Still Waters
STILL WATERS
ReportOCT 28 — NOV 4, 2026
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Flow
—CFS
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Water Temp
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Weather
18–45°F
Slight Chance Light Snow then Mostly Cloudy
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Reported By
Bruce Staples
On the water
Cooling water temperatures and retreating blue-green algae are improving conditions on irrigation reservoirs. Recent storms may have left remote access roads in rough shape — four-wheel drive may be required.
From the ShopBruce Staples · October 28, 2026
Fishing on irrigation reservoirs is improving because of cooling waters and the retreat of blue-green algae mats. Midge pupa will be the primary patterns for success — focus on finding the taking depth.
The recent storms may have put some remote roads into four-wheel drive condition. Check with County Road and Bridge websites before heading out.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midge (Chironomid) Pupa | #16–24 | Primary — fish subsurface at varying depths | Midday through afternoon |
| Midge Adult | #20–24 | Sparse surface activity on warmer afternoons | Early to mid afternoon |
| Leech | #10–14 | Secondary — consistent still-water October producer | All day |
Best Time Window
- 10 AM–2 PM: Warmest part of the day with highs only reaching the upper 30s to mid-40s — fish will be most active and midges most likely to move in the water column.
- MIDDAY CALM PERIODS: With light winds forecast (2–12 mph), flat-calm windows are ideal for indicator fishing midge pupa at precise depths.
- THURSDAY AFTERNOON: Mostly sunny skies and a high near 45°F offer the best conditions of the forecast period — plan your reservoir trip for then if roads allow.
Guide's Tip
From the benchThe key to reservoir midge fishing right now is finding the taking depth — don't assume fish are at the same level all day. Start by suspending a midge pupa at multiple depths until you locate active fish, then stay there. Before driving to remote reservoirs, check your county's Road and Bridge website; recent storms may have made access roads impassable without four-wheel drive.
Main Species
Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
