Busy weekend on the Okanogan River
This last weekend, the 24th and 25th was a busy one for the local rivers. If you wanted to fish a run you better have been there at 0 dark 30. Seems everyone was on the water shortly after sun up. Once we finished fishing the run we started at it was anyone's guess which run would be next. On the Okanogan River most of the anglers are working down stream of Malott. Once we were able to get in a run it was pretty apparent someone else had already worked it. That was ok because no two people use the same fly or work the run same. The catch has dropped off quite a bit since opening day, but there are still players out there to be caught.
Temperatures have dropped since the opener. Water temps on the Okanogan river are in the upper 40’s to low 50’s. Air temps have been a bit chilly in the morning so dress warm.
As far as what’s working, well it seems it’s an angler’s choice. For those of us swinging a fly, Hobo Speys in the blacks, blues and reds seem to be working the best. The smaller Intruder style has been doing very well.
If you’re one inclined to nymph, the number one fly is the Double Bead Peacock stone. Trail off of that with a bead or a small size #14 Flash Back Pheasant tail nymph, Lightning Bug in pearl, blue, purple and even red. If I can recommend one thing, try something that you think no one else is using. This is where home tied flies come into play.