Fall Prognosis for the Northern Sierra

The Wild & Scenic Middle Fork Feather River glows with autumn color.

The much anticipated wait for the best fishing of the year is nearly upon us. Fall is a very special time of year if you’re an angler; there are so many fantastic opportunities, yet only so much time before winter takes hold. It’s short and sweet. An angler has to choose just where to concentrate their efforts and what species one decides to hunt. You can’t be everywhere at once. I’d like to share with you my favorite locations for fall in the Northern Sierra, waters that not only produce great fishing, but stunning fall colors that will surely move you.

Lake Davis in Fall; Stalking trout in ankle deep water.

Lake Davis is at the top of my list and I consider it the best game in town when fishing for trout. The rainbows that inhabit the lake have fed on the best aquatic insects that Mother Nature can provide all season long and are usually fat and spunky. These fish also start coming into the very skinny water for the comfortable water temperatures and abundant food supply to fatten up for the long winter ice over. This is when an angler can fish right off the bank and sight fish to individual trout that can be so exhilarating!

The lake fishes so well that all methods will work depending on the game you like to play whether you’re fishing off the bank, in a float tube, or trolling some big and ugly flies behind a boat. The trout know winter is coming, they can feel it and their instinct is to feed like crazy! Big flies, heavier tippets, and faster retrieves come into play now. Multiple strikes and big number days are the norm if you can find the fish. Fly selection is not that critical though the rainbows do favor flies such as wiggle tails and woolly buggers in burnt orange, rust, and brown in sizes 6-12. With the aspens glowing, the Sand Hill cranes flying overhead, and your rod bent, Lake Davis is unbeatable for an outstanding autumn fly fishing experience!

The Big and Little Truckee Rivers come alive in fall and if you’re after a big brown trout now is the time as these predators become active. Presenting baitfish streamer flies in the Big Truckee is much like steelhead fishing in that you must cover lots of water, and make many casts to every available spot a big fish can hold. Shorter stout 7 foot 8-12 pound leaders matched with a quick descent sink tip is the preferred rig for stalking these monstrous trout. It also is important to vary your retrieve, make your streamer look alive like a fleeing or wounded minnow with erratic movements. Effective streamer flies would include Bunny Leeches and Zonkers in black, black & gold, brown & yellow, and barred olive in sizes 2-6. The lower river from Hirschdale down to Reno is where an angler should concentrate their efforts when seeking a trophy trout. If you’re lucky enough to hook a big brown trout you’ll understand why “the tug is the drug!”

Challenging fishing; Sight fishing to sippers on the Little Truckee River.

Fishing the Little Truckee River in fall is a whole different scenario than its big brother that requires stealth and careful observation. The low clear water makes sight fishing easy but if you can see the fish they can see you even better. Midge flies are the most predominant food item on the menu and Blue Wing Olive mayflies become active in the crisp autumn air. Tiny dry flies sizes 16-20 are often needed to fool the savvy sippers, it’s best to check that day’s hatch before committing to a particular fly pattern.  Casting less and observing more will pay off now, and if an angler finds a willing trout to play the game a perfect cast with the perfect fly will be needed. You may find yourself changing flies a dozen times to a single rising trout before you get a take. Challenging and rewarding fishing; that’s what the Little Truckee is really all about.

Both the Little Truckee and the Big Truckee also have a good population of the October Caddis, fishing the big bug is high on the list for the seasoned Northern California fly fisher. See below for a few more clues on this great hatch in the North Fork Yuba paragraph. I will say this though, the October caddis adult can be around for many weeks until the snow flies. If you can time it right and be on the river during the first snow fall you’ll have October Caddis flies falling from the stream side foliage and pine trees and into the water. Trout being opportunistic know exactly what’s going on and will take full advantage of it – Be there!

