Bring the 6x for Cheeseman at flows below 75cfs. Gone are the bigger bugs making way for the classic tail water midge fishing that is Cheeseman. Low flows do allow for a decent amount of warming when the sun is out, which can get good midge hatches going. Glow bugs and rubber leg stones have been good point flies, especially in the faster riffles and runs. Small sparsely tied mayflies work well in winter into spring so be sure to have plenty of Barr Emergers tucked in next to your #26 midge selections. Long leaders will help keep from spooking fish, and always be aware of where your shadow is in relation to the water and the position of fish. Caddis larva can be good this time of year, and there have been decent midges hatching. With the flows down the fish can really study your presentation. Lighter than normal tippets are best for the slower pools, and fishing early and in the shadows can help your fish count. A little more flow could help our efforts. Good for some, tough for others. Always a beautiful experience.

The Dream Stream flows are holding around 100 cfs keeping the ice at bay most mornings. Cold nights have the river slushy some mornings, requiring a break in the action for an hour or so. Recently there have been a number of rainbows pushing in on the lower river. Eggs, scuds, and leeches on point with smaller midge and mayfly patterns down to #20's. Deep runs and tailout are where to concentrate your winter efforts on the Dream Stream. By mid February fish from 11 mile start to push upstream in anticipation of spring.

Fishing is chilly in 11 mile this time of year. The lack of sun in some sections keeps ice until March, but the fish are there. Fish the tail outs of deeper holes and runs where the fish do not have to work as hard. Try midges down to #24, leeches, huevos, and scuds. Stones on point of a two fly rig are good late in winter and early spring. The warmest part of the day is when the fish are more likely to be active.