Jon Baiocchi Fly Fishing News

Mendocino-Tahoe Conservancy Memorial Benefit

2012-02-07T16:06:00.000-08:00

A birthday celebration in memory of conservation pioneer John Olmsted will be held March 2nd at St. Joseph’s Cultural Center in Grass Valley.

Organized by, and a benefit for the Mendocino-Tahoe Conservancy who is continuing John’s mission of protecting wildlands and creating trails. Performers will include a host of wonderful local entertainers including funky dance band, Power of Twelve. Other entertainment will include poetry readings by Molly Fisk and Maxima Kahn, a juggling comedy show with Locomotion Circus, harp and songs by Tynowyn & Rossignol, and a slide show featuring a hiking adventure along the Olmsted Cross California Trail and performance of songs by Riparia, written on the trail and inspired by its natural beauty. Purchase tickets and learn more about the Mendocino-Tahoe Conservancy at http://www.mendotahoe.org/events.html.

Please join us and enjoy a fun filled evening that supports many trails to your favorite trout filled rivers and lakes in Northern California!

Learning The Rhythms Of The Lower Yuba

2012-01-29T10:01:00.000-08:00

For years I had heard about the Lower Yuba, the hatches, and the big water. Now that my new home is a mere 20 minutes from this tail water I’ve began to dissect it, and absorb every good amount of info like a sun baked sponge in a pail of water. It’s nice to have some help along away, and it’s comforting to be able to fish with my old crew again, guys I’ve known for over 25 years – Family.

The Kid and Bacon putting on a show for the boats.

For a river that has been abused from man and his naive mining practices since day one, and high run off that strips away every macroinvetrebrate from its home, I’m amazed at the bug life. I saw BWO’s, PMD’s, Gray Drakes, and Skwala stoneflies. The fish were on them!

For those of you that are mystified about finding the Skwala look no further. If one simply starts flipping over rocks next to shore on dry land and 20 feet out from it, you’ll find them. If your lucky you’ll find an orgy – This is their greet, meet, and get busy single’s bar.

The fish here are so beautiful, perfect trout and so strong!

I’ve only fished the river three times now but I’ve been successful in my quest. Some things that may help you in the future will be to dissect the river into small manageable sections – Study the water before casting. These fish are very wary, being stealthy and not beating up the water is another key component. Be confident in the rig you are fishing, I just played the Skwala dry game but with every cast I believed that a trout would rise – And they did. Present your fly close to shore at first, then fish the big water. I had players from both kinds of water. Crowds – Drive, walk, or float away from the masses. I never had a problem with other anglers, or boats, in fact two of the boats I saw were friends of mine which is good to see.

It looks like the “honey do” list will not be getting checked off like it has in the past, I think it’s time my honey makes an appearance to appreciate the bugs and see the magic show. What an interesting river, I wish you all the best of luck and hope you can find her rhythms.

Upcoming Presentations!

2012-01-14T09:50:00.000-08:00

I have two speaking engagements in the next month featuring my bold power point presentation on "Fly Fishing Lake Davis & Frenchman's Reservoir". On January 25th I will be at Deep Creek Fly Fishers ( http://www.deepcreekflyfishers.org/) in Riverside, Ca. Then February 16th I will share the knowledge at Peninsula Fly Fishers ( http://www.peninsulaflyfishers.org/). If your in the neighborhood please stop by and get great information on these two fine still waters nestled in Eastern Plumas County. Hope to see you there!

UPDATE:  February 9th, at the Napa Valley Fly Fishers Club. http://www.napavalleyflyfishers.org/

                    May 9th Grizzly Peak Fly Fishers Club. http://www.grizzlypeakflyfishers.org/

The Angry Trout

2011-12-28T20:52:00.000-08:00

I'm back from my last trip to Eagle Lake for 2011, normally I fish the closure on December 31st but this year I can't make it. The Eagle Laker's behavior this fall/winter has been strange, not many rise forms in the skinny water and most the time they sit on the first ledge waiting to come in and feed. In fact my colleagues and I are wondering just what the hell is going on. My first inclination is that we have had a high pressure dominating the atmosphere, very little rain, and an east wind most of the time for months. There is plenty of food in the shallows and the scuds have come back after some bleak years due to the lake's falling water level. When the trout have come in to feed in the shallows it is only for a short time. Some days have been good, and some not. My best day was last Tuesday the 27th, 10 fish hooked, 9 landed - The morning bite that day was great! Many of the fish I caught were quite large this late season, so clean and beautiful. I like to think of them as fresh water tunas!

The Eagle Lake rainbow in an angry trout. When they see your fly there is no hesitation on their part, they want it, they grab it and you've got a hook up. Lake Davis fish can get picky and shy but not the Eagle Laker. If your fishing Eagle Lake and are not getting hook ups, it's a sure bet that the fish are not there. If they are there you will get hook ups, bumps, and takes. My advice is to move to another spot if no action takes place in 20 minutes of fishing. When fighting an Eagle Laker you've got your hands full, angry pissed offed trout do not come in easily!

These trout are angry because the powers that be are draining the lake for a handful of cattle ranchers. It's hard to imagine that any government agency would let this happen to a special species of trout that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. 1.5 million gallons? Are you kidding me? I smell a big pile of BS! For more information on the Bly Tunnel and how you can get involved please visit Val Aubrey's site; http://eaglelakefishing.net/index.php After a very cold late season I'm looking forward to t-shirt weather in the late spring and rise forms at my feet!

Saying Goodbye To My Best Friend

2011-12-14T11:23:00.000-08:00

They say all good things must come to an end, but when it happens in a blink of an eye you gasp for breath trembling, and find yourself asking "What the hell just happened"? My trout dog Madison, a pure bred Australian cattle dog, redefined the definition of a fishing buddy. This post is a tribute to his life and the good times we had.

My friend turned me on to the ACD breed in the mid 90's, he had owned several dogs and after spending some time with his current dog Ivan I said to myself "I gotta get one of these"! I wanted a female to mate with Ivan but when I showed up at the Becka Ranch in Corning, Ca the owners pointed over to Big Blue, as they called him. There he was all alone and even at 6 weeks he was the dominate male of the litter. I paid $80 for him and headed for home what would be the start of a journey between man, dog, and trout.

At 4 months he was growing like a weed and pushing the envelope, like falling out of the boat while trolling and not coming up for over 10 seconds - Which seemed like an eternity to me! He then one upped himself by falling out of the truck passenger window weeks later at a slow speed, and walking away wagging his nub of a tail. The toughness of a ACD is remarkable, They only know to put out 110%!

I began taking Madi on fishing trips when he was 6 months old, showing him the life style of camping out and enjoying the flora and fauna. The ACD is known not to like water but this dog adapted to the game of fly fishing for trout and became a water dog. He knew the game that I was playing, trying to catch a wild animal. Having the Australian Dingo in him he was a hunter, and very smart. Queensland Heelers have the brain capacity of a 6 year old human child, and they know it! He knew when I was tying flies at the bench it was for the trout. I'd call out the name of the pattern and the location it was intended to be used at and his legendary bark would ignite, deafening the room.

This was his favorite corner high up on my deck at the Mohawk Vista property. He was the ultimate watch dog, nothing got past him. His sniffer was so good he could smell the bear coming miles away and sound the alarm. Sure enough 20 minutes later the bear would show up looking to raid the trash cans. He treed 3 bears in his lifetime, one of which he chased down and bit the ass of. He knew dozens of words and their meanings when it came to animals; bear, deer, coyote, bird, lizard, bug, bee, and on and on.

His true love in life though was to be my shadow where ever I went, which most often was on a river or lake. Fishing was a way for us to spend quality time together and an excuse to find adventure. He traveled to many places with me including his name sake "The Madison River" in Montana.

The East Walker River, Nevada.

Mills Peak lookout, Ca

Lake Davis, Ca - His home turf.

Madison loved boats more than anything, he would lean off the bow and let the wind whip over him, sniffing and searching...

Or go fishing with Grandpa and kick back.

He also loved motorcycles of all kinds, and would get so revved up when I would twist the throttle. I took him and my dad to a race at Honey Lake. He is so smart and observant he would follow my pace around the track and as I came ripping by he would let out a string of barks, then resume watching me make another lap. If he had thumbs he would have been out there too.

Madison did more in the last ten years than most people do in their entire life, and that makes me at peace with this great loss in my life. He was spoiled, had the best of everything, and was loved by many humans. Up until the end he was in great shape and blazing down the trail full of piss and vinegar. On 12/5 we learned that Madi had cancer of the spleen and it had spread to his heart and lungs. His vet did not think he was going to make it through the night but I wanted to spend one more night sleeping next to him. After more tests it was confirmed that it would be a painful death and not wanting Madison to suffer anymore, we had him put to sleep. I'm sure he's some where in the spirit world chasing a squirrel or stalking trout, and thinking of me. God speed Madi boy - I'll never forget!

Madison Baiocchi 6/22/2001 to 12/6/2011

Eagle Lake Report - The Wrath of Freezing Fog!

2011-12-11T20:48:00.001-08:00

First off the straight scoop. After a slow November the trend has creeped into December. With not very many fish actively working the shallows, bank fishing has been slow. Water temps are running 34.5 to 40 degrees. Fish that have been caught have been perfect specimens running 2.5-4 pounds. Not many chubs around but stomach contents revealed scuds. Effective flies were brown/olive scuds #12, and Jay Fair wiggle tails in dark fiery cinnamon. The trout are really battling hard and I suggest using 3x tippet, 2x if your are stripping a chub. Air temps are running around 15 degrees to high 30's / low 40's, expect freezing fog in the mornings - Any amount of wind will only make it colder. Bank fishing should pick up once the full moon phase passes. There is a new ramp on the west side of the south marina just past the general store and the breaker wall. There is no dock, and it's prone to wind but it drops off quickly into deep water.

On Thursday we fished late from 12-3pm. Right away I had two fish. The wind was right in our face but that's why a 7wt is the rod of choice here. Tony hooked one and we kept casting but never got another bump.

EAGLE LAKE CHROME.

DOG FIGHT!

Friday morning brought the dreaded death fog - It's beyond cold. Even the smallest of fire can bring relief.

We burned what we could find but the rocky points don't have much, a dead duck gave the fire a little fat to juice it up a bit. I'm bringing out some oak and pitch wood next time!

STRIPPING FLIES COATED IN DEATH FOG.

Once the fog starts lifting and the sun pierces through the cold you can instantly feel the warmth, and the ice in your guides begin to soften. This makes so happy!

Saturday brought the same conditions as Friday but with no wind. It was perfect conditions for large rainbows to come in and sip in the skinny water, but only a few showed themselves.

These are the remains of a native American fish camp. Back in the day the natives would build rock circles about three feet high, then lay pine branches over the top much like a tee pee for shelter. The pile of rocks in the lower center of the picture is the oven they used to cook meals. The history of this lake is just as amazing as the fishing there.

The best news from the whole trip was that the scuds have increased their populations in the shallows! Many areas were infested with scuds. I'm heading back up next Friday so I'll let you all know how it goes this time around. I know one thing...It's gonna be cold!

Baiocchi's Troutfitters Swag Now Available!

2011-12-02T20:38:00.001-08:00

My new store is now open! You can purchase hoodies, t-shirts, hats, stainless steel water bottles, coffee mugs, and stickers with my logo. Fly our colors the next time you go fishing!. Click on the link and check it out! http://www.cafepress.com/baiocchistroutfitters

Eagle Lake Fishing Report

2011-11-18T13:14:00.001-08:00

I spent a few days up at the pond to celebrate my 46th birthday, do some scouting, and fish. Tuesday and Wed. the weather was very nice and sunny, and the nights not too cold. We fished the south basin and had T's boat to use as a high speed taxi to jump from shoal to shoal. Water temps ran from 44 degrees in the morning warming to 50 by mid day.

5AM - Wader up, coffee made, rods rigged. One cold boat ride coming up!

Fog greeted us once it got light, there is no two ways about it - The fog sucks. It's cold and it gives one the sense of vertigo, your balance is off, and it is hard to see rising fish. A few fish came in for about a half hour and then they were gone though we did get a few taps and LDR's.

About 10:30am the fog began to break and our friend the sun was so much appreciated! We fished about several areas but the fish never came into the shallows. We marked a ton of fish hangin out on the first ledge 12-20 feet down. The game we like to fish is when the trout come into the skinny water and show themselves, But an angler in a tube or boat can have a good shot at these deeper fish using an indicator or a good sinking line.

Snow geese were really on the move for the central valley, they were flying day and night. We estimated about 3- 4 thousand birds flying over Eagle Lake in a 24 hour period.

There is nothing like having a good trout dog in the crew, the ever observant Lyle looking for sippers.

We had a good simple camp...

The boat was right there ready to go at O Dark thirty...

And the fire was blazing and kickin out heat. When you camp at Eagle Lake bring more wood than you think you need - Once that sun goes away it's cold!

Thursday brought a powerful fast approaching cold front and big wind right out of the chute at O Dark. This was not a camera day. We fished the Circus Grounds and T had one on until it spit the hook. We then fished another shoal by Slough Point, the wind was pushing chub minnows up against rock spines leaving them disorientated and the fish took full advantage of this. In the next hour and a half I hooked 6 landing three on the Jay Fair "Searching" fly (see above) in brown with copper flash and the chub minnow version, with a white tail, pearl body, and a olive wing with a few strands of pearl krystal flash. The wind became stronger and we could have still fished but we were looking at a rodeo of a boat ride back to camp. By the time we were packed up and done shuttling it was raining lightly to a heavy mist with big black angry clouds to the west. This storm is much needed to put the fear of winter into these trout and get them in the shallows for good. I'll be back up in a week and I really can't wait to fish my favorite still water!

Enjoy the radiant heat of pitchwood

Featured Guide in Fly Fishing & Tying Journal

2011-11-18T10:43:00.001-08:00

I'm proud to announce I've been featured in Fly Fishing & Tying Journal magazine in their "Guide Profile" column. It's a short interview that reveals my favorite flies, favorite destinations, and a little bit about myself. I'm very honored to be included in such a fine publication! Though the article is not available on line, you can find it at most fly shops. Special thanks to Dave Kilhefner of FF&T magazine for making this happen. You can treat yourself to a subscription by following this link; http://www.amatobooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=FTJ-MAG&Category_Code=MAGAZINE_SUBSF

My New Home

2011-11-13T15:32:00.001-08:00

After care taking for my dad for 14 years I've relocated him to the Napa Valley, and now that I'm free I've made up my mind to live at a lower elevation during the cold winter months. Ever since high school I've chased the storms around the world in search of powder. In fact I have devoted 32 years of my life to snowboarding, 10 of those being a top professional. I'm done with owning a home at 5,000 ft. All the plowing, the blowing, and the shoveling can suck hind tit for all I care!

I now call Nevada City my home and things are good. I've got my sweet heart, my heeler by my side, and a good solid house. There's something strange here, there are actual services! Anything I want can be found here and I don't have to go to Reno or Quincy! There is water to fish, and Donner Summit is 40 minutes away to get my pow fix. I'll still be guiding in Plumas, Lassen, and Sierra counties from May until the rivers close and the lakes ice up - When you have spent hundreds upon hundreds of days on water you know, walking away just can't be done during fishing season. Nope, you just look to the future and hope for the best.......

Sight Fishing Season Is Open At Lake Davis!

2011-10-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

The fishing at Lake Davis is getting ready to peak, and with this cherry weather we've been having it does not get any better! It's so good that in the last week the fish are foraging in ankle deep water as they hunt the shoreline for an unlucky crawdad. You can actually "see" the fish move right in front of you, and your fly has got to hit on the head as their vision is so short and narrow in 6" of water. Keys to successful sight fishing is keeping the sun at your back, staying low, and as little movement as possible. The fall sun is so productive for this kind of fishing, it is lower in the sky and illuminates the side of the fish like a neon sign.

