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Rain in the past week has been outstanding for the rivers. Slow and steady precipitation has put color into the water and seemingly helped the catching factor of the fly anglers quest. This morning it looks like water levels are up slightly but not to blow out stage.  Lower reaches of rivers may cloud up more than upper. There is still a considerable amount of silt that has not been kicked out by spring run-off. If the water is too cloudy for your taste, move upstream. This tactic worked wonders last week when over night rain and 38 degree morning temps caused a milky tint to the water. Up stream water was far clearer.

The first of the crane flies showed in the last 10 days. Larger tan and olive caddis also were present on the water. The rocks are covered in all things bug and it looks like mayfly hatches should be strong this year. The Dames Rockets are in bud and may start showing some color in the next week to 10 days. The light colored insects of summer should begin shortly. Get your tans and yellow offerings ready to float.

Quality! I have guided 4 of the last 10 days, splitting the time between our two bigger trout rivers. The catch rates for clients have been down a bit from previous years but there is no doubt in my mind that the quality of the trout they are catching is outstanding. 12, 13, 14″ and larger, fat trout have been the norm. Prime holes have been shutting down after 1 or 2 fish and anglers should be highly focused on first casts into these lies. Be ready to set the hook and be accurate on your drifts and settings. Frothing up these lies with poor cast and drifts, slow unfocused sets and snag-ups may lead to goose eggs.