Davidson River Fly Fishing Report - June 21, 2026
DAVIDSON RIVER
ReportJUN 21 — 28, 2026
🌊
Flow
—CFS
🌡️
Water Temp
—
☀️
Weather
59–84°F
Clear
💧
Clarity
Clear
Check post-storm
Live gauge data is unavailable for today, but recent reports confirm the Davidson is running low and gin-clear — expect spooky fish, fine tippet requirements, and precise presentations. Sunny skies and a high of 83°F today will push terrestrial activity hard by midday, with afternoon shade bringing fish back to the surface.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Bionic Ant 2.0 - Black #16
#16
Bionic Ant 2.0 - Purple #16
#16
Bionic Ant 2.0 - Brown #12
#12
Bionic Hopper - Tan #12
#12
Parachute - Blue Wing Olive #22
#22
Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Tan #20
#20
Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Olive #20
#20
Black Zebra Midge(TBH) #20
#20
Juju Baetis Tungsten #22
#22
Olsen's Hare's Ear Blowtorch Barbless #20 - 28
#20
Egan's Silver Bullet - Baetis #14
#14
Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6
#6
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20-24 | Moderate | 7 AM - 10 AM |
| Blue-Winged Olives (Baetis) | 20-22 | Light | 8 AM - 11 AM |
| Caddis | 16-20 | Moderate | 6 PM - 8 PM |
| Ants (Terrestrials) | 16-18 | Heavy | 11 AM - 4 PM |
| Beetles (Terrestrials) | 12-16 | Moderate | 10 AM - 3 PM |
| Hoppers (Terrestrials) | 12 | Light | 1 PM - 5 PM |
Best Time Window
- 6 AM - 9 AM: Best midge and BWO window before sun hits the water — target riffles and tailouts with small dries and nymphs.
- 10 AM - 2 PM: Prime terrestrial time as temperatures climb; work ant and beetle patterns tight to shaded banks and overhanging trees.
- 6 PM - Dark: Evening caddis activity picks up in riffles and runs — fish CDC caddis patterns through the last light of the day.
Guide's Tip
From the benchIn these low, clear summer conditions, your approach matters as much as your fly choice. Wade slowly and stay low — fish in the Davidson can see you from 30 feet in this clarity. Focus your nymphing on the broken water at the head of pocket water seams where oxygen is highest and fish feel secure; set your indicator or sighter so your fly is drifting 6 to 10 inches off the bottom. When terrestrials are on, switch to a long 12-foot leader with 6X tippet and position yourself downstream of rising fish, casting upstream so the fly arrives before the leader.
Main Species
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout
