Fly Fishing Report: May 9

There is some good news on the horizon!  The flows are dropping due to lower than expected rainfall.  The dams were lowering lake levels and anticipating a large storm this past weekend, but the rivers are now stabilizing.  Fishing on the rivers should be back to normal in the next week.  Nymphing will be the key as they aren't looking up yet in the Western and Central part of the state.  High flows will dislodge a lot of nymphs.  Pheasant tails, san juan worms, green caddis larva and prince nymphs will all be "go-to" patterns.  Don't be afraid to change things up and think outside of the box.  Often, we go smaller if the fish aren't biting, but scaling up and fishing something larger can get some of the more predatory fish to jump on your hook.  

Ponds in Southern Maine have been hot as fish are starting to move into the shallows.  Vince and I were in the Belgrade area last week on a large pond and fish were not yet in the shallows.  This should change anyway now. As the rivers in Southern Maine stabilize, fish will start looking up in the next couple of weeks.  Parachute Adams and Elk Hair Caddis are effective patterns this time of the year.  Don't be without some Hendricksons and some soft hackle emergers! Be prepared for the best part of the fishing season.  Make some time to get out there and don't leave yourself wishing you had spent more time on the water when the snow starts flying next winter!