Been staying off the river lately because of conditions, (at least not with a rod in hand) so I’ve been catching up on old pictures…

Got out a couple of weeks ago in the morning with a new friend and first timer that asked if I would show him some basics before he dives in to purchasing fly fishing gear.  Given the price of the basics, I found that to be an honorable request.  The day started out slow, but it’s often the exclamation mark at the end of a sentence that makes the difference.

Stickbug = awesome. Award me nerd points if you must.

Ragdoll right on the kisser.

These guys would prefer stone or wood, but a moron’s rafter’s paddle will suffice as habitat I guess.

Scram.

Spotless adipose.

The most photogenic fish of the year.

This gorgeous brown above was the result of a little determination.  Twenty or so casts through a lane that just looked too good.  One of those situations where you give up and before you actually walk away, you change your mind to try again.  The last drift danced just right…right where two currents were pumping food for whatever dominant fish staked his watery claim below.  Finally, a grab.”Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, there he is.”

I’m thinking the current flows and temps will be the impetus to finally try some carpin’.  My advice to anyone in the area is to fish the cooler stretches in CA in the early mornings or stay off completely.  Lots of good alternate options around if you’re willing to explore.  In the mean time, let’s hope/pray/scream for some thunderstorms to buy us time until the real solution can come…an insane winter.