The last 3 weeks has given us rain and more high water which has been great. Streamer fishing remains solid during generation periods and low water caddis fishing has been very good in low water in the afternoons. Next week is calling for rain so enjoy the caddis while you can as they will most likely phase out and return when the sun does.
David Buskirk with a sunny day fatty
I’ve had the opportunity to take new and seasoned streamer fishermen the last 3 weeks and everybody has been able to get into nice fish. The fish have put on a lot of weight and are in great shape, showing they have recovered from the spawn. The forage base in the White is immense and it doesn’t take much for these fish to come back, especially in high generation. Top two producing colors remain Olive/yellow and olive/white.
Mike with a healthy brown
On March 4th I was lucky enough to have an afternoon off with Chad Johnson and Jason Loyd. We figured we’d go for a short boat ride and fish a few spots, hang out, bs….just spend an afternoon on the water. We ventured out at the crack of 10am and fished around the boat launch. Chad started the day with solid 21 but the bite was not on fire, one here, one there. As we approached a deep hole I pitched a large Olive and yellow bucktail I’ve been working on into a big back eddy and twitched it around a little bit. A few seconds in, I felt a small pop on the fly…game on. Two big strips sets, then a low swing of the rod over the motor and I knew I had a good one. After dragging him around the boat, and some intense moments as I saw the fish hooked only by the trailer hook, Jason put the scoop on.
It was a big fish, we knew that, when we got around to taping it, it was 29 and change. Making it the 10th fish in 10 years I’ve taped at over 29 inches on White River. A rare beast, especially in the daylight.
Moments like this don’t come often. I know that and appreciate every moment I get to see these fish.To catch these fish in the daylight takes patience and skill. Long casts and good hook sets are a must. Not every day will big fish come out to feed and when they do, it is a must that an angler capitalizes. Windows are short and opportunities are limited. More people have missed the biggest fish of their life with me than have captured them, it’s part of the game. As you improve as an angler the heartbreak will occur less frequently and moments like this more frequently. The right guide can shorten the learning curve on correct hook setting techniques, rod position and angles of presentation; all of which will help you become a better angler. The mindset must be focused and locked, anticipating the next occurrence, never slipping mentally, alert and prepared at all times.
Anthony K with a streamer eater
There is still plenty of high water and streamer fishing will remain solid. Some days better than others as any fisherman knows. We are seeing more low water in the afternoons and great dry fly and nymphing opportunities exist. I had an afternoon of dry fly fishing the other day with an old client and close friend.We had 2 hours of large rising fish and ended up jumping 6 nice browns, landing 3 of them with the best taping out at 22 inches. I can’t imagine a more relaxing and fun day. Head hunting large browns is one of my favorite ways to fish and I’ll never get enough opportunities to do it. These March days are a bonus for me.
Heading home
The fact is that the White is one of the best brown trout rivers in North America. When you get the opportunity to fish the White you should. The dam will do whatever it does but good fishing can be had regardless of dam flows, if you are willing to mix up techniques. Advanced anglers can find ways to challenge themselves daily on the White and beginners can catch good fish while learning techniques to reach the next step in fly fishing. Truly a world class fishery
Quality Dry fly fish