• Black Stonefly Nymphs have finally been sighted!  Imitation patterns in size 18 have been most productive. Early Black Stonefly nymphs fished dead-drift right on the bottom through the best holding water will be an effective tactic.

• When the Early Black and Early Brown stonefly hatches begin, the adults will be highly visible skittering across the water surface.  Sometimes the flies reach the safety of the bank and sometimes they are intercepted by a hungry trout.  This is exciting activity to watch and fish to.  Nymph patterns can be used anytime, adults when surface activity is evident.  

• Deep snow pack along our streams is the dominant factor in trout fishing as of this writing.  The snow is melting slowly, which is the best news since the melt water will gradually percolate into the ground.  Hopefully that will continue and we can avoid a heavy, scouring run-off of all the water stored in the snow pack.

• We should begin the spring season with a full aquifer.  Groundwater recharge to the streams will help maintain good water levels and temperature.

• Obviously the streams are full of snow melt at present, with water temperatures hovering in the mid-30's.  However, local streams are free of ice in most places.  This will help late-winter hatches get underway sooner because light is able to penetrate to the stream bottom.
       

• Remember that the nymphs for all of the spring hatches are in the stream now and, although they have yet to reach their full size, they are now large enough to be of interest to the trout.  Generic nymph patterns such as Hare's Ears and Pheasant Tails will produce well, and Olive nymphs are always a best-bet on Ridley.  Sizes 16 and smaller will be most productive. 

• Attractor patterns should not be overlooked.  Hold-over and even wild trout are often receptive to Green Weenies, Honey Bugs, San Juan Worms, etc.

• Midges are a very important forage item the year around for trout in our local streams.  Larva patterns such as the Zebra Midge are always a good choice and will work almost any time.

• A midge hatch is possible on any relatively warm winter afternoon.  Fish pupa or adult patterns in sizes 20 and smaller on a long 7X tippet.  Best results come with casts that are accurate and timed to the target trout's feeding rhythm. 

Warmwater

Saltwater