Product Review, Korkers "Darkness" Boot

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

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

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!