STREAM REPORT 8.16.24

Current streamflow- 54cfs
Water temps- mid to upper 60s

Hatches:
Yellow sallies
Golden stoneflies
Sulphurs
Midges

Hot flies:
Trout:
Neversink caddis
Purple haze
Klinkhammer
Griffith's gnat
Rainbow warrior
Walt's worms
Frenchies

Bass:
Poppers
Zonkers
Olive Wooly buggers
Sparkle Minnows
Crayfish patterns

The low water conditions of late summer have continued on through out this past week, but there is a good chance of up to an inch of rain over the weekend. Every little bit helps, but we'll need more than a storm or two to fully recharge the river system and get streamflows back up to normal flows for this time of year (median 115cfs).

Focus on higher elevations of trout streams, from 2,000'+ elev., where water temps remain cool throughout the day. Trout will be spooky and increasingly picky in low flow, so dress in drab colored clothing, keep a low profile working slowly upstream, and keep false casts to a minimum to keep from spooking wary trout. Focus your efforts early or late in the day. Light tippet and smaller dry flies will help you make the delicate presentation needed not to send trout running for cover. While challenging, these conditions can be rewarding for any angler willing to get technical and hone their skills.

The bass bite continues to be consistent, although just like their coldwater counterparts, low water makes them spooky. In low clear water, bass will often spook from any shadow or flick of motion overhead, so keep false casts to a minimum, use light flies, and move slowly. Bass aren't as eager to go great lengths to chase flies right now, so work flies slowly. The bite is best early or late in the day when shade and cooler temps put bass on the prowl.