Quiet coves like this one above have been the most productive, it pays to watch the shoreline closely for rising fish. The trout are now getting active in the middle of the day, I saw my first riser at 10:30am. I C&R 5 trout today, and 4 of them were sight fished to - To see the take 10 feet in front of you is such a rush!

The color of the fish this fall are the best I've seen in a number of years! Today they liked the Sheep Creek special in a #10.

I love driving up to the lake in fall and being greeted by this old growth stand of aspens. The glow they radiate is awesome. The leaves are starting to fall and these colors will be gone soon - Get it while you can!

Another rare find on the banks of Grizzly Creek, a beautiful little member of the harebell family, called Calico Flower, or Downingia.

Lake Davis Fishing Report - Big Changes!

2011-10-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

I went up to the lake yesterday to check conditions after last weeks snow storm, I was greeted by 26 degree temps and freezing fog on the water. The roads are fine and all the snow is gone. I fished Cow south and got to my favorite point. Water temps at 8:30am were 50.3 degrees rising to 55.6 by 1pm. No bug activity, and very few risers. The pods of rainbows I had been fishing to using the dry, are gone. Fished a Sheep Creek special in a size 10 for an hour and not a bump.

Madison soaked in the warmth of the sun but was not pleased by my lack of catching. He reminded me that after the first rain the fish smell that new sweet water and like to gang up in the north end of the lake - We were gone!

I did more scouting today than fishing, and the fish are on the move after the storm. I C&R 4 rainbows in 25 minutes on the Sheep Creek special. fish ranged from 16-17 inches and were clean - No parasites. Give the fish a week or so to adapt to the new water temps and the fishing will only improve. I was going to fish today but this surprise rain storm halted my trip, but there are many days left to get out there and touch a few fish.

Lake Davis News Flash! The Fall Bite Is On!

2011-09-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

After getting two good reports from my friend Pete, I headed up to the lake to find out for myself. It's been a while since I've taken my heeler Madison up for some fun. He loves this lake more than anything else (except beef), so without him knowing I loaded the truck up and we were gone. After the first cattle guard crossing he knew all to damn well where we were going! I fished the Cow Creek area and there was not a soul in sight, bliss silence, and not a puff of wind - Complete glass. I just walked the bank and looked for risers, and there was plenty of targets. The rainbows would be in pods and singles just cruising around in 3-8 feet of water down the shoreline. The surface water temps at 10am were 61.2 and by noon were at 65.5. Calibaetis mayflies #16 were present in both duns and spinners. Blood midge #14 were hatching as was a #18 tan midge.

I fished the dry today, a #14 blood midge emerger that floats well, yet sits flush in the film. I hooked 6 fish, and missed 2. It was fun fishing today, working to a single fish until you got a take. All my fish were clean today with lots of color ranging from 16-19". They are red hot torpedo's when hooked, blistering runs like days of old! I'm finding cleaner fish in the skinny water and fish with parasites out in deeper open water - ? From here on out till the lake ices over there will be some incredible fishing! Look for the peak to be around the last week of Oct. I hope many of you can get out and take advantage of the fall fishing here at Lake Davis - It's special.

Middle Fork Feather River Report

2011-09-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of guiding Jack and Rich, high school buddies who are now retired and love to fish. Our original plan was to fish the Camp Layman area but as I crossed the bridge I was shocked to see coffee colored water! The insane thunderstorms last evening must have caused a land slide in the Jamison creek watershed as the water was clear above the confluence. So we drove back to Graeagle and just fished in town. There was a good BWO spinerfall, tons of midge, and a few caddis thrown in the mix. No sign of the Isonychia mayfly yet. Water temps ran 60 - 62.5 degrees from 9am to 1:30pm. With lower water temps the fishing has improved drastically with many rising trout in all types of water.

Jack with a nice MF Cuttbow, yes that's right, a hybrid Rainbow/Cutthroat trout! This is the first one I have ever seen here on this river. Effective flies today were BWO egg laying soft hackle #16, bead head PT flashback #16, and club sandwich hoppers #8 in tan and grey. The fish are really keyed in on the hoppers right now, we saw plenty of aggressive takes!

This was a rare find, the velvety stickseed wild flower. So minute your average bear would just walk on by, but up close they show you their glory. Fall is gaining strength here in the Sierras, and for the fly angler it is the best time of year. Enjoy!

Tying The Loop Wing BWO Dry Fly

2011-09-11T08:20:00.000-07:00

Scientific Names for the BWO include; Family Baetidae, genera Baetis, Diphetor, Acentrella, Plauditus; Family Ephemerellidae, genus Attenella. Common Names: Blue-winged olive, tiny olive, BWO, and pseudo cleon. These tiny mayflies are rarely absent from the river. Fishable hatches can begin as early as February and continue through June, then start up again in September and last until really cold weather sets in. This year because of our unusual spring and summer I saw hatches all season long here on the MFFR.

Nymphs live in almost all types of running water, but slow to moderate runs hold the largest populations. Nymphs have a habit of purposefully drifting short distances in the current to find a new home (behavioral drift); sunrise and sunset are the prime times for this activity. In the far West, the best hatches occur on overcast or drizzly days. While slow runs can be good places to fish, some of the best fishing is in back eddies, where little duns are helpless caught in the swirling waters and sticky foam.

Emerger patterns are especially useful during the hatch. When fishing a massive hatch, you might try a dun or cripple pattern that is slightly darker or of different size than the natural. Spinner falls are important, so you should always carry a few patterns during the blue-winged olive season. Some spinners actually swim or crawl below the water to lay their eggs, so swinging sub-surface soft hackles is a smart choice. The BWO is your friend no matter how small the hatch is!

A few notes when tying this fly. Place a very small ball of dubbing before you tie in the tails, this will allow them to "perk up". Keep the body slender and dub with tight wraps. For the wing, form it by twisting it slightly and tie it in like a parachute wing. Then take your bodkin and pull the loop into the correct size and shape - then tie off with tighter wraps. A very small drop of glue at the base of the wing after the hackle is tied in makes it bomb proof.

RECIPE:

Hook: Tiemco 101 #16-22.
Thread: Olive 8/0 uni thread.
Tail: Two micro fibbets in olive.
Body: Super fine olive or brown/olive dubbing.
Wing: Dun colored Z-lon.
Hackle: Grizzly, wrapped parachute style.

Middle Fork Feather River Report

2011-08-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

The MFFR is fishing well but the river is in it's Summer time flows, water temps are in the low 60's in the morning and nearing 70 degrees in the heat of the day. Fishing early in the morning and late in the evening is your best bet. Also find shady areas of the river, and fish below feeder creeks that are still providing cold water. Many fish can be found on the bottom of deep holes keeping cool as well. There is a decent blue wing olive spinner fall in the am and swinging egg laying adult soft hackles in the riffles has been very productive. In the evening you can expect caddis in sizes 12-18, and there is a good hatch of pale evening duns size 12.

Steve from Danville, CA enjoyed a secluded part of the Middle Fork this past Saturday, he was all smiles watching his son Eric get into a few. All types of rigs are working now, swinging, high stick nymphing, dry flies, and a hopper with a dropper. Small flies are producing better than the bigger patterns. The hoppers are out and the fish are just starting to key in on them, and don't forget about ant patterns! In the coming months we have two special hatches to look forward to the Isonychia mayfly, and the Oct. Caddis. Look for a creekin report later this week and best of luck to you out there!

The "Blazing Star" wildflower on the banks of the MFFR.

"What?" "You didn't bring your fly rod!"

2011-08-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

That was the response from a few friends when I told them I went to the North Yuba River and the Lakes Basin area without bringing any fishing gear. I've been guiding and fishing so much that sometimes I need to get away spend some quality time with my sweetie the biologist. I have so much fun with her identifying bugs, flowers, trees, and so much more.

By not fishing and seeing all this juicy water around me I get the "stoke" back, salivating like a rabid dog looking to kill. The North Yuba is a real gem and if you have never fished it - Just do it!

I've visited many mountain ranges in North America but the Sierras are some of my favorites with their sharp sawtooth silhouettes. The Sierra Buttes are breath taking and oh so beautiful!

As I get older I've come to appreciate the finer things in life, like wildflowers. Each one is so unique requiring different habitats, soils, and the right amount of sunlight. With all the water we had over last winter and spring there is still so many flowers to see.

If you have never been to the Mills Peak Lookout it's a must do! The view is out of this world. From the tower one can see Mt. Lassen, Graeagle, Mohawk Valley, the Sierra Valley, the Sierra Buttes, the Nevada border peaks, and Gold Lake just to name a few landmarks. Located off the Gold Lake highway it is a 3 mile drive up a good gravel road to the summit, and while your in the area check out the "Red Fir nature trail" - A very impressive old growth stand of "Snow Trees".

"Yep, I didn't bring my rod, but I had so much fun just being out there in the thick of it!"

Pro Guide Direct

2011-08-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

I am sharing this gear list with you as it has products that I recommend and you might find useful and fun to have on your future trips. Having lived and fished in the Northern California area for the last 38 years, I feel very confident in these products and I know you will, too.

http://gearlist.proguidedirect.com/RegistryDisplay.cfm?cid=602&id=16142

I also want you to know that Pro Guide Direct helps support me by giving back a percentage of every sale to my business. By purchasing products through Pro Guide Direct you are helping support my guide service, so that I can continue to guide you, your friends and family, and keeping the dream alive. Thank you for your support!

If you have any questions please let me know baiocchistroutfitters@yahoo.com. I look forward to sharing some quality time with you on the water!

Jon Baiocchi.

Where Magic Lives

2011-08-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

As you approach your favorite cove on a special stillwater time stops. Your the only person there, nobody on shore, and no other boats on the horizon. The lake has turned to glass and as the evening fades colors of light shine like a mirror back at you. The hatches have started, blood midge, caddis, and the white winged sulfur mayflies. Pods of rainbows are beginning to rise now. There are so many fish you don't even know where to cast. The bugs become thicker, in your eyes, nose, and mouth. The only sounds are the hum of wings, and splashy rises from fish taking emergers. Now the fish are rising right next to the boat completely oblivious to you. They could care less. You've hooked several rainbows on the dry fly and keep casting until it's so dark, you can't see the fly anymore. The moon rises above the mountains, glowing, and as you look around still hearing the fish rise you say to yourself, "This is where magic lives..."

Website Updated!

2011-08-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

I've updated my website and added a few special pages that offer even more services to the fly fishing community: http://www.baiocchistroutfitters.com/. When a person or business treats me right and goes the extra distance I like to share that with other people so they can receive the same benefits as I did. My web designer Christine Elder http://christineelder.com/ is one of those. Christine created all of my business marketing materials including my website, logo, business cards, brochure, and car door magnets. She also walked me through the process of promoting my business through a blog so I could update it on my own, anytime. Her attention to detail and savvy advice are priceless! If your're looking to increase sales and exposure for your own business I highly recommend Christine - She takes it to the next level and beyond! For more information on her services and to contact her please use the link above.

MFFR Fishing Report

2011-08-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

The Middle Fork Feather River is in great shape for trout fishing from Clio all the way down to the wild zone. I guided Matthew in the Graeagle area yesterday and the water temps ranged from 63-66 degrees from 9am to 1pm. The upper section of the river above Two Rivers is stabilizing into the normal summer time flows but as the weeks progress we will see warmer water temps. The fish will seek out feeder creeks, and shady areas traveling many miles to seek out cooler water temps and the perfect home. There are so many bugs out right from dawn until dusk. Mornings are showing a BWO spinnerfall (size 18), mixed in with caddis (sizes 12-18), and my favorite summer time hatch the little green stonefly. This stoner should not be confused with the yellow sally stonefly, it is a special stonefly in that it hatches mid stream and does not crawl on a rock to split it's exoskeleton. They are a size 12 with a lime green body and clear wings, the most effective way to fish this hatch is with the nymph. Evenings are producing hatches of yellow sallies (size 16), caddis as mentioned above, and a few golden stone adults (size 6) ovipositing.

Matthew displaying a typical wild rainbow from the MFFR, this was his first time fishing a river and learning the varied methods that catch trout. He's a real troutstalker when it comes to stillwaters as he caught and released a 4 pound brown out of the Graeagle mill pond on Sunday! He did well yesterday with a hopper and a caddis emerger dropper, stripping a black wooley bugger, and high stick nymphing with the little green stonefly. The river is going to fish well mornings and evenings all the way to the fall season. Summer is fading fast so come on up and enjoy a beautiful day on the MFFR!

Fly Rods For Sale

2011-07-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

-Walton Powell 2pc. 8’5” glass rod, lines 5, 6, 7, fair condition: $150.

-Shakespeare “spring brook” 3pc. 8’6” bamboo rod #1362, mint condition: $200.

-Fenwick 2pc. 8’ 7wt. glass rod, fair condition: $50.

-True Flex 2pc 8’ glass rod, good condition: $75.

-Scott 2pc. 10’ 7wt. graphite rod w/ Fuji titanium guides & fighting butt, good condition: $250.

-G-Loomis 9’ 5wt. graphite rod, fair condition: $100.

Please email me at (baiocchistroutfitters@yahoo.com) for photos – Jon.

Middle Fork Feather River Alert!!!

2011-07-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Fellow guide Jay Clark (http://www.jayclarkflyfishing.com/) sent me this disturbing picture of trash along the banks of the MFFR near Two Rivers. The Wild & Scenic Middle Fork was one of the first rivers to be designated in 1968 and considered the most beautiful river in the state of California. But with trash like this left behind by some inconsiderate fools, it does not go over well with our visitors who come to fish and enjoy the beauty. What can you do? If you can pack it in, you can pack it out. Bring a trash bag along with you and when your done fishing pick some trash up - You'll feel good knowing that you left the river a little cleaner than before. Larger messes can be reported to the Forest Service at their Mohawk/Beckworth station. Through education in schools and reaching out to the youngsters we can change the mind set of "just chuck it". Thanks in advance for helping out.

Tying The Yellow Sally Stonefly

2011-07-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

The Yellow Sally Stonefly is from the family Perlodidae and measure about a quarter inch in size. The nymphs live in the fast water of riffles and are aquatic predators. The adults live on foliage near streams and feed on pollen. Though very small in size the trout really love these little stoneflies. I come from the Gary LaFontaine school of tying where size, profile, and movement of materials used are key factors - Not color. But this little stonefly is a bright neon yellow with wings that shimmer and shine. I'm not a trout but often think like one and I truly believe they key in on this bug for the color. My dad used to do well back in the day with an old school pattern; The Yellow Palmer - Now I know why! They are hard to see for the average fly angler, but if you find one then they are out and should be fished. The Yellow Sally is in my fly box and it should be in yours too!

RECIPE:

Hook: Tiemco 101 #16.
Thread: Yellow 8/0.
Body: Yellow closed cell foam.
Wing: Elk Hair
Wing addition: A few strands of pearl glister.
Hackle: Grizzly.

Fishing Report - Middle Fork Feather River

2011-07-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

At last, the river is finally in shape, so green, and so beautiful! Perfect flows from Clio down to Two Rivers and the bugs are poppin. From Two Rivers down the flows remain a bit high due to the inflow of Jamison Creek but very fishable. There is the start of a BWO hatch in the morning and we can expect a spinner fall to happen in the late mornings for the next few weeks. PMD's are out though sparse, and I saw my first golden stone adult today. There is also a mix of caddis out - I have yet to fish the late evening but will report when I do. Water temps are running 58-63 degrees in the Graeagle reach, expect just a few degrees cooler below Jamison.

