Lake Davis Spring Report

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

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

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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?

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.

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

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

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

Lake Davis - Game Over!

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

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

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

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.....

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

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!