With high water temperatures below Crane Prairie, the best option for those looking to fish the Upper D will be the section between Little Lava and Crane. Warm summer days mean there is plenty of terrestrial activity to provide dry fly action throughout the day. Fishing a small ant or stimulator pattern will certainly coax good numbers of aggressive little Brookies and Rainbows from their holds throughout the day. For those looking to target some of the larger fish in this stretch, nymphing near structure and cutbanks in the deeper holes is the best option. Fishing a small streamer or leech pattern in the same areas can also produce some aggressive takes. This is the prime season to be up on the small waters of the Upper D, and summer will be turning to fall before we know it. Now’s the time to take advantage of the incredible fishing the Cascade’s have to offer!
Suggested Dries: Black Stimulator #16, Elk Hair Caddis #16-18, Cutters Caddis #16-18, Purple Haze #14-18, Parachute Adams #14-18, Peacock Chubby Chernobyl #14-16, CDC Flying Ant #16, Black Flying Ant #16
Suggested Nymphs: Soft Hackle PT #14-18, Red Two Bit Hooker #16-18, Red or Copper Copper John #16-18, Brown Jimmy Legs #10, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear #14-18, Black Rainbow Warrior #18, Olive Anato-May #14-18