March has been a little brutal as water and weather conditions go. Local rivers have been high, and nymphing deep has been the most consistent method of catching trout on the McKenzie River near Eugene. But all that is going to change, I promise! We will have days in the upper 50s and even 60s very soon. March Browns will not only emerge as they have been daily on the McKenzie, but fish will eat them. Fish will leave there Winter slumber and chase wet flies and dry flies with reckless abandon. Sound good? Here are six more flies you won’t want to be on the river without this spring.
The March Brown Hi and Dry Parachute will float in the roughest of riffles, prime March Brown Habitat. Parachute makes it visible amidst it’s natural brethren.
The March Brown Sparkle Dun is a consistent producer during the hatch in all water types especially flat water. It has been known to work half sunken even.
Often during March Brown emergence’s you have Beatis or Blue Winged Olives emerging at the same time. It can be frustrating to watch your March Brown bob through a riffle while fish continue to feed on everything but your offering. Try a Blue Winged Olive during the tougher periods, they are very often the answer. The Hackle Stacker Blue Winged Olive is a low riding killer for picky fish.
Another great Blue Winged Olive pattern for picky fish. Jack Schlotter of Rogue Foam Stone fame and a Southern Oregon angler gets credit for this realistic pattern. The Airborn Dun Blue Winged Olive.
The basic Hare’s Ear Soft Hackle is a deadly Spring bug. Fished down and across or dead drift amidst the hatch. The pulsating partridge and bugging body get it done.
The Dark Cahill is an oldy but a goody. All year round on the lower McKenzie and Willamette the Dark Cahill takes fish. Couple it with a Possie Bugger or Mega Prince and swing away.
