Williams Fork River

Flows on the Williams Fork are currently sitting well below normal levels for this time of year and the fishery is in delicate shape. Water clarity is about as good as it gets and trout are on high alert. Come prepared to sight fish and look for trout to stack up in the deep and slow water most of the day. That being said, in the late morning and afternoons, particularly during a strong hatch, trout will move into the skinny water, like the riffles and seams, to feed on emerging bugs and surface flies. At this point, nymphing with two to three flies will produce the most consistent results. However, dry fly and dry dropper rigs are becoming increasingly effective as well. As far as hatches go, expect midges to be present sporadically throughout the day with BWOs and caddis making an appearance in the afternoon. When nymphing, a Flashback PT or Hare’s Ear to a Black Beauty, RS2 or Stalcup’s Baetis will be a good place to start. If you see trout actively feeding on surface flies, a Parachute Adams or Parachute BWO to a Cluster Midge or one of the aforementioned emergers will be effective. Otherwise, during the caddis hatch go with an Elk Hair Caddis or Resting Caddis to a Sparkle Pupa or similar caddis emerger.