Fishing Report 08/27/26

Here we are in the last full week of August, cooler evenings and marginally increased amounts of precipitation have us optimistic about upcoming fishing opportunities. Many of the states rivers are still temping on the higher side and presenting dramatically low flows. Given their current condition, it is still generally wise to the main stem of most ricvers alone for the time being and continue to target fish on small streams and lakes and ponds. 

All that being said, even some of the states small streams have been variable, northern parts of the state that have had a bit more precipitation are presenting relatively higher flows and are fishing well, the southern part of the state is borderline desperate for rain and some of the small streams have been reduced to a trickle. Generally speaking the water has been very clear and fish have been on the spookier side, but will still eat willingly if they are shown the right presentation. Casting at your target from greater distance with long and thin leaders like 5,6, and dare I even say 7X leaders has proven to be effective.

As far as still-water fishing goes, dawn and dusk remain the best times to catch fish consistently if you want to catch them on or near the surface. Fish have responded well to frog and terrestrial patterns, and we are beginning to see sporadic ant hatches across the state. When targeting fish subsurface, resisting the urge to throw large streamers and slimming down has proved effective recently. Fishing classic patterns like wooly buggers, zonker minnows, and muddlers has proved effective.