Posts tagged: upper sac

Our Days-Old Fly Fishing Report (or, Good Fly Fishing vs Great Fly Fishing)

June 6, 2009, by Tom Chandler 9 comments

It’s rare that I run a fishing report 2.5 days after the fact (usually I just give up and move on). Given that the fishing conditions are of interest to a portion of the Underground’s tiny sizable International audience, I’m putting in the extra hours. Don’t say I never did anything for you.

The by-now standard TU fish portrait.

Wednesday afternoon, I went fly fishing. Wally the Wonderdog – eyeing the waders and fly rods as they came out of the Man Cave – wormed his way out a barely-open sliding door, and took up residence right in front of the truck’s driver’s side door.

Point to the Wonderdog.

Heading to the river in the Brown Bomber (my centuries-old Bronco, which has deteriorated to the point the Wonderdog’s muddy paws actually improve the interior), I figured the fishing would be good.

And potentially great.

Every once in a while, you hit the Upper Sacramento when all the big fish are looking for the big dry fly, and while that happens only a couple years every decade, we fly fishermen basically live in an Statistically Unreal Parallel Universe of our Own Making.

You know: the fly fishing was drop-dead great five times out of 300 trips, so odds are it’ll be that way tonight.

At least that’s how the inner conversation goes.

Even if the fishing's only good, the wildflowers are out

The reality?

I had fun, but few big trout. Right now, we’re experiencing the kind of fly fishing where – if you really bear down and you have some game – you will tap into a few of the Upper Sac’s bigger trout.

Or you can tie on a big dry, shove the drooling family pet into the truck, and just fish along the river, enjoying the challenge of making good drifts.

If you’d done that Wednesday night, you’d have experienced double-digit numbers of trout eating your dry fly, with the biggest being only 12″ or so. That’s a good evening by almost any standard, but one or two big fish short of “notable.”

The Wonderdog, however, suffers from no such size issues, and every trout is to be celebrated (and sniffed, and potentially eaten).

In fact – ever since the episode where Wally lunched on a brown trout that apparently fell from the sky – I’ve learned a net is an essential part of any fly fishing trip that includes the Official Sausage-Shaped Mascot of the Trout Underground.

In one gripping action sequence, where I was slowly fishing my way up a run to the sole working trout, Wally the Wonderdog saw the splashy rises, and – grasping the fact that I might want to catch that trout – sprinted up the opposite bank, perched on a rock, and then dove into the river after the next rise.

He did not catch the trout.

Neither did I.

Only a second before his Leap Into The River

After his attempt to retrieve a trout. He doesn't seem sorry.

The Facts

Because I was tired and basically craved the big dry fly experience, I hauled out my 8′ Raine Upper Sac Special – a rod similar in action to my beloved 8′ Phillipsons, though just a bit stronger (this is the first, solid-built version – not the same as the hollowbuilts currently being built).

Because I live in the same statistically unreal parallel universe my readers do, I was hoping to land a couple of 14″-17″ Upper Sac rainbows, and wanted a rod capable of making it more “interesting” for the trout than it did for me.

The often-empty parking lot was overrun with cars (including someone in a black Ford Focus rental who parked me into a corner), though that was related to yet another train derailment, this one just above Cantara Loop.

Alert Underground Reader A.M. said the machine used to un-derail the train cars woke him up later that night, and while nothing was spilled into the river, it’s an excellent reminder the Upper Sacramento lives with something of a sword hanging over its head.

The Fishing Forecast

With two days of on-and-off rain falling between Wednesday and now, the Upper Sac’s flows have swelled a bit, though not beyond the fishable range.

Reports from others are somewhat spotty; a couple guides said the fishing was generally good, though not always easy.

One tattered rumor suggests a lucky local stumbled onto a very brief Green Drake hatch, though on this river that usually means fishing working the emerger instead of the dry (hint: bring your Green Drake cripples, just in case).

Shucks on an Upper Sac rock. Interesting...

Simply put, it’s not a bad time to be fly fishing the Upper Sacramento.

See you on the river, Tom Chandler

p.s. – On Friday, I fished the year’s first alpine meadow stream. Report coming Sunday (though no pictures – I forgot my camera)

Einstein Was Wrong: Fly Fishermen Know Everything Does Happen All At Once

May 26, 2009, by Tom Chandler 8 comments

I already live where other people vacation, so it doesn’t feel strange that I’d spend my long weekends at home, letting the weekend warriors have their day(s) on the water.

