Week of April 27th, 2025: Scud Games
Week of April 27th
The top water action is on! I have not personally seen massive numbers of mayflies, but the caddis, BWO, and midges are bringing trout to the surface throughout the day and into the dark of night. It can be challenging to find the right size and color and the right pattern, whether they want CDC, dries, emergers, or midges. The fun is trying and sticking with one rising fish and figuring out what they’re eating. The really frustrating evenings are when nothing seems to work.
What to do? Small, small, and smaller - as tiny as you can get! We have two locally tied patterns, Lenny’s Fat Lady midge and Jeff’s simple larva, and one commercially made fly, the “Not Much Bronze” in 24. Adams, Griffith’s gnats, and bi-colors are working (at times) too. Remember, dry fly fishing really only occurs when we see fish eating bugs that are riding on the surface. Top water action is what we see now - splashy, aggressive takes that occur in spurts. If you can’t see what they’re taking, it means they are too small or still subsurface.
During the morning and throughout the day, the scud game has been ON! Scuds are tiny freshwater shrimp and the trout love them. Usually, when I am fishing a dropper, the smallest fly is at the end, but I like a scud trailing an emerging nymph, which mean the heavier scud is closest to the bottom and the emerger, or nymph, is between the scud and fly line. This combo works great and I have our own, Lou DiGena, for tipping me off on the abundance of scuds in the water.
Speaking of water - there is lots to fish! Get out there and find new places when the fishing is hot. Get on the Google maps and follow your favorite river into a region never before visited (by you!) and explore a bit. Keep in mind the rotating river closings when the stocking truck makes its rounds. Be considerate when parking and wading. There is plenty of room and there are plenty of fish.
In the shop, we have some new arrivals. First, waders from Paramount, Guideline, Patagonia, and just for the ladies, Ms. Mayfly. These options cover everyone’s budget and expectations, whether you fish a few times a year (in fair weather) or in the harshest conditions throughout the year, we can meet your needs. Next, polarized sunglasses from Smith Optics. If you know, you know. Smith is a leader of fishing eyewear for serious anglers. Additionally, we have Suncloud glasses which offer the protection and glare penetration needed to wade safely and sight fish.
Thankfully, we are getting some rain this weekend. Our levels are still on the precipice of a drought, so every storm counts. Additionally, the water temperature has also become concerning. One evening this past week, while fishing with guides Kayla G. and Scott F., Scott took the temperature - it was 65 degrees around seven PM. I also couldn’t believe it! If you don’t know, when the water temperature reaches between 67 and 70 degrees, the oxygen is depleted and fish can not obtain the same levels of oxygen. It’s nice having near 80 degree days in April, I guess, but it comes with a cost. If you do not carry a stream thermometer, the real-time water temperatures can be found online, along with the water levels.
See you out there, Roy B.
A few example patterns available in the shop
What the naturals look like!