The Nature of Small Streams

Small streams and small wild fish will always captivate me. I caught my first fish on a fly from a small high mountain stream, I also learned of things like catch and release and about wild and stocked fish and of fragile ecosystems, I also learned how to read water and make light casts it all started on a small streams. And because of all those things I'm sure to save some time to enjoy fishing and walking some small streams to remember why there is so much more to fly fishing than catching a fish. So I'll showcase some small streams in this blog hope you enjoy.

A Flies Adventure Through Northern California part #2

After leaving the little truckee we began to head south in search of a campground somewhere near the Carson river in what should have been a short hour trip. But the ideas of a short trip got swept away when it was decided by a wrong turn that we would do a 360 degree navigation of lake tahoe. Now don't get me wrong i'd have been stoked to see the lake for I've never been, but you can't see the blueness of the waters of great lake tahoe when all you can see is the black of night. After an hour long de-tour we now had to find a campsite, and here is yet another thing made more difficult while not having the advantage of daylight.... finding a campsite. In fact what happens is you aimlessly travel from campsite to campsite professing this one is no good even though even though one you can not see. Only to settle on the campsite mistakably right next to the highway where jake braking trucks would be the counting sheep tonight. Woke up or more appropriately got up real early and headed for hope valley campground, it's not on the hwy. settled camp and decided on hiking the pacific crest trail fromm carson pass into meiss meadows for a shot at a heritage fish. It was a good hike up and onto the top of carson pass and it rewarded excellent views of the surrounding sierra's as well as an eagles view of lake tahoe well below us. Then back down the other side into a fairly large meadow with a spattering of large pines and a very small creek that trickles through providing the sponge like meadows the water to provide a wonderful display of wildflowers in the spring. But this was August and the flowers were mostly gone and so was most of the creek though the meadow was soiled. So first we headed downstream but found that it became almost intermittent and though we saw fish these ones needed to be left alone. Thinking we would not get a chance at a lahontan cutthroat we were packing up and getting ready for the hike out when I decided to hike upstream for a look. Here I would find nice cold flowing water and a nice stretch of small riffles and a few pools and no sooner than I had arrived there was a rise in the biggest pool but before I could see another one i was running back hollering at my dad "grab your rod and get over here quick". Shortly after Hares ear had caught his cutty for his second heritage trout. I thought i'd get mine quickly after the old mans fish however it would be another hour before i would get mine. Mission accomplished both our heritage fish and a hike up and over the pass what a day. Now our focus would be on the Carson river where we would meet Red humpy, Copper john, and Klinkhammer for a weekend trip on the East Carson in just a few days. Hot days left just the mornings and evenings for fishing meanwhile the heat of the day was spent under the shade of ez-up lounging about or tying flies. but those mornings and evenings were great with nice hatches of midges and pmd's at first light and ped's and caddis near sunset. Rainbows, cuttys, and even a brown were caught on the section below hangmans bridge while bows and cutts made up all the catch above. And though this place is really known for it's excessive angling pressure we were still able to find holes and fish without over crowding while on both sides of hangmans.

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A Flies Adventure Through Northern California part #1

