Short Fishing Report And Lake Condition

[Phil Lilley]

Ran up the lake at 1 pm and just got back in. Wanted to see what the lake was looking like with slower generation and lower levels. Just alittle wet and green around the edges.

Boated to the dam. They are running less than 2 units. Lake level here at the Landing is low - as low as it is when the water is off. But there's a slight current. As I boated up, the level rose and the current quickened. At the dam, all gravel bars are covered, the stump below Rebar is sticking out of the water about 18 inches and there's hopeful fly anglers all along the banks, wishing the water would stop. I think while I'm typing, the water is dropping even more. They're supposed to officially start the drawdown tonight but I bet they already have started.

Talked to Brian Shaffer- he said fishing was slow, slow. Saw a ton of midges hatching, all over the surface but the trout weren't keying in on them, at least on the surface. I fished a 1/8th oz sculpin jig till I lost 2, then tied on a white and started to catch fish. Caught a real nice rainbow right at Rocking Chair, then a few smaller males by the ramp. Drifted on down and caught a half dozen more, then a 15 inch brown, then a few more rainbows. They were aggressive on the jig which is nice. Fought hard too.

Drifted a #10 grey Peppie scud below Lookout on the flats and caught 4 rainbows, missed that many. Lost the scud. Then lost the rig. I was done.

I really think there's going to be some real, real nice trout below the dam when this water finally stops and we'll be able to see. Should be alot of fun.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

For me, it was terribly slow for trout. I'm pretty sure I hooked some trout but they were biting rather shy... not commiting fully to my soft hackle.

I did catch 4 bluegill and 6 chub minnows on a Crackleback though.