The weather has become a factor with thunderstorms occurring in the afternoons along with rain/hail some lightning and gusty winds use caution, The tight pack of boats in McGee Bay is still a daily occurrence right now but help is on the way as the regulations change August 1st too artificial barbless flies or lures check with the Ca Dept of Fish & Game regulations. The action has slowed down in the McGee Channel. Good news is fish have been hitting the fly in a variety of spots mainly the creeks and springs. but still some reports going out with the words like Big Fish, McGee Miracle, 50 fish days. Other news lots of smaller fish mixed in these days with those 50 fish days between 8-13 inches.

I think 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. A steady draw down of the lake level is happening this season, lake has dropped over 9ft vertically since the opener as the snow pack was weak this winter - well below average, and the second lowest on record. 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. Perch fry starting to swim in little schools about 3/4 inch long all over the lake and the fish are keying on them.

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 or Gray midge 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/ Perch imitations will get action along with Calibaetis nymphs.

Use common sense when driving on the backside of the lake, as there 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 perch fry patterns size 12-14s