Adding one more hideously over-equipped body to the scrum isn’t likely to tip the scales from simple overcrowding to elbow-to-elbow fishing, but then, Steve Bertrand did take one of his weekend guide trips to Mossbrae Falls, which was overrun with tourists.

As he relates it, a half-dozen photographers were clicking away at a scene that’s so postcard-perfect every fly fishermen’s seen it a dozen times – even if they’ve never been to Northern California.

I’m always happy when the local tourist industry enjoys a banner weekend (which by all indications it was, suggesting people are vacationing as much, but traveling to exotic locations less), but that doesn’t mean I want to be a part of the crowd.

I did manage to sneak out and visit a nearby small stream where the fish are small and the “prime” water widely dispersed – a reality which guarantees the bare minimum of competition.

It went largely as expected; the water’s still a teensy bit too cold for the trout to abandon all caution, but a few small fish rose to eat my dry fly (and one large one I’d say was a stockie).

Sadly, my camera found a temporary home on the kitchen counter (waiting for the return of our pond-diving bear), so there are no pictures of this tiny stream – or the tiny, parr-marked trout that inhabit it. (Everybody loses when the cameras stay home.)

The Upper Sacramento River

Word has it the Upper Sac’s been fishing on the slow side of OK, though more than one hopeful sort suggested it’s getting ready to pop in the way you only find for a couple weeks in spring.

You know the drill: flows are down so the whole river’s fishable; the water’s warming and the bugs are getting serious about procreation; and with the bigger bugs starting to hatch, the bigger trout start to look up.

That kind of thinking focuses me on a few spots on the Upper Sacramento that I know hold big trout, but can’t be fished well with streamer or nymphs.

The big fish hidden there are really only vulnerable when they’re willing to slither out of their log jams to eat a big dry, and yes, we’re probably headed for one of those stretches soon.

Naturally, you’ll hear all about it here – but mostly after the fact. After all, I’m a writer, not a psychic (or a fool, though some have trouble telling the difference).

Time Exists So Everything Doesn’t Happen at Once

Einstein said “The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.” That might be true from a cosmological standpoint, but it’s a damned lie when it comes to fly fishing.

Everything does happen all at once when you’re a fly fisherman, and sorting out the possibilities is either a joyful exploration of potential, or a reminder that we’re all going to die long before we cram in enough fly fishing.

How you view it is your choice.

I’m starting another 1.5 weeks of a burdensome work schedule (anyone but a freelance writer might consider my schedule “normal”), and then my ability to make the best “it’s all happening right now” decisions will be tested – both by my clients and my willingness to drive farther than the eight minutes to the Upper Sacramento.

You could say I’ve got several destinations in mind, but that the savvy fly fishermen waits until the last minute to make those decisions, carefully piecing together the slices of fly fishing intelligence that comes his way.

The backcountry’s opening? The Salmonflies are a week late? Pink Alberts already? Green Drakes?? There are crowds here, but Stream X is empty?

That kind of thing.

I’ll let you know. And – assuming I remember my camera – bring you along for the ride.

See you on some river, Tom Chandler.

The Flowmometer: Upper Sacramento, McCloud Flow Falling

May 9, 2009, by Tom Chandler No comments yet

The Upper Sacramento River has fallen a sizable 500 cfs in 24 hours (down to 2600 now). It’s always a guessing game as to what will happen, but with the weather not warming much and most of the low-level snow gone, we could be looking at river-wide fishable flows next week.

The McCloud? The gauge is showing 1400 at the lake, which means the upper reaches could be fishable. It’s creeping downward (probably the tribs pumping less into the thing).

I’m fishing tomorrow, though the smart money could find Steve Bertrand and myself on a lake.

See you on a boat, Tom Chandler.

The Underground’s Opening Day Primer: Where to Fly Fish (and Eat) on the Upper Sacramento River

April 22, 2009, by Tom Chandler 4 comments

Nothing quickens the pulse of a fly fisherman more than a bikini post the approach of opening day, and with the traditional trout opener fast approaching here in California (Saturday), we’re excited.

While the Upper Sacramento River is open year-round, the day retains a lot of its former meaning to the fly fishermen and residents of the area. Don’t believe me? Read last year’s pre-opener post.

