All of the rain the last few days combined with the melting snow in the mountains has most area rivers flowing at high levels. Many of the waters have the look of chocolate milk. These conditions can be discouraging, but the fish are still feeding. Actually, high water is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for trout. The key is getting a fly in front of them that they can see. The Easter Egg is a fly that can produce great catches in tough conditions.
The Easter Egg fly stands out in high, muddy water mainly due to its size. Compared to many flies, especially egg patterns, the Easter Egg is a large fly tied on a #4 or #6 hook.
The best way to fish the fly is under a strike indicator on a dead drift or to high stick the fly with just enough line out to feel the fly bounce along the bottom. In swiftly moving water, make sure to use enough weight to get the fly down to a level where fish are feeding.
The other key in fishing this fly in high water is patience. Often, fly anglers do not have the confidence to fish the high run-off water. However, know that the fish are still in there, and they still have to eat.
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