The first cutthroat have appeared on the scene. Numbers remain low; but you can expect more fish to migrate upstream from Crowley as we roll into May. There are a few straggler rainbows holding in the deeper pools-most of the hens have deposited their eggs. It has been very windy and cool the last week, with periods of rain. The section DOWNSTREAM from the fishing monument will open on 4/30 with the same regulations as Crowley. It remains closed from this point UPSTREAM to the Benton Bridge. Overall water temps are much warmer the last few years below Hot Creeks inlets. This accelerates aquatic weed growth, and makes it tough to keep your flies clean in the sections down from big HC. Seeing some first generation BWO’s after 2pm with increased feeding from the smaller resident trout. First generation BWO’s, small dark spring caddis, & micro midges are triggering feeding activity from the resident trout on the warmer days. Attractor patterns will get you looks from what is left of the bigs. SJ worms, crystal Vanderleeches, crystal soft eggs, Assassins, and Agent Orange patterns have got us into them while nymphing below an Under-cator. Size 16/18 adult Blue Winged Olive patterns, & small parachute midges will replicate the hatches. Flashback pheasant tails, & Assassins are spot on replicas for the nymph stage of this cold water mayfly. Use #18-22 gillies, crystal chironomid pupa, broken back midges, crystal tiger, & zebra midges for nymphs that imitate midge larva or emergers. Caddis larva are present on the stream bed pumice rocks now. Olive crystal caddis imitations can be a good call for the resident fish grubbing the bottom during warmer periods. Parachute adult midges will get you looks when the fish are feeding on the “clusters” late afternoons. Look for oval depressions that appear brighter, or scraped clean on the riffles below pools. These are active spawning nests; or “redds” and you must avoid stepping on them.