Beginning at the McCloud river where Hares ear and I had reservations to fish the conservancy preserve waters a prime 3 mile stretch of pools, runs, and riffles where only 10 anglers are aloud a day. This stretch is also catch and release fly and artificial lure only and if that wasn't enough it's darn right beautiful down in that canyon. After a long bumpy and dusty drive into our camp at Ah-di-nah we set up camp discussed tomorrows plans got a few hours of shuteye before beginning our hike into the preserve at 6:00am. After a short hike in we found ourselves at the preserve cabin and kiosk where we would admire the work that had been done in this place explore a little and soak it in before signing in grabbing our angler tags and beginning what would be an excellent day of fishing, hiking, and looking out for rattlesnakes. Back at camp we ate and checked the camp water, there we'd meet a real nice fellow from talent, Oregon and might have found someone to show us a secret creek we've been trying to learn. A good night sleep and biscuits and gravy breakfast then we were off again now headed for upper hat creek to find a campsite for a few days but instead we found every camp filled from hat creek to manzanita, we must of looked at 300 full campsites sheeesh. so after some deliberation we decided on north battle creek reservoir drove the short dirt rode and hustled to put camp up before setting out in our tubes to scout a new lake. We caught both rainbows and browns on this small forested impound though the fish were generally small it's ideally suited for fly fishing from a float tube, it also has a descent camp with a few sites. After not sleeping well due to the serious philosophical conversation about stars and galaxies that went on in the camp right next to us we were off again. The plan was yellow creek by the evening but first a leisurely day driving through the most scenic lassen nat. park. But we arrived at the entrance to yellow creek to find it closed due to fire, big bummer, so another plan change and were off this time down the feather river in search of a campsite. But feather river canyon was hot and smokey and camps were limited so we continued on until we found the entrance into sagehen creek near Truckee. so we headed up a steep rocky and rutty 4x4 trail when we came to a crossroad and wouldn't you guess we chose the wrong one, an hour later the road had got so bad that we could no longer go further. So after some cursing arguing and someone trying to walk home 400 miles away we simmered down and decided to head back for the other road ad the crossroads. 4 slow dirty miles later we found sagehen and all was well. A few nice brookies and a nights rest at a nice free camp was perfect but we have to thank Copper john for the message of a storm that allowed for precautionary measures to be made to provide shelter from the rain. Good lookin out Copper john thanks much. Now for a day of search and discovery on a new yet famed watershed the Truckee. Having fished sagehen a tributary of one of the reservoirs that feeds the "Big T" the day pryer we decided to take a look at the big T. It was another hot day so after a morning of recognizance along first the little truckee which looked so good to us that it was decided that the little t would be the spot for this evening, followed then by trip for a bite to eat in the town of Truckee before we fished and napped along the banks of the Truckee river awaiting a hatch. The little t is quite the stream fisherman's paradise lower flows that make this river look and act like more of a creek. Flowing a short distance from Stampede res. to Boca set in a sort of desert/forest meadow the casting is rarely an issue however the catching is. A technical fishery that can require small tippet and flies as we would find out. 1st mistake- When we arrived at the trailhead to the river we walked along and would notice many grasshoppers so I rigged up a hopper set-up than proceeded to slap the water for nearly a mile downstream without a hit-second mistake- Resting the water I see a hatch of fairly large gray mayfly and switch to a 14 parachute adams, the fish didn't want that either though. But luckily for us a kind fellow fisherman named Jack, who must of been witness to our plight made a suggetion that would make the difference. He mentioned that really small griffiths gnats had worked well for him before and I thought hmmm small midges there picky fish eating small midges while such big fare was presented to them. So feeling I had just the right fly a #20 O'Bs Midge and on the first cast into the edge of a riffle now guarded by the shade that the sun had for a time kept from us a fair cast with a good drift and fist a subtle ring around my fly I lift my rod tip up and slap!! a large rainbow takes the small fly and makes a jump out of water before making a few small runs I'm able to net and release this nice bow back to the waters of the little t. I then thanked Jack and the fish before making our way back to the car, on the way there Hares ear took the small midge advice as well and got himself a bow too. Later we ran into Jack again and chatted a while before letting him get the last hour of fishing in and making our way towards a campground hopefully.

The Tale of the Salmonfly

In the darkest corner of southwestern Oregon a hatch of almost an almost mythic aura begins, for fly fishers this is once a year feeding frenzy that can not be missed. The bushes and trees are filled with em every rock and along the banks salmonflies everywhere, and even when in the water they'll grab on and climb all over you. Those with a phobia of bugs should stay clear for there is little sanctuary anywhere near the river. That said if you like tossing big ugly size 4-8 dries than you will pry forget about all the bugs around...maybe. Another great year with even higher water than the year before but still managed lots of fish including some big ones, like the new 5 flies record rainbow caught by Prince Nymph on his very own salmonfly pattern seen below. Congrats Prince Nymph!!

Manzanita lake what can I say.A staple of the flys and another one in my net,yes I did catch another brown.and thanks to red humpy[geno] for his help the net/pic.and thanks to klinkhammer[mike]for the fly.Another great trip flys thanks.

The fish was caught on intermediet sink tip line 9' 6x leader and mikes Showstopper fly ,slow strip retreive

