Summer is here!

Summer has officially arrived, although river conditions are feeling a little more like mid-July than late June. Flows continue to run below average, and floating opportunities above Fish Trap are becoming increasingly limited. Most boat traffic is below East Bank, where navigation remains much easier. At this point, it's definitely raft season.

The current forecast is calling for a good chance of rainfall this coming weekend, and we're hopeful that Mother Nature delivers. A healthy shot of moisture would be welcome relief for both river flows and the surrounding landscape.

The big stonefly show has mostly wrapped up, but don't put those larger dry flies away just yet. We're still finding fish willing to eat size 10–12 Chubbies and Water Walkers, and a few anglers have even found success with the old-school Gypsy King. Never underestimate a classic.

We're seeing a nice emergence of both brown and sulphur drakes beginning in the late morning hours. PMDs have been consistent nearly every day, providing dependable dry-fly opportunities throughout the afternoon. As the day winds down, caddis are showing up in good numbers during the late afternoon and evening hours.

Nymphs under a dry or beneath an indicator remain the most consistent producer. Effective patterns include:

• Frenchies (OG and Blue)

• Brown Perdigons

• TNTs

• Duracells

• Flamethrowers

Despite the lower-than-average flows, water temperatures remain in a safe range, particularly throughout the upper and middle sections of the river. Fish are looking very healthy and have clearly benefited from their recent salmonfly feast. Many trout are carrying noticeably more weight, and anglers are finding plenty of strong, aggressive fish throughout the system.

In short, summer is here, the bugs are changing, the fish are thriving, and we're keeping our fingers crossed for a little rain to help recharge the river.