By the time fall arrives at Frenchman’s Reservoir the water ski crowd and campers are gone and only the serious anglers ply her waters now. Frenchman’s is without a doubt Lake Davis’s little sister and the tactics, techniques, and flies are the same for both bodies of water. The rainbows are not as big on average as Lake Davis, but there are more of them and an angler can have some big number days here. The one fly and rig that does shine here is the Sheep Creek Special fished with an intermediate clear camo sinking line. This rig is best fished from a personal watercraft covering lots of productive water in 4-9 feet of depth. As temperatures drop and shore ice forms in the northern part of the lake, the trout will move down to the southern end of the lake as it offers more comfortable water temperatures. This is the time I like to fish here as only the hardiest of souls will be out, and sometimes solitude can be found on the quiet snow lined banks. Keep in mind that Frenchman’s will not ice over as quickly as Lake Davis due to its high desert location. This is the ideal still water for anglers traveling from Reno, Nevada as it is close by and easily accessible. If you have not fished Frenchman’s before I encourage you to check it out this fall, you won’t be disappointed.

Autumn is a very special time on the North Fork Yuba River, fall colors explode from the many oak trees casting a golden glow that can be seen for miles. Water temperatures are much cooler in the lower river this time of year and being high up in the water shed is not of importance now that the summer heat is gone. The lower river from Downieville downstream to the last bridge on highway 49 also holds the highest population of a very special aquatic insect; the October Caddis. The largest caddis fly found in North America resides here and the pupa and adult give the trout their last prime rib dinner before winter takes hold. The October caddis looks like a large burnt orange moth fluttering about, but upon careful observation an angler will notice how the female will dab its abdomen on the surface of the water. This is how she lays her eggs for future generations of the species. Tactics for fishing the adult is simple really; a long 6 pound leader to 9 feet with a size 8 orange Stimulator dry fly is all one needs when fishing the adult. The key to success though is using a shorter amount of line and twitching your fly, lifting it on and off the water just like the natural. Pocket water, seams, and the tail outs of big pools are the best place to make your presentations. Finding a nice sunny bend in the river that gets all day sun is important too, the big bug loves to fly in the warmer air. Once you play the top water game of puppet and puppeteer with the October Caddis you’ll have a hard time putting the rod down; it’s addictive!

Where ever you may roam this fall enjoy every minute of it, because once winter takes hold the show is over, and the long wait for the best fishing of the year begins again. 

The $12 Industrial Wading Staff

I've been extremely busy taking my guests to the North Fork Yuba River where a wading staff is vital for navigating the river’s gnarly terrain and banging the rocks to scare off the snakes. I've used many different kinds in the past from old ski poles to the latest the fly fishing industry has to offer. They work, but I wanted something hand crafted by myself that is both bombproof and industrial. For $12 in new materials, a little time, and some effort I created a no nonsense wading staff.  I took the best features of many wading staffs including Ron Hart’s design (which is the best retail staff on the market in my opinion) and kept the manufacturing simple. My work time was a bit longer since I made 4 staffs so I can outfit my guests. For a single staff the work time is about 30 minutes, not including drying time between steps. All of the materials were bought from Hills Flat Lumber Co., our local hardware store here in Grass Valley. Great store by the way and the staff is so helpful!

To make your own, first treat the 1”x 48” hardwood dowel with some high quality stain. I skipped putting on a clear polyurethane finish to keep the “shine” factor down for a stealthier appearance, plus it’s going to get beat to hell anyways so why bother. Next make your pilot hole for your leash anchor on one end, in this case a large wood screw and a washer. Thread the wood screw though the middle of the 5/16 shock cord until the screw point protrudes out to the other side. Now insert the screw into the pilot hole that has been filled with Goop brand marine glue and tighten it until flush. Clip off the tag end of the shock cord with a pair of dikes flush so the grip slides on smoothly.

With the mountain bike grip, ream the end hole out with a 5/16 bit to allow the shock cord to pass through. Laying the grip in the hot sun on some black asphalt will soften the grip for easier application. Once the grip is soft, shoot the inside with some carburetor cleaner to help aid in sliding the grip on. The carb cleaner will eventually evaporate and the grip will be locked in place. This step does require a bit of muscle! Measure how long you would like your leash and make an overhand loop knot, tighten this very well until it’s seated. I opted for a flat black locking carabiner which will run you another $9, you can get away with much less but I wanted “bombproof” technology with a little insurance.

