minute plans to float.
Suggested Dries: Chubby Pteronarcys #6-10, Chubby Chernobyl Golden #6-10, Chubby Norm #6-10, Egglayer Salmonfly #6-8, Orange Stimulator #6-10, Norm Woods Special #8-12, Orange or Golden Clark’s Stone #8-12, Tilt Wing PMD #14-18, Parachute PMD #14-18, Parachute Adams #14-18, Purple Haze #14-18
Suggested Nymphs: Black or Brown Jimmy Legs #6-10, Brown or Black Trout Retriever #6-8, Golden or Black Lex’s Improved Stone #6-10, Double Bead Peacock Stone #6-10, Jigged Hare’s Ear #14-16, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Red or Black Copper John #14-18, Red or Black Two Bit Hooker #14-18, BH Pheasant Tail #14-18, Jigged CDC Pheasant Tail #14-16, Psycho Prince #14-18