Our first real low pressure system and a little
precipitation for the north state last weekend have totally changed the
behavior of the trout at the lake. A sharp drop in water temperatures has the current
numbers at 54-58. Fish are scattered at all depths. Many are suspended in 16 to
22 feet of water, yet some can be found in 2 feet. Water clarity is much better
in the south and middle parts of the lake; the fading algae bloom is still
present in some areas of the north end. Not every day is producing yet, the
fall grab has stalled in my opinion, but conditions will only improve on a
weekly basis.
As of today, there are a few players to be challenged by in
the shallows, stealth and skill is absolutely key here. I’m seeing more fish
cruising in the upper water column later in the day 1 to 3 feet down in 6-12
feet of open water. Fan casting with a floater to 3x stripping a bigger bug,
with a callibaetis dropper has been very effective for this situation. Indicator
rigs keep on producing with vertical presentations 3- 6 feet down in 6-12 feet
of water as well. Fish are large and strong, with some on the hot side. They
like to take you into the weeds and try and break you off, so get on them early,
and stay in control. The trout’s feeding window is also changing, instead of
morning and evening, their pattern now adapts to an all-day event, with periods
of intensity.
Bug life has not been so grand with the adult and emerger
stages of the callibaetis mayfly, the spinner stage has been sparse too. From my observations there have been very few blood midges, though we could see another brood of them pop. In the
skinny water Kirby’s backswimmers are very active and the trout do eat them.
There has been a blanket hatch of a size 52 midge in a creamy gray in the mornings;
luckily the fish are not keyed in on them.
Go to stripping flies have been Wiggle Tails in brown, rust,
and dark olive #12-16. Sheep Creek Specials #12-14, and Mohair Leeches in
black, brown, and burnt orange #8-10. For indicators; heavy chironomids like
snow cones, and Mahalo midges in brown, wine, red, and purple #12-14 are
getting a lot of attention. Also hanging pheasant tail flash back callibaetis
nymphs #14-16 is a must right now. Carrying a few size 16 Adams parachutes is a
smart move as one never knows if a few bugs will pop up on the surface with
some interested trout nearby.
The seasons have changed and planned fishing trips can be
altered by snow, and other weather related factors when it comes to Lake Davis,
which sits at a 5,700 foot elevation. Be prepared and always dress for that
day’s weather. My October dates are booked up, but I do have some open dates
after November 10th. All of this greatly depends on ice up. With
snow on the ground the launching ramp becomes icy and sketchy. The boat is
retired for the season, and trips become walk and wade opportunities. Sometimes
we snowshoe into the buckets for those hardy enough endure the trek to
productive open water. We’ll have to wait and see what the weather will bring
for the future. Whatever it is, just run it, and enjoy the autumn adventure!
2 comments:
Excellent report Jon. So are the snails coming back??
Thanks Jay,
I saw many snails in early spring on the shore line, right now it's sparse. Overall the population is moderate, but nowhere near the record numbers of 15+ years ago. Snail type patterns are producing though....
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