For the tip I then glued on a 1” vinyl leg protector for furniture with the Goop marine glue. Your next step will be removing just the bottom vinyl section of the leg protector so that the wood dowel is exposed. This will provide enough grip for wading and it wears in nicely, it’s also so much quieter than a metal tip; which the trout can appreciate. Using a Surform hand held planer will speed up removing the bottom material quickly. Finish off with a palm sander until flush and smooth.

That’s it! You’re ready to rock the canyon water! 

Sneak Peek "The Entertainer" Sierra Fisherman Fall Issue

The upcoming Fall issue of Sierra Fisherman magazine will be featuring an article I wrote revealing a day in the life of a hard working successful fly fishing guide. Below is an excerpt from "The Entertainer" which paints such a clear picture that you feel like you were there on that magical day.

Many of his friends said he took guiding too seriously, but in his eyes it was the only way to be. It was no different from being a Sherpa on a big Himalayan peak, his clients came first, and even more importantly his hard earned reputation had to be sustained. Reaching the summit with them was not the issue, that goal was obtainable and within reach. Anyone who bags a big mountain will always have that memory locked away forever; it never goes away and lives with them every day. He wanted to paint them a masterpiece on the water, one that would never be forgotten for as long as they lived. Great artist can do just that.

The truck rolled into the parking lot on the South shore boat ramp and he was greeted with a grand sight of the lake shrouded in fog back lit by a glowing sunrise welcoming the new day. Coots called and chirped as they worked on their morning breakfast filling the air with the most calming melody.  He slid the boat in the water, tied it off on the dock and waited for his clients to arrive. The rush came upon him and you could see the passion in his eyes; it was time to wave the magic wand and spread the magic. His guests showed up on time, they were regulars of his and had their act together. They knew the drill. Paperwork was completed and the rest of the gear sorted. Trips with these types of clients are not necessarily easier, but they are more enjoyable because everyone works together as a team just like any good summit bid. “Good morning Dean, hey Dan!” “Did you find the fish yesterday?” Dan asked. “Yep, we’re going to have risers in about two feet of water in the next hour” he said. They both smiled with anticipation as they made their way down to the idling boat that was purring away. The throttle was pinned and they bolted for Sheppard’s cove.

Upcoming Middle Fork Feather River Presentation at High Sierra Fly Casters

I'll be speaking this coming Wednesday evening (8/14) at the High Sierra Fly Casters monthly meeting In Gardnerville, NV featuring "The Wild and Scenic Middle Fork Feather River". Considered the most beautiful river in California by many authors, this unique river flows gracefully from the Sierra Valley, through the lush Mohawk Valley before plummeting downstream into the expansive gorge of the "Wild" zone.

My power point presentation will feature great useful information on access areas, flies, entomology, techniques/tactics for all seasons, maps, and equipment. As a designated "Wild and Scenic" river, I'll also explain the 3 different zones that make up the MFFR and how they can be best approached by a fly angler.  

The High Sierra Fly Casters monthly meeting begins at 7pm followed by my "Wild & Scenic" Middle Fork Feather River presentation. Check out HSFC for more information and details on the club, who knows? You may become a member...

Trout Dog Approved!

The Bare Essentials

It's easy for guides and other entrepreneurs involved with fly fishing to take things a little too far in self promotion. In reality, one must be compelled to in order to survive and make a name for themselves. It is a business after all. It me took me a long time to figure this out yet still be humble and executed in a proper way that carries class and dignity. It amazes me how the public can see right through the smoke and mirrors of some, and the golden rays of integrity of a chosen few. The straight and narrow path is an easy one for me to follow and there is no turning back now.

When it's time for me to escape the rigors of commerce I resort to what I call "The Bare Essentials", which entails a small river, complete solitude and the quest to dance with the wild trout. What does one need to reach such a simple platform of pureness? For some it could be less than what I chose today, which was a hat, polarized glasses, and a fly rod with a hopper pattern. I guess I could have really taken it too far and reached the "ultra natural" by not wearing clothing, and just used the branch of a willow with a tapered leader tied to the end of it. Maybe next time. When I feel like the last man on earth with this overwhelming grand cathedral of wilderness wrapped around me, only then do I consider my sojourn to be complete. 