It’s as much about the promise as it is the reality, which often includes high water, storms, crowds, and reluctant trout not yet tempted to the surface by the bigger bugs of spring.

A winter trout that's presumably still in the Upper Sacramento for opening day.

Some anglers are heading up to fish the McCloud River (which really is opening) or one of the smaller streams (which I’m not going to talk about here). In short, there are a lot of choices. In this economy, will there be a lot of fly fishermen?

What can you expect if you do come?

The Fly Fishing Forecast

Like all forecasts, this one’s almost certainly wrong (no fly fishing trip plan survives first contact with the trout or your fishing buddies), but the Underground’s not afraid to make the tough calls for our readers.

Forecasts of stormy weather and snow storms have passed into oblivion, and while it’s expected to be cool (highs in the low 50s, chance of rain), the weather actually looks pretty good.

Big Bugs

Yes, there have been scattered reports of adult stoneflies (the prehistorically named Pteronarcys Californica) buzzing around the river, but are the trout on to them? Somebody knows, but they’re not telling us.

With the weather forecast running colder (it’s been 80+ degrees the last two days – near record highs), the stoneflies might not be much of a factor the coming weekend, but anyone who shows their face in the area without a few of the dries and nymphs in their box will be shot (yes, we’re legally allowed to do that up here).

Need to stock up? Head for the Underground’s Fave Wasting Time Hangout (the Ted Fay Fly Shop in thriving downtown Dunsmuir)

Big Water

It happens every year; the rivers sit empty – and wholly fishable – prior to the opener, and the week before the opener, the temperatures climb, sending enough snowmelt through the system to make the rivers no fun to fish.

Right now – with a couple days of high temperatures – the Upper Sacramento is running near 2400 cfs, and is off-color. With a couple of cooler days forecast (highs in the low 50s, below freezing at night, so bring warm stuff), the flows will likely fall.

Naturally, the downside is the colder it gets, the fewer stoneflies we see. Optimists suggest we could see some decent BWO hatches in the cool, cloudy conditions, but those are the same Pollyanna’s who still believe in the Easter Bunny (bring your BWO boxes just the same).

And yes, the snowpack is already seriously depleted, so while we’re not going to see a big blowout runoff period (well, probably not), we are going to suffer some seriously low water come late summer and fall – especially in the smaller streams not buffered by a lake (like the Upper Sacramento).

All in all, I’d happily take the runoff now, but when life gives you lemons, you make lemon tarts (because we like them better than lemonade).

Big Fun When You’re Not Fishing

I’m hardly Dunsmuir’s tourism coordinator, but I do realize the Undergrounders aren’t one-dimensional creatures with a singular focus on fly fishing.

Some of you are interested in sex and food too.

I can’t help with the former, but food’s a different matter, and here’s the Underground’s Quickie economic stimulus post for an economically depressed area fighting 18% unemployment Guide to Eating in Dunsmuir.

Fast Food

Want to eat and run? The Burger Barn (11:00 am to 7:00 pm) is an Underground Fave (south end of Dunsmuir’s “downtown” area, right next to the fire hall). I suggest the classic triple cheeseburger (check that health insurance first), or the very tasty “combo” sandwich (ham, turkey, roast beef).

You can also grab a Subway sandwich in the gas station just north of the Central Dunsmuir exit, and if you find yourself a couple exits south of town (Castle Crags), don’t overlook the “couch potato” burritos at Ammarati’s gas station (a runner up to the slaw dog as Fly Fishing’s Ultimate Fuel).

Slightly Less Fast Food

In this category, we got choices.

Underground Fave The Wild Thyme is a cool new shop we reviewed here. The descendant of the much-loved Gandy Dancer Cafe from years ago (regulars are licking their lips already), the Wild Thyme is open from 10:00 – 3:00, and if you don’t try the Jamaican Jerk or Cuban Steak sandwich, you’ll be shot (again, we’re legally empowered).

An Underground Fave, the Wild Thyme Cafe open 10:00-3:00 Thurs-Sat

Regulars in the area will also know about the Cornerstone Eatery (big lunches), and the Brown Trout Cafe (on Sacramento Ave) also ranks high, though more for snacks and breakfast than huge meals.

And yes, you’ve got other choices, but I’ve never actually eaten at a couple of them, and yes – this is a blatant Underground “favorites” list (so sue us).

