Lower Oldman River, emergers over dries

I fished the Crow on July 31 and then a local tailwater, Lower Oldman river on Aug 1st. I fished both rivers from suppertime until dark as weather has been hot and sunny. The dry fly action occurred late. On the Crow I saw PMD's, Yellow and Lime Sallies in great numbers, still some big Golden Stones and of course Caddis flies. The Crow is still dropping and is almost, but not quite yet, at an ideal level for the dry fly angler. Spotted some sippers; not many, and caught one. On the tailwater, similar hatches with PMD's and small stoneflies being predominant bugs...I think some Small Western Green Drakes were around. Water releases from dam (63 M3/S)still significant for this time of year making it far from ideal for top water action. I got a couple rainbows on surface but the most consistent activity was when fishing an emerger pattern trailing off of the dry as many fish bulging and boiling but rarely showing their heads. I fished a small RS2 style fly with some success. The river often requires this type of tactic. Trout in the Lower Oldman can get very single-minded and "lock-on" to emergers. Very challenging angling; the most difficult river in the region when the hatch is on. You have to alter your game plan at times and be flexible or risk going home empty handed. Picky trout are fun!