Daily Report

Thursday was another mild day with calm conditions and the temperature reached into the mid 40's, hard to believe it's January when it felt more like March. With the recent rain and warm temperatures melting the snow it's no surprise the dam release has been increased. As of Friday morning the dam release was 1200cfs and Pineville gauge was running around 1740cfs. As we continue to get runoff from the rain and mild conditions, please check safewaters for the latest update on the water level before making the trip. The upper end of the river between Altmar and Pineville is where the majority of anglers are going on a daily basis. With the increase in water level look for fish to be holding in the softer water along the edges and inside seams of the bigger holes and larger runs.  For those anglers who are fly fishing, dead drifting with nymphs, indicator fishing with egg patterns or swinging streamers with sink tips or sinking leaders have all produced results. For those anglers who are bottom bouncing or float fishing, egg sacs, beads, marabou jigs and pink worms have all been productive. 

Suggested patterns;

Egg patterns: Steelie omelette in size 10, Estaz eggs in chart, blue, purple, size 10. Glo-bugs in chart, pink, orange, size 10. Sucker spawn in chart, pink, blue, size 6.

Nymphs: Prince nymphs in size 10, Hare's ear in size 10, Pheasant tails in size 10, Flashback nymphs in size 10, Wiggle stones in size 10, Steelhead hammer in size 12, Beadhead stones in size 10. Rusher nymphs in size 10. 

Streamers: Black or purple egg sucking leeches in size 6. Woolly buggers in black, olive, brown, white, size 6. Fish skull zonkers in black, white, olive size 6.