Got Chocolate Milk?

The funky weather for this time of year with the drastic rise and fall of temperatures has lead to some unseasonable stream conditions.  These inconsistencies in temperatures along with the couple rain showers we had has given the literal rise to high water flows.  Since Thursday Feb. 25 all the local streams (even the dammed streams) have been completely blown out with water looking like Nestle Quik.  We have yet to have some cold weather sweep through to tighten the ground up to lessen the amount of runoff entering the streams.  However the forecast for this coming week is showing warmer weather through tomorrow and  a cold patch of air to hopefully tighten the ground up and the water flows will go back to normal.
Now having the water flows fluctuate so much is a double edged sword.  On one hand you have the water conditions currently (muddy and high) spreading the fish way out and its tough to isolate where in the stream a fish might be hanging out.  On the other hand you have the promise of whats to come by bringing in fresh fish.
The current water conditions severely affect the fishes ability to see your fly.  Intruders and large streamers are effective in these types of conditions. Its less about really matching what the fish are eating rather to just get your fly seen.  Go big or go home.  Hopefully when we get the colder weather the levels will return to normal conditions and by that time new fresh fish will be in the waterways.
Usually this time of your we are dealing with extremely low water that in gin clear so our fishing tactics are the other side of the spectrum.  Meaning that using very small nymphs like the Egg Sucking Caddis, Ribbed Hare's Ear etc. are effective ways of fishing.  Not to say that swinging earth toned streamers won't work I just find using a dead drifted nymph a more effective way to get a wary fish to bite.
Don't hesitate to leave comments or questions here for me an I will get back to you as soon as I can.  Good luck on the streams and tight lines!

Current Stream Information:

Sandy Creek (Hamlin):  February 28th, 2016
Free of ice, with some ice-pack towards the mouth.
Light to no fishing pressure.
High and muddy flows. (cfs unknown)

Oak Orchard (Albion):  February 28th, 2016
Free of ice.
Light fishing pressure.
High and muddy flows. (cfs unknown)

Johnson Creek (Lyndonville):  February 28th, 2016
Free of ice.
Light to no fishing pressure.
High and muddy flows. (cfs unknown)

18-Mile Creek (Burt):  February 28th, 2016
Free of ice.
Light to no fishing pressure.
High and muddy flows. (238 cfs and falling)

Salmon River (Pineville):  February 28th, 2016
High and muddy flows. (2210 cfs and falling)

Note:  For all the streams the flows will be retreating for now.  It will take a number of days for the clarity to return to normal.  Also "cfs" is a rate unit that stands for Cubic Feet per Second.