Fishing the West Branches at Different Flow Rates

200 cfm
Fishing the WB is somewhat confining at these levels. Holding water becomes more spread out and much walking is in order. Fish are often podded up in the heads of pools that have fast water or holding in the deeper sections. Watching a float may become painful at times and perfect drifting is needed to fool fish who have all day to examine your offering. Summer time the lower sections of the WB, and mainstem are general to hot to fish safely. Stay above Balls Eddy for the best fishing, and safest water temperatures.

200 to 400 cfm
This seems to be becoming the summer time normal flows. Fish are spread out in the larger pools, but still podded up in the smaller one. Early mornings and evening fish move into feeding lanes in riffles, rapids and the heads of pools. Access to the whole river is possible and easy for wading. Pontoon boats are perfect at these levels and will float over almost everything, making mobility a big advantage for the floater. Lower sections of the WB and mainstem are likely to be to hot to fish safely. When in doubt call a fly shop and ask, even if they know you are a pinner(very hated) only a fool would not direct you to safe fishing temperatures.


400 to 700 cfm
Now we're talking. Wading is still easy but cross some sections will be slightly restricted by flows. Fish begin to spread out nicely, and its possible to start trotting more. At this flow jigs, wet flies and emergers show signs of life in them. Look for rising fish and target them by checking the float


700 to 1000
Wading is still fairly easy, but crossing becomes restricted. It is important to choose your access accordingly. Flows are moving nicely and it is creeping up on 13ft rod water, but 11'6" rods are perfect. Fish are spread out in typical trout holding areas. These are great flows to fish.


1000 to 1500 cfm
Its on! For all you big water fisherman the river is now perfect. Access is cut down for most fisherman making a float the perfect way to present an offering. Current breaks are dynamite and attract fish, as do eddys and seams. It is time to get excited about fishing the west branch. Big fish will slam jigs and beefing up line to 10lb test is advisable, to fish 5x-3x leaders. Go big or go home, a 4" white and silver bunny jig can be deadly.


1500 to 2500 cfm
Most fly fisherman are confined to drift boats at this level, but not pinners. Big jigs are key now, as is targeting softer water. The heavy feeders however will be sitting right off fast water exactly where you would expect them to be.

Over 2500 cfm
Its fishable, but its time for a wading staff and lots caution. Fish can be stacked up near the banks so deep wading and long cast are not as important. Big stone flies get washed out of there hiding spots. For that matter so does everything else. I would not be afraid to use a 6" long brown trout pattern, but you better make sure your tippet is up to the possibility. This is not the time to be drifting unless you know what your doing and know the river.