It started like any other winter fly fishing day: indicator, weight, double nymph rig, and the search for a good run. A couple of nice rainbows were hooked and then lost in the fast-moving current—a promising start. But around 11 a.m., things took an exciting turn.
As the air temperature warmed up, the BWO (Blue-Winged Olive) surface action kicked into high gear. I could see the trout feeding on emergers just below the surface, their subtle, barely visible slurps betraying their presence. Timing was key. After watching for consistency and noting the intervals, I tied on a size 18 BWO emerger pattern.
Boom. First cast—brown trout landed. I paused, scanning for more surface action. The next target revealed itself. Second cast—same result. Dry fly fishing had officially begun!
The Thrill of Early Season Dry Fly Action
There’s something uniquely rewarding about early-season dry fly fishing. After a long winter spent reading the water but rarely seeing fish until they’re on the line—or catching glimpses of the feisty ones mid-jump—the shift to sight casting is invigorating. The excitement of targeting specific fish, timing the cast with their feeding pattern, and perfectly placing the fly just in front of the zone without spooking them—nothing compares.
When the conditions are just right, and your fly choice is spot on, it feels magical. Casting and hooking up on nearly every attempt creates memories that last.
A Memorable Day on the Rio Grande
That March day on the Rio Grande delivered everything a fly fisher could hope for—a three-species day, no less! Bringing in a cutthroat among the browns made me reflect on the life of that fish—surviving predators and competing for feeding spots. The highlight of the day, though, was that first taste of dry fly success in 2025, sparking excitement for the months of dry fly opportunities to come.
With the April Rio caddis hatch just around the corner, it’s time to gear up for more days like this—where the thrill of the hunt and the beauty of the catch collide in perfect harmony.
— Brian Burrell, Board Director and Treasurer