Want Breakfast?

The Cornerstone, Brown Trout, the Hitching Post (just north of Central exit) are Dunsmuir’s breakfast spots, though Saturday’s early risers will have the option of eating at the volunteer fire department’s traditional Fishermen’s pancake breakfast/fundraiser (at the fire hall downtown).

The Pricey (but Tasty) Stuff

You want a really nice dinner? Seng Thong’s (right by city hall) and Cafe Maddelena (Sacramento Ave – across from the rail yard) both deliver in spades – though you’ll need to make reservations on opening weekend.

Otherwise, diners will be treated to the spectacle of your face pressed up against the glass, salivating over the great meals being served.

Seng Thongs is a justifiably famous Thai/Vietnamese restaurant (the two-doors down Blue Sky Room bar also feeds people right out of the same kitchen).

Cafe Maddelena’s serves really tasty Mediterranean fare, though dinner for two at either restaurant will likely spiral up towards the $75 range.

Conclusion? Great food, but make reservations.

Special Bar-B-Que Rib Event!

Uber-bamboo fly rod builder Chris Raine will barbecuing (the real slow-cooked stuff) his famous ribs on Saturday night (5:30-8:00) in front of the Brown Trout on Sacramento Avenue – a fundraiser to help repair the famous Dunsmuir fountain.

Special Bonus for the Undergrounders: Stop by, buy some ribs, and mention the the Trout Underground, and Raine will give you one of his $2000 bamboo fly rods right there on the spot for free. We are not making this up (yes, we certainly are making this up).

What’s the Underground Planning?

Last year I fished the Upper McCloud with now-famous brownliner Singlebarbed, and while I love that river, I won’t be repeating that experiment (too many people, too few trout).

Everything, it seems, depends on the flows, and yes – there might be a small stream in my future. As always, expect to hear about it afterwards (I’m trying to avoid the crowds of nubile young groupies who follow the Underground’s every public move).

See you on opening weekend, Tom Chandler.

The Rainy Day Fly Fishing Report (or, You’d Stay Almost As Dry Swimming)

March 23, 2009, by Tom Chandler 5 comments

Last Thursday I fished Lake Siskiyou from a float tube, finding myself in possession of a nice tan and relaxed attitude, but little else.

It was gorgeous and sunny and warm, and operating under the assumption that no time on the water is entirely wasted, I did walk away with some material for an essay on float tubes (plus the knowledge I picked the wrong place to fish, proving that while education is always enriching, it’s not always productive).

Saturday’s trip to the Upper Sacramento River delivered better – even though I got skunked again. In fact, it’s likely the pictures were the best part of the trip, though fishing with Wayne Eng is never boring.

The story? Rain. It rained steadily all day, and though rain rarely shows up well in photographs, you get a sense of the water falling by looking closely at the surface of the river:

Wayne Eng - not being made of Alka Seltzer - likes rainy day fly fishing just fine.

Keeping the trip interesting was the fact that Wayne’s an inveterate tinkerer, so his baseline is the stuff he knows will work, and once it does, it simply becomes a point of departure for trying newer (often weirder) things.

It also makes him the perfect guy to pound on a new rod & reel combo sent to the Underground for testing (more on that soon).

Flows on the river hovered over 2000 cfs, but the color was good, which means there were places we could fish and hope to do well, though your wading options definitely narrow when the flows go up.

The tributaries were pumping out a steady volume of water, which makes them look like bona-fide trout streams on their own, though flows plummet later in the year and they acquire the patina of streams filled with small fish – places that would offer great fishing if only they were fed by higher, wetter mountains.

Warning: Small tribs on the Upper Sac may appear larger than they are (in spring)

Fly fishing during those long, grey, rainy days can turn you into a prune, but to a photographer, the hyper-saturated blues and greens of the river are worth it.

Sadly, it appears that the Underground’s Best Photographic Friend on the majority of his fishing trips – my trusty, much-battered Pentax Optio W10 – maybe nearing the end of its photographic existence.

Apparently no longer waterproof, it’s also exhibiting some worrisome problems with the focus, and I get the impression I’m living on borrowed time (from a visual perspective).