No fishing vest loaded for bear or any other tackle. If I get a wind knot, break my only fly off, or get it hung up in a tree my day of making presentations is done. This is good for an angler to experience, it makes you focus on every cast and detail; failure is not an option. No $80 dollar fishing shirt, or fancy wading boots. When when was the last time you felt the cold slick granite under your bare feet only to step again onto a hot black rock that's been baking in the sun? To feel the many different textures of Mother Earth below your calloused feet is getting back to basics, getting back to your roots. With all the fancy high priced footwear out there, do people even have callouses now? Big america, fast food, and our creature comforts has made us as soft as hand soap. 

When you hold a wild rainbow in your hand for those few precious seconds before releasing it back into the water there is that moment of calmness and serenity. White tipped orange fins dance in the mountain breeze, droplets of cold clear water fall ever so slowly into the river below you forming mesmerizing dimples, and those vivid colors and black spots become ingrained into your memory bank for you to savor for years. The sound of the river is louder now and if you listen closely you can hear the music and its beat. Do you hear it?

Do You?

VestPac Smart Phone Waterproof Case Review

I've been shopping around for quite some time on a reliable and secure waterproof case for my Motorola Droid Maxx and VestPac has stepped it up and delivered. This case is simple with two closures and a back up roll closure as well. VestPac offers other models that have ear bud connectors for your favorite beats. Check out this short video of the case in action describing all the features.

At $19.95 it's an affordable piece of insurance for your valuable electronics, and it's %100 guaranteed. The specs are;  

• IPX8 rated 100% waterproof.
• Puncture, tear, and scratch resistant.
• Made to withstand extreme heat and cold.
• Compatible with most smartphones (including all iPhones).

My VestPac case has worked great so far in all adverse conditions, if anyone can test a product and take it to its limit it's me! On larger phones like my Droid it is a tight fit and it slides in easier if you take your rubber case off. I'm really tough on gear because I roam "where the wild things are", If it fails you'll here about here. So far so good.

Featured Article In Mountain Valley Living Magazine

Check out this article I wrote for Mountain Valley Living Magazine on the North Fork Yuba River, it's just a small sampler to this spectacular and beautiful region in Northern California. If you have never been to the NFYR do yourself a favor and just go! For more information on the area or to book a trip please contact me at Baiocchi's Troutfitters

North Fork Yuba River Adventures & Fishing Report 7/12

For the past month I've been taking my guests to the North Yuba as the river conditions on the Middle Fork Feather are too warm and low. Great fishing conditions on the NFY came early this year with the lack of a normal snow pack and an early warm spring. All systems are "go" now and the river is in it's classic summer mode with productive fishing in the morning to late afternoon, then again for the evening rise. With a low runoff year aquatic insects are more prevalent as the river is not scoured by heavy high spring flows. Caddis flies are the most abundant food source here and an angler's fly box should have plenty of pupa, emerger, and adult patterns in a variety of sizes and colors to match the hatch. Water temps are running 62-68 in the lower river and 57-65 in the upper reaches. As more summer heat comes on it is important to focus where natural springs and feeder creeks enter the river as trout will be stacked below these cold sources of water.

The lower river below the town of Downieville offers more water, bigger fish, and more brown trout. Water temps warm more quickly here and an angler that gets here early will do better before the bite shuts down in the early afternoon. Yesterday I explored some remote reaches below Good Years Bar, areas that require some extreme descents and grueling outs up steep terrain. The trout are favoring highly oxygenated pocket water and shady runs that offer a good flow mixed in with micro currents and seams.

Being able to read water correctly with an understanding on why trout favor these areas during different times of the day is an important part of fly fishing. This is one of the first things I teach my students. My father taught me the importance of trout habitat when I first started out, back then in the 70's reading water and presentation was way more important than fly selection. To this day I still believe these are still the most important tools we carry with us. The above photo shows a deeper slot up against a submerged log which provided me the opportunity of catching two small brown trout. Browns really love wood for some reason and why log jams and other "woody" stream side habitat should be carefully dissected and fished.

