Current Lake Conditions:
This is where we go when you say "we need to catch fish". Especially right now. This destination is nestled in a scenic mountain valley, far away from the "city life". It's definitely the green acres fly fishing destination for the week. Once the weather clears up, we can look to the rivers for fish, but some will find out that Iron Canyon is a great choice anytime.

The rainbows and browns in this lake are eating midges suspended under small indicators, San Juan Worms, Clouser Minnows fished on Type 7 full sinking lines. Bring a few callibaetis nymphs! Callibaetis hatches are just starting to occur! What fly imitates a Callibaetis nymph? Try Pheasant Tails, known as "PT" nymphs. The flashbacks in the list on the right should work great! Fox's Callibeeotis is a great choice too!

Click here for Lake Level

The Fly Shop's ? Tips:
You can fish this lake either one of two ways, Indicator and nymphs or sinking lines and streamers. The midge hatches are usually strong through late winter into early spring. Fishing a Blood Midge with a Black Midge Pupa dropper is deadly. For those who want to cast and retrieve flies, Leeches and Bugger style flies work great. Clouser Minnows are a fantastic fly on Iron Canyon! Fish your Clouser Minnows on a RIO Deep -7 fly line, using a long steady retrieve. Fishing a #16 BH PT Nymph on the end of a tapered leader attached to a floating line is an all time best way to stay connected to rainbow trout on Iron Canyon. Here's a brief intro to stripping nymphs on Iron Canyon: Once flies are cast, use a very slow retrieve, just move the line enough to stay tight to the fly and feel the thuds of the take!

Reservoir Fact:
The nearby town of Big Bend has many geothermal hot springs nearby. Some of the hot wells are used to heat the local School, public swimming pool and a green house. Hmmm. Don't hesitate to stop by the local grocery store, gas station called the Pit Stop.

Fly Patterns:

Dry Flies:
• Scum Dun Callibaetis #14
• D&D Cripple Callibaetis #16

Nymphs/Wet Flies:
• GB Flashback PT #14-16
• GB Half-Flashback PT #14-18
• Fox's Callibeeotis
• San Juan Worm Fire #8-14
• Frostbite #16-18
• Chromie #16-18
• Zebra Midge #16-20
• Micro Mayfly #14-18
• Blood Geyser Midge Red #10-16

Streamers/Leeches:
• Freshwater Clouser Olive/White
• Lite Bright Bugger
• Zonkers
• Zack's Zugger Yellow/Brown

Fly Fishing Gear:

Our Recommendations:
• Float Tubes/Pontoon Boat
• Float Tube/Pontoon Accessories
• Polarized Fly Fishing Sunglasses