The Fishing Report

The Upper Sacramento was running high, though not unfishably so (about 2200 cfs at the delta). While you can always hope for a BWO hatch on a wet day, Wayne and I saw nothing even remotely resembling a BWO, suggesting my prior thinking is probably right – the BWOs don’t last all winter. (I’d guess the hatches fall apart sometime in mid-February.)

The streamer pattern I threw looked great, but requires more testing before it’s unleashed on the universe.

In fact, I fished the streamer most of the day (with zero results), while Wayne managed to nymph up a pair of nice fish using the “test” rod/reel combo.

Both fish were nice but not in the “holy crap” class of trout you sometimes encounter in the winter, and yes – the Underground was there to capture the action of one of Wayne’s conquests with this stirring, Bullit-esque action sequence:

Drifting... drifting... wait for it...

Fly Fishing the Upper Sacramento when it's wet on both sides.

Hookup!

OK, maybe it’s not so stirring. Maybe it’s not exactly Steve McQueen in a Mustang. Maybe it’s not even an action sequence, but damnit – without multi-million dollar special effects, we’ve got limitations.

Still, the result wasn’t all bad – another pretty Upper Sac rainbow trout.

Not bad for two minute's work (assuming you ignore the hours that went before and after)

The final result? The fishing wasn’t great, but the testing sure was; the Undergrounders will soon see final reviews of the Patagonia soft shell and “sticky rubber” wading boots – both of which needed a little extra rainy day testing.

Even with all the waterproof gear available to us, you often walk away from a rainy day on the river sloshing like washing machine, which belies the mental clarity you gain when all the sounds (and sharp edges) around you are muted for a time.

See you on the river, Tom Chandler.

fly fishing, fishing, upper sac, upper sacramento river

The Upper Sac Blowing Out (or, Might as Well Because I’m Working)

March 2, 2009, by Tom Chandler 5 comments

It’s rained pretty much non-stop the last three days, and as the low-altitude snow disappears, the Upper Sac keeps growing bigger and meaner.

This happens every time a warm storm rolls into town during the winter, and while temperatures could drop enough to generate a little snow later in the week, it’s clear there isn’t any Upper Sacramento fly fishing in my immediate future.

Chris Raine called with news of a four-foot hydraulic “pillow” replacing a favorite bankside fishing spot on the river, and we’re hoping to lay our hands on his photo of a helgrammite attempting to flee the carnage with an ill-advised crossing of Dunsmuir’s River Road.

In true outdoor writer fashion, I could pretend at outrage, cursing the elements for violating my inalienable right to fly fish (I’m pretty sure it’s guaranteed by the UN), but in truth, we need the precip, and if it’s gotta happen, it might as well happen while I’m hard at work developing and teaching an Online Marketing Boot Camp for a local economic development organization.

Like many of you, I remain amazed at how often work responsibilities cut into my valuable spare time.

Barring a few billion bailout dollars coming my way, it looks as if that ugly trend will continue. Damn.

See you anywhere but the river, Tom Chandler.

Why Skiing, Fly Fishing and Photographing the Upper Sacramento is Better Than Murder

February 19, 2009, by Tom Chandler 10 comments

Going fly fishing in the middle of a workday is one of the reasons I abandoned the Silicon Valley and moved to the Upper Sacramento; running out for the afternoon BWO hatch is a lot easier when it’s not bookended by a five hour drive.

Sometimes, it’s not just a luxury – it’s a badly needed escape from what we euphemistically call the “pressures of everyday life,” and clearly it’s a universal concept; I just got off the phone with about-to-go-fishing Wayne Eng, who was also tired and sore from all last week’s snow removal.

Like me, he was wondering where all his fly fishing time had gone.

Apparently I need a lot of gear to put dust-sized pieces of lint in front of trout.

That’s why yesterday I found myself strapping on the skis and slogging to the Upper Sacramento River – too much work and snow removal makes Tommy a dull, boring (and potentially homicidal) boy (no, I’m not saying any more).

Skiers Only

The road to this section of the river isn’t plowed in winter, so I threw some skis in the car (along with Wally the Wonderdog, whose stubby legs aren’t exactly snow-friendly). The ski in was all downhill, but hardly the stuff of a Warren Miller epic.

The texture of the snow could be described as “mashed potatoes” and even going downhill was a slog (and no, “anticipation” wasn’t how I’d describe my feelings about the wet, uphill ski out).

Still, the river’s beautiful in the winter (based on the empty hotel rooms and restaurants, too few people know that).

