As June approaches I like to start stripping larger offerings on sinking lines. Although fish are still willing to take nymphs, the flavor of the month changes toward crawfish, sculpin and baitfish. These are fished on a very fast 6 wt. For lines I prefer either a sink tip with a 25’ head, or a full sinking line.
One of my favorite crawfish imitations has to be the Chili Pepper. It’s streamlined to stay deep and the coloration works very well during low-light hours.
The chili pepper is tied up to a size 4. If you’re looking for something smaller, these little critters will fill the bill. Once again, heavily weighted.
If you’re in the mood for some exercise, stripping sculpins and daces at a rapid pace will produce some real monsters. Here are a few of my favorites.
I realize that these dace are tied upside-down by clouser standards, but with all the dressing they will float with the hook in the downward position.
The dace has to be the most productive fly in my arsenal.
By July most of the anglers give way to the Aluminum Hatch, but excellent hatches of caddis will provide plenty of action clear into late fall. Fishing in the plumes of the above-mentioned thermal refuges, undercuts and the faster riffle water give the trout the ability to survive. Think shade, cooler water and highly oxygenated water. Dark, rainy days and low-light hours are prime during that time of year. Make sure you bring either a 2 or 3 wt. for fishing the dries. Don’t be surprised when a 20” trout slurps your elk hair.
As you can tell, I truly love our tail waters. The opportunities are endless and once the major runs dissipate, these rivers really don’t see much angling pressure.
See you on the water….
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