Lake Davis Fishing Report 6/21/2016

Well, I’m back in action since tweaking my back on the 1^st of June, It took about 11 days to be able to work again and I’m being careful with every move I make. For 2 weeks we had big wind up at the lake, and colder than normal temperatures blanketed the region. The most brutal day was last Wednesday when we saw 40 mile an hour gusts, and snow squalls. We had to motor in from the mid lake back to Honker Cove boat ramp at 5 miles an hour with three foot swells, yeah we got soaked on that ride, and my guests and I were on edge. Water temps dropped again down to 57 to 60 degrees from the low that blew through. Currently they are at 61 to 65 degrees with the warmer weather of this week. Fishing pressure has increased as well, both anglers in tubes, boats, and others roaming the shore.  

Our two Lake Davis Outings were a huge success! Rob Anderson from Reno Fly Fishing Outfitters does an amazing job with quality meals for our guests, a heck of a storyteller, and a great teacher. All of our guests learned so much about fishing the damselfly hatch at Lake Davis, and many other techniques to incorporate when fishing stillwaters in the west. 

I had such a good time sharing the knowledge. It’s awesome to see anglers progress in a very short time, and to hook into a real animal where you get to see your backing. We will be offering the outings next June for sure, if you’re interested, book early as they fill up quickly. Special thanks to all those that attended!

The damsel hatch is in full swing, and the resident rainbows are starting to wise up to artificials. For better success, go with a smaller hook that is 3 times heavy, and make sure the pattern is the same size, slender, and the right color of the natural. The key to success is to watch for boiling rises, figure out what direction they are heading, and lead them by 5 feet so they intercept your fly. Being quick to cast with a little luck on your side sure does help. 

The Hexagenia mayfly has been out but with the colder temperatures very few hatched, in fact they had a hard time lifting off the water. All that changed last Saturday night when the fricken wind finally laid down combined with warmer air temps. We saw many duns emerging. The fish are not keyed in on them yet, but it’s only a matter of time. Callibaetis spinners are out in the afternoon and I have not seen any fish take them due to the fact they are stuffed with damsel nymphs. Blood midges have not been active during the day until the last hour of light, make sure to have a few emerger patterns if you plan to fish in the evening.

Overall fishing is good, just not big numbers of fish. There have been some real toads hooked by my guests including five 5 pound fish, and one at 6 pounds. One observation that a friend shared with me is that there are not very many California gulls, usually they line the banks pecking away at damsel nymphs like chickens on the ranch. Very strange. The cooler weather may extend the fly fishing at Lake Davis into the first week of July. I’ll be guiding at the lake until the end of the month then switching locations to the North Fork Yuba River. If you’re interested in booking a trip where the wild things are, contact me at baiocchistroutfitters@yahoo.com, or give me a ring at 530.228.0487

See you on the water...

Lake Davis Fishing Report 6/7/2016 ~ Got Damsels?

First off, I blew my back out last Wednesday while unhitching my boat after a trip on the lake. It is what it is, and it’s not just age. When you’ve competed at BMX, vert skateboarding, professional snowboarding, and lastly my boyhood dream, motocross – it all has caught up to me. Bottom line is I spend too much time behind the computer trying to compete with the Jones’s, and not enough time on the road bike and exercising. While being bedridden, I thought about getting back to my old self and pounding out the miles. I know I shouldn’t really worry about competing with others in regards to guiding. I offer so much experience like fly fishing for 44 years, and guiding for 19 years, with the angle of being a true Northern California native and naturalist, and a published author. Very few can match that. Special thanks to Frank and Karen Pisciotta care taking for me the last 5 days, your love and support is greatly appreciated.

Since I’ve been out of action of late, I’m thankful to my close knit friends, my antennas who have reported some very accurate intelligence.  Some slight changes in the last week since our first heat wave of triple digits in the central valley of California. The damsel hatch is definitely on; some days will be stellar, while others just average. Move until you find the fish, and then hammer those toads. Long leaders to 14 feet with precise presentations will award you with a large rainbow at Lake Davis. Water temps are ranging from the low to mid 60’s. Fishing pressure is increasing so choose a spot that is not being picked on. Fish like solitude as well.

Callibaetis (both duns and spinners), blood midges, other chironomids, damsels, and a few snails have been out. No hexes yet, but by the time I report next week I have a feeling they will be out. Same flies and techniques apply as past reports. It’s all about finding those active schools of feeding fish. Good luck out there, and experience the grandeur of the Northern Sierra.

Squaw Carpet Ceanothus Prostratus lurking below a Jeffrey pine in Eastern Plumas County

Lake Davis Fishing Report 5/29/2016

Last week's unsettled weather brought a mixture of rain, wind, sunshine, thunder, and hail. If you didn’t like the weather, all you had to do was wait ten minutes. The cooling trend brought down water temps to 53 to 56, but as of today they are on the rise again ranging from 57 to 60 degrees. It also put a slight halt to the hatches. All this will change once we get an extended period of warmer weather. Fishing pressure has been on the light side until this holiday weekend, the lake was busy. Overall Lake Davis is fishing good one day, fair the next, and days like today were really tough. Moving around to various coves and points is necessary, but once you have found the fish it’s all about putting in your time with good presentations.

