July 28, 2016

July 28, 2016

IT’S LIKE A HEAT WAVE . . . . !

Motown Fans, it was seriously hot today when I got off the field water of the Double R, and it was only 11:30 a.m.! I had put on my fleece vest before launching the float tube because it was a wee bit nippy early morning. I was glad I did so for only an hour.

But, the reward was a bunch of bugs. Where I was fishing there was a nice Trico hatch; not too many bugs and it only lasted 45 minutes. The trout were unusually cooperative, taking a #24 Trico Sparkle Dun. Thereafter, I was blessed with a sparse hatch of #22 Blue Winged Olive duns, then a few BWO spinners. Yes, the insects appear to be getting smaller during this heat wave and it is harder to land trout on such tiny imitations but at least the fish are taking their artificial equivalents. There also were a few Callibaetis on the water as well, about a size 16. I look for the Callibaetis to become more reliable and numerous as we pass through this hot week.

My best fish of the day came on a small damsel dry pattern without any wings. It was a 19 inch Brown that was taking natural damsels alongside about a dozen of his brothers and sisters.

Members, remember to call or email me if you (and guests) want to attend Allen McGee’s seminar on soft hackles and fly tying demonstration which will be held at the Picabo Store at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 8. The grill will remain open so that you can grab a late lunch after the morning’s fishing.

Doug Andres, Stream Keeper, Double R Ranch