Current Conditions Summary
The Green is still at base flows. The primary game right now is streamer fishing throughout the day with some hunting for heads sipping midges/BWOs in the afternoons. Brown Trout are in spawning mode, meaning some large fish are aggressive, but extreme care is needed to avoid stepping on redds (spawning beds).
Flow & Water
- Discharge: ~850 CFS (Steady releases).
- Clarity: Crystal clear (Section A is gin-clear; B & C may have slight tint if Red Creek is flowing, but generally clear).
- Water Temp: ~40-42°F.
- Outlook: Flows will likely remain steady at this winter base level. Be on the look out for when winter power generations start.
Weather & Timing
- Best Window: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
- Weather: Highs in the mid-40s, lows dipping into the 20s.
- Strategy: The deep canyon walls keep the water shaded early and late. Focus your efforts on the sunlit hours when the water warms slightly, triggering midge and blue wing activity.
Hatches & Bug Activity
- Midges: The main event. clouds of tiny midges (#22-26) are active in the slicks and eddies.
- Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs): On overcast days, look for a solid emergence around 1:00 PM.
- Scuds/Sow Bugs: A constant food source in the moss beds, especially in Section A.
Recommended Flies
Nymphs (Sub-surface)
- Scuds: #14-18 (Olive, Grey, Tan) .
- Midges: #20-24 (Zebra Midge, bling midge, WD-40s in Black, Red, Grey).
Dries (Surface)
- Midge Dry: #20-24 (Griffith’s Gnat, Matt’s Midge, Sprout Midge).
- BWO Dry: #18-22 (CDC Dun, Parachute Adams, Cripples).
- Terrestrials: #14-16 (Beetles/Ants) – Still worth a shot on unseasonably warm afternoons.
Streamers
- Articulated Patterns: (Goldie, Dungeon, Circus Peanut)
- Woolly Buggers: #6-10 (Black, Olive, gold)