Caddis Sunset – photo by Wolf Creek Angler
Beautiful (though somewhat windy) summer weather following Monday’s Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. We love all seasons on the MO’ but summer holds a special place in our hearts with the long hot days, gentle summer breezes and bugs a plenty. It’s dry fly Nirvana on one of the best trout rivers on the planet!
It’s the time of year when our long-time regulars return and friendships are rekindled over post-fishing cocktails around the trout camp at WCA. Come by most any evening and you’ll find folks relaxing on our porches taking in the canyon views and swapping lies from the day.
Come by most any morning and you’ll find a shop abuzz with activity as our guests and customers get ready for their day on the water. What bugs to use, what section to float, what time the bugs come off, how long it takes to float from the dam to Craig…..these questions and many more are asked and answered daily as we get you set up with premium flies from our ever expanding selection which is rapidly becoming the talk of the canyon.
The OPEN sign goes on at 6:30 AM but the coffee is usually on and the door open by 6:15 making us by far your earliest fly shop option around. We tried this last season and generally found that first half hour to be a quiet time with an occasional customer but the word has apparently gotten out because now we’re more often than not seeing a steady flow of customers from before the sign is even turned on.
Fishing conditions are optimal right now though a few clouds would likely help increase dry fly opportunities. Flows are holding in the 4500 range, currently at 4320 and water temps are in the 60 degree range. PMD’s are abundant, caddis are present and rising fish are plentiful. The wading is easy and the fish, though wising up quickly, are eager to take a well presented fly. Our guests, with few exceptions, have been all smiles the past few days save for some frustration with the wind yesterday which was way more than a gentle breeze but the fishing has been good and the anglers have been happy.
Nymphing remains challenging in the top sections though with a little work you should be able to find some fish willing to eat. The Split Case PMD has been the bug of choice but we’re continuing to pick them up on San Juan worms, Caddis Pupae and a host of mayfly nymphs as well. Lightning bugs, S & M’s, Military Mays, Magic Fly, Psycho May….there are a lot of things working though not much of it working all of the time so plan on changing those bugs and those rigs until you get into them.
We are certainly in our Prime Time right now so we suggest you call well ahead of time if you are seeking lodging, guide trips or boat rentals. The rest of the week looks like it’s going to be nice with sunshine and 70’s. We’re looking at cooler temps and a good chance for some thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday returning to sunshine and 70’s early next week.
We’ll see you bright and early each and every day at Wolf Creek Angler.
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