I'd like to point out how a patch of foam is "home" to the trout in the river. This foam gives stellar coverage for the fish and pulls in and traps all types of aquatic insects. I had fun with this patch draggin caddis patterns across the top, 7 small rainbows came out of here. Effective flies for high sticking today was a #6 Golden Stone nymph with a #16 BH pheasant tail flash back. The most effective dry today was a #12 X-Caddis with a cream shuck and a brown body. Fishing pressure is on the light side and if you don't like company just walk upstream or downstream of the access areas. Come on up, It's time to fish the Wild & Scenic Middle Fork Feather River!

Feather River Chapter Trout Unlimited Presentation

2011-07-07T14:41:00.000-07:00

Feather River Chapter of Trout Unlimited Presents:

Fly Fishing the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork Feather River

Fly fishing guide Jon Baiocchi will take you on a journey of the Middle Fork of the Feather River explaining different reaches of the river, techniques, and showing the varied flies that will make your next outing a success.

Where: Mohawk Valley Resource Center, next to the barn at the corner of Highway's 89/70

When: July 21st, 2011 @ 5:30pm

Free to the public!

Lake Davis Report - Guess Who Showed Up To The Party After All!

2011-07-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

Friends and fans of Lake Davis, The damsels have kicked it into high gear as I experienced a fantastic damsel hatch today with my long time clients Don, Gary, and Craig! We were in the north part of the lake, and at first there were no damsels to be seen so a polliwog pattern (good ol Jay Fair wiggle tail) was the answer to some fish. I have been observing the rainbows eating them in 2-3 feet of water - The takes are fierce! I started to see fresh flyer's (damsels) at around 9am.

Stillborns and cripples enticed a few fish that came into a foot of water, it was a bone fishing/sight fishing kind of day. Because of the high water the damsels can hatch anywhere, we the found the best hatch on a large bed of floating weeds, pollen, and bird feathers. And then the mighty one flipped the switch off, the bugs stopped, and fish went on their way. We had a smile from ear to ear as this was an encouraging day after trying to learn a new lake all over again from 35" of precip that hammered the land this winter and spring. Surface water temps ran 62-69 with the latter being in 1-2 feet of water.

Who knows how long the hatch will last ...But I'm going to get my share of it until it becomes to hot for the fish to be released safely. I can't fricken believe today - It was so good to see our friend the damsel make an appearance at our favorite party.

News Flash! Termites Have Hatched!!!

2011-07-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

I saw the first major wave of termites this evening during the last hour of light. The body is a size 14 and burnt orange in color, long furnace colored wings that are twice the body length, and a fat dark colored head. It may take a few days but the trout will key in on them in the Middle Fork, Lake Davis, and other surrounding waters. A small stimulator should get their attention during the evening.

Corkies Indicator Mod - Later Toothpick!

2011-06-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

I've made my own home grown indicators for the last 12 years, and while they have their high points there is a flaw in the design - And I'll be the first to admit it. The attachment method is of the first indicators that were available on the market where a loop of rubber comes out and your leader is doubled up and wrapped around it. It works great and does not slip until you need to change the distance down to your fly. Being able to change the distance between your fly and bobber is everything whether it is fishing a river or a lake! It allows you, the angler, to pin point at what depth the fish are feeding by trying different distances. Being able to quickly do this without any hassles is what you want and you'll spend more time fishing!

There is a new indicator on the market and these "Quick Set" bobbers do just that. So with a bunch of Corkies and a few miscellaneous items around the cabin I copied them and came up with this;

All one has to do is thread a fresh rubber band through the hole on the Corkie and your ready to go. To load it with the rubber band I take a 20" length of 3x tippet and put both tag ends through the hole. Then pull both ends so a loop is formed by the 3x, load the strip of rubber band through the loop and pull it all the way through to the other side. Trim the tag end of the rubber band to your desired specs. To use the improved Corkie slide your leader through the loop of rubber band, set your distance, and pull the tag ends of the rubber band - This will tighten the rubber loop and will "set" the indicator. To move the Corkie just pull the rubber loop and move it to where you want and re tighten. The rubber bands will wear out from use and UV rays, but a bag of rubbers is a cheap date.

It's ideas like this I love to share with my readers and the entire fly fishing world, the sport is what it is today due to some innovative anglers that thought outside the box and did not care about making a quick buck but rather just shared a little info.....

Lake Davis Fishing Report - 6/20

2011-06-20T16:06:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous day at the lake today, warm temps, sunshine, and just a ripple of wind on the water. Surface water temps ran 62.5 to 66.8 and this is a big spike since a few weeks ago when water temps were much colder. The north end of the lake is still a bit off color from runoff. rainbows are adjusting to water temps and surface area/habitat and are still spread out through the entire lake. Some pods of rainbows are rising in 19-22 feet of water for blood midge adults and emergers. I also sight fished to active trout in 1-3 feet of water hunting tadpoles. There is many ways to fly fish the lake right now but fishing midge and calibaetis patterns under an indicator in deeper water is having the best results. I only saw a few damsels nymphs today, and there is not many adults flying around at all, this seems to tell me that the hatch still could happen, or be a complete bust. Skeeters were out and these small dark and fast flying bugs were bad! Effective patterns are Blood Migde pupa, emerger, and adult size 10-12 Pheasant Tail bead head flash back size 14-16 - Chocolate Snowcone Midge pupa 12-18 - Wiggle Tails in Black, Brown, Olive, and Burnt Orange size 10. Use floating lines for the skinny water and clear Int. lines for stripping in the deeper water.

With the full moon phase passing expect the fishing to improve on a daily basis with having productive evenings just around the corner!

Eagle Lake Article Featured In Sierra Fisherman

2011-06-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

The new Summer issue of Sierra Fisherman magazine features an article on Eagle Lake I wrote. It's a piece that touches the basics of this grand stillwater and to get you, the reader, so pumped on the pond your leaving in the morning! There is so much more to Eagle Lake than a 1,000 words can say, and in the near future I plan on writing a book on this great treasure. Besides my article there is a great piece that Frank Pisciotta did on "The Big Truckee River", Lance Gray's "Fly Fishing Is Easier Than You Think", and Bill Forward's "On Trout Vision" plus a slough of other interesting articles. Sometimes the pen or keyboard I should say, is mightier than the rod.

Product Review, Korkers "Darkness" Boot

2011-05-28T16:33:00.000-07:00

I've been using Korkers older boot, the Eco model for a few years now. I was impressed with the overall durability and the option of running different soles for different conditions. There were a few things I did not like about boot though, like the Velcro tab on the rear of the boot that held on the interchangeable soles. The tag end of the tab would catch my fly line at the most inconvenient moment. But then came their flag ship fishing boot - "Chrome" and fishing footwear changed forever, and the the few bugs the previous boot had was addressed and fixed. The "Darkness" boot is basically the same boot but in another color, bad ass black. This boot was offered as a limited edition to industry friends of Korkers and I was lucky enough to be able to get a pair.

Their patented Omni-Trax Interchangeable Outsoles adapt your traction needs to meet changing terrain and river conditions. The Darkness and Chrome models includes Kling-On Rubber AND Studded Felt outsoles. The sleek, raft-like waterproof material reduces water absorption thus reducing drying time. These features contribute to Darkness' ability to help prevent the spread of invasive species. The low profile BOA speed lacing system easily adjusts with a turn of the dial both in and out of the water. In my opinion BOA should be on all quality footwear, you can micro adjust the fit for any conditions. Need more ankle support over a loose wobbly garden of granite polished boulders? Just turn the the dial a few clicks and your there. Feet tired at lunch time? Just pull the dial and loosen the boot to let those toes wiggle and be free over their synthetic sarcophagus.

This is an extremely lightweight wading boot with integrated midsole drainage providing the most comfortable wading boot on the market. I'm so pumped on this boot, only time will tell if it can take the abuse that Jonny B. will provide. Be sure and check out the Korkers "Chrome" at your favorite family owned fly shop, try a pair on, and I'll bet good money you'll look no further. For more info on Korkers products visit them at; http://www.korkers.com/

Lake Davis Report 5/22

2011-05-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

The west side road is open! Patches of snow, mud, and fallen timber mat be encountered on access roads to the lake.

The ramp is in the water at Camp 5 boat ramp, It is amazing how much water has come into the lake this year. The handicap fishing area is under water!

Run off from snow melt is still going strong, Dan Blough creek is fed from the Smith Peak water shed where there is still a large amount of snow.

Water temps are running 56- 59 degrees, water clarity is an issue and some areas of the lake are far clearer than others. Fish are scattered due to the increase of the lake level searching for food. Concentrations of fish have been found at the north end of the lake, Freeman Creek, and the first and second ledge off Cow Creek. If you see rising fish by all means approach them slowly and quietly, present your fly to these active pods of feeding fish for best results. Hatches are sparse but will be increasing as long as we get some warm weather in multiple days. Hot flies at the moment are Blood Midge pupa #10-12, Coco Midge pupa #18, Sheeps creek #10, and Jay Fair wiggle tails in Brown and Olive #10. Both floating and Int. lines have been effective as the levels of fish holding is from the top to the bottom of the column.

Lake Davis / MFFR Update

2011-05-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

Not much has changed since my last report at Lake Davis and with these new snow storms and cold weather it will only delay the much anticipated hatches. Water temps are still hovering in the high 50's and pods of fish are rising to midges when the weather is warm. Blood midge pupa #10 and the small chocolate midge pupa #18 under a bobber is producing. Jay Fair trolling flies in rust and brown, along with standard buggers #6-8 have been fishing well with a int. line over known established weed beds. Let's all hope for much warmer temps, we need the bugs to pop and the weeds to grow!

The Middle Fork Feather river is still high and cold but if you put in your time in the right water you can get a few fish. Runoff through the end of June can be the best time to catch a trophy. High sticking with plenty of lead using golden stones and brown rubber leg stones in slow slack water is your best bet. Also try swinging streamers in slow deep tail outs of runs using minnow and crawdad patterns with a sinking line - You just may find your trophy.

My favorite small creeks are out of the question, large volumes of snow melt consume them now. But these little gems will be prime July through Sept!

Bring on the sun, the warmth, and the hatches!

Fishing Report: Lake Davis

2011-04-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

The lake just keeps on filling up! Check out the Lighting Tree boat ramp above, it will be usable once the snow goes.

The fish are in post spawn mode now and hungry. The creeks at Mallard and Lighting Tree had no fish in or in front of them. Water temps ranged from 48-51 degrees. I found a decent pod of rainbows near the dam and in a hour and a half I hooked 8 landing 4, 17-20" - all clean. Used a bobber with a #10 blood midge pupa that was hanging 7 feet under. Today was the first day I have seen some decent hatches, blood midge (huge - size 10) and a pale creamy olive midge size 18. There were fish rising for these bugs. Lots of fly anglers out and the guys I talked to all caught some fish, but they were way more stoked on the water levels!

Tying The Damsel Nymph

2011-04-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

The damsel fly migration at our top still waters like Lake Davis is a hatch that brings out fly anglers from all over. The migration itself is a miracle, how these fragile nymphs swim great distances to land, a willow, or some aquatic weeds that are above the water to hatch into an adult. This fishing is some of the best all year, trout show themselves in the shallows and sight fishing opportunities await the observant trout stalker. They call this the "Gentleman's Hatch" as the nymphs get active in the mid morning until early afternoon, there is no need to be out there at o'dark thirty! Warm, windless days provide the best conditions for the hatch.

When tying damsel imitations a few key points should be made. The fly should have movement, the right size and profile (think slender), and the right buoyancy to keep the fly in the strike zone. The foam keeps this fly right under the surface in that 1-2 foot water column. You can also just let this fly sit and rest just like the natural does without fear your fly is going to drop like a rock to the bottom. When it comes to color these nymphs change as the aquatic vegetation does to camouflage themselves from predators. Early in the season the weeds are dark so damsels will be a light coco brown or a brown olive. Mid season more olive and green tones. Late season pale olive to tan works well.

This damsel nymph will never leave you in distress!

RECIPE:

Hook: Tiemco 2457 #12.
Tail: Jay Fair marabou.
Body: Jay Fair marabou dubbed on thread.
Head: Closed cell foam.
Eyes: Larva Lace body material.

Wetting A Line For The First Time - Lake Davis 4/16/11

2011-04-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

Finally after waiting 5 months through snow infested freezing nightmares, I was walking down to the lake full of hope and happiness. The rhythm of my snowshoes going clickity clack was a welcoming sound as was the silence when I stopped to gaze about. It was such a warm and beautiful day with expanding cumulus clouds, and not a puff of wind. The birds are back, my friends, the ones who answer my calls like the osprey. Cormorants, bald eagles, loons, and California gulls were joyous about their return. They were back to their summer home as was I. I fished off Mallard Cove and the first thing I noticed was my line drifting from right to left extremely fast, yet there was no north wind. I had learned later from a local I know from town that both gates were wide open on the dam creating a current in the Grizzly channel through the lake. After fishing I hiked down to see the release and it was a loud and thunderous noise. DWR expects rain Sunday night into Monday as there is still so much snow to melt up in the Grizzly watershed.

Prior to hiking down to fish I got to meet a fan from my business page on FaceBook, Ken B. From Reno, Ken is a "trout a holic" like the rest of us. I guess you could call it "social fly fish networking". I made my way out to the super spine, water temps were 46 - 49 in the shallows from 11am - 3pm. Pods of fish cruised by thinking one thing - SEX! But there were fish to be caught that wanted to eat. I got into a nice 17" fish that was dark, heavy spotting, and blood red sides. I was stoked to say the least.

I focused my presentations on the spine in about 5 feet of water, I was getting hits and they were light. At last a hook up, and this one had some weight to it. I was a bit shocked at first as it's been a long time since I've felt something like this here at the lake. Cradled in my hands was a 4+ pound 22" rainbow with good color and big wall meat. It was a handful just taking the picture above, I need a camera/angler buddy this year - That's for damn sure! I put Ken out on the spine, and just scouted around the many snow melt creeks in the area for trout, and did some birding. There was a good crowd at the lake, bankers, boaters, fly anglers, and folks just out for a nice ride with the windows down enjoying the mild breeze.

I'm so elated over the the amount of water the lake is getting, look already how the willows have provided habitat for the bugs, the birds, and the fish. Lake Davis is going to flourish and bloom in the years to come!

THE SKINNY - Hooked 4 fish, 17-22", all clean and colorful. Ken went 3 for 3, and this really cool older gentleman in a fatcat fishing an indicator with a Hare's Ear flash back C&R at least 10, but he said most were small. Effective flies included; Brown Jay Fair Wiggle Tail #10, and Floro Hot Orange Jay Far simple snail all fished on the floater. Fishing is a bit spotty, some areas produce and some do not. The majority of the fish will be on the east side for the next 3 - 4 weeks during the spawn. The only bugs out were #24 black midge, and midge emergers. Fishing will improve on a weekly basis all the way into July.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baiocchis-Troutfitters/148414798522644?ref=ts

Lake Davis Spring Report

2011-04-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

Great News! Lake Davis is 90% open water and the Honker Cove boat ramp is cleared but no dock yet. Space is very limited to put in a big boat, but smaller boats should have no problem.

Even the parking lot at Honker Cove is reduced in size, full of snow, timber, and heavy equipment.

Snow Creek and the rest of the seasonal creeks are pumping water. The snow pack at the lake is still big, I do not expect the west side road to be open for another month or more!

The expert fisherman have already shown up prowling the mouths of creeks gulping down trout. As you can tell the water level after this big winter has come up already as the willows are in the water - New trout habitat!

The road on the east side stops at Mallard Cove.

