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July. 16 - I once gave up fishing. It was the most terrifying weekend of my life.

Submitted by beckie on Fri, 07/16/2010 - 12:12

The local forecast calls for clear skies through the weekend, which should tempt all you weekenders to come up for a visit!

The Elk River is in shape and as always those inside corners look delicious....

Gravel Bars dropping off into buckets of dancing water. mmmmm hot! 

The upper stretches are still flowing pretty quick, but fishing is productive. No new big ol snags or log jams to report, just the same old "be carful and row away from the danger". The Elk River isn't a mighty river to worry about in terms of high class ratings, BUT every year the river claims someone. If you are unsure of what to be careful of and what to watch out for on any of the floats, stop by the shop; we are more than happy to give you updates and advice.

So just remember to respect the power of the water and avoid those hungry log jams.....which are always looking to eat up a pretty drift boats, unsuspecting tubers, or random pontooners.

Below town is has been showing more productivity than the upper stretches. The slower flow has been stiumlating some early evening hatches of caddis. The back channels are still flowing wth productive mosquito hatches in the early evening, so hide in your gear and stop by to grab some well deserved repelant...natural replent that is.....it really works! In all fairness to the back channels, they do host some pretty impressive fish, so I ignore the bugs and fish away.....

Where there lies a back channel, lies an access to the main river; which generally boasts a beautiful inside corner. If you are looking for a place to fish along the Elk River, pull over wherever you see access work the water and you should have some pretty decent luck. 

Pssst...I m going to give a little bit of sound advice to those that find themselves lost when it comes to locating productive water....Remember, the fish here aren't only on the other side of the river as you are. Please don't be one of the randoms standing waist deep in the Elk River throwing your line, trying to reach the far bank...

He who casts the furthest catches the least fish, plus it's easier throwing 15 feet than trying to beat the currents and throwing 30ft...no need for that here!

If you like throwing long casts, you should come join us in the Bahamas and throw that line to some bonefish!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water Conditions: 
The upper elevation creeks are still high, which means less accessible wading opportunities. The Wigwam was throwing some silt the other day from the infamous bank on the Flats which made from there down to the flats bridge looking like glacier outflow. The Michele came up quite a bit the other day due to the terenchial downpour that we got, but levels are dropping everyday with the heat and finding wadable access isn't bad at all. Ofcourse as mentioned above the Elk River is deliciously fishable and there should be no hesitation to get out there and wet a line.  
Hatches: 
Depends on whether or not your up or downstream! Green Drakes Mahogany Duns BWO's Caddis Big ol Stone Flies
Flies to Use: 
I would try an array of patterns as it's not always a one fly fishery. Green Drakes Sz 10 -12 Yellow Stimis - Sz 10, sz 14 for yellow sally immitations Tan Caddis Sz 10, 12 Parachute Adams sz 16 - sz 12 depending on pickiness of fish Transitional Mahogany Dun Mohgany Duns For the Beautiful Bullies Yellow Yummies Purple / White and Black Streamers
Commentary: 
go getem tiger !