Very low water conditions. The river is low at 260cfs, 350 avg, and clear. On the overcast days the fish are on the bite. On the bright sunny days the trout can hide out.
Overcast day flies have been big nymphs and woollies. Olive has been the go to for browns. The white woolly can be hot also to imitate the shad. On the bright sunny days I have seen dries work and smaller nymphs will usually produce the numbers. Dries with droppers are the fun ticket when no action. And some days when it's sunny any thing with gold or silver flash like the Guppie pattern to imitate minnows.
Trout magnets in hot pink, black, and white have been hot. Set the float for just off the bottom and don't for get the split shot. Trout magnets have no flavor and are great for catch and release. Gold and silver spoons are hot on good days with a steady retrieve.
Still catching some bigger trout with a 25 incher landed by our guide Benjamin last week. The cold temps get the bigger trout moving.
Smallmouth tend to move up river as temperatures fall in the winter. With lead eye woollies being the Flav fly. Olive, brown, white, black. A great time to get out and fish but bundle up!
Much easier wading with low water but do be careful on the slick rocks. Getting wet this time of year is not good. Get to warm conditions quickly.