Some brave souls wheeled into Mallard Cove, but still there is so much snow a good snowshoe out to the water sounds better to me. Water temps were 43-45 degrees. The trout are already going into spawning mode as I saw fish rolling in Honker Cove (closed to fishing). I hope to get out in the next few days to see water levels and wet a line with a hope a large trout will bite.

Product Review - VestPac's DriftPac Ultimate Fishing System

2011-04-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

I was asked by VestPacs nor cal rep Monty Roach If I was interested in testing this new fishing pack/vest. After reviewing it online and finally getting a sample to test, I was very impressed with the ideas this new company offered the fly angler. I have worn a regular fishing vest since I started fly fishing and there is always one thing about them, with all those pockets your sure to fill them up creating a heavy burden to carry around. The VestPac keeps it simple, and it's made in Jackson Hole Wyoming, USA, and not over seas.

The DriftPac Ultimate includes:

-Neoprene and 3-D Airmesh construction.
-Four pockets.
-Fold-down Velcro pouch.
-5 grommets for attaching tools and supplies.
-Three retractors.
-One T-tippet holder.
-Two fly boxes and two ripple foam fly holders with Velcro bottoms.
-Velcro starter kit to add to your own fly boxes.
-Hydration panel with reservoir.

The VestPac can be worn under your clothes if the weather is wet and cold out, or on the outside when temps are hot. It is so comfortable and it weighs 23.9 Ounces, is 15 inches long by 11 inches wide by 1 inches deep.

This short video explains the advantages of using the DriftPac fishing vest. There is also a velcro patch you can place on your drift boat or other water craft that the tackle bag hooks onto making all your flies readily available.

I'm so stoked on my DriftPac! It's easy to use, lightweight, and fully functional! I will be testing this out for the entire fishing season and will give an honest opinion then, so check back in around fall for a follow up post.

To learn more about VestPac go here: http://www.vestpac.com/

To see the DriftPac model go here: http://www.vestpac.com/content/driftpac-ultimate

Retail shop inquiries in the nor cal area can reach Monty Roach at 530 277 3894 monty@surfsleeve.net

Midge Candy

2011-04-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

Fishing midge pupa patterns is a basic standard on stillwaters, at some point during a trout's day they will be feeding on them near the bottom or foraging for them on top. Tying midge pupas is a simple tie. There are some key characteristics that a good pattern should have. Size, profile, and neon lights. Your pattern should be simple, and slim. When it comes to color I have found that black, rust, brown, and dark olive to be the most effective. I have been using clear beads with different colors underneath them since the mid 90's when I came out with my bubble head baetis fly. I wrapped fine gold wire under the clear bead with amazing results. My midge pupa patterns are no different but instead of gold wire I chose white glow in the dark thread. When fished deep the head on this midge glows and brings in hungry fish like a magnet. Midging does not have to be a pain in the ass, keep it simple and stay focused on every presentation.

RECIPE:

-2x strong pupa hook #14-22.
-Clear bead with Uni Glow thread underneath.
-Thread: black, brown, rust, and dark olive 0/8 thread or color to match natural.
-Tail: Uni Glow thread, sparse.
-Body: Thread.
-Ribbing: Large gold wire.
-Wing: 3D Rainbow flash.
*When done coat the entire fly with "hard as nails" for a shiny and durable finish.

Spring Has Sprung!

2011-04-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

After this weeks warm and sunny weather many of our spring visitors are showing up like these evening grosbeaks. I'm a huge birder and this time of year is the best with males fighting over the ladies, laying down the law. In the last week I've seen turkey vultures, purple finches, red wing blackbirds, brewers blackbirds, kingfishers, marsh wrens, sandhill cranes, spotted towees, and robins - a sure sign that spring is indeed here.

The Middle Fork Feather River opened today from the A-23 Bridge down to the Mohawk Bridge. The river is really chugging water right now and it's going to be a while until it is in fishable shape. Once the flows come down and water temps exceed the 55 degree mark, we will have game. If I were to fish though it would be sinking lines and streamers stripped in the slow tail outs. With all this snow in the mountains and plenty of water we will see a banner summer of excellent dry fly fishing in the evenings.

This was the scene on the South Yuba above Bridgeport last week, the wildflowers had just began to "pop".

As our lakes and rivers come into shape I will keep you all posted on the latest changes as it will effect our fishing - Tight Lines!

San Jose Flycasters Presentation

2011-03-10T14:56:00.000-08:00

Last night I had the honor of sharing my Power Point presentation on Lake Davis & Frenchman's Reservoir with the San Jose Flycasters (http://www.flycasters.org/) at their monthly meeting. There was about 120 club members present and they were eager to hear what I had to say. I talked about these fine stillwater's access locations, entomology & flies, and techniques & tactics. This was a special night for me as I was born in 1965 in San Jose, and this is the same year that the Flycasters started their club. Until last night I have not been in San Jose since 1967 when my family relocated to Paradise, Ca. I reunited with old friends like NCFFF Hall Of Famer Marty Seldon, and made new ones who share the same passion for Lake Davis as I do. I would like to thank all the club members and president, Wade Goertz. A special thanks to vice president Bob Laskodi who set the whole deal up. I had such a great time!

If your a member of a fly fishing club or would like a presentation done on site, please feel free to contact me about future presentations at http://www.baiocchistroutfitters.com/ "Knowledge is power!"

More Snow!

2011-02-26T08:10:00.000-08:00

Another 3 feet of light snow has fallen on top of the 4 feet we got last week! It's deep and dangerous as I had a small avy in my backyard bury the blower and myself up to my waist. It was quite exhilarating! I ran the blower for 8 hours yesterday and have another 2 hours to go today. Once I'm done I will be going up to Lake Davis to check out the ice fishing tournament, parking will be an adventure I assume. There is another storm slated to hit next week though this one will have more water content. I sure hope Eagle Lake is getting some of this, that pond is in need.

The Fish Gods Have Spoken!

2011-02-19T16:34:00.000-08:00

The latest storm "The Massacre After Valentines Day" left 4 feet, 4 inches at my humble abode. There is nothing like a good dump! I spent 14 hours in three days working with snow, all this just at my house and private road. There was a time in my life when I was a professional snowboarder and all I did was ride 7 days a week. It was a sweet life and now realize how lucky I was. Powder days now consist of plowing, blowing, and shoveling. That's OK I guess, these are the cards I'm dealt with and I'll live with them. The positive to this all is that my beloved lakes will fill up and those trout will grow bigger. I've been busy getting all my paperwork, advertising, and flies tied for my guide service this year. I've also put together a kick ass presentation for fly clubs on Lake Davis and Frenchman's reservoir, and have been writing feature articles for various fly fishing mags (Can't say a peep but you will see soon enough). Plowing trout water is a tough job but some body's got to do it!

Tying The Parachute Midge Emerger

2011-01-25T19:59:00.000-08:00

The PME was developed by long time guides Gary Willmott and Scott Sanchez on the upper Snake River. The fly was born out of necessity from large trout that gave their usual flies a peek and a "I don't think so..... Dude!" response. I have had great success with this fly locally at Lake Davis and the Lakes Basin area, and it shined in Colorado on the head waters of the South Platte River for brookies, and Tomahawk Lake for Greenback Cutthroats! It's a simple tie and holds up well. For Lake Davis in late spring and summer I tie a #18 in lime green after the little green midge and get great results. Jack Dennis's book "Tying Flies With Jack Dennis and Friends" shows complete "how to" instructions for this fly plus so many more deadly patterns - http://www.jackdennisflyfishing.com/

Fishing tips; Use a slip knot when you tie it on, so that the rear of the fly hangs down like a natural emerger does. Apply floatant to only the wing and hackle, and not the body. When it come to midging it's a hard game and the PME will get the job done, check it out!

RECIPE:

-Tiemco 101 dry fly hook straight eye #16-22.
-Black 0/8 thread or color to match natural.
-Body: Black, Gray, Red, Olive, and Lime Green.
-Ribbing: Pearl Krystal Flash, Red, Peacock, and Root Beer work well also.
-Wing: White poly.
-Hackle: Grizzly or dun hackle feather or color to match natural.

If You Can't Beat Em, Join Em!

2011-01-19T08:14:00.000-08:00

I have donated a half day guided trip to Lake Davis for a lucky winner who will be attending the 1st annual Lake Davis Ice Fishing Tournament! I'm backing this event as it is good for the community, and tourism. For more information check out http://420incfishing.com/calendar.html, you can also find a link here that provides you with rules and your registration form. This looks like a good time, I'll be there!

Eagle Lake Water Levels

2011-01-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

Are we about to loose the greatest still water in the west and the ancient Eagle Lake Rainbow? If you have visited the lake this year then you know just how low it really is.

This is the water level in the fall of 1998 at the airport tulles looking south east out to Pelican Point.

Here is the same bucket shot from the same location on 1/31/10 and very high and dry, I estimated the lake being down by as mush as 10 feet since 1998. Uncooperative weather patterns, a big leaking pipe, and upstream water diverters have left this jewel of a lake in peril. You can help by joining the EAGLE LAKE GUARDIANS who's mission is to ENHANCE & PROTECT EAGLE LAKE WATER LEVEL, WATER QUALITY, FISHERY AND AVIAN HABITAT. Please contact Val Aubrey at;

530-249-1430 OR EMAIL eaglelakefishing@yahoo.com. Memberships are just $15! You can also join the Guardians on FaceBook and get the latest news on Eagle Lake http://www.facebook.com/index.php?lh=1cec2169e1a48afb5aa88fadd5b2cce8&#!/profile.php?id=100001518486719

Thanks for all your support reguarding this special lake, we can make a difference!

The 2010 Eagle Lake Closure - 12/31

2011-01-01T18:54:00.000-08:00

My fishing buddy, his loyal blue heeler "Lyle", and myself boarded the craft and set the coordinates for the south end of the landing strip at Spalding, When it comes to Eagle Lake it's like hyper leaping into another dimension of time. It is such a different world up there high in the ancient basin, and for this time of year it's really cold! We set out for an undisclosed favorite bucket of Jay Fair, it was -10 degrees out, and a slight wind at 5mph out of the north/north west. We welcomed the 7am 40 minute walk out to the open water, we generated heat and warmed up nicely.

Freezing fog or "Devil Fog" as we like to call it showed it's ugly face as we got close to the water, this fog penetrates you right to the bone, and every thing is coated in wicked patterns of white crystals. When your casting out into the water you get a feeling of vertigo, and your face and eyes feel like you've just gone through an orb weaver's spider web out in the woods - It's some seriously nasty fog!

Despite the extreme conditions, we were here to fly fish for the ancient trout. You could get about 3 casts out before you had to "pop" the ice out of every guide on the rod but the top two that were held underwater. Full fingered gloves were a must, it's cumbersome to use them but over time they become comfortable and one of your best friends.

Lyle got cold once the warmth of the hike wore off, he made a quick bivouac of gore-tex and foam, then curled up and waited patiently for the next hook up. He is another member of the heeler/trout dog club.

The Devil Fog just would not go away, we were catching fish but the iced up guides and full gloves proved to be a challenge. Jay Fair wiggle tails in Brown, Floro Orange, and Peacock/Black all caught fish. So did Jay's Trolling Fly #6 3xl in Rust and Copper. We used 3x today, it was enough of a battle with the elements alone, so using rope sounded like good insurance.

Exposed hands lasted about 5 minutes before stinging pain saturated them. We would fish for about a half hour before the hands could take no more, then peel our set of "wet" gloves off and put on the thick "dry" second pair. At this time, and let it be known, I was dancing in place and running around until I could feel my hands and toes. Where the hell is that sun!

When the Devil Fog finally started to lift, I could see faint colors of blue, and things began to break up around 10:30 putting on a show of up lifting plumes and surrounding misty landscapes. We stood mesmerized when the sun first hit us, and let the warmth soak deep into our souls. It was such an amazing event, and now we had a few risers who were also stoked to see some rays of light. We marched right out there and began to cast with a few hook ups to follow.

I kept two rainbows for the smoker, we hooked 11 fish landing 5 17"-22".

Lyle was also energized by the sun and was back to his usual ways of stalking trout, and keeping guard of the bucket. This little heeler is half the size of my heeler and 22 pounds lighter, but he is a survivor, never did he whimper or whine - So loyal!

We had quite a bit of open water in front of us all the way over to youth camp, Fredonyer peak to the east was packed with snow - I hope this lake comes up at least a few feet this year, since 1997 it has dropped about 10 feet.

About 2pm a stiff wind out of the south had come upon us and we fished until we could take no more. I fired my cannon, the XP 7 wt. for the last time of 2010 at Eagle. I gazed one more time and said my good byes and thanks, put on the pack and headed back through the lava beds of powder and ice for the craft - It was time to go. There is a sense of fulfillment and victory after a day like today, by suffering you appreciate the day, the lake, and the fishing so much more! Days like today are never to be forgotten.

The Hell Portal

2010-12-25T19:24:00.000-08:00

The alarm sounded at 3:45 but I was already awake, when it comes to dreaming of fishing at Eagle Lake, sleep takes 2nd place to my memories on her waters. Suited up in our fishing gear and coffeed up, we left for the lake from the Mancamp on the banks of the Hamilton Branch at O Dark-Thirty. There was challenging conditions to drive through but we have done this same voyage hundreds of times, and we were prepared.

We arrived at our right turn to the Wildcat Point area, TC drove and I rode shotgun. The Chub King and

JoeBob were behind us in another truck. We chained up and headed in, and there was a good amount of snow, more than I have seen in several years. Chub King had laid down some tracks the day before and things were going well at first, then we could not stay on track due to a lost chain, This was not going to work! After struggling down the snowy road for what seemed an eternity, we plowed into a turnout to let some other buddies go by to the buckets, they told us a truck had just flipped coming down the A1 summit! Chub King went forward to turn his truck around while JoeBob and I shoveled off a platform to turn the van around.

We had to take pause and check out this stunning sunrise, it lifted our spirits and gave us hope.

Turning around the power steering box pump failed, and our only chain snapped. Chub King came back and he towed us out but it was not easy as we got stuck several more times running with no chains. About halfway back JoeBob found the first missing chain, we put it back on the tire and the next big hill came up - and the last usable chain broke. With a little muscle we got back to the A1 road and headed for the Christie Fingers. I'm so proud how the entire crew did not blow a fuse and solved the problems at hand. It could have been really ugly!

At last we were on the water. The weather was absolutely gorgeous with sunny skies, temps in the high 30's, and not a puff of wind. The water temp was 37 degrees. Upon reaching the fingers there were small pods of rainbows and strays rising here and there, but no mega pods. Sparse midge flies floated on the water. It was so warm out we were stripping layers, gloves, and the ice in our guides had thawed for good.

Effective flies were Jay Fair Wiggle Tails #12 in Black/Peacock, Floro Orange, and Leach Brown. The trout were hanging on the first ledge and coming in periodically to feed in the shallows. Long leaders and slow strips brought results if you were in the right spot. The wind then came up at 5- 10mph but it was a workable wind.

It was slow today, we touched 12 fish, landing 8. It took me all day just to get into my only fish. This is the smallest fish we caught today but it is still a nice hard fighting Eagle Laker.

After getting fuel in Susanville, TC went to start the van and nothing but a small whirl. He had been through this before as his cam sensor was going out, with a jiggle on the wires it started right up and we were bound for the Man area at last, and with trout for the smoker I might add.

We were all smiles heading home and talking about today's fishing when we approached the west side of Fredonyer Summit and saw a closed road due to a severe accident. After a 15 minute wait we were rolling, I hope the drivers and passengers of these "T-Boned" vehicles are all right. Home at last we laughed at our misfortunes and triumphs during this bizarre day. I'll be back up for the closure on the 30th and the 31st with my crew - It's payback time....

How Many Rods Does An Angler Need?

