Blue River Fly Classic

Blue River Fly Classic
A One Pattern Fly Event

Friday, November 27, 2009

Water Temperatures And Strategy



Looking at the coming weather predicted here on the prairie ocean it's time to think about how the cooler water temperatures will effect our fishing strategies for the bows of the Blue.

Over the years I have tried to keep hand-written notes as to the weather, sky conditions, and water temperatures while fishing at Blue. I must admit that many times it's difficult to read my own writing but non-the-less through these notes I've developed my own theory about water temps and capturing trout.

Again, this is just my theory and has no concrete basis as if it will work for anyone else...but hopefully my synopsis will.

WATER TEMPERATURES/WHERE & HOW/WHEN


When the water temperature is fifty or below:

Fish the deep pools.
Dead drift nymphs bouncing them on the bottom.
If fishing streamers then fish low in the column and slow in the action.

Fish during the middle of the day.

When the water temperature is between 50-55:

Again, dead drift the nymphs on bottom or use tandem rig so as to have a middle column trailer. Increase speed and movement on streamers.

Fish mid-morning to evening.

When the water temperature is between 55-65 (optimum):

Look for the risers and match with dries. Drift nymphs and also swing. Drift, high stick the wets and take the swing and let rest. Swing the streamers and rest, then strip.

Fish all day long.

When the water temperature is between 65-70:

Oh boy...stress is building up in the bows. Look for risers, fish small nymph patterns. Look for spring-creek confluences and fish the shade. Panic strip streamers from shaded banks.

Fish early.

Once more...these are moves or decisions that have worked for me over the years.

I would welcome comments from other Blue fly-fishers as to other strategies. Simply post a comment and add your thoughts.

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