Small bug, big sky, corn snow. (Click the image for a 1440 x 900 pixel version)

We arrived at a stretch of slow, technical water; while I pieced together my fly rod (an 8’3″ hollowbuilt 4wt – a 3pc for transport reasons),Â the Wonderdog began drinking his body weight in Upper Sacramento River water.

I’d love to relate the kind of steely eyed mountain man savvy it took to spot a trout, but in truth, a good one began sipping BWOs right in front of me. This was 1:00 in the afternoon, and while the BWO hatch wasn’t heavy, it was heavy enough to move at least one trout.

In what I’d later realize was a Gross Tactical Stupidity, I didn’t slip on my waders and wading boots. And yes, on the fourth drift, the trout ate something near my fly (at least where it would be if I could see it, which I couldn’t because of the glaring snow on the far bank).

I lifted the fly rod, and homicidal urges suddenly went away.

The closest I got to a photograph of my big, lost trout.

And yes, it was a big trout; after a couple of seconds of ponderous head-shaking, he rolled on the surface, and his big, broad tail caught the attention of the Wonderdog, who immediately swam out in a wet, cold, misguided attempt to retrieve the fish.

This isn’t one of Wally the Wonderdog’s most endearing traits, but I gave the trout a little line, the Wonderdog circled the “splash zone” once (the fish was well upstream by then), swam back all disappointed and confused, and all was well – until I tried to tail the trout, which is when the hook simply popped out, and he was gone.

An iced mayfly is moving slow enough to make this image a reality.

An iced mayfly moves slowly enough to make this image a reality.

I wanted to get a measurement, but after the initial caveman-want-food instinctive disappointment stuff went away, I was fine with the outcome.

He was at least 17″ (probably a good deal more than “at least”). That’s a good fish almost anywhere (especially on this river, especially on a #20 dry, especially in the middle of winter).

Even better, after I immersed my hand in the water retrieving a couple dozen pieces of .22 brass some slob had left behind, I was happy enough to only get wet once.

These dotted the snow; I don't know if the trout were on them.

In a nuts-and-bolts fly fishing report, that would be the extent of the story; I saw another fish rise once, but he didn’t respond to a dozen drifts, so I laid down the rod, skied up and down the river a bit, came back, took pictures of bugs in the snow, and around 3:15, started the inevitably painful uphill slog.

Forty sweaty minutes later – with Wally the Wonderdog already snoring away in the back seat – I was in the truck and heading home. Which was only ten minutes away. Did I mention why I moved up here?

See you on the (snowy) river, Tom Chandler.

Special Bonus Wally the Wonderdog Section for Kentucky Jim:

Wally the Wonderdog gives a raspberry to litterers.

Wally the Wonderdog blows a raspberry to litterers.

Wally the Wonderdog wonders why his human is slow damned slow.

We begin our egress (Wally knows from egress).

Next Year’s Fly Fishing Water Falling From Sky

February 15, 2009, by Tom Chandler 5 comments

After a long, long stretch of largely winter-free winter weather, the Trout Underground World Headquarters is experiencing winter weather in a very visceral way.

Yesterday at 6 PM, I cleared the snow off the Trout Underground/Man Cave’s back deck. Today – at precisely 11:00 am – I measured 19 inches of snow there. And the fluffy white stuff continues to fall.

Ahh, the pretty snow - until you've got to shovel it.

It’s next year’s trout water – and our parched state clearly needs the stuff – but it’s also an interesting lesson in microclimes.

As I write this, the CalTrans traffic cams near Yreka (30 minutes north on I5) are sending back images of a sunny, completely snow-free landscape.

Meanwhile, the Dunsmuir traffic cam shows snow on the ground, but nothing near what we’re experiencing.

In one sense, it’s a good illustration about why I can’t give clear answers when people email, tell me they’re going to fish the Upper Sac/McCloud/Pit River, and ask what the weather’s going to be like.

The short answer is I only know what it’s like here, which may or may not be anything what it’s like there. Tomorrow? Oy vey.

In the face of what amounts to a pretty heavy snowstorm, it’s clear my plans to ski into the river today are kaput; I’ll be home moving snow and (probably) working in the hopes I can sneak out during the week. And yes, this hardly signals the end of California’s drought, but we do desperately need the stuff, and I plan to move it into nice, neat piles, waiting for it to melt and make a lot of trout, salmon and steelhead very happy.