2010-12-19T21:26:00.000-08:00

Apparently too many when I counted 35 fly rods, 9 trolling rods, 3 classic St. Croix telescoping spin rods (in a Ted Williams/Sears rod case), and all my papa Frank's striper and surf rods. My most valued and favorite rod is the Walton Powell split bamboo 8' 7" medium action steelhead model pictured above. It has never had a reel mounted or a line pulled through the guides! I'm a bit of a collector but I realized out of all these rods I fish about 10 of them through out the year. Some are custom and fit a certain niche in my quiver, and some have heavy sentimental value to them.. I have seven bamboo rods and I think I'm going to let a few go in these tough times.

Like this 9' Jack B. Schneider split bamboo which is in mint condition. I do not like the action of most bamboo rods but they are a big part of fly fishing history and every fly angler should own one to hold onto the past.

A 9' Shakespeare "spring brook" split bamboo with an extra tip in mint condition

My quiver. From Left to right; 7 bamboos, 7 assorted old fly rods both glass and bamboo that were used on a daily basis and papa Frank's rods, 5 glass rods including a Russ Peak steelhead model and a Walton Powell 9ft, the Ted Williams rod case with the St.Croix spinning rods, 3 pack rods, and 16 graphite rods including the late Press Powells last rod - The triple scrimmed 10ft 7wt custom. I cataloged them today and now have to figure which ones I need to part with. A fly angler really only needs one rod, and that's the one they have in their hand casting into the great blue yonder in search of prey.

Fishing Report - Frenchmans Res.

2010-12-16T18:02:00.000-08:00

My friend Mike had an encouraging report from Frenchmans last week, and a trip up there seemed to be a good cure for the shack nasties. I fished during the warmest part of the day from 12pm to 2:30, warm meaning 32 degrees. I went to Big Cove and the road was passable, but there was 5 inches of new snow. I had first tracks on the way in. Sticky clouds hung on the mountain tops glowing as the sun penetrated their realm. Water temps in the shallows were a balmy 41 degrees. I used the same rig I had on a month earlier and that is the Jay Fair trolling fly with a fast strip, the trout liked the rust color version today. Around 1pm I started to see rising fish right in front of me, the lake was so calm you could see pressure wakes from them as they moved around foraging on tiny midge. They were really spooky today, I would be casting and I could see them darting to the left and right as my line swept across the water. I hooked 7 nice trout but I just could not get them to my hand - They all spit the hook. I had planned on taking some home for the smoker, but I swear they feel my hunter intentions and do everything possible to get of my line! It was such a beautiful day and so quiet that is was spooky. Who knows when Frenchmans will lock up with ice for good, it's been a wet and wacky weather pattern for sure. As I left for the car a Bald Eagle circled above me. "See you next year my friend" I said, and with that he glided north through the frigid air looking for his next meal.

It's Raining Browns And Rainbows

2010-12-14T15:13:00.000-08:00

Wow! We are getting hammered with rain! So far today we have received almost an inch of rain bringing our total precipitation since Oct. 1st to 9.5 inches. Our annual amount here is 20", and we are already half way there. If this keeps up all season the fish gods will have spoken, and the fishing will be off the Richter scale! I have battened down the hatches, opened the gate on the lower pond, and praying my basement does not flood. Stay dry and warm my friends.

The Trip Of A Lifetime

2010-12-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

In 2003 I got the chance to let the wind blow me down to Patagonia Chile, the fishing, the food, the friendly native people, and the awe inspiring land moved me forever. If you ever have the chance to go - Just do it!

The Memories Of Fly Fishing Lake Davis, 2010

2010-11-30T18:19:00.000-08:00

Lake Davis - Game Over!

2010-11-30T16:46:00.000-08:00

Thanks for a great season, and a killer fall sweetie. You can be a moody girl at times, but I'll always love you! See ya next spring when the alpine buttercups are in bloom.....

Planet Snow

2010-11-30T06:02:00.000-08:00

November 17th marked my last day casting and stalking stillwater trout in Eastern Plumas Co. For the past 9 days I have been shoveling, blowing, and plowing trout water - all 54" of it! My own personal glacier is surrounding my house and it's going to be here for a long time. The temps have been way below normal for this time of year as well, in fact it feels like January. The north and middle basins of Eagle Lake are already frozen over, only the south basin remains ice free and the only game to play is off the bank, or in a personal water craft. I've been in a real funk for the last week as well, depressed, lonely as hell, and I'm questioning myself if I can do another winter here - I've been living in a winter wonderland for most of my life.

At least I picked up a few snow removal jobs on my street to keep me busy and in shape, and snowboarding the local hills getting some pow pow. I hope to get up to Eagle Lake after this next weather system blows through, if you are planning on going up there please check out Val Aubrey's site http://eaglelakefishing.info/index.html - Nobody has better information for the pond than Val, she really takes it to the next level! Well, today I get to remove an ice dam on my roof, oh the joys of living in the Sierras!

Fishing Report - Frenchmans Reservoir

2010-11-17T18:12:00.000-08:00

The drive up to Frenchmans out of the town of Chilcoot is stunning this time of year, a little fall color left, and when you get to the canyon, the spectacle of the rock formations will stop you in your tracks. I had to do a photo shoot for an upcoming presentation with the San Jose Flycasters (March 9th, 2011) and thought what the heck I'll wet a line. I went to my go to spot, Snallygaster on the north west shore and the first thing I saw was some very low water levels, the lowest I have ever seen it. Water temps were 46.3 degrees and the lake was glass. I fished for a half hour from the bank and not a single bump. "The fish are not here" I said and drove up and around to Crystal Point. When I got down to the water I immediately saw a fish tailing in ankle deep water, and with one cast I had a hook up. For the next two hours I had fish rising right in front of me, there was no reason to move. I fished a Jay Fair trolling fly in brown on a #6 3xl hook, yep....BIG & UGLY! The fish liked a fast retrieve with plenty of pauses. I would cast to a tailing trout and you would think it would spook, but it boiled the fly! The takes were fierce and aggressive and I was glad I had 3x tippet on. I hooked and landed 17 fish 17-22", many fish were 3 pounders, and 1 gorgeous fish at 4 pounds. These fish are way bigger and much more beautiful than the fish at Lake Davis right now. I felt bad for the general fishing public as every hook up I had my blue heeler Madison would just go ballistic with the barking, then he would hear his echo thinking it was another dog and keep barking - He really is a nutcase, But I love him. I don't fish Frenchmans that much as Lake Davis is only 12 miles from the house, but with the quality of the fish I saw today I will be back - If mother nature allows me to.

The Day We Could Do No Wrong

2010-11-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

My fishing buddy Pete and I went up to Lake Davis today, he wanted to see my route I had found to get to one of our favorite coves in the north end of the lake. It's a beautiful walk crossing old growth forest and wide open meadows. We saw some new visitors today hiding in a quite cove - Snow Geese! After a 20 minute walk we were on the bank and right on time at 11am when the fish start to rise to the little green midge. We caught a few fish and then the wind came out of the north, the kind of wind that blows your cast right into you and your gun shy on every cast as you just might hook yourself. NOAA forcasted a west wind and we knew it was coming, but for the time being we walked over to Freeman to put the wind at our backs, but it was dead. We opted to walk around our special cove and put the wind at out backs fishing the north shore. I saw one riser in a soft window and we started fishing. First cast we both hooked a fish, then another. Every cast was a bump or a hook up - We had a huge active feeding pod in front of us! For the next 2 hours we had the best action I have seen all year. Pete hooked 45, landing 37 and I hooked 40, landing 34. We yelled, we laughed, and had 6 double hook ups! We each brought home 5 fish for the smoker ranging from 15-18", all clean with nice olive backs to them. Stomach contents revealed crawdads and midge. I'll remember this day for a long time, it was the day we could do no wrong.

Fishing Report - Lake Davis; The End Is Near.....

2010-11-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

Though it was very cold this morning, the sun was out and the lake was calling my name. With ice and snow here and there I have put my boat away for winter. Now I'll just be the shore fishing warrior till the lake locks up solid. I got to my bucket a few clicks south of Mosquito Slough and sat and watched the water, a riser appeared, then two, and then multiple fish began working in front of me - I had an active feeding pod at my feet. In the next 40 minutes I had landed 8 fish, all risers who I stalked and casted to. 2 of those fish ran 18 & 19 inches with nice olive backs and girth. The rest were the cookie cutter 16"ers that have been podding up. Water temps were at 44 degrees, and the inflow of Grizzly Creek ran at 40 degrees. Sheep Creek Specials was the fly to have on the end of your leader - Love this fly! I then walked the Grizzly creek side and spotted a few skinny water feeders, hooked 4 and landed one. Ice is starting to form in certain areas and there is some snow on the ground where the sun does not shine. Very light fishing pressure today as well. There is still game at the lake, but it is going quick with the onslaught of winter fast approaching. It's quite depressing to think it will be 6 months until things get going again here. This year has been great for me at the lake, and I have fallen in love with her all over again. What a sweetheart she is......

Fishing Report - Lake Davis

2010-11-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

Water temps at 10am were 46 degrees rising to 50 by 2pm in the skinny water off the bank. Fish were rising in 6"- 3 feet of water rising to Blood Midge, and a very small black aquatic beetle. The weather was absolutely fabulous with air temps near 70 degrees, sunny skies, with a gentle east wind to 5mph. Effective flies were Sheep Creek Specials, and Jay Fair Wiggle Tails in Med. Olive Shimmer - #10 scud hook. Freeman creek and the north lake have the best concentrations of shallow feeding rainbows. Look for rising fish, cast, and stalk. Fish were very spooky today, so stealth tactics need to be applied from the bank. Hooked 12 and landed 7 today, 14-18". I had the pleasure of fishing with my good friend Pete N. from Graeagle, he was all smiles chasing trout in the skinny water - What a game (kinda like last night's clincher for the SF Giants, Yeah...Epic!). The next 4 days will be carbon copies of today, and I'll be out there in the thick of it!

The Essentials Of Fishing Off The Bank In Late Fall

2010-10-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

Late fall brings changing conditions to stillwaters, trout come into very shallow water, the sun is lower in the sky offering the best sight fishing, and cold weather hugs the land. For me, fishing off the bank is simply the best. No float tube, no boat, no BS! If you plan on playing this game one must bring the essentials to survive the cold weather. Survive? Think of Eagle Lake in December, bitter cold! Besides the normal gear that us fly anglers wear, I like to bring much more. First a comfortable day pack. In that pack I bring a stove, I like the Snowpeak Titanium model with the electric start and the matching titanium cookware. It's light and easy to use. I prefer the cartridge fuel canisters rather than liquid fuel. I had a MSR liquid fueled stove blow up once and luckily nothing serious happened - It did scare me though! Next, hot coco, and a Mountain House meal to seal the deal and make my day an enjoyable one. Yesterday for example, I was fishing Lake Davis and it was a cold morning at 23 degrees. I hunkered down in a patch of willows blocking the wind and let the sun cloak me like a favorite blanket, and fired up the stove. In ten minutes I had a hot meal laying in front of me, and energy to prowl the banks for hours while sight fishing to hungry trout. Other items in my pack include water, extra layers, gloves (one pair that gets wet while fishing, and one pair that remain dry), treats for the trout dog, hand and foot warmers, a trash bag in case I want take some trout to smoke, and a lighter to start a fire. At Eagle Lake my buddies and I often start a small fire on the bank to warm up - It's HUGE for the soul! We also at times take a freshly caught fish, and cook it right then and there. To eat a steaming cooked trout with just your hands when it's freezing out, is quite the experience - You feel so connected to the land! Roaming the shore and fishing off the bank is not for everyone, but with a little planning it can be the best. Sometimes simple is better.

Lake Davis Update

2010-10-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

After getting out butts kicked by Mother Nature and receiving 3 inches of rain, I woke up and saw a partly cloudy sky and some sun. Madison needed some exercise so I headed to the lake to do some of that and fish off the bank. I got to Fairview point at 10am and the surface water temps were 48 degrees. Trout were rising in skinny and deeper water. I fished off the point and had a grab when the wind showed up in my face and the trout quit rising. Not stoked, I parked near Mosquito Slough and hiked up and around Grizzly creek so I could fish the channel on the far bank and get away from the wind. I fished for about an hour and landed 4 fish with a Sheep Creek Special. 3 of those fish showed themselves and I sight fished to them. The lake was empty and I saw one boat doing well over the Grizzly channel. The roads were filled with inches of pine needles and the shore was filled with standing water and puddles - The ground is saturated with moisture! It was just a pleasure today to get out and get some exercise, and cast the rod.

Tying The Sheep Creek Special

2010-10-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

The Sheep Creek Special is an old school stillwater fly created by George Biggs of Jerome, Idaho. George developed this fly in the sixties for Sheep Creek Reservoir on the Nevada - Idaho border. This man was way ahead of his time as he learned and mastered the secrets of fishing stillwater with a fly rod and flies. This pattern can duplicate a snail, and many other aquatic bugs that are found in lakes through out the west. I'll be honest here, I never fished this fly until this year - I am impressed to say the least. Frenchman's Reservoir is a high dessert lake located in Eastern Plumas Co., I have a friend, FTR who fishes it better than anyone I know. His secret, float tubing with an Int. line and the Sheep Creek Special. The man is a human vacuum cleaner. I have been doing well with this fly when the trout at Lake Davis are being fussy, with such a simple fly I'm still scratching my head in wonder - What makes this fly so special?

This is a simple fly to tie, a hackle spun on the rear, a body, and a wing on top. I like to tie mine on a Tiemco 2457 #10, it looks more buggy than using the standard long shank hook and in my opinion has better hooking power. This fly has stood the test of time, and you don't argue with such great results. Nope, you just tie one on the end of your leader and have the confidence that George had.

RECIPE:

-Tiemco 2457 scud hook #10.
-Black 0/6 thread.
-Brown dry fly hackle, over sized.

-Chenille body in olive or brown. Jay Fair short shuck works very well also.
-Wood duck feather for the wing, I have been doing well with lemon wood duck.

Prime Time

2010-10-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

The most amazing time of the year is upon us, fall......And every hardcore trout angler is out there in the thick of it as lakes and rivers are fishing extremely well. Not just prime time, this is special time. Leaves glow, Oct Caddis are flying, heads are slurping up BWO's, and warm thoughts of the upcoming holidays roam the mind. So many waters are so good right now that an angler from Northern California has to choose what lakes and rivers to attack - There is no way you can fish them all and play their games...Impossible! It's best to choose the ones you like best and fish them every year, learning more every season, and getting comfortable with the rhythms of the land. If you thought summer was short, the fall colors will disappear in no time as winter's icy grip comes upon us and the delicate hatches wane in the Autumn sun. Get some........

Fishing The Soft Window And The Blood Midge Dry

2010-10-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

Today at Lake Davis I experienced a phenomena that does not happen all the time, sighting trout in 6"-3 feet of water eating Blood Midge emergers. It's not a game of numbers but rather stalking your prey and seeing the take right in front of your eyes. When the fish are in this skinny of water they are right off the bank ranging from 3-20 feet out. Sometimes so close, that you have to be on your hands and knees just to make a successful cast and not spooking them by your profile. Today was not just another day, today was magic!

