Been struggling nymphing in the lower water lately. I was having really consistent result until about 2 weeks ago. Downsized my indicator, lessened weight, and I've tried tons of flies. Anyone have a few nymph suggestions that are working lately? Also, what color and pattern of caddis nymph/pupa are you all using? I keep catching caddis flies, and matching their colors, but I can't seem to hook up on a caddis pupa. Mostly been using fox's caddis pattern.
Although there's a few caddis still coming off I believe the fish are keyed in on the BWO's and midges now. I have had results with small WD-40s in gray and olive as well as small BWO nymphs in olive (pictured) and olive brown - all size 20.
Thank you. I fished again today and got nothing nymphing. I tried like 10 flies. I think since the flows have been dropped down to the 300 range from the 400+ range, the fish are in different spots than my regular haunches. Snagged a few on the swing, though. And, I actually almost caught an osprey! True story! It stalled in the air, flapping its wings to hold position, then dive bombed my streamer, only to turn away not more than 3 inches off the water. Totally was targeting it lol.
Nymph struggles here as well. Fished the staircase yesterday from 8-11 and didn't manage one grab. Fished wd's, caddis and midges without one bump. Fish were rising quite a bit with the caddis coming off. I should have tied up a few bubble backs rather than wd's Monday night. Fished the same midge larvae/wd combo at 2 and managed a few LDR's. Even went against my beliefs in smaller tippet. Didn't make a difference. Tough welcome back after a few weeks away.
