Fly Fishing Report: May 22

Things AND fish are looking up!  As the big rivers are finally receding, we'll finally be able to get out on those this upcoming weekend.  Trout, salmon and smallmouth are all coming into the topwater season, but most fish are still caught subsurface right now.  Vince and I were able to get out on a small stream this past weekend and hook into some stockies on dry flies and emergers.  It felt awesome to finally watch the take and set the hook.  It's a feeling that never gets old!

Smallmouth are just starting to get on their beds so fishing clousers and streamers tight to the bank is going to be starting any day now.  Most have been caught on the drop offs with slow to medium retrieves or on the drop.  Patience is key.

In the Western Mountains, sucker spawns should be in full effect for the next week or so.  If you can find where the suckers are, trout and salmon will be gorging not far downstream on their eggs.  A variety of egg patterns are a must-have in your box right now.  Another pattern in the Western Mountains that is great this time of the year is the Green Caddis Larva nymph.  If you see rises, don't be afraid to throw on an Elk Hair Caddis with a partridge and green dropper.  Vince will be patrolling this region on Memorial Day weekend.  Marc and I will be on some new water that we're exploring and looking to expand our fishing territory into!

The weather looks great this weekend (knock on wood) so just get out there and get a line wet.  The fish are active and with some patience and good presentation, you will hook up!

​-Aaron