I have fished it less this year and in the fall last year after the major floods in May of last year. The river has definitely changed since the 6500+ CFS event, and it impacted the mayfly population. Last summer was a prolonged low water, with flows around or less than 40 CFS, also not great.
These are a few thoughts, in no particular order:
- The river is highly pressured, and since the length is not very long, and access is great, the fish are smart, and not only in the PhD hole. If you are fishing water that has recently been fished, move to a different section or make sure you are fishing a different tactic.
- The currents, generated by the many rocks and boulders are complex, so getting drag free drifts is extra tough.
- The flows dictate a lot of the success or failure, so make sure you watch them. I like to fish it when its between 100-200, but that is just preference. 300ish is great streamer fishing, but hard to wade. Flows like right now, under 100 require much more patience and great presentations.
- Did I mention that wading is tough? Good boots, carbide studs, cleats and a wading staff are a must.
- Fish very technical, if that means dries on long leaders and sneaking up on fish, or single nymph microleader tightline tactics
- Swinging wet flies works well for emergers, and the bugs are tiny when you see fish rising, mostly to size 28 or so BWO or midges.
- Terrestrials also tend to work in the summer, at times.
- Go fish the North Branch when things are not working on the Savage if flows allow.