Blood midges have waned for the time being, as have Callibaetis mayflies. There are more active spinners right now, and the spinner fall commences in the late afternoon. Damsels were really affected by the cooler weather, I have not seen as many as I did a week and a half ago. I’m also seeing many juvenile damsel nymphs which I’m not usually accustomed to seeing.  There are many smaller types of chironomids in the mix too. Lots of food for the resident rainbows.

There have been more rising fish than the previous weeks, and the size of the fish are large, many with big shoulders. For rigs, a floating line with a long leader stripping damsel nymphs has been effective. Indo set ups have been successful targeting both the upper water column, and just off the bottom. A indicator you can move quickly is beneficial when targeting different depths. Flies – Albino Winos, Flashback PT’s, red copper Johns, and brown wiggle tails are getting the grabs. The best is yet to come in the next 4 weeks, make a plan to fish Lake Davis, and get in on the damsel game.

The Middle Fork Feather River is just coming into shape, water temperatures need to come up a little more, then its game on. I have not had a chance to fish it, but I’ve gotten some good reports from fellow anglers. The North Fork Yuba River is high and cold. Today I poked around and was surprised to see many Golden Stone adults ovipositing on the water’s surface. Green Drake mayflies were out with both duns and spinners. It’s frustrating to see good hatches, but the conditions for fishing are just not quite there yet. The river should be fishable in 3 weeks or so.  Get out there, and enjoy the great outdoors.

Lake Davis Fishing Report 5/19/2016

Big changes were observed today at Lake Davis, namely the food source for resident trout was in abundance. Water temps have come up quickly and are ranging from 56 to 59 degrees; you’ll see slightly higher water temps in shallow flats/points with a dark mud bottom. Fishing pressure is moderate at the more popular areas, but solitude was found today by my guests and I in the more hard to reach coves. I’ve been expressing the fact that the populations of fish have been in decline for the past three years, much to the dismay of other guides and business owners. The simple fact remains; when you have anglers taking double limits, while the Department of Fish & Wildlife has not adequately stocked the lake, you have a reduced population. Lake Davis has a 5 fish limit, with 10 in possession. When in reality it should be a limit of 2 with 4 in possession. Voice your opinion such as I have by writing a formal complaint to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife commission requesting changes to be made to the management of Lake Davis. The bottom line is do not expect big numbers of fish right now, but do expect bigger fish, and the ultimate stillwater experience.

There are many choices on the menu in the way of aquatic insects. There are blood midges out from mid-morning to early afternoon in a size 12. Callibaetis duns begin hatching around lunchtime, and you’ll have spinners hovering overhead from the previous day’s hatch during the middle of the day. The spinner fall is in the late afternoon, but the fish are keyed in on the duns right now. Size 14, and dark. The carpenter ants are out and on the water in the late afternoon. The fish have already clued in on the ants and are taking them on the surface. They love that taste of formicidae. There are also smaller flying ants in red and black, and a few different beetles as well. Even more exciting is the fact that the damselflies have started to hatch. I saw swimming nymphs today and adults on the west shore. It will take a while for the fish to key in on them, and the bulk of the main migration is still weeks off.

Stripping is effective with a floating line as most of the fish are in the upper water column. Indicator rigs are getting it done though with your flies suspended 2 to 6 feet down. Fish are still scattered so cover water, and if you’re not catching – Move. Go to flies include the Albino Wino, Callibaetis flashback nymphs, Adams parachutes, Loco ants, and dark damsel patterns in hues of brown and olive. Look for resident rainbows to be more active in the weeks to come. The warmer the weather, the better for the damsel migration, and other bugs in the mix. Though I’m completely booked up until July 2^nd, I’m taking reservations for the North Fork Yuba for July and August trips. I have some days available at this time but that will change very quickly once we settle into the summer mode. Contact me through my website at baiocchistroutfitters.com if you want in.

Middle Fork Feather River; Water temps at 54, and the flows are near perfect. Gray Drakes, Carpenter ants, and a few BWO's are out. June into July is going to be great here, and the surrounding creeks will be perfect for most of the summer.

Giving Back To The Lower Yuba River ~ SYRCL Hammon Bar Riparian Project

Last week I got an email from my local fly fishing club Gold Country Fly Fishers on a opportunity to give back to Yuba river by volunteering my time with SYRCL - South Yuba River Citizens League. SYRCL planted pods of cottonwoods, red willows, goodding's willows, and arroyo willows in 2011 on the Hammon Bar for salmonids on the Lower Yuba river. The native plants that were planted deeply in the Yuba goldfields help native fish by trapping woody debris, and collecting silt for a better environment.