During yesterday's venture "where the wild things are" I noticed several fresh Golden Stone shucks on the rocks, with a little probing around the polished granite boulders nearby I found this adult specimen in the shade adapting to its new world out of the water. I started out with a #10 yellow Stimulator with a KGB Caddis Emerger dropper in a size 16. After catching a dozen fish with only three on the dropper I removed the bottom fly and just fished the dry. Those trout really wanted the big bug!

Besides the yellow Stimulator, other effective dry flies included the Royal Wulff in a size #14 and Jonny B's Simple Sandwich Hopper #10.

This is your average North Fork Yuba wild rainbow, with vibrant colors and crisp clean lines. They are so beautiful and every time I hold one I cherish the moment. 

There is plenty of summer left to explore and soak in the coolness of the North Fork Yuba river. The canyon's natural beauty and remote wildness sells itself, if you can appreciate these simple things in life you'll be quite content here. 

Escape, explore, and lose yourself. 

Tying the KGB Caddis Emerger

In 1995 I began a yearly pilgrimage that lasted 10 years to the Madison River in Montana with my dad. He began his own in the early 70's and shared all of his favorite haunts in the area with me. During our first year we were introduced to Dom's Fly; the Serendipity. The pattern back then was so ridiculously easy to tie yet so effective whether it was short line high sticking or swung through the riffles. It was one of those flies you always went to in a tough situation for you knew it was going to preform well. 

A few years later I met the inventor of the Serendipity on the banks of the Fall river in Northern California through a mutual friend. Dominic Traverso chuckled when I brought up his simple fly, then showed me his latest series from his bench. His new flies sparked some wild ideas in my brain and the following summer when it was time for our annual Madison River trip I created the KGB Caddis Emerger. This fly has kicked ass from Montana to Colorado, and back home in the Northern Sierra. One key trigger that the fish see and react to is the rainbow 3D flash loop wing. 

My latest version has incorporated the use of Spirit River's UV2 materials which has made this fly even more deadly than before. The black bead is a new addition as well making this fly a perfect match when dropping it off a Hopper pattern or a Stimulator as it cuts below the surface film right in the strike zone. Tie a few of these up and see for yourself just how effective this killer green bug is! You can adjust the color of the body and wing, plus tie it in different sizes to match the specific caddis hatch your fishing. Thanks for the insight Dom!  

RECIPE:
-Hook: Tiemco 2457 #12-20.
-Bead: black, diameter to match hook size.
-Thread: Olive or color to match Uni Thread 6/0 to 8/0 depending on the size.
-Body: Olive Midge Lace or color to match.
-Wing: Dun colored UV2 sparkle yarn.
-Top Wing: Rainbow 3D flash tied in loop style.
-Thorax: UV2 Peacock Herl.

Lake Davis Still Water Outings; Sharing The Knowledge & Passion

When Rob Anderson and I decided on doing a guided still water group outing last winter we wanted to take it to the next level and beyond. The excursion was molded to offer the entire spectrum of a still water experience at Northern California's Lake Davis. More than a classroom clinic, our outings combined hands on instruction for all types of conditions for each individual, a detailed power point presentation on the fishery and aquatic insects, plus a friendly social environment where strangers become fishing buddies when it was all over. We explained all the parameters of rod rigging, knots, leader formulas, shallow water presentations, sinking line techniques, and deep water indicating in great detail.

Our daily after lunch briefings gave everybody a chance to share what worked and what did not work out on the water. The information shared gave those who were less fortunate in the catching department to increase their odds when going back out on the water for round two. It's amazing when you have a dozen rods in the water at once with fly anglers of different skill levels from beginner to expert and see the immediate results first hand.

Water craft of all types were discussed explaining the advantages and tactics that could be employed. It was no surprise to myself that a pontoon boat or float tube with an intermediate line with the right fly in the right area was the most productive. With this set up an angler can cover more water with their fly in the strike zone for a longer period of time. So many good options displayed here for different types of applications and budgets.

