Low Flow Light Hatch (860cfs)

Mostly sunny, just windy enough to screw it up, some BWO's in between gusts, and too much company.  I had the day off, it was warm (60's), and I wanted one more Baetis fix.  The water was covered in midges all morning, but the trout no longer appreciate them.  Its amazing how much things change from early March to early April.  Far less water, and far more people.

A casual fisherman here and there has sprung into pairs and threesomes all up and down the river.  Look behind you, and two have moved in.  Up ahead, there's people frothing it up all the way up the bank.  They pass on the trail toting two rods, each rigged with two flies.  I see nothing but bright bobbers, and streamers big and ugly enough to scare small children.  Nets big enough for a small deer drag from the back of the vests and packs.  Backpacks full enough for a weekend on the continental divide.  Some carry coolers and folding chairs to "set up" for the day on the island.  Hollering across the water to one another, "How close is your point fly to to the bead head?"  What the hell is a point fly, anyway?  The atmosphere has just gone to hell.

Soon there will be too many guides, assorted floating devices of all sizes, and recreational rafters taking over.  Walk/wade fishing will be out of the question.  The hordes are coming, and my sights are now set on different crowded waters, those of Idaho and Montana, as spring becomes summer.  The big bugs are right around the corner now.

This is my last visit to my home water until spring goes away, summer passes too quickly, and fall gives way to another winter. However, I did manage to catch a handful of fish before I put the "midge/bwo" box away for summer.  Just wasn't the finale I had hoped for on an early April Monday.