The wind came up slightly out of the east and the fish adjusted to the soft window off the bank. What is the "soft window" you may ask? Whatever direction the wind blows at Lake Davis you can always find a group of willows on a high bank that shields the water in front of them. This creates flat water for x number of feet. The trout will eagerly come into to this water as they can see emerging bugs more clearly. Most often they will sit on the fringe of rippled water and the soft window, a good place to targets casts when risers are not present. The image above is a prime example of the wind blowing left to right, the soft water, and the fringe. But today I had plenty of targets, and the fish did not stray far when rising, they had their beats and cruised them freely. The wind, now more powerful, switched to the south east and I had to find another productive bank to find fish. Sure enough I found a pod, far from the crowds of the north lake. I hooked 6 on the dry, landing 4, 16-18", clean and colorful, and full of fight. This is a must experience for any stillwater fly angler, It's more than just trolling around in a float tube and a sinking line, or fishing an indicator. This game is hunting, and the trout know your there every time because they sense you, and it's not easy. A Lake Davis rainbow caught on a dry is a highly prized fly angling feat, in fact...... It's magic.

Lake Davis News Flash!!!

2010-10-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

Great news anglers! The fish are in the skinny water right off the bank! Today I fished for a few hours in the north end of the lake and hooked 23 fish and landed 15 in 2-3 feet of water. The fish were on the small side ranging from 14-17" but they are putting on some girth. I used a floating line with a Blood Midge pupa. Today reminded me of the good old days when use I to fish off the bank exclusively. Everyday is different on a lake and the successful angler is one who is flexible in their methods for catching trout - You just never know.......

From Italy With Love

2010-10-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

There is no question that I'm proud of my Italian heritage and the mother land. My grandfather "Papa Frank" relocated from Lucca Italy to San Francisco in 1927 just for the hunting and fishing that Northern California had to offer. He taught my Dad how to fish, my Dad taught me, and now I teach others the way of thy rod and reel. So when my friend Kristen asked me If I would like to teach Gabriella, a native Italian who is from a few clicks south of Lucca to fly fish - I was all over it. Gabriella's love for fly fishing far exceeds more than anybody I have known! This was her very first time, so I took her to the North Fork Yuba where wild and willing trout come to a dry fly every time. We had a blast, caught native rainbow trout, and had the pleasure of studying aquatic bugs thanks to biologist, educator, and scientific illustrator Christine Elder (http://christineelder.com/). It's safe to say we have another fly fisher in the making, and this one is from Italy with love! Ciao!

Sometimes It's Not About The Catching...

2010-09-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

I relish quiet mornings like these at Lake Davis, it's cold, the air has a sweet smell to it, and you get to see one of the greatest shows on earth - Watching a lake come to life and welcoming a new day. The fog rises off the lake dancing and swirling as it evaporates into thin air. The angler above knows these joys, he may have caught a rainbow or two, but right now he takes it all in and sips off his mug of hot coffee, and soaks in the suns beaming rays of warmth. The next time you are out on your favorite water and are not doing so well in the catching department, take a minute, breathe in the fresh autumn air, and think what it would be like to not be able to have these simple pleasures in life. Smile and know that mother earth will always be at your side, like any good mother would do for her children. Respect.

Fishing Report - Lake Davis

2010-09-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

I took my Dad and my trout dog Madison up to Lake Davis for some fun with our finned friends. When we got on the water there was already some chop and a breeze out of the north west, and it was a cold wind. Fog hovered over the water and was lifting into some magical plumes. Water temps are 57-60 degrees. The blood midge hatch that was so profuse last week was almost non existent today. I think that north wind put them down, a few were seen at around 9:00am emerging. The lake was quiet and not many anglers on the water. I'll admit, it was slow today, maybe the full moon had something to do with it. We C&R 13 fish in 4 hours trolling flies at a depth of 6 feet, and the rainbows measured 16-20 inches. The north end of the lake proved to have more schools of active feeding fish. The coolest thing we saw today was the huge flocks of Sand Hill cranes making their migration south to the central valley of California. You can hear them before you can see them, and they are so high up they only appear as specks against the cobalt blue sky. Waterfowl of all types are showing up at the lake as of late, and the Coot are really tearing up the weeds in certain bays. I'll be back up at the lake in the morning and If I hook into a hog I will surely post a picture of it. Fall is here - Let the games begin!

On a side note I have been featured in the fishing report for our local newspaper by Feather Publishing, The fishing report has been taken over by Michael Condon who is a long time fly fisherman from Plumas County, he is doing a great job and anglers are stoked on his accurate reports! You can view it here;

http://www.plumasnews.com/index.php/sports/7370-fishing-report-for-the-week-of-9222010

Fishing Report - Lake Davis - GAME ON!!!

2010-09-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

I have not been on the lake since the end of July and with these brisk cold mornings I knew it was any day now that the lake would turn on. I got on the water at 7:30am and headed to the bays north of Jenkins Point. My good friend Pete was already fishing and as I anchored he was into a fish. It was a beautiful morning, flat calm and many fish rising to emerging blood midge. Water temps were at 59 degrees and rose to 62 when I got off the water at noon. Int. lines to 4x was the ticket and blood midge pupa, PT's, and Wiggle Tails in brown all produced fish in 8-13 feet of water. I did not fish that much but rather went all over the lake and tried different areas and scoped out the scene - The bite is definitely on as I hooked 5 fish with minimal effort. The trout are clean of parasites and just have scars from them. Rainbows were 16-22" and fought very well. The lake has turned over as well, meaning the cold water is on top and the warm water is deeper. There was light fishing pressure on the west side of the lake but many trollers lurked in the deeper water down by the island. I trolled flies for 25 minutes at a depth of 4-6 feet down using Jay Fair trolling flies in brown and hooked 5 fish - Proof again that the fall gorge has started. I would rate the lake as good, and a hunch that this fall could be stellar. Please check back on a weekly basis as I will do my best to inform you all of the changing conditions on the lake.

The Funeral

2010-09-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

I was going through some old photos this afternoon and came across this gem. This is the day before the 1st treatment of Lake Davis to eradicate the Northern Pike problem, and one of the nicest rainbows I have taken from the lake. This bad boy went 24.5 inches and 5.5 pounds. My close friends and I had a funeral that day, we placed a headstone marker complete with two pike hanging off it in the Mosquito Slough area. We prayed, and kissed the lake good bye before heading home with limits of fish - We thought it was best if these fish saw the smoker instead of the rotenone. The rainbow took a pistol pete, which is a wooly bugger with a gold prop on the front.

Middle Fork Feather River Fishing Report

2010-09-06T07:56:00.000-07:00

The Middle Fork Feather river is shifting into the great fall fishing it is known for. Water temps are 55 degrees in the morning and rising to 64 degrees by evening. There is a huge Blue Wing Olive spinner fall from 9 - 11am. Spent patterns in a size 16 casted to rising fish will get results. For mid day fishing, a hopper with a bead head flashback pheasant tail dropper is the ticket. Wild rainbows 6-14" will take either fly. The evening fishing is the best from 6pm till dark. Pale Evening Duns in a size 14 is the fly to have on the end of your tippet. There are also some fresh BWO duns, and Yellow Sallie stoneflies thrown in the mix as well. Make sure you fish the last hour of light - It is the magic hour and many fish are coming to the surface, especially the tail outs of large pools.

I had the pleasure of sharing the river with Diane and Sig of the Bay Area last Wednesday and Thursday. The girls had a great time learning new tactics, and exploring the secluded runs and riffles the Middle Fork has to offer. They also had good things to say about their stay at the 20 Mile House Bed and Breakfast http://thetwentymilehouse.com/ - Check it out! The Isonychia mayfly has yet to appear but it should be any day now, A hatch I really look forward to. Now is a great time to get out on the MFFR and experience some dry fly heaven!

Fly Tying Article In Sierra Fisherman Magazine

2010-08-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to announce that I've been published in Sierra Fisherman magazine featuring my quick and easy Isonychia mayfly nymph, and a great piece of info regarding "reading the water" in the "Pro Tips" column. I received a hard copy in the mail and what a great magazine! Excellent photos, interviews, and a great article on stillwaters by Bill Forward. I'm so impressed with the magazine I have a hard time putting it down! You can view the fall issue here at Sierra Fisherman http://www.sierrafisherman.com/ or you can buy a subscription for $19.95 and get 4 issues a year and all those great pictures we love to drool over. I would personally like to thank publisher Bob Leonard, and the editor at large - Frank Pisciotta (http://www.cyberfly.com/) for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this fine magazine. Of all the fly fishing magazines out there, this one should be checked out!

Bug Of The Month - Hoppers!

2010-08-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

Grasshoppers (Order Orthoptera) include over 1,000 species in North America and over 23,000 species worldwide. Here in the northern Sierras we have a good variety of short horned grasshoppers (Family Acrididae) that include the Pallid-winged hopper above. This is the most common hopper next to a freestone creek or river, they love to soak in the warmth of a granite rock. They are so well camouflaged against these gray polished boulders that many predators overlook them, then at the first chance they have to escape, they hop on out of there with their powerfully muscled hind legs. Windy days prove to be an advantage when hopper fishing, naturals fall victim to the gusty winds that hammer the stream side foliage and fall into the water. For a trout there is nothing like a hopper to eat, It's about as close a trout gets to a BBQ porterhouse steak that you and I enjoy.

The Madison River in Montana gave me a PHD in hopper skills and tying the right pattern, We use to chum up some very large fish with captured naturals to study the takes. The really big fish did not even break the water's surface, they just sucked it down in a little whirlpool. It took me three years of trying different hopper patterns and getting refusals from trout before I came up with my own foam hopper, "The Simple Sandwich". The results that summer on the Madison was one of dreams, one day consisted of 19 fish over 20"! For a day like that you need to cover many miles of productive holding areas next to the bank, carefully plan your attack, and have the right fly. I now tie this pattern from a size 14 - 8 in many different colors and combos, for myself I like the tan/brown/tan sandwich with brown legs, and cahill colored 6/0 Uni thread. This pattern sits flush in the surface film, is very buoyant, and bombproof.

Now is the season to fish Hoppers and other terrestrials that sit waiting for action in your fly box. Go Now!

Creekin Report - Gray Eagle Creek

2010-08-21T17:44:00.000-07:00

After a short steep climb out of the town of Graeagle the truck and I came to our parking spot before entering the canyon section of Gray Eagle Creek. I opened the door and this roar came spilling in, it was not the creek, but the wind was going ballistic. NOAA was right on the money today issuing a Red Flag Warning for most of northern California and western Nevada - Breezy with a S/W wind 20-25mph, gust up to 40mph. Cedars and firs swayed in the wind, dropping an arsenal of branches, cones, and needles. I was wise to keep a keen ear and my senses on high alert from falling debris above. I put the hiking soles on my Korkers, loaded up the pack, grabbed the rod, and disappeared into the thick foliage on my mission for wild trout.

Your typical Gray Eagle Creek rainbow - Love those orange fins! The creek is beyond low, just a trickle. The high demands for water in the town of Graeagle, and golf courses take water away from the creek, but the fish are just now more concentrated in the deeper pools. Water temps were at 58 degrees and clear, these trout at least have that, shade, and a decent aquatic bug population. It also appears that this spring was a big water flow and the streambed got a good flushing, many new trees have come down across the creek providing even more habitat.

My "simple sandwich" hopper pattern fooled dozens of fish. Inspired by Jay Fair's simple sandwich - Two slices of white bread, mayo and two slices of American cheese: Simple yet effective. The fish really liked green today even though I never found a green hopper. Puppeteering the fly and twitching it was very important today as well as key placements.

The larger trout were found in the deeper frog water areas below plunge pools with no current, most were tight to a big rock wall in the shade. They took the hopper with such confidence, coming up ever so slowly before sucking it down.

There are Brown trout in Gray Eagle Creek as well, in the next few months browns will be making their way upstream to spawn. These browns turn colors into one strange looking fish, by Halloween it appears they are ready to go to the costume ball. Their backs turn black, body appears more golden, and purple hues come off their cheeks down to the mid body - It's a work of art!

It was great to get out today, deep in a rugged forest canyon dotted with mammoth granite boulders who separate the flows of the creek. There were no caddis fluttering about today, not even a cranefly. Though I was blessed to share the river for twenty minutes with a water ouzel as he hunted for mayfly nymphs. We both fished, sang our songs, and smiled. Simple pleasures abound......

Hydration Solutions

2010-08-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

No matter if your fishing a freestone river or a big stillwater, stalking trout can be tough on the body and the mind. Just being in the elements; rain, big wind, blistering sun, to snow all effect the human body's water reserves. Keeping hydrated is mandatory to keep your senses sharp, mind alert, and your muscles from cramping up. I tried a camel back at first, and while it was nice on long hikes, it was just another thing to put around my shoulders while working a freestone river. I now carry a filter bottle in my back pocket. Light and easy to use, just dunk it in any creek, river, or lake and the filter removes 99.9% of the bad stuff. The cool thing about is you can carry it empty and not have to lug around the weight - As long as your near a water source. The filter is good for 200 uses and can be replaced. I also like to have a few packs of Cliff Bar's Shot Bloks on me. These are gummy bear like electrolyte chews that keep you going when your ready to hit the wall. Get the most out of your fishing experience - stay hydrated and stay strong!

North Fork Yuba Report

2010-08-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

The phone rang on Friday evening, I answered and it was my good friend George from Loomis. "Hey Jon... Adam, Brian, and I are camping and quading in your area, would you like to fish with us on Saturday evening?". "For Sure!" was my my quick come back. Now both boys can get bored with slow fishing, they are not like thier dad who has done countless trips to Montana and beyond in search of trout. There was one river I knew darn well these boys would not get bored, The North Fork of the Yuba. So we fished a stretch near Sierra City, and the weather was perfect except for a downstream wind.

Things started off slow and I was surprised, I just told myself the fish are taking a break and getting ready for the profuse caddis hatches that were to follow. Sure enough after an hour had passed things heated up with the dry fly. I coached both boys on the proper drifts, and dried their flies for them as we marched up the polished granite staircases looking for productive plunge pools and runs. Then things got crazy, almost every cast was a rise to a fly! George was so stoked to see his kids hammer fish left and right, if your a dad then you know what I mean. They missed at least 60 fish combined and landed a dozen and a half each. Every time I hold a NFYR rainbow I'm in awe, like a movie star going gaga over a ring of jewels - They shimmer and shine, and are so full of life! Though I did not take any temp readings, the water is still so cold for this time of year and good reason why these rainbows thrive here.

Smiles were seen from ear to ear with the whole crew, Adam and Brian were hooked! George just may have himself some new fishing buddies, and a chance to able to pass down the art and science of fly fishing to. It's trips like these that are the most rewarding to me. To see two boys enjoying themselves so much with such a simple game - And the rest....is only a dream.

These Eyes............

2010-08-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

I took a hike to Deer Lake in the Lakes Basin Area and took this most amazing shot of a Dragonfly. These are the eyes of a predator, and how they glow! While the fishing was sub par the bug life was off the charts. Upper Tamarack Lake had a damsel hatch in full swing, it is a tiny lake but the hatch is far bigger than Lake Davis had this year - Who would have guessed! Now is the time to get out and explore the upper elevations before the snow flies.

My Adventures On The North Yuba

2010-07-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

For the last few weeks of my life I have been deep in the North Yuba watershed exploring new areas to camp and fish. Haypress Creek (above) is a little gem and it flows through the Wild Plum Campground, which is a very nice campground - But make a reservation during peak times. We witnessed the biggest Golden Stone hatch I've ever seen! At a glance down the creek there was anywhere from 1 to 2 dozen adults flying at any given time! We started seeing fliers around 7:30pm and things just went crazy, and the fish responded by leaping high out of the water after them.

Butterflies of all types are flying through right now like these Pale Swallow Tails, which can be found by the dozens next to the water on a wet gravel bar keeping hydrated.

I love finding pocket water like this piece above while working my way upstream. This one has depth, several inflows, and plenty of cover for the native rainbows here.

Getting as close as I can without being detected by trout is a real challenge and a great game. High sticking dry flies all day long and keeping cool in that gin clear water is beyond fun - It's the best. As you can see I choose camo clothing, keep low, and no flashy items on the vest. Take your watch off as well.

