July 2ND Double R Fishing Report
Wednesday, July 2, 2014:
This is one of several times a season on Silver Creek which I characterize as being in “transition,” that is, between strong insect hatches. The Tricos are just coming on but they are not yet a reliable consistent hatch all across Silver Creek; right now the angler will encounter isolated sporadic hatches of the tiny Trico, and it is a situation where you might not encounter the hatch in the same place you saw it yesterday. For example, there were clouds of male spinners around my trailer for two consecutive nights but none last night. The damsel flies are also about to come on in force. A few adult damsels can be observed hovering over the water surface here and there, but not in the quantity where the trout riot, slashing after them and becoming airborne. The weather forecast calls for a week of 90 degree plus weather and the sometimes questionable thermometer in my pickup read 105 degrees by late afternoon. I would be surprised if the hatches of Tricos and damsels do not reach epic proportions sometime this week on the Double R Ranch water below the Gazebo Bridge. Now would be the time to drop in at the Picabo Angler fly shop and pick up a selection of Trico and damsel patterns
So, what is happening and what strategies could one pursue.
FIELD WATER. Arrive on the field water early and fish the dense flight of White Miller Caddis either with a large dry fly (an X Caddis, Light Cahill, Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard’s Caddis) or by swimming a #14 or #12 Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle under the insect hovering over the surface. Be on the lookout for isolated trout making gentle rises up against the banks or in mid-stream channels and pursue them with a #18 or #20 Baetis spinner pattern; I use a BWO Hatch Matcher. I believe that fish can be had by swimming a damsel nymph pattern along the banks and through the deeper channels, and I would bring some Callibaetis patterns along as well. When all else fails, put on a beetle or ant.
THE POND. The Pond was on fire this afternoon. In 10 minutes I observed a dozen fish clearing the water, their tails as much as 2 feet above the surface. I suspect that the trout might have been chasing Callibaetis nymphs on their way to the surface, but it might have well been damsel nymphs or even a caddis emergence. This behavior occurred both when the surface was calm and in the “chop” formed by a slight breeze. If you want to fish dry, target the sipping trout with a #16 Callibaetis Hatch Matcher or other spinner, or a sparsely tied Callibaetis dun pattern. To take their more acrobatic brethren, you might cast a Bead Head Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear nymph or other Callibaetis nymph, let it sink to a count of 15 , and make 6 inch retrieves. Be on the lookout for small Baetis or possibly even Tricos. I saw an inch and a half long tan grasshopper on the bank of The Pond yesterday, so beware.
MEMBERS’ REMINDER . . . . The annual Members’ Barbecue starts at 4:00 pm on Saturday, July 5, kicking off with adult beverages, leading to the roast pig and roast beef dinner, and centering on the official dedication of the new dam and related Pond Project. There will also be a sporting clay competition and an art show (with 10 percent of the proceeds donated to our stream restoration fund). There are rumors of dancing into the night . . . .
RV PARK . . . . . It used to be difficult for fishing RVers to get relief from the July and August heat in Picabo, but no longer. The Purdys have built a 17 space RV park kitty corner across from the Picabo Store, where you register. Tell your friends that the new park has water, a waste dump, bathrooms and electricity to run your air conditioner. Hey, a comfortable afternoon nap is now possible!