Given the time of year, time of day, and fish behavior, I'd say you have been introduced to the magnificant Yakima midge hatch, or as it is known to some, the anglers' curse. It inspires good rises of often surprisingly nice fish on late fall, winter, and early spring evenings (sometimes even in high season), but the trout can get amzingly selective and frustrating during these rises. Ironically, the fishing (or catching anyway) is often a little easier if the hatch and rise are a little more on the sparse side.
Those puppies are about a #36, which is why you don't see them. What works? You my friend would be a popular chap indeed if you could figure that out.
But here's the benefit of my experience: Sometimes very small emergers will work (#22 or #24 Lasha raccoon; too big but how small can you go, anyhow?), or you could try tiny cluster patterns (#20 griffiths gnat or renegade, tied sparse). Lengthen to a minimum of 12' leader with a 24" to 36" 6x tippit (smaller if you dare). Pick an individual fish, try to figure out its rhythm, cast as well as you ever have, and drift your fly right into its open mouth. Simply repeat ten or twelve times for a guaranteed good evening.
Those puppies are about a #36, which is why you don't see them. What works? You my friend would be a popular chap indeed if you could figure that out.
But here's the benefit of my experience: Sometimes very small emergers will work (#22 or #24 Lasha raccoon; too big but how small can you go, anyhow?), or you could try tiny cluster patterns (#20 griffiths gnat or renegade, tied sparse). Lengthen to a minimum of 12' leader with a 24" to 36" 6x tippit (smaller if you dare). Pick an individual fish, try to figure out its rhythm, cast as well as you ever have, and drift your fly right into its open mouth. Simply repeat ten or twelve times for a guaranteed good evening.