See you in the snow, Tom Chandler.

Finally, a Drizzly BWO Day Fly Fishing the Upper Sacramento River (So Where Were the BWOs?)

February 6, 2009, by Tom Chandler 12 comments

When you’re a kid, you wait all year for Christmas and summer, and when they finally arrive, you’re confronted by the fact they’re probably as good as they should be, but maybe never as great as you want them to be.

One of two for Chris Raine.

That applies in spades to this year’s winter fly fishing on the Upper Sacramento, where a long, long string of warm, sunny, non-BWO friendly days finally fell apart in yesterday’s rain, and Chris Raine and I headed for a stretch of dry fly water, hoping to score a good BWO hatch – the remnants of which might just still be holding on (it’s February after all).

The weather was good: the rain fell a little heavy at times, but it was wet enough to keep the olives on the water, and gray enough to make the trout feel safe enough to populate shallow feeding lies.

Sadly – in a clear example of personal responsibility fleeing the land – neither the BWOs nor the trout fully cooperated; in the long half mile stretch of water we could see, we found rising fish in… about 30′ of it. The hatch was light, and half-dozen fish we saw were only working intermittently.

If you think that’s a complaint, it’s not; we each had a shot at 2-3 working trout, and while Raine landed two and I netted one, the truth is only a massive whiner could expect more from the deeper recesses of winter.

Raine's first fish was gorgeous; light colored, big dark spots... (click image for bigger version)

Raine’s first trout was a very stocky 16″-17″; his second a more sedate 15″ trout. Mine came in shorter than both, though on the drive home, I maintained mine earned extra inches because he required a tougher drift. Raine, inexplicably, disagreed (clearly, I need some new friends).

The Gear Geekiness

Some bamboo fly rod users refuse to fish their cane rods in the rain (a practice which denies their existence as fly rods instead of museum pieces), but I love the practice. The varnish never seems so smooth, and the grain never quite so real as when it’s magnified by drops of water.

I love the look of bamboo fly rods in the rain; they smell like... varnish.

In honor of the fact I got a free sandwich out of the deal, I fished my Raine 8’3″ 4wt Hollowbuilt bamboo fly rod, which is about as perfect a rod as you can get for this sort of thing. Raine – who’s been building a lot more than he’s been fishing the last couple months – dragged along his prototype 8’3″ 5wt staggered ferrule hollowbuilt, a rod I covet, and not just because it’s amazing fishing tool.

It’s what I call a “builder’s rod” – a prototype where the cane for the butt section is flamed and striped, while the tip section is a mismatched, medium-toned cane.

At times I get tired of the relentlessly cosmetic obsessives that often populate the bamboo fly rod universe, and a “builder’s rod” makes a statement – this is a fly fishing rod, not some over-delicate, self-centered freak show attraction.

With feet as big as Raine's, you'd think he'd never stumble while wading.

With feet as big as Raine's, you gotta figure wading's easy.

I did fully intend to test the Patagonia soft shell under rainer conditions than past trips, but it rained steadily and hard for a while, so I opted to hide the soft shell under a very lightweight backpacking rain shell, and I think I still came out ahead in the bulk department over my stops-bullets full on wading jacket.

With a series of low-intensity storms on the way, there’s a chance for more weekend adventures.The river was just picking up a little color, but flows were good, and yes, the wily fly fisher strikes while the rain falls. It’s like Christmas, you know.

I’ll see you on the river, Tom Chandler.

The Upper Sacramento River Abstract (or, What Happens When I Don’t Catch Trout)

January 18, 2009, by Tom Chandler 4 comments

Something is always happening on a river, even if you never see a BWO or rising trout, or invest a couple hours fruitlessly stripping a streamer.

Moving water is a dynamic medium, and just like no two snowflakes are alike, I’d venture it never washes along the shores of the Upper Sacramento exactly the same way twice.

When the fish aren’t biting, these things occur to me, and I noticed the water right at my feet glinting bright gold. The overhead sky was reflecting blue onto the flatter water, but the low-on-the-horizon sunlight blasted the far shore, so any water rearing up even a little bit burned bright gold.

A few frames and a little contrast enhancement later, the Underground offers you close-up photographs of one man’s home river – abstracted blue and gold:

The Upper Sacramento River, Abstract 3