I stuck with a few patterns and had great fishing, these trout are very eager and will hit just about anything. For me I choose the hopper in a variety of colors and sizes. You can't argue with a fly that does not need floatant and rides high, fish after fish. The hot fly was Gary LaFontaines Airhead in red and yellow, size#14.

The North Yuba is a fascinating river with a surprise around every corner. I really love this place, it reminds me of learning to fly fish on the West Branch Feather and the North Fork Feather when I was a boy. It's a rough and tumble kind of a river with a fast pace, and the roar of the white water echos off the canyon walls. Where Robins stuff their bellies full of Stoneflies, and take retreat on a low branch of a pine next to the river. They eat their meal, gaze about, and take in the sights and sounds of this most impressive watershed.

Bug Of The Month - Pteronarcys Californica

2010-07-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

The Madison River in South Western Montana is my favorite trout river, and home of Pteronarcys Californica - The Salmonfly. The Madison is basically a 50 mile riffle and ideal habitat for this big bug, I have taken some of my biggest trout in my life using the nymph here. But the love of the hatch, as almost always, is fishing the big dry. To see a 24" brown lazily nose over to your fly and suck it down with so much authority, that you know in your heart that these fish want this bug for the large size and its nutritional value! In fact the Native Americans that once roamed the shores of Hat Creek in California hunted these bugs to eat. They would wait on the banks near a willow and when they saw a Salmon fly hatch at the right time, they gulped it down! It was best this way as the bug was still soft and buttery, right out of the shuck.

Rivers in spring are filled with melting snow that has accumulated on peaks during the winter, as these flows recede Salmonflies stage up underneath rocks that are close to shore, the bigger the rock the better. This can occur from May through July depending on the snow pack. The hatch is often a hit or miss for mega stone hatches that happen on rivers like the Madison, the hatch starts at the lower river and works its way upstream - Sometimes the pace is often very fast and the bugs can cover miles in a day. One thing I have learned is that I let the crowds of anglers chase that dream, and when they are gone I set up camp, and fish the Salmonfly exclusively. The fish remember that bug for weeks after it has flown through, and you can bet on that!

Illustration by Christine Elder
http://www.christineelder.com/

Nymphs occupy the faster oxygenated riffles and pocket water and live 2- 4 years before emerging as adults. Nymphs are terrible swimmers and are subject to being washed away into the currents and finding its new home in a trout's belly. Feeding on stream debris, and leaf matter the Salmonfly measures 1.75-2.50 inches. The emergence usually occurs after Sunset into the night or early morning when it is still dark out. They crawl out of their exoskeleton and dry their wings before taking flight and finding a secluded area to adapt to their new world, many times mating between male and females occurs right away. I have seen freshly hatched males wait for a female to shed her shuck and start mating!

Adult Salmonflies live 1-2 weeks, and just like their swimming, they are clumsy fliers at best. The female lays her eggs by dabbing the water with her abdomen, dozens of times. She is most vulnerable at this point as her wings can get sucked down into the water where she is a helpless, struggling, prime rib dinner for Mr. Rainbow Trout. There are many fly patterns out there one can choose for this hatch. For the nymph I like a pattern that has rubber legs, tail and antennae, a big juicy and succulent body, and not too heavy so it can seek out the natural feeding lanes when high sticked. For the adult I like a foam bodied Stimulator in a size 6 (females are bigger) with a burnt orange body, a dark hackle in front, and moose for the wing. I have always caught my biggest fish on the dry right at dark. You see the take, and set the hook, the large trout turns and puts on the after burners downstream! Your hands tremble, and your short of breath! You dig deep and keep your cool and there it is at your feet after a long battle.....A two foot long trout at 5 pounds, and a great way to end the day on the Madison River.........

Creekin Report - Frazier Creek

2010-07-09T17:40:00.000-07:00

Creekin......Is a state of mind, an adventure of solitude and ravenous wild rainbow trout. I live for this time of year. When all other waters warm up, crowds of float tubes dot my lakes, and hoards of the general public litter my middle fork - A small creek can make all the difference, and keeps my sanity. The only down side at this point in my life is my fishing partner Madison (my blue heeler) is getting too old to jump from rock to rock and fish were the wild things are. But he knows where I have been by the smell of my wading shoes and the fish slime on my quick dry shorts. He wags his tail, gives me a smile, and I promise to take him to the lake in the boat. Satisfied he heads for his corner on the deck and takes up his post as sentry at Fort Baiocchi - And all is good with him.

So yesterday before the T-storms hit I fished Frazier creek. After I demolished my right side running board on my truck over a big boulder (they are both removed now, no more worries.) I rigged up my 4wt. 6 foot rod and walked downstream. No people around, not even a foot print. I stepped in the water and the coolness soaked deep into my legs and feet. The type of water a trout craves. The kind were oxygen rich plunge pools and aquatic insects become their salvation. I could not believe the bugs, so profuse it would make an entomologist cross eyed and dumb founded. There were the little black caddis, the larger gray speckled wing caddis, yellow sallies, the little green stone, golden stones, salmonflies, PMD's, green drakes and 3 different sizes of craneflies - All adults! Fish came so readily that there was no need to count. The game for me was to find that 9" trophy, and a few were found in the deepest pools. I used a gray x-caddis #12 and targeted the holding water, leaping from rock to rock, and staying low. I felt like the prince of pocket water.

I had had enough, and was quite embarrassed at the onslaught of my actions, how dare I harass these beautiful creatures who seek refuge under the pines, cottonwoods, and willows. I searched for bugs and realized that I have never seen so many on this creek before. With that I headed back to the truck and smiled. There is gonna be 4 more months of this pure bliss!

Tying The "Never Sink" Hex Cripple

2010-06-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

The Hex hatch is a must experience for any fly angler. These Mayflies are the largest to hatch in North America, and in Northern California we are lucky to have a few hot spots to find them - Lake Almanor, and the Fall River. I came up with this pattern after many store bought patterns failed to float for hours, this fly will never sink and holds up well after many fish have chewed on it. I chose the cripple because for whatever reason trout know that a cripple is helpless and easy prey. With so many natural adults on the water after the emergence at sunset, it helps to offer the fish something different, yet something they are accustomed to seeing.

The key to this bug is the hard marine foam that is glued on the back of the fly after it is done. I use super glue gel. Another thing a tier can do is painting the foam with some glow in the dark paint. Even in the dark the fish are still chomping away but with the help of your head lamp, this fly glows and gives the fly angler a huge advantage of seeing their bug and hearing the take, when the glow is gone it's time to set the hook and hang on! I use this foam for smaller dries, floating snails, and indicators - Use your imagination and see what you can do with this highly buoyant foam.

RECIPE:

-#6-8 dry fly hook, I like the mustad stinger.

-Camel 6/0 thread.

-Brown marabou for the trailing shuck.

-Yellow stretchy foam cross ribbed with thread for durability.

-Grizzly and yellow dry fly hackle for the legs.

-Yellow deer hair for the wing.

-Hard marine foam, shaped and cut flat on the bottom.

Fishing Report - Lake Davis

2010-06-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

I took my Dad out for a few hours to troll the shallows and drop offs. It was a cloudy day with a few threatening clouds and a couple drops of rain. Not too much wind as well, just enough to put a ripple on the water. There are many rising fish off Jenkins in deeper water midging on the blood midge and the little green midge. Long leaders and a zebra midge with no indicator worked well for a few anglers I saw.

There are some damsels out, but I would rate the hatch as very light. Fish are starting to work the skinny water next to the shore, but again not the amount of players I would like to see. So we have 5-6 feet of "new" water and this makes the shallows now not very fertile. I know there are damsels in the deeper water's weed beds - But they still have to come to shore to hatch! I would like to think that the coming weeks will show more damsels - Only time will tell.

We trolled 3 feet down with full dressed damsels, 11 fish to the boat "14-18". We missed many more. I would rate the lake right now as good and improving. It's just great to be out on Lake Davis. The sheer beauty of the place, the birding, and the bugging makes this lake so intriguing! Until next time..........

Using The Wind As Your Friend

2010-06-17T16:53:00.000-07:00

It has been a windy, blustery Spring (if you can call it that...) to this very day. I fished Lake Davis last Tuesday, the 15th of June. After a delightful launch at Camp 5 with a single pram guy in the whole facility, I went north to the bays and buckets between Jenkins and Cow Creek. As I settled in for a perfect morning of fishing for risers I knew the damn wind was gonna blow at 15-24mph - But When? NOAA does a great job with local wind forecasts, but even they can't give it a game time. This is often the guessing game at Lake Davis, but it depends on the game you play if the wind will help, or hurt you. The wind can help ripple a lake with a very slight breeze to give the fish more security and feed more actively. It can also help distribute food like blood midge, and snails. There was a time from 1998-2,000 when I would anchor my jonboat sideways to the wind with an anchor on the stern, and one on the bow, and the wind to my back. This would create a "soft window" in the water in front of the boat that entices fish to come up and feed. All I fished was a brown Jay Fair snail that takes under a minute to tie. Just cast out to rising fish, feed the line out, and hang on!. Times have changed, and things are not good with the local snail population ( I could rant on this for a good three days...).

I fished hard for about 15 minutes when out of the west - BAM! Big Wind (again...). I fumbled a bit then made a good decision to harness the wind to my favor. I set my rod up with a camo int. line and a full dressed damsel. I then motored up a cove to the very west edge shallows I could go, cutting the motor I steered the boat sideways to the wind and let out the Drift Sock! If you make a good drift you can cover so much water that it makes this technique highly effective. Once the boat is in drift I cast sideways to the wind so that the line is off to my right , and let it rip. Once the line settles in the water I let it sink and feed out additional line, sometimes up to 20 feet. As you drift your fly it will settle in to the port or starbird side of the boat beyond the wind sock at x amount of feet. You can strip and cast, or twitch/pause your fly. The wind can effect your depth of line as well with the speed of the drift - The heavier the wind the faster sinking line you need to keep your fly in the strike zone. It is a great way to fish and worry free, the wind is your team mate and powers your drift. This technique brought 5 fish to the boat when all other hope was lost. When it comes to wind on a productive trout lake, it pays to adjust, and adapt.

Fishing Report - Middle Fork Feather River

2010-06-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

Today I took a few hours to fish and evaluate the current condition of the MFFR. A bright sunny day with a bit of a breeze and air temps around 75. The surrounding land is SO green, and wild flowers have just started their dance. Water temps are still hovering around 55, slightly warmer in skinny slow areas of the river. I high sticked with a baetis flashback nymph in a #16, a golden stone nymph #8, and two splitshot. The river is high, but very fishable, it took much effort to land a few bows from 8-11". I saw BWO's, and PMD's hatching, but even then it was very light. I have not seen one riser so far this year, which is a disappointment - When you see a head it can give you hope, and there was none of that here today. Though the fishing was off the birding on the banks of the MFFR have been off the Richter scale! I have never seen so many warblers in the thickets, many times you can't see them but their calls are so loud and charming that you can't help but not to notice.

CARP! Yes, there were many carp in the slow skinny tailouts of major runs! I put on a Burk's bottom roller in brown with a bunch of lead 8 inches in front of the fly and sight fished to numerous cruisers. It took a while but I finally put my fly in front of a 23" golden ghost, and later a 18 incher. Carp are smarter than trout and hard to catch, and they do have a great fight in the beginning of the battle often stripping your spool out - That was the beauty of it all today - a total surprise of hungry carp. I would rate the fishing right now as fair and improving. It will not be long before things "pop" and fishing will be on fire. I now know that yes indeed we will have a great evening dry fly game that may go until mid August.

Carpenter Ants Have Emerged!!!

2010-06-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

The Carpenter Ants are out as of yesterday and this means the fish will be looking up for them. The Middle Fork Feather is still high and cold, I fished it yesterday and though there were Carpenter Ants and adult Golden Stones on the water I could not get a fish to rise to my flies. Lake Davis is another story as fish are already rising to Blood Midges and Calibaetis Mayflies. The Carpenter hatch will be out for the next week and as the fish key in on them they will be the preferred meal of the day. After the hatch is done the fish will still be looking for them so by all means fish these patterns. A great rig for Lake Davis is fishing a winged version in a size 10 with a sunken/spent ant as a dropper 18" below your first fly - Cast to rising fish. The first visitor of the "Big Bugs of June" are here, just what we have been waiting for!

Fishing Report - Lake Davis

2010-05-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

I fished the lake on Sunday, it was my first time with the boat out and all the new water has made launching at Honker Cove a breeze. I managed to catch 6 fish on a dark fiery bugger while trolling flies. Water temps were at 53 degrees and the water clarity is not good, muddy at best. There are some rising fish taking Blood Midge emergers and adults.

My trout dog Madison is back on his Lake Davis A game, he really understands the entire game of fishing! This time of year trolling is my searching tool to find out where the fish are holding in the water column, locations, and current hatches. My fish finder is another tool in the belt, I keep a close eye on it and take notes. It's not black magic but it can give an angler the edge it takes to be successful. I found concentrations of fish at Fairview Point and Freeman Creek. The west side road looks to be open as I saw 5 vehicles at Jenkins Point. The lake is fishing fair and will only get better as the weeks pass by.

Baiocchi's Troutfitters Donates Trip to SYRCL Auction

2010-05-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

SYRCL's 22nd annual auction and river celebration will be held June 5th, 5-10:30pm at the Miners Foundry - 325 Spring St. Nevada City. This is Nevada County's largest auction! Over 500 fantastic items in the silent and live auction including art, fine dining, massages, raft trips, outdoor equipment, entertainment, classes, fine wines, fishing trips, and much more! I am donating a half day at Lake Davis aboard my custom tracker boat that includes everything you need to have a chance at catching some trophy trout. For tickets and more information, please go to http://yubariver.org/ - You can also preview all the items there that will be auctioned off for a great cause.

Lake Davis Report 4-26

2010-04-26T18:54:00.000-07:00

With a storm fast approaching with low temps, snow, and rain for the next 5 days I decided to get my first day on the lake. Grasshopper was packed with 5 cars, and Coot bay had 4 anglers. I went to Mallard and with the wind coming out of the west/south/west, I fished a small cove to the north and put the wind on my left shoulder. This was a good move as I could cast and use the wind to my advantage. I would make a few casts and take five steps down, then make some more -Repeat. I felt like I was steelheading on the currents of a river.

Within five minutes I had my first fish, an 18"er in really good shape and girth. I used a camo Int. line with a 9 foot leader to 3x, and a root beer glimmer bead head wiggle tail, with a dark cinnamon tail in a size 12. I got three more bumps in the next half hour, but the wind was really turning on. A hint on where to find the fish right now? Look for packs of pelicans chasing rainbows and trying to gulp them down whole!

The wind grew more and with it huge mats of grass and weeds so big, it would please a pair of Dorado looking for cover. The weeds became a problem so I went down to Honker and viewed

the plowing progress and the famous stuck vehicle.

I walked through the woods to Grasshopper and approached from the backside,

Alpine Buttercups were abundant on Sunny moist slopes. Gulls and Ravens did pace lines back and forth on the shore and forest, they were having fun in the big wind. There was the most impressive display of flight as I saw two Golden Eagles so high up they were just dots - And that's a big bird! Only the eyes through the binoculars could get the ID.

I fished the bathtub bucket for an hour and picked up another trout at "16 on the same fly and set up. There were 4 fly anglers at the mouth of the creek who were just hammering fish - It was evident there was a pod of spawning rainbows in front of them. Been there, and done that.

I had such a great time today just walking around and taking it all in for my first day wetting a line here. What beautiful place to fish. I will let you all know how things are on the lake after the storms clear out.

