The Crooked River has settled into a healthy spring pattern this week. Flows have stayed fairly stable just under 200 CFS below Bowmna dam.

PMDs are becoming more consistent during the afternoons and the Mother’s Day Caddis are starting to show up. March Browns are still around during warmer parts of the day, while midges continue to produce during the mornings and slower evening windows. Dry fly opportunities are definitely improving, especially on cloudy afternoons when fish are more willing to stay up. 

Nymphing continues to be the most productive approach overall. Zebra Midges, Two Bit Hookers, soft hackles, perdigons, caddis pupa, and smaller mayfly patterns are all producing fish consistently. With the flows, heavier lead flies are still helping get smaller bugs down quickly and keep rigs in the zone.

Fish are feeding well right now and the river feels like it’s transitioning quickly into a stronger dry fly season as the weather continues to warm and stabalize over the next few weeks.

Recommended Dries:
Purple Haze #18-20, Parachute March Brown #16, Winkers Midge Black #18-24, Stillborn Midge #18-20, Chubby Chernobyl Black #14-16, Parachute PMD #18-20, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16

Recommended Nymphs:
Peacock Jimmy Legs #10-12, Purple Perdigon #14-18, Psycho Prince #14-18, Two Bit Hooker #16-20 (Red or Black), BWO Emergers #16-20, Tailwater Tiny TB Olive #18-22, Soft Hackle Olive #16-20, Zebra Midge #18-20, Sparkle Pupa #16-18