Current streamflow- 55cfs
Water temps- upper 60s
With low water, warming temps, and no rain in the forecast until late next week, now is a good time to consider giving the trout streams a break and targets bass and panfish in lower elevation streams and lakes. Sunfish and smallmouth are beautiful, tolerant of warmer temps, readily take a fly and are great fun on light fly rods. Summertime conditions offer great sight fishing for these species, with the chance at exciting topwater action. A variety of streamer and dry fly patterns will work for bass and sunfish. Go early in the morning or later in the evening when fish are most active. Bass and sunfish will hold tight to cover and shaded areas that provide security and a place to ambush prey.
If you prefer to target trout, there are still plenty of options, but please avoid lower elevations of trout streams where water is warmest. Take a thermometer and measure temps before you fish. If temps read above 68°, move to higher elevations and cooler water temps. You should find cool temps in elevations 2,000' and higher. Fight fish quickly and keep them in the water as much as possible if you plan to catch and release. Fish early in the day to avoid the warmest water temps.
Trout will be spooky in low, clear water, so use stealth and natural cover to your advantage. Wear neutral colored clothing, nothing bright. Make your casts count and limit false casts which increase the odds of spooking weary trout.
We have several days of rain in the forecast for next week so with some luck we will see better streamflows and cooler water temps soon.