Week of February 23rd, 2026: Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the river
For a few days the fishing was, if not good, at least possible. Some folks I know caught fish and others, like me, just appreciated the time on the water. I fished both the South Branch and the Musky and was glad to see the lots were full of cars and the banks were clear of ice. Nymphs, midges, and swinging wets were the tactics employed by happy anglers I saw with fish on the socials and who also happen to either tie flies or guide for us. Then, the forecast for the Blizzard of 2026 came out. What is it going to do for fly fishing? Turns out, not much in the area around Califon. The impact seems minimal aside from the lots and road-side turn outs having to be packed down again. It crossed my mind to fish Monday, but after shoveling I watched Kung-Fu movies and took a nap instead.
The end of last week’s spring-like afternoons saw rivers generally flowing freely from bank to bank. The rain and snow melt raised the cfs and put the color off, but things were fairly clear by Sunday. Fishing a slow nymph with or without a tandem midge remains a good choice. I was out on the South Branch from about noon to three on Sunday, just when the heavy flakes really started to fall. I did manage to get one to eat that came off just as quickly. Since the thaw, the fishing is tough and it seems the right day, warm and sunny, increases odds as much as the right fly.
We are adding to our locally tied flies as AJ Dewey contributes some of his deadly steamers to the carrousel near the register. Last fall, I was fishing with AJ when he fished his Boogieman in a run on the way out after fishing some deep, fast holes. He changed flies just as we decided to call it a day and threw the streamer in some fairly skinny water with one deep slot on the opposite bank. Sure enough, a slab of a rainbow came out of the deep water and slammed AJ’s fly in water that barely covered the trout’s back. After a fight and quick photo (which I kind of messed up) we were on our way.
With March approaching, it is important to refresh our memory of the hatches coming up. Conor has done an amazing job with his research and cataloging our local stonefly, caddis, and mayfly activity. Check it out under "Resources" on the homepage.
You don’t have to wait for prime conditions to fish; they are there and feeding on the bugs getting ready for their time to shine. Stop by the shop to beef up your box or the materials you need for fresh flies in the weeks ahead. Go over your gear to see if you are ready for a new fly line - we have some AirFlo at 50% off!
The week ahead looks interesting with temps going up but some precipitation coming down as well. I’m going back for that one I lost as soon as I can.
See you out there,
Roy B.