You could say I was home and back in the saddle, but if you did embrace that horrifying cliche, I’d tell you there was some uncomfortable chafing going on, and that walking seems preferable to riding.
Still, I’m trying to deal with the things that have piled up in my absence, which is where most of the chafing is occurring.
Better than sitting in my office at home would be a couple hours casting a dry fly — even if the fish didn’t cooperate — so I’m in the process of giving the middle finger to all my obligations (nicely where they intersect with people) in the hopes of making it happen.
Upper Sacramento in Decent Shape
The Upper Sac is rolling along in surprisingly good shape, though it’s warming quickly (last night we left a few windows open to cool the house — the first time that’s happened this year), and I expect a pretty good surge in flows.
Naturally, the flow gauge isn’t operating at the moment, but yesterday’s numbers were in the 1600 cfs range. With today’s high temperatures pushing the mid 80s (and getting warmer all weekend), you can expect some uncomfortable flows very soon.
Still, Steve Bertrand and Wayne Eng managed to pound up a few trout yesterday, though the rising fish turned out to be little guys.
The bug was a PMD-ish bug coming off late in the day, though you’ll have to get further details directly from Steve’s fishing report here at the Ted Fay Fly Shop Web site.
There’s also a rumor of a golden/yellow stonefly in the #10/#12 range, though since I don’t have eyes-on proof, it remains something you wouldn’t necessarily bet the whole fishing trip on.
Naturally, I’ll let you know what happens. In the meantime…
Odds & Ends
I was running a book/DVD giveaway when I was diverted by my father’s death, and in a day, I’ll go ahead and pick a winner.
There’s also a matter of a review of Gierach’s latest book (Fool’s Paradise), which I’ll post shortly.
In truth, there’s no shortage of stuff to write about; what’s lacking is the time to write it all, and I’ll be looking to squeeze out what I can over the next couple weeks.
The good news is I’m heading to Montana in late June, and then a surprise (to me anyway) trip back to Grand Lake Stream (Maine) in late July.
The Maine trip remains a favorite for the Undergrounders — apparently smallmouth bass and Grand Lake Canoes strike a chord — and I’m going back.
See you on the river, Tom Chandler.
How was the Cal Trout dinner? My brother’s boss told him it was “casual attire.†They both had an “Oh shit†moment when upon arrival they were greeted by women who looked as if they were dressed for the opera.
SMJ(Quote)
The Maine trip is a high point only because the bulk of your posts involve eating, something we can mimic so we don’t feel left out.
…it’s the last post we crave, the one where you suddenly realize your waders don’t fit – and you ask the Underground readership, “how can that be?”
kbarton10(Quote)
SMJ: Sadly, I learned of my dad’s passing only hours before, and never made it to the fundraiser. I was told coat and tie, and the L&T was about to do it seriously right. Damn.
kbarton: You haven’t seen anything yet. This year, I’m changing the blogs name to the “Caloric Underground” for the duration of the stay…
Tom Chandler(Quote)
Well “Caloric Underground” sounds about right..
Maybe a pair of waders with an adjustable expanding waistline are in order?
Heddon17(Quote)
If you don’t wade in too deep, those waterproof zippers accomplish this with pretty good effect.
Sorry to hear about your Dad. We’ve lost 3 family matriarchs in the last 12 months. Sad times, but we celebrate their legacy by getting together when we can in the belief that it would have made them happy to see it so.
split-cane(Quote)