The Third Annual "Spring Fling" started early this year - we had all been harassing one another via email for weeks, anticipating days of trout and nights of stars. So, when May 4th finally rolled into view, I was boiling with enthusiasm.
Kevin and I met Doug at Lower Bridge. It had been cool and windy, so the fishing was nothing to write home about and he had bagged it. We rolled to Kevin's place and hunkered down for the night, Doug walking us through his drive north along the east side of the Sierras and getting ready for the Lower D tomorrow.
The Lower D was slow - water levels looked good, but the fishing wasn't spectacular. River traffic was surprisingly slow for a Saturday, with only a few other boats to contend with. Stangland and Grassy Camp were full of overnighters but below the camps the river was empty.
Dave had busted out of his house early and made it to Kevin's around 10:30, and we rallied and headed down for an afternoon of dry fly fishing. We were greeted to a surprise when we noticed the salmonflies were thick and the trout were keying in on them, eagerly slamming the big bugs off the surface.
I coaxed a couple of nice brownies to hand with a foam stimulator, one around 18", and lost another just shy of that. All in all, a great afternoon and a real treat with the big bugs being out.
Our posse was complete Sunday afternoon, as Paul arrived earlier then expected and we whittled the afternoon playing horseshoes and kicking back.
Monday was back to the Lower D, floating Warm Springs to Trout Creek. The river continued to drop and the fishing really picked up in the afternoon.
The fish of the day was a real Houdini - Paul hooked him at Rebar, and after several leaps and jumps, wrestled him to hand. Of course, just as he was preparing for the hero shot, the fish slipped away and left Paul empty handed. Easy come, easy go...
After a long day on the water, we kicked back and enjoyed another lazy day throwing dries. The salmonflies had begun to wane, but the goldens had picked up and the fish were still keying in on them. There were also caddis and mahogany duns, so I was able to fool several decent rainbows during the Parachute Adams hatch.
Wednesday was the reality check - we drifted Warm Springs to Trout Creek again, the third time in 5 days, but went our separate ways on the river. Doug and Dave hung back, as both were staying through Thursday, but Paul, Kevin and I got off the water early for the long drive over the hill.
For three years in a row, we've been able to coordinate a trip in the first half of the year. Looking forward to the 4th!
Kevin and I met Doug at Lower Bridge. It had been cool and windy, so the fishing was nothing to write home about and he had bagged it. We rolled to Kevin's place and hunkered down for the night, Doug walking us through his drive north along the east side of the Sierras and getting ready for the Lower D tomorrow.
The Lower D was slow - water levels looked good, but the fishing wasn't spectacular. River traffic was surprisingly slow for a Saturday, with only a few other boats to contend with. Stangland and Grassy Camp were full of overnighters but below the camps the river was empty.
Dave had busted out of his house early and made it to Kevin's around 10:30, and we rallied and headed down for an afternoon of dry fly fishing. We were greeted to a surprise when we noticed the salmonflies were thick and the trout were keying in on them, eagerly slamming the big bugs off the surface.
I coaxed a couple of nice brownies to hand with a foam stimulator, one around 18", and lost another just shy of that. All in all, a great afternoon and a real treat with the big bugs being out.
Our posse was complete Sunday afternoon, as Paul arrived earlier then expected and we whittled the afternoon playing horseshoes and kicking back.
Monday was back to the Lower D, floating Warm Springs to Trout Creek. The river continued to drop and the fishing really picked up in the afternoon.
The fish of the day was a real Houdini - Paul hooked him at Rebar, and after several leaps and jumps, wrestled him to hand. Of course, just as he was preparing for the hero shot, the fish slipped away and left Paul empty handed. Easy come, easy go...
After a long day on the water, we kicked back and enjoyed another lazy day throwing dries. The salmonflies had begun to wane, but the goldens had picked up and the fish were still keying in on them. There were also caddis and mahogany duns, so I was able to fool several decent rainbows during the Parachute Adams hatch.
Wednesday was the reality check - we drifted Warm Springs to Trout Creek again, the third time in 5 days, but went our separate ways on the river. Doug and Dave hung back, as both were staying through Thursday, but Paul, Kevin and I got off the water early for the long drive over the hill.
For three years in a row, we've been able to coordinate a trip in the first half of the year. Looking forward to the 4th!