Flood gates are now closed and we now see some normality so far as generations, all be it given current lake levels we may see higher water flows for some time to come. As many of us are aware a recent river news report that maintained when flood gates were open that fishing was worthless was totally unfounded, far from the truth, in fact some of the best extreme high water fishing many of us have experienced.

Granted if you have reservations so far as your boating skill go then it would be wise to stay off the water, otherwise not. Further the vast majority of fishing guides l know are more than capable of fishing you in a safe manner during these high water situations.

No doubt the high water flows have changed many zones of the river with gravel bar shifts and erosion. Once again we will have to learn the new fish holding zones and many of those will have changed.

OK, what's it looking like for this month coming. Given we may see higher water flows the wade fishing may have some limitations. Typical boat drift methods will include nymph, dry and streamer fishing. At this time of the year trophy Browns are more likely to feed dawn and dusk periods into dark, for the main reason that is when the major food base they look for is active.

Bows as a rule will feed through the day time periods but may well have times when they are less active, as water surface temperatures are warmed by the sun.

Dead drift with nymph type flies should include dynamite, prism and San Juan worms in red, tan, earthworm, orange and pink, eggs of the same color combinations also included here. More natural looking flies such as hares ear, prince nymph, prism and white tail midges in red and black, pheasant tails, sowbugs and scuds in sizes 12 to 16 also good bets at this time, particularly in the slower shallower zones.

The cicada bite may be good casting the bugs into shorelines and under overhanging vegetation.

This past few days the sulfurs have started to make an appearance and should bring the fish to the surface to feed on this species of mayfly. Have with you both combinations of soft hackles and dries. Look for the slower backwater seams where you should find fish taking the naturals.

Hoppers may also be a good bet at this time, you never know.

Streamer fishing during the high sun periods and clear water may be on and off, here again unless you give the bugs a swim you never know. Certainly early morning and dusk to dark periods will be more likely for fish interest, more so if you can work the banks before others. If we see good overcast days then fishing may be productive throughout the day time periods. Browns wise up in a hurry and if disturbed may have little interest for many hours after at this time of the year. If you do locate a good fish that has shown some interest but not hooked, leave him be a for a good period of time and return, this is often the way to get a hook up.

If we see low water periods then choices will be many. Nymph, dry, soft hackles and wet fly will be good as will fishing small streamers. Look for the zones that have well agitated oxygenated water, which is where you will find fish during these hot day periods.

Tight lines all and stay safe out there.