Fly Fising Lakes in Spring

 With the unpredictable weather that spring brings, fly fishing lakes can be a challenge. With cooler water temps the fish don't always give away their location with the explosive dry fly takes of summer. So where do we start once we've found ourselves staring at a lake that seems to be lifeless?

Here are just a few things that I've learned.

First I look for any source incoming water. A fresh source of water typically provides a little warmer temperature.  Also it can bring bug larva down a stream or kick larva out of the mud. Fish tend to gather around these areas when the rest of lake is still waking up from winter.

If there is no fresh water I look for a little deeper water. I put on an intermediate or sinking line to get to the bottom.  It is my belief that the deeper water is slightly warmer in the spring than the surface water that is exposed to the cooler nights, rain, wind and sometimes snow. Also this is wear the majority of the feed is.

As far as techniques go I have found that when with fishing leaches and nymphs, the slower the retrieve, the better.  Cooler temps and less feed options have the fish wanting to excerpt as little effort as possible. Slower strips and longer pauses is how its done.

Chironomids under an indicator with slight to no movement at all is also very productive. Just make sure to get your depth set about a 12-18" off the bottom.

And when all else fails bait fish patterns work well.  One big meal for a fish can be pretty enticing when there isn't a lot of other food sources yet.

Happy Spring Fishing!!!