Fishing with caddis and midge patterns are getting better results than attractors on the San Joaquin

San Joaquin River - Stockton, CA


by The Trout Fitter Staff
9-7-2012
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Water Conditions: Poor the flows bottomed out at 18 cfs as of 9/5. Very clear and cold.

Fishing Conditions and Hatches: Fair with the flows this low, fish are concentrated in deep pools. Better to nymph early in the morning and then switch to small dries after the sun hits the water. Fishing dries in the shallow riffles. Mainly nymphing with small stones, caddis and mayfly patterns.

Fish are getting more selective now, so fishing with caddis and midge patterns are getting better results than attractors. Time to match the hatch! Not much in the way of stocked fish. All I've been catching have been wild fish and holdovers. I guess the stocking truck hasn't made it's way in there yet.

Recommended Flies:

Dries:
Elk Hair Caddis #16-18, Clownshoe Caddis #18, EC Caddis #18, Royal Wulff #14-16, Kaufman Stimulator #14-16, Stimulator #14-18, Yellow Humpy #16-18, Chernobyl Ant #12, Parachute Adams #16-18

Nymphs: Flashback Hares Ear #18, Nitro Caddis Tan #18, Nori's Caddis Poopah #18, Copper Bead Micro Stone #14-16, Copper John #18-20, Red Copper John #20, Green Copper John #20, Copper Bead Micro Mayfly #18-20, Prince Nymph #18-20, Bird's Nest Olive/Tan #16-18, Anderson's Bird of Prey Olive #16-18

Streamers: Black Doc's Twin lakes Special #10-12, Crystal Bugger #10, Slump Buster Olive and Brown #10-12. Muddler Minnow #10-12

Guides Hint: Fish are very spooky, so be stealthy and don't wear bright colors.