The tight pack of boats in McGee Bay is a daily occurrance right now. I counted over 70 fly anglers, 27 boats and 15 float tubes in an area less than 3 acres, as reports go out with the words like Big Fish, McGee Miracle, 50 fish half days; but you will have to take a number as you will be boat-to-boat over the channel and race the boats out at 6am to get the prime real estate. Even the fishing late in the day has been crowded in the area. If you like fishing this style then head to McGee Bay or start to scout out other areas as the lake is not far from turning over. Water temps are mid 70s on the surface and most of the lake is a green color, but conditions are improving as the weeds have made it up to the surface and filtering out some of the green goop. Lots of action on the surface in the early morning and late evening. In some areas here is a good opportunity to hook fish hard fighting on the dry fly. A steady draw down of the lake level is going to happen this season, as the snow pack was weak this winter - well below average, and the second lowest on record. Long gone are the days of stumbling into a hot spot with no one there on Crowley. And if you do it will not be long before the fleet finds you. As far as bugs, lots of Midges, Calibeatis & Tricos on the north end near the mouth of the Owens. Calibeatis starting to show up in the McGee area along with the Damsels. I have seen the first perch fry starting to swim in little schools no longer than an 1/8 of an inch in the shallows.

If you don't like crowds, do a little scouting, as other parts of the lake will still produce fish right now! Flies to try: Black, Gray midges with copper or red wire has been producing. Some days it changes what bead color you have. If you fish the high-pressured areas I would have a good arsenal of sizes and colors. Striping Damsels will get action along with Calibaetis nymphs.

Most of the fish are holding in water less than 10 feet deep, right up to less than a foot, with their tail and dorsal sticking up. Use common sense when driving on the backside of the lake, as there are areas where the ground is very soft, and a tow truck will be costly.

Nymphing Patterns: Black or Gray Midges with copper or red and silver wire have been the best, size 16-18s. Callibaetis Nymphs size 16. Brown and Olive leechs getting some good strikes!!

Dry Fly Patterns: small black Midge patterns.

Streamer: Olive leeches and Wolly Buggers, Damsel fly Nymphs. Callibaetis Nymphs all have been working.