Crane Prairie has provided some good fishing for those who have been willing to brave the wind, rain, and snow. You only have 3 more days to fish out there, it closes after October 31st. This week’s weather is looking slightly less intense than last week; however, it will still be wet and cold. Make sure to be prepared for surprise snow, it could happen at any time and it pays to be prepared with a tow strap, chains, and a shovel. Balanced leeches continue to be the best on Crane. The bite hasn’t been crazy but when you do hook a fish it’s usually a pretty good one. Stripping leeches can also fool a fish or two, especially around structure. Assassins, two-bit hookers, chironomids, and midges are good flies to fish in tandem with a balanced leech. I wouldn’t fish a nymph much bigger than size 16. Don’t miss your chance to head up to Crane before a long winter. 

This year was interesting on Crane, the year started out really great with excellent midge action and some amazing callibaetis hatches. Then the heat came in and things got tougher with hot water and algae blooms. August provided some relief from the intense heat and the fishing has slowly improved since then. With any luck the La Nina winter this year will drop enough snow to improve drought conditions and get our reservoirs filled more than the last two years. Thanks for reading our Crane Prairie reports this season, we look forward to reporting on Crane next spring. 

Recommended Dries: Parachute Callibaetis #14-18, Hackle Stacker Callibaetis #14-18, Chubby Chernobyl Patriot and Purple #12-14

Recommended Nymphs: Bruised Ballanced Leech #14, Two Bit Hooker #16-18, Zebra Midge #18-22, Biot Midge #18-22, Disco Midge #18-22, Super Sinker #16-18, bead wing midge #18-20, Red Pheasant Tail #14-18, Rainbow Warrior #18-20, Red Ice Cream Cone #14-18