Just thought I’d tell some observations from the past few weeks about area streams. First of all, pretty much all streams, including large watersheds like the Root are clean. With that, many of the local spring creeks have been showing a tremendous amount of in-stream growth, part of it due to lack of any flooding to wash away some of that algae and greenery that can be a real pain to fish in this time of year. Many areas that used to have some decent areas to nymph are virtually choked over with growth. Using dries when morning hatches (tricos) and evening hatches (caddis) are on is important in order to catch some fish. Using a dry and dropper method has been a huge hit and hopper fishing should pick up shortly.
Now, with the onset of some pretty hot weather at times, knowing stream temperatures can make or break your outing. Areas that have clear, cold spring fed water have a tendency to fish very well, especially in the morning hours. If it happens that you can’t get out and fish until later in the day, be cautious of where you are fishing so as to not stress the trout to heavily. Take the Root for example. I fished the Middle Branch a few days ago and it was basically bath water warm – much too warm for trout, but the smallmouth fishing was fantastic.
Tight lines,
D.A.