Let’s Go

Hi Folks, The open water fishing season is in full swing. I always start off a little slowly in April. I come to life once the calendar says “May.” River conditions have been a little challenging. Lots of high water, yet water temperatures have already surpassed 50 degrees. Lake surface temps where I have been chasing pike and bass have been 48 to 54 degrees. Water clarity has been varied depending on where you fish. On the guiding front, I have been taking guests to fly fish for northern pike and pre-spawn bass. We have casting in rivers for lake run fish. Landlocked salmon primarily. Lots of swinging flies and heavy nymphing. A #8 white wooly bugger with a black tungsten bead and #6 Black Ghost have been getting whacked by some big salmon. Tough fish to land in the heavy flows. All of the fish we have located have been hiding in big primary holes. I prefer cloudy rainy days for salmon fishing. I find in sunny days the fish are tough to hook. My thoughts are that they live most of their lives in a lake. Coming in to the river to feed makes them a bit more exposed and spooky. Big water and dark days afford them a more comfortable feeding situation. The still water is fishing is fun in spring. Most of your big predators are in shallow water. Whether it be post-spawn northern pike or pre-spawn bass, most of the action can be in less than 10’ of water. I’ve spotted pike in less than 2’ of water. We have mixed up fly patterns. #2/0 black bunny bugger with flash, an olive/yellow half and half, #2 chartreuse/ white Clouser Minnow, various colored Deceivers, and articulated patterns in olive have all drawn interest. As the water warms and river levels subside, trout fishing will pick up. Should see a Hendrickson hatch any day now. Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home. Have Fun, Willy