'12 Manzanita, McCumber 5 Flies Campout

With all flies in attendance and a new fly to the group this trip had the makings of great one. After a long drive we put up camp by lantern light and although windy were able to get a fire going to add a little warmth, we spent far to much time discussing the next days fishing and before you knew it was late and we wanted up early we all went to bed with the expectations of fishing tomorrow. A couple hours of sleep and we were up and at it but we would not fish before a flies first... biscuits and gravy!! And with full bellies the fishing began. The sun was out early with no clouds in sight beautiful morning on a calm lake and even a rise or two. Fish were active we all saw them and each had a few strikes but no fish to hand, after a few hours on the water we met back at camp to discuss our fishing options. It didn't take long for us to decide to give manzanita lake a try so we grubbed on some food loaded up the tubes and 30 min later we were on the lake. To our surprise manzanita was on fire big browns were prowling the shoreline and rainbows were hitting the surface. But once again we just could not quite figure it out Prince nymph had quite a few strike and even lost a larger fish when it broke him off and Blue dun to go along with the takes he got fought feisty rainbow all the way to his boat before finding enough slack to shake loose, Meanwhile Hares ear and I decided to cruise the lake on foot sight fishing to cruising and feeding fish but strikes were all we got as well. So we left humbled but also exited to get back to manzanita tomorrow. Shortly after returning to camp the rest of the fly family arrived first Red humpy and Copper john followed by Klinkhammer and Renegade arrived and the party started. After greetings, hugs, jokes, and b.s. were exchanged we all hit the water for some evening dry fly action. Some decided to fish battle creek just below camp and Renegade was rewarded with his first 5 flies fish two of them in fact well done, but all were on the water for the evening hatch on the lake and Red humpy got the skunk off the lake with a nice rainbow he fooled with a parachute ant, and it was a good thing cause everyone else just could not bring a fish to hand so we had dogs and chili, tied flies, and chatted about the days fishing before calling it a night. Saturday morning the early birds were up again eager to get the worm. Red humpy keeping the mojo going had a big fish hammer his fly and make a reel spinning run and ran and ran and when he finally reeled his line in he noticed something was wrong.. his leader was missing even worse I was the one who tied it on, truly sorry uncle Geno. Everyone else still could not get it though despite many takes we all met bake at home base and felt we'd try our luck at manzanita. And a good choice it was within minutes of arriving rises and rolling fish could be seen and just shortly after the 5 fly armada set sail Hares ear and Prince nymph had the double brown trout hookup Prince nymph caught his with great short cast into the willows on Mikes show stopper and after fighting to loosen it from the reeds it ran right back and ended up breaking him off soooo close bud, Hares ear just a little ways off shore had his slam mikes show stopper (fly of the trip) and put up a good fight before Red humpy was able to lend a net to wrangle what was possibly the fish of the weekend. Then just minutes later Prince nymph decided to finish the deal with a huge bow to hand and Blue dun made up for the fish he lost yesterday with a manzanita brown of his own. Later I would find myself in the middle of some great action, I got started off right when a pig of a bow nailed my large parachute adams and took me for a ride after a long hard fight he was netted then released but they didn't stop rising so I cast out again only to have another rainbow take my offering, but I was not done a little bit of kicking and I found myself casting to a large brown feeding along the shore after refusing my fly a few times the cast seemed to have spooked him so I took a break to re-float my fly and give the water a rest in hopes of another chance and on cue he rose again just a little further back toward shore and on my very next cast I put it right in front of him and in a few seconds he calmly swam up to my fly and slurped it, no sooner than I put on pressure and set the hook he was off making large runs with line screaming and even three jumps something I'm not used to from brown trout I finally got him in whooo hooo!! And if that just wasn't enough as were all coming in to head back to camp most of us are loading the rigs and breaking down rods when out of nowhere Klinkhammer pulled a fish in a way only he could. Reminiscent of our first trip ever to manzanita Klink catches an awesome bow on literally the last cast as everyone watched from the shore, well done dude. Back at camp Red humpy was already on the lake while some joined him others ran down to the creek for some fun. Finishing up the fishing in style with a Prince nymph and Mosquito double then ending on good note or in this case a good dinner of spaghetti and sourdough bread. With our hunger satisfied we told stories old and new while roasting marshmellows sitting around the campfire. Thanks to everyone for making this such a great trip it as awesome to have all the flies there and nice to welcome a new fly to the group, already exited for the next one good times and tight knots on your leaders.

We Are Getting Close!!

With only a month away from our rendezvous at Lassen I decided to compile some pics from years past to in a way remind and revisit in anticipation of this years trip. For as much as I talk up the fishing and camping in my home state of Oregon (and for good reason) there is an area in nor-cal that I hold with such high regard you'd think I was speaking of Oregon. It's a special place that reaches all expectations for a fishing/camping trip, with great mountain scenery, cold and clear flowing streams, lakes, lots of good camping, and of course exceptional fishing. And with the many varied places to fish like hat creek which offers two totally different fisheries, Upper hat contains brooks, rainbows, and browns in clear cold fairly fast moving stream as it makes it's way from mt. Lassen to the town of Cassel it can be considered more of a bait fishery with heavy stocking near the campgrounds and accessible areas, however once away from the heavy traffic areas one can be treated to good fly fishing opportunities in the riffles and runs flowing through arid volcanic scrub land, then it runs to the powerhouse and changes into a wild trout fishery as storied as any in California and one of the true gems of the west. Many notable people from former presidents (Eisenhower) to movie stars (Bing Crosby) and countless others have tried there luck on these difficult waters but for good reason. Even though lower hat isn't what it used to be it's still an amazing place, the riffle and carbon flats sections are arguably the best spots to fish but don't forget there is plenty of other water on this soried stream, then you have manzanita lake the main draw for me scenery, fly-only, big browns nuff said, McCumber lake however is what keeps us coming back year after year, this small mountain reservoir containing the north fork of battle creek is a gem in it's own right we have camped at the walk in site for 4 years now and found it has everything. Location is good and you're within 30 min of all the places we want to fish, has a real short walk to carry in camp, nice fairly quiet camp with a spot to moore the boat right at camp, pretty setting lake and camp and only electric motors is a nice touch too, the fishing can be as good if not better than any other place visited on the trip, and if that's not enough grab your rod and walk to the outlet just 20 or so steps from camp and try at some small browns and bows from battle creek..........ok I can't wait.