Stream Conditions:

 

Chester Creek

 

Hot Flies for February

 

Early Black Stonefly, #14 – 18 (hatching now!)

Midges, Various, #20 – 26

Blue-Winged Olive, #22 – 26

Bead-Head Nymphs, Various, #12 – 20

Pheasant Tail Nymphs, #16 – 18

Woolly Buggers, Various, #8 – 12

Egg Patterns, Various, #10 – 14

Green Weenie & Hot Weenie, #12 – 16

Black Stonefly Nymph, #16 - 20

 


Trout   

  

  • As of this writing in early February water levels in area streams are slightly above typical mid-winter levels, with good clarity.

  • The relative absence of cold temperatures and snow so far this winter has resulted in above-normal water temperatures, and hatches ahead of schedule.

  • There have been reports of spotty hatches of Early Black Stoneflies throughout January, and they should get stronger over the next few weeks as day length increases.  We have also had reports of Blue-Winged Olives sizes 22 and smaller.  Bright-yellow flowers of Lesser Celandine were showing along area streams by late-January, a month or more earlier than usual.

  • Water temps are still cold enough to keep trout metabolism low.  Although the fish will continue to feed, in most cases they will not move far to take a fly.

 

  • The most consistently effective tactic will be to dead-drift nymphs or attractor patterns right on the bottom through the best holding water. 

 

  • As Early Black Stonefly hatches increase, adults will get onto the water in numbers and will often be seen skittering over the surface.  Nymph patterns can be used anytime, adults when surface activity is evident.   

 

  •  Remember that all the nymphs for 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.  Olive nymphs are always a best-bet on Ridley.  Sizes 16 and smaller will be most productive. 

  • Attractor patterns should not be overlooked.  Even hold-over 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

     

    Warmwater stream fishing is certainly low-percentage right now, but due to the unusually warm weather conditions we’ve been enjoying a patient and persistent fly fisher can tempt a few Fallfish and the occasional Red-Breast Sunfish.  This option is especially attractive to the angler looking to avoid crowds on the more popular trout streams.