The fish in the Crooked River seem to be getting comfortable with the low flows. It can still be tricky and it pays off to be stealthy around smaller pockets. Even out east it's going to be cool and rainy this week. I’d imagine that the Crooked may be a pit drier than other locations closer to the Cascades. Blue wing olives will be the major dry fly hatch now that we’re in cool weather. Midges are another very important late fall and winter hatch. Using a big dry fly as an indicator may not bring fish to the surface, but it is a great way to get a more delicate presentation. The nymph selection during winter revolves around baetis (BWO) and midges. Size 16 - 22 for baetis and size 18 - 22 for the midges. Baetis nymphs are imitated well by juju baetis, tailwater tinies, and slim shadys. Two bit hookers are a staple on the crooked year round as are scuds. We’re starting to get close to whitefish spawning which puts eggs on the menu, yellow or chartreuse is a good color for these. It’s gonna be a perfect fall week on the Crooked.

 

Recommended Dries: Black, Tan or Olive Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, CDC Caddis #14 - 16, Purple Haze #18-20, Winkers Midge Black #18-24, Stillborn Midge #18-20, Hackle Stacker Baetis #18-20, Parachute Baetis #16-20

Recommended Nymphs: Perdigon Purple #14-18, Physco Prince #14-18, Two Bit Hooker #16-20 Red or Black, Trina’s BWO Angel-case Emerger #16-20, TailWater Tiny TB Olive #18-22, BWO Biot Emerger #18-20, Slim Shady Olive #18-20, Soft Hackle Olive #16-20, Zebra Midge #18-22, Biot Midge #18-22, Disco Midge #18-22, Olive BH Scud #16 - 14, Olive or Tan Sparkle Pupa #16-18, Nitro Caddis Pupa #16-18