Spring is finally here! We know that everyone who was not interested in defying the winter weather is itching to dig out the fishing gear and high tail it to the nearest open water. Another few weeks of anxious anticipation appear to be on the horizon in the Flat Tops area as access to the lakes and streams is still very limited. Most of the forest roads are either closed or inaccessible due to lingering snow pack and substantial snow melt. See below for a limited report on some of the waters that are currently open and accessible.
The White River from the confluence of the North and South Forks to the town of Meekeris probably your best option for the next three or four weeks. Access is limited along this stretch, so take care to respect private property boundaries; however, Meeker Pasture SWA, Oak Ridge SWA and the Sleepy Cat Access provide nice stretches of public water with ample opportunities to land a sizeable trout.
The White has been fishing very well from mid-morning to early afternoon. Rising afternoon temperatures have produced increased upstream run-off thereby raising flows and adding to the sediment and debris in the water. Midge hatches are plentiful. Our recommended patterns on the White: BH WD40-Red (#18-20), BH Bubble Back Emerger (#18-#22), BH Zebra Midge (#18-#22) and Griffith’s Gnat (#16-#20).
The North Fork of the White River produces some very nice cutthroats, rainbows and whitefish; many in the 16-20 inch range. Downstream, toward Meeker, 24 inchers are not uncommon. Closer to Trappers Lake, the fishing for brookies is generally excellent.
Early season access to the North Fork is still somewhat hampered by road closures. The conditions are much the same as those below the confluence with the South Fork. The fishing has been excellent from mid-morning to early afternoon, but the increased flows and decreased visibility have hindered anglers later in the day. Our recommended patterns on the North Fork: BH Woolly Bugger-Olive (#10-#12),BH WD40-Red (#18-20), BH Zug Bug Nymph(#16-#20) and BH Zebra Midge (#18-#22).
