Rob Woodruff Fly Fishing Report

shannon | July 20, 2010

It is certainly a nice surprise every time an e mail updating fly fishing conditions on some of the best nearby locations shows up from Rob Woodruff.

Apparently, one of my old road reports on Woodruff’s entomology class on the Guadalupe has fallen though the digital cracks. So I will try and round that up to publish it again this week. If you aren’t familiar with Woodruff, and his entomology classes, he does them in Broken Bow and on the Guadalupe. The thing is, bugs are different, conditions are different, and fly fishing methods are accordingly different at different latitudes. You definitely want to attend one of these if you are serious about “matching the hatch” (and catching more fish). I will see if I can locate the images and words for that post from the Guadalupe and publish it again. It may go a short way toward getting our collective minds off the heat.

For now here’s the current report –

Lower Mountain Fork River– The fishing has stayed consistently good this summer. The water is cold, and I do not foresee much of a slowdown all the way into the fall.
Zone 1– Sulphur Mayflies and Caddis are hatching most days and terrestrial patterns are getting attention on top. The usual mix of Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ears, Sowbugs, Midges
and Spillway Creek Caddis will produce plenty of Trout when presented properly.
Zone 2– Streamers are producing some large, pretty Trout when the bite is on. Black Stimulators and Hoppers are getting some top water attention in the mornings.

Upper Mountain Fork River & Tributaries– So far, this summer’s fishing for Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and Sunfish has been the best in several years. Chartreuse or white poppers are working early and Clouser minnows or other streamers are the best choice once the sun gets high in the sky.

Lake Fork– The combination of hot, windy days alternating with heavy rains has moved the majority of Bass on to deep water structure, ending the topwater bite for now. Usually a full lake, clear water, abundant Hydrilla and lots of Shad equal great autumn schooling action.

Please check back for that lost report on Woodruff’s entomology classes. They will change your fly fishing lives.