Lake Davis 5-13-10

Got out on the lake with new client Adam and his uncle Mark yesterday for a laughter filled day in the boat.It was Marks' first day fly fishing and by the end of the trip he was casting well and he even got to tangle with a fish!Unfortunately the fish broke him off after a short battle.Adam lost his only hooked fish shortly after the hookset.Each angler had multiple opportunities as fish were taking a #14 bead head PT under a bobber,but getting the fish hooked was challenging on this day.Next time will be better I am sure.All in all it was a great day!As far as wildlife goes,we saw ospreys,a bald eagle,canadian geese,pelicans and lots of other birds.

Water temps were 54 degrees and there were a good amount of blood midges hatching.The lake is way up from last year and it seems as though it will stay higher longer than last year.

Come on up!Let's fish!!

Wind and Rain

Another powerful storm is plowing into the Northern Sierra's this morning with very strong winds and heavy rain.We need the rain but I could do without the wind!

The general trout season opened on Saturday,but due to some familial issues I was unable to fish.My thoughts on this coming season are that the streams and rivers will fish well into late summer before succumbing to warm and low water conditions.Runoff is starting in earnest and will take the rivers out of shape for at least 2-3 weeks.I am looking forward to the Grey Drake hatch on the streams here in the Sierra Valley and the blood midge hatch on Lake Davis.

As of this writing the ice has come off of Davis and it is fishing pretty well for false spawners in the inlets,if that is your game.Fish are also being found along the eastern shore.Small buggers,sheeps creeks,wiggle tails and green hornets are producing fish.Midges and PT's under an indicator are also producing quality fish in the 16-18" range.Lake levels are fairly low as of today but that will change as snowmelt fills the lake.

The Lakes Basin is covered in a thick blanket of snow and will be a while before the lakes are accessible for fly fishers.The Middle Fork of the Feather is high and cold but fish can be found in the upper reaches above Portola.As the water warms with the weather look for carp tailing in the shallows or sucking bugs near the weedbeds.Largemouth bass will be eating poppers on the surface and other large offerings in the weeds near the lilly pads.

I am looking forward to warmer weather and great fishing!See you all on the water!!