The algae bloom is decreasing greatly and will be outta here very soon. This will allow catch and release fishers (worms, stink baiters, and barbed hooks are illegal after 7-31 for Crowley) more area to fish the deeper water outside the huge weed beds that have consumed large portions of McGee Bay, the Hiltons, and the North Arm of the lake. We have just started to fish the deeper regions in the 13-15 foot range very recently with good results. There are also a few trophy sized fish showing up in 3-4 feet of water near the inlets. These fish are feeding on callibaetis adults & spinners, damsels, chironomids, and BWO adults/spinners. This is my favorite time of year to fish Crowley. It is a real challenge to hit a 20" plus fish in short water on 5X while sight casting to a rise form or splash. You WILL see your backing in the skinny water my friends. The numbers have been noticeably down in recent years but the hard pulling Crowley fish you do see are worth the effort right now. The icing on the cake is a sprinkling of quality browns hunting the damsels and perch fry seeking shelter along the shoreline and inner weed lines. Stripping a damsel, Drifters Punk Perch, or Loeberg with a slow sink or midge tip here will get you some joint ripping, 1X popping takes. Hit the short water during the gray, or if there is texture or clouds during the afternoon. Get deeper when the sun is out or if it gets glassy.

For still water nymphing it is more location right now and you will need to play "lake chess" to secure a spot in the channels or a clear area next to the weeds. I have found spots from 4-9 feet on the inside in McGee; it is less open until you get out to 14-16 feet. Try a Punk Perch as your upper #14-16 and a chironomid larva or broken back as the dropper below your Under-Cator. Little Hilton is holding, but it can be like the 405 Fwy during rush hour at times. Crooked also has some fish but it will shut down after the shadows come off the water. The North Arm is a big nada unless you fish the 14 plus depths. I will say that if you enjoy bird watching the Grebes are nesting on the thick weed beds by the hundreds. Stand well off and observe with binos please, it is worth seeing. When Crowley begins receding the weed lines will be shallower & things will shape up nicely for fly fishers as we roll into the fall.

Still Water Classic C&R derby is on 8-14. New rules for 2010; check the Crowley Lake Fish Camp website or call them for entry and details please.