The Trout Fly Fish Report

HOT CREEK

Water Conditions:Good
The water is very clear=2 0and the flow is around 50 cfs. in the public sections. The weeds have grown substantially limiting the number of "easy drifts." The fish are still there, however, tucked in front of, under and beside the weeds or any other substantial structure. If you can make the drift, you can have an awesome day! Water temps are in the low 60's.

Fishing Conditions and Hatches:Good

Hot Creek is an incredible fishery having one of it's best years in a while. The fishing is getting "technical", meaning the fish are demanding good drifts and the weeds and lower level of the creek make this more challenging. Hatches range from Tricos around 8:00, (spinnerfall), PMD's and Baetis midmorning, then small Caddis from midday on. Options still range from nymphing w/ or w/out an (small) indicator, Dry /Dropper or simply a Dry later in the morning when the fish are active. 4/5/6x fluorocarbon are recommended in these conditions.

Recommended Flies:
DRIES- #24 Tricos, #18-20 tan and brown Parachute Caddis, Little Weedy Water Sedges CDC emergers in #22, #12-14 hopper patterns tan/light brown, EC Caddis #16-20 (killer evening), tiny hackled midge dries. Chernobyl Ants (why not).

NYMPHS-Lots of tiny midges #22-24 Zebra Midges & WD-40's in olive, grey, black, rust. Olive scuds #16-18, #18-24 PT's, Trico nymphs and emergers #22, Cham Caddis Larva #18, tan Sparkle Pupa #18, Loop Wing tan CDC Caddis Emergers. Harrop's Surface Emergers and other baetis nymphs, #20, Hunchback Infrequents and Sulpher Emergers # 18-20.

Guide's Hint

With the weeds up and the water down, getting a good drift becomes more difficult. Stop and analyze your drift BEFORE making it. Accuracy of where you place the fly is important right now so that you can drift the channels between the weeds. Keep your drifts on the short side and try to minimize slack line on the water. Every drift is unique, however, keeping more line off of the water is generally helpful in getting a better dead drift.