Product Review: Gary Lafontaine's Stealth Rod Series

2010-04-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

When I sit down to write a product review, it is about gear that I own and feel very strongly about. Gary Lafontaine's Stealth rods are the best rods I have ever casted and fished. I first learned about them while searching the Internet for a new rod. These are the only rods in the world that will not cost you a fish on the lake or stream. They are beautifully finished rods, but don't shine like a warning beacon that your waving around. The Stealth has a black matte finish, black Fuji double foot guides, and an anodized reel seat with ebony insert. I'm known to dress in full camo when fishing and these rods compliment my attitude of blending in and being stealth. I own the 2 piece "P Taper" in a 6wt. and use it for lakes and rivers. The P stands for power, and this rod can out cast any other rod out there with minimal effort. I also own the 3 piece "H Taper" 6wt. which is very similar to the P Taper but has much more lifting power for very big fish - Like those brutes at Eagle Lake. The rods come with an extra tip, and the customer service that Lafontaine Private Label provides is peerless in the fly fishing industry. I simply love my Stealth rods and plan on fishing them the rest of my life, It's as if Gary is right there with me when I'm stalking trout - That will give an angler some serious confidence. For more information on the rods, or to purchase them, go to http://www.thebookmailer.com/ and click on the "Gear" tab.

Of Mice And Men

2010-04-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

Fly fishing with a mouse pattern goes beyond the norm, it's not just your average fly - It's a living creature on the end of your line. My first introduction to the game was by my friend Don. Don had exclusive rights to some ponds next to the Blue river outside of Silverthorne, CO. After seeing a picture of him holding a 32" brown trout while fishing a mouse in the middle of the night I was all ears. We went to the ponds after the sun had set and rigged our rods with deer hair mouse patterns he had tied and tippets to 0x. I asked Don "When do you know when to set hook"? "It's as black as sin out"! His reply was "When you hear the suck of the take and the gulp of the swallow". That night I managed 3 browns 17-22", not the monster I was looking for but the game was so much fun I could have cared less.

When tying mouse patterns I have chosen Gary Lafontaine's creature pattern exclusively. It will never sink, and has plenty of movement that looks "alive"! To tie this small mammal I start with a #6 Mustad Stinger hook and epoxy on a foam cylinder that is made for popper patterns. Now I take a cross cut zonker strip in a natural color and tie it to the rear of the hook, leaving a tail behind the bend, clipping of all the hair from the tail. Next I coat the cylinder foam body with Barge cement and let it sit until tacky - once this occurs I now wind the zonker strip towards the head. I let it dry, paint the head, add eyes, and clear coat it with some Loons hard head formula. The result is the most realistic and buoyant mouse pattern out there. Though I have come up short in Northern California with results, It is dynamite In the Patagonia region of Chile, the Madison River in Montana, and all of Alaska! If you dare fish the mouse you must keep cool, keep a keen ear, and a steady hand when the "gulp" happens.

Below is a trailer from the DVD "Once in a Blue Moon". The infamous mouse run that results in a monstrous brown trout feeding frenzy in southern New Zealand. You can purchase the DVD from www.thebookmailer.com

Fly Fishing - Once in a Blue Moon 60sec promo from On the Fly on Vimeo.

Lake Davis Report

2010-04-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

I took a short drive up to the lake today to get some first hand accounts of the status of the lake before another round of snow and rain comes upon us. The west side road is still a snowmobile trail and usually the last to thaw. It will be another month I'm guessing before you can safely drive a standard car in there. Ice is covering the lake viewing from the dam as far as the eye can see. There are some patches of ground, more than I thought there would be, but there is also still snow drifts 2-4 feet deep. Since it was cold this morning I could walk on the snow without snow shoes with no fear of punching through and experiencing the dreaded "post hole". My first stop was Grasshopper cove, the creek is still a trickle and there was some open water. No visible signs of trout to be had. As I passed snow creek which feeds Honker Cove I noticed more water than the other creeks. Next stop was Coot Bay and there was more open water here but no signs of trout life. Mallard Cove had the most open water and I talked to a few bait chuckers that had limits of rainbows 17-21" the day before. Rainbow glitter powerbait was their weapon of choice (LOL!).

Water temps were in the high 30's on my thermometer, and I still think it will be at least 3 weeks before a hungry trout will take a fly. What we need now is warm temps and big wind to bust the lake up, and heat the water. The wildlife were very happy as they have the place to themselves. Both adult and juvenile bald eagles strafed Canadian geese, but with no luck. I did hear the mtn chickadees singing their mating call which I interpret as "cheeseburger". I will keep all of you posted as things change, but all I can think about is warm summer temps and damselflies - That's when Lake Davis really lets her colors fly!

Book Review - The Bug Book

2010-04-06T05:27:00.000-07:00

If the fly fishing enthusiast wants to take their insect ID skills to the next level...I suggest you consider the newly published The Bug Book, written by The Friends of Deer Creek and illustrated by Christine Elder.While there are other fine examples of insect identification guides in print for fly anglers, written from the fly fisherman's perspective, The Bug Book, is written from the biologist's perspective, with a focus on the scientific identification of 76 aquatic insect families common throughout western waters. In this 100 + page book you'll find all the familiar bugs trout love to gulp, but you'll learn about them from an entomologists' perspective. Thus the blue-winged olive becomes Ephemerellid, the Green sedge a Rhyacophilid, the Salmonfly a Pteronarcyid...you get the idea. Besides identification,The Bug Book also covers the species' habitats, behaviors, and life cycles.
All the jargon is defined in an excellent glossary. With the fisherman in mind, the book also comes with a water repellant laminated field chart with the classification and identification of all the major groups (9 orders plus some non-insect bugs too!) Detailed illustrations are peppered throughout, by my bug-loving river partner, Christine Elder(http://www.christineelder.com/) , an accomplished entomological illustrator.
To make the very most of this book, you'd do well to have a magnifying glass handy, or even a microscope, since some of a bug's physical characteristics neccessary for identifying the critter down to the family level are best viewed magnified. But the books illustrations and photographs are so clear, that lack of one shouldn't pose much of a handicap. In my opinion, this book is a must-have for ultra-serious fly fisherman who really want to know their bugs. To learn more about the book and ordering visit: http://www.friendsofdeercreek.org/bugbook.html

April/May Prognosis for the Middle Fork Feather River

2010-04-04T07:41:00.000-07:00

The fishing forecast for the MFFR depends on a number of factors, runoff, rain, snow, and water temps. Let's start out with the runoff of snow. There is a good snow pack in the Lakes Basin, and Jamison creek watersheds. In fact there is another month at least of good spring skiing. If the melt off is gradual fishing will be good well into July. If we get some warm rain storms and it all goes at once it will definitely have an impact on the whole season. The river this year has not been too high due to the very cold temps we have had. This is a good thing as there will be very little flushing that can effect aquatic bugs.

Water temps is the determining factor for the MFFR, right now they are at 43-45 degrees - not good fishing for these rainbows and browns. Good fishing starts at about 55 degrees to 65 degrees. The native fish here have adapted to warmer temps then most trout in other rivers. Why may you ask? They have to in order to survive and reproduce offspring. When water temps are cold, fish will be in the slower deeper stretches of the river, and if some early hatches come out they may be found in skinny water that is heated quickly by the sun. Come summer time the trout will be found tight to the heads of riffles, runs, and pools where the well oxygenated water is found. I have caught trout in 70 degree water in such places during the dog days of summer. Yep, they are well adapted to this river.

Strategies for April/May would be to czech nymph or high stick the deeper runs, side sloughs, and eddies. Productive flies will be Burk's Bottom Rollers in burnt orange, and olive size 8-12, Golden Stones size 6-10, Bead head pheasant tails size 10-14, and Caddis Pupa in olive size 10-16. You may be able to find some rising trout during the warmest period of the day, hatches will include the Blue Wing Olive, Gray Drake, Golden Stones, and a few caddis thrown in. I think fishing will be good for these months but keep in mind that June, July, September, and October are the banner months for flinging a fly on the MFFR.

More Snow!

2010-03-31T07:28:00.000-07:00

I woke up to 12" of new snow here at the house! Just when all of the snow melted from this winter a new batch is upon us. I'm stoked to see it though, we need more water in Lake Davis - With more water there is more fertile shallows for the trout to feed in. Right now the lake is in a tomb of snow and ice. I'm jonesing to get out there but it will be while. The Middle Fork Feather river will be opening this coming Saturday from the A23 bridge down to the Mohawk bridge. Though water temps will be too cold for good fishing there is a good chance you can hook some big browns, I like to use a fast sink tip with zonkers in olive/white. Concentrate your casts in the slower deeper water and pools. Well, it's time to plow once again.......

Fly Fish Plumas County and the Northern Sierra

2010-02-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

I'm pleased to announce that I have reopened my fly fishing guide service for 2010. After taking a long break I realized that I miss guiding anglers and helping them with their skills on the water. I offer trips to Lake Davis, Middle Fork Feather River, Eagle Lake, Frenchman's reservoir, North Fork of the Yuba River, and many small creeks in eastern Plumas County. Trips can be custom tailored for any angler, beginner to expert. I also offer trolling trips for those non fly anglers who still want to hook up on light tackle and flies. Please check out my new website where you will find all the info you need to book a trip! http://www.baiocchistroutfitters.com/ This year should fish very well as we have received close to 13 inches of rain, and with some more wet months ahead it all adds up to more water - Bigger fish, and bigger numbers. So please come Join me in the gorgeous Northern Sierra for a great day on the water!

Product Review - Korkers Boots

2010-01-13T17:58:00.000-08:00

When it comes to wading boots, I'm the greatest abuser. There is no other destructive force that even comes close. If a boot last the entire fishing season I consider it a victory. I used Danner boots for many years with great success until the workmanship went downhill in 98, after that the boots would blow up in under a year. Then I tried Patagonia's boot and that lasted only months, Then Orvis, and had a little bit better results with them lasting one season. I become a master at gluing welds, stitching with kevlar thread, and replacing rivets. After much research I decided to go with the Korkers boots. This time I filled out the warranty card, and kept the box with the receipt inside. No more repairs I said to myself, if they fail, I want a new pair of boots or have the manufacturer fix them. These boots feature the interchangeable soles and one boot can be used in many different applications depending on your fishing needs. I bought the felt studded soles, the steel spike soles, and the hiking soles. It's nice to be able to hike long distances with the hiking sole, then switch to the felt once you arrive at your destination. Your felt soles last so much longer! My boots have two seasons on them and are in great shape. There is some minor cosmetic scuffs and that's about it. If you own a pair of these boots, or are thinking of buying them, I have a few tips. The slot that holds the soles in the bottom of the boot should be clean and debris free when changing soles, this will add life to the interchangeable system. The hiking soles are not good for muddy banked lakes like Lake Davis. The mud clings to them like glue. If you fish rivers with huge polished granite boulders like the North Fork Yuba, be very careful with the studded felt soles on dry boulders - You will slide! They are great once you in the water though.

The Korker Guide boots for 2010 look so bad ass, and now feature a BOA lacing system which I love on my snowboard boots. It's quicker and you can get the right amount of tightness, and flexibility. The Omnitrax system is improved as well and so easy to use. These boots are so advanced I may just give my current boots to a new aspiring fly angler and pick up a pair - No wait, for sure I'm getting them!

Tying Flies - A Serious Sickness

2009-11-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

A fly angler reaches a point in their life where they need to tie his or her own flies for a great number of reasons. It certainly is not about saving money, because once the addiction or "sickness" sets in you find yourself with so many different materials and hooks that it all adds up to some coin. Sure, one can simply do it by only tying a few different patterns, but again your brain starts buzzing with ideas for new patterns or copying that "hot" fly your buddy had when he kicked your ass at Lake Davis last spring. Many tying junkies simply do it to show the fish what they interpret in their own mind what an artificial should look like. With feathers, fur, foam, and other natural and synthetic materials we try to copy the great creators own creations, and fooling our finned friends into thinking it's the real thing. For myself it is an art that I find so fascinating that it consumes my every thought while living and breathing on this big blue marble. I am sick. So sick that when I get a package in the mail I look at the packaging materials and think what pattern I could use this for instead of the merchandise itself. Sicko!

As winter draws in and the sun arcs lower in the sky, I find myself energized by the light of the tying vice. This is the time to tie. I love nothing more than cranking out patterns and looking out the window as the clouds release huge amounts of swirling snow bouncing of my bedroom window. It is during these times I think about next years trips and the flies that will join me on those adventures. Then the fever follows you on those adventures as you must tie "on site" to be exact with that days hatch, and it never ends. The whole realm of tying is like slow dancing with my sweetheart, it moves me....and I never want it to end. H1N1 has got nothing on this sickness. It can last a lifetime with no cure in sight, and that's just fine with me.

Tying The Blue Wing Olive Cripple

2009-11-18T14:12:00.000-08:00

Legendary fly inovator Bob Quigley came up with the Mayfly cripple to imitate a struggling mayfly trying to escape it's nymphal shuck and getting stuck. This also happens when mayflies hatch and get fried in the hot sun thus being "still born", as often seen on Hat Creek in the summer months. Selective and wise trout seek out these crippled mayflies as they are an easy meal. I have had great results with this fly but be warned, the fish take this fly with such confidence that they take it deep! A barbless hook is a must when using it. One fine Autumn day on the McCloud River a few years ago a nice BWO hatch was happening in a tail out of a large pool. There were a large number of rising trout and of course they were being picky. I put on a cripple and that solved the problem, but the fish were taking it so deep I felt guilty as I may end up killing such a beautiful creature. I put the dun back on and settled for a few more fish before the hatch waned in the orange haze of the afternoon light.

I tie my cripple using other materials than Mr. Quigley does, It's just my own way of doing things. For the thorax I use closed cell foam to keep the head up, and the forward wing is of antron to better cast the reflection of light. This fly can be tied in various sizes and colors depending on what species is hatching.

RECIPE:

-Tiemco 101 size 16.

-8/0 Uni thread in camel.

-Tail; webby fibers of a brown schlappen hackle.

-Body; dubbed webby fibers of a brown schlappen hackle.

-Ribbing; fine gold wire.

-Thorax; closed cell foam.

-Hackle; grizzly or cree.

-Wing; Antron.

How To Smoke Trout

2009-11-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Fall is my favorite time of year as fishing for trout in lakes is red hot! I’m a catch and release guy most of the time, but now is the time to keep a few fish from stocked lakes and fire up the smoker. I just finished up a smoke out yesterday and thought it would be nice to share my thoughts on just how to smoke trout.

Right after you land your fish, gut the gills and bleed them out, keep em cool in an ice chest until you get home. Now gut the fish, clean, and rinse in cold water. There are many ways to smoke the fish, whole, chunks, or fillets – I prefer fillets. Once your fish is prepped it’s time to soak them in the brine. My recipe for brine:

-64 ounces of water.
-Half cup salt.
-Half cup brown sugar.
-3 tablespoons of red raspberry jam.
-3 tablespoons of crushed garlic.
-3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.

Mix ingredients well in a glass, stainless, or crockery container (not aluminum!). Immerse fish. Chunks and fillets let soak for 4-7 hours, whole fish 8-12 hours in the refrigerator. After soaking rinse the fish with cold water, for more flavor do not rinse. Pat dry and let sit for 1 hour. You will notice a tacky glaze on the surface of the fish, this is called the “pellicle”. Your fish is now ready for the smoker. Smokers come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. I own a “Big Chief” smoker and it has never let me down. Pre heat you smoker and add your smoking chips. I use three pans of chips on the hour, alternating alder and apple. Check the meat periodically for the degree of doneness you desire. Your fish should be nicely colored, and flaky to the touch. Now, enjoy the reward! You will want to smoke a number of fish at the same time as they are so delicious, and they don’t last long!