I have seen SYRCL's work in past while guiding the river, and have always wondered what the color coded stumps of these plants was all about. I learned much today. Arroyo willows were the most prolific, with red willows, and Goodding's Willows coming in at a very close tie. Cottonwoods seemed to be the most affected by the lack of water of our last 4 years of drought. It was such an awesome day to give back, and meet new people who have a passion for the great outdoors like I have.

Volunteers are still needed for the remaining days of the project collecting data, if your interested please contact Cordi Craig at the SYRCL office at 530.265.5961. Thanks to all those that have and will be donating their time on this very important project, and a big special thanks to Cordi for being a fearless team leader and educating us all!

California Fly Fisher Magazine ~ Lake Davis; A Sierra Classic

Check out the new June Issue of California Fly Fisher magazine featuring an excellent article I wrote about Lake Davis; A Sierra Classic. I cover everything from the history of the lake to the current state. Stillwater fly anglers will learn everything from the damselfly hatch, how to approach the seasons, rigging, to fly selection. This is a great piece to tune you up for the upcoming season, and it may answer many of the questions you have sought out in the past. 

I love to write, but even more I love to share my passion about fly fishing, and to see others be successful in their quest! Seek out, explore, and become one with many of the splendors that the Northern Sierra offers.

Northern Sierra Fishing Report ~ Truckee River ~ Lake Davis ~ Middle Fork Feather River

The Truckee River has been fishing very well from the Glenshire area down through the canyon. Flows were down last week, and currently they have come up. 700 cubes in the Glenshire stretch, and 900 - 1,000 cfs in the lower canyon. Fish are scattered and can be found in pocket water, pools, tail outs, and skinny side water. Aquatics in the mix include baetis and march brown mayflies, golden stones are starting to get active and are pre staging in the side water awaiting emergence. The go to flies stay the same with worms and small flashy baetis nymphs. The water is still cold at 48 to 52 degrees, the fish of the Truckee River respond to flies better at these temps than other fish in different watersheds. Stick and move, cover water, and get some.

Lake Davis was pretty damn good this week, in fact for my guests and I it turned on practically overnight. The big news is that there were really good hatches of blood midges, and Callibaetis mayflies. Blood midges are big right now in sizes #10-12, and the Callibaetis are a size 14, the duns are very dark in color too. Water temps are 50-53 degrees, water clarity is way off but typical for spring with run off. Indo rigs and stripping are working well. Gold ribbed hare's ear nymph, and the Albino Wino has had the best results. The highlight of our trip on Tuesday was Mike"s 23" 4 pound bow that made several lighting fast runs with aerial displays. He kept his cool and got the fish in the net. It was so exciting for everyone on board. Look for conditions to improve on a weekly basis as we head into June.

The Middle Fork Feather is absolutely beautiful right now with rich greenery lining its banks. Water temps are still too cold for good fishing and are currently running at 48 to 50 degrees. Bait anglers are picking up a few fish but until the water temps rise, fishing with flies is not good. I expect the river to turn on at the end of the month, and after the bulk off run off has deceased.

The current weather is cold and wet, but I heard we are supposed to have a hot summer. No matter the conditions, get out there and experience Northern California's excellent trout waters. Be that native...

Presentations For May 2016

My upcoming Powerpoint presentations for the month of May include the first stop at the Stanislaus Fly Fishers on May 10th with an all new and highly detailed program featuring the North Fork Yuba river. In this presentation I break it all down regarding which sections to fish during the season, flies, rigging both wet and dry, entomology, the history of the land, local insider secrets, and so much more. My program starts at 7pm, for more information on where to see this fabulous program click here; Stanislaus Fly Fishers. Great club, good people, and there is no charge to see my presentation.

On The following day of the 11th, I will be at the Russian River Fly Fishers for a double header presentation featuring the Middle Fork Feather River, and the North Fork Yuba River. Access areas will be revealed, including the best time of year to target this watershed. Aquatics, rigging, and so much more will be revealed with mapping, including those special patterns to entice your quarry. For more information and to where to meet me click here; Russian River Fly Fishers. Entry is free as well.  I hope you can make it to one of my presentations, I love to share the wisdom, and mostly to see you excel at your craft! Check me out.

Product Review ~ EEKOE Bamboo Socks

When it comes to the simple pleasures in life, there is one item I cannot live without; quality socks. I fully admit to having a sock fetish. When I first heard about EEKOE socks I simply bypassed it as just another sock with fancy graphics. But after researching the product more I found that many of my colleagues from my past professional snowboard days were using and backing the EEKOE brand. In fact they support many action sport based athletes who live on the cusp of pushing the boundaries of their preferred sport. I relish the opportunity to seek outside the mainstream fly fishing industry and bring that product into the public’s eye as long as it is a high end quality item that anglers can use, and enhance their time on the water.

So I know you’re saying “a sock is just a sock, right”? Wrong, EEKOE socks go above any sock I have ever worn. First off, they are made of bamboo, a organic renewable material that increases durability, and comfort. The advantage of EEKOE bamboo socks are;

Temperature Management

·        Cooler feet in the heat.

·        Warmer feet in the cool.

Dