The dog days of summer are officially barking, according to this Orvis report, but the Middle Fork is holding its own. If you’ve been waiting all year for that picture-perfect, top-water action, your patience is about to pay off big time.
It is going to be a scorcher this week. But while you’re sweating through your sun hoodie, the fishing is staying just as hot. The water is sitting at a crisp 62°F, which is right in the sweet spot. Just keep an eye on your thermometer as the afternoons heat up—remember, the trout like to stay chilled, and keeping them healthy means keeping track of those digits.
It’s time to simplify your life and your rig. According to the team at Glacier Anglers:
“This is dry fly fishing at its finest! Seeing a native, wild westslope cutthroat trout rise to take a fly is the best, and now is the time. We suggest focusing on single dry flies. Get rid of the dropper, and enjoy the view!”
You heard them. Cut off the training wheels, ditch the complex two-fly setups, and just watch the water.
- In the Fast Lane: Drop big, buoyant stonefly patterns right into the bubbly, dynamic water. The fish in the rapids don’t have time to second-guess a meal.
- In the Slow Lane: Save your delicate mayflies and caddis patterns for the lazier seams. Keep them riding high where they won’t drown in the foam lines, and wait for that classic, slow-motion cutthroat sip.
Pack plenty of floatant, stay hydrated, and go enjoy the view.
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