I Take My Chances, (I don't mind fishin' without a net)

 Make no mistake about it, the river system needs rain and cooler temps RIGHT NOW. Unfortunately, the forecast for the next ten days shows temps 10 to 20 degrees above the 70 degree high, 50 degree low which is normal for this time of year. The BE water was into the mid 70s today, and is both too low to float and too warm to fish. The BK went above 70 briefly today and will hit 70 on a regular basis in the coming ten days. The WB is getting the 500 cfs release but the tribs have all but dried up. With the big bugs all but done on the BR, and the UEB and the EB too low to float, the number of boats attempting to get down the WB at less than 600cfs will be a sight NOT TO BEHOLD. At 600cfs the WB is easily wadeable and there are also sure to be hoards of wade fishermen adding to the problem.

What to do? Fishermen leave your weapons at home, if you are coming bring your quaaludes. If you can come anytime, (retirees, trust babies and the super rich), wait for rain and cooler temps. Guides, if you've got a gig out west, leave now, they haven't got any water either and their season may well be over before you even get there. Everyone, be on your best behavior, don't make this another war. Give people room, and have patience for those who don't know what they should be doing. As for the me, me, me people, I'll leave it up to you to handle them.

The bugs - The afternoon hatches are evolving on the WB. There are still Hendricksons hatching on a surprisingly large part of the WB. The Invaria, (spring sulfurs), (Jim N. tie some 16s, for DM he needs them bad), are all the way up past the Red Barn, (in limited numbers), and caddis continue to hatch, lay eggs, and be eaten by trout. Because of the recent, (geologically speaking), increase in cold water releases from Cannonsville, Green Drakes, March Browns and Gray Foxes are no longer major hatches on the WB, say above Balls Eddy, (the water upriver is too cold for them to mature). As fort the Isos, they simply don't exist anymore. If anyone anywhere on the system has seen an Iso hatch that's gotten fish up, please tell us about it.

The fishing - The afternoon fishing has been consistent and good, (challenging for sure), but of short duration. Have managed about five fish a day in the hour to hour and a half we seem to be allotted. Today was no exception, caddis, Hendricksons and Invaria hatched with the fish feeding in spurts from three 'til not quite four. The evening fishing has been for me, a total crap shoot. Had one very good night one fair and two stinkers this week. Hooked two 'bows tonight on blind casts and lost them both. If you want bugs and rising fish go where the boats are, (the guides are on the river every day, they know where the action is). Me? I'll roll the dice.   

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