The caddis hatch is, without a doubt, the most consistent dry fly fishing of the year; the insects come in absolute hordes. It’s a mixed hatch; there are several species of caddis, an unusual aquatic moth and some mayflies as well. The fish move into the eddies and slower waters along the edge of the river where they begin to concentrate on surface feeding.
This is a very visual type of fishing – stalk and hunt; we move from one sighted target to the next. Often we can get close enough to see the spots on the fish’s back and the ripple of its fins. The situation is so perfect all you have to do is deliver the cast.
In mid summer the weather is warm; up away from the water it can be absolutely brutal. For us, as fishermen, it’s not bad – what could be better than a river full of water to beat the heat. We like to wade wet, using shorts and wading boots instead of our regular waders. We stalk through the cool shade of the over hanging trees. If that’s not enough you can always dip your hat in the water or just go all the way in and take a little swim.
The days are incredibly long; it doesn’t get dark until 10 o’clock. Some of the best fishing is in the evening when the light gets off the water. As the sun drops below the canyon rim there’s a pleasant relief from the heat of the day. In the last hour before dark the fish go absolutely wild. We often finish the day with multiple double hook ups; both anglers in the boat catching fish just as fast as they can.
When I go to bed at night I put my cot outside under the stars. I try to keep my eyes open long enough to make a wish on a shooting star. When it’s like that I dare you to try to remember the stress of work or those other problems that were bothering you back home. There is nothing left but the river, the fish and the endless long days.