Offering the Hexagenia Mayfly experience was the icing on the cake for our guests. Many of them had not even seen the famous "hex" hatch in real life let alone fish one. Everybody in the group was giddy with excitement as the sun faded away and darkness engulfed the realm of the lake awaiting for the big yellow bug to "pop" out onto the water's surface. It is one of mother nature's greatest spectacle!

The highlight for myself during each of our outings was bringing anglers to some select spots and teaching them the art of trout stalking from the bank during the damselfly hatch. This is my first and foremost love and addiction when it come to still waters. More than just fishing, this is hunting for a wary wild animal where your skills must be honed and polished to perfection. Our guests were astonished when they could see under the glare and spot a cruising rainbow in 6 inches of water, something they did not think was possible in the world of a still water trout. 

The grub; fall off the bone smoked ribs, garlic gravy cowboy beans, slow cooked pulled pork sandwiches with fresh made southern coleslaw, BBQ marinated trip tip with corn and grilled carrots, and deluxe turkey wraps loaded with all the goods to round out our last lunch. Rob has the whole catering down to a science and it was so appreciated after putting some long hours on the water.

For those who would like to get in on a fun filled and informative weekend of still water fly fishing at Lake Davis, we are now offering a "Fall Outing" September 20th - 22nd of 2013 due to the overwhelming demand and positive feedback from both groups! Spots are limited so please contact Rob Anderson of Reno Fly Fishing Outfitters or myself at Baiocchi's Troutfitters to sign up and lock your date in. If you can't make it we will be offering more outings at Lake Davis in 2014 where you too can experience a great time and learn the right information to approach any western still water with great success!

I leave you with a few more images from our special time on the water, take a minute and imagine yourself here surrounded by the dense aquatic hatches and the great fishing that Lake Davis is known for. It's time to experience the magic!

NEWSFLASH!!! Hexagenia Mayfly Invades Lake Davis!!!

Yep, For real. What the ???? I know, I was in disbelief myself when I got an email from Steve Anderson of the Diablo Valley Fly Fishing club last week who said he may have seen a Hex at Lake Davis. With no pictures or evidence I simply could not believe it, I had to find out for myself if they were really there, and hold one in my hand for proof.

On the night of the 20th of June, Rob Anderson and I went to our location to rehearse the schedule of events for our Lake Davis Still Water Outings. Upon reaching the waters edge there were hundreds of California gulls making aggressive maneuvers down to the water and picking off insects. I thought to myself that this is quite strange as I've never seen them do this in all my years on the lake. They weren't after blood midges, that's for damn sure! We observed the water more when the large unmistakable silhouette of a mayfly appeared in my vision. It looked like a hex!

I saw one gracefully floating towards shore, took off my shoes and waded through the mud and grasped it, opened my hand and screamed like I had just won the lottery! We both stood their dumbfounded and just watched the show. Forget the fishing, this was a historic event happening live!

The next few nights displayed the same results and when the wind died down the amount of bugs hatching was phenomenal. The fish responded and took full advantage of this large food item, once you hear the suck of a trout eating a Hexagenia mayfly you'll never forget it!

On the evening of the 22nd one of our guest made more history with being the first known fly angler to present a hex emerger and landing a Lake Davis rainbow. We cheered so loudly I think the entire town of Portola could hear us!

History; Carl Nosek with a Lake Davis Hex Eating Rainbow!!!

With a flick of the switch the hatch ended, the Gulls flew off as did the geese now satisfied that their stomachs were full, and the trout hunkered down in the deep weed beds. As we walked back to the car the smile on Carl's face was still visible under the light of the "super moon", it was awesome!

So just how did the Hex show up? There are many scenarios  but the one that makes sense to me is in the last 2 or 3 years enough Hexagenia mayflies were blown to the east by a big west wind from the Lake Alamanor area where upon they landed on the water of Lake Davis. After the populations of Hexes that I have seen, I am quite certain they will be at Lake Davis for quite some time. In the future a fly angler will be able to fish a blood midge hatch in the morning, then the damsel fly hatch, deep water chironomid presentations in the late afternoon, and fish the Hex in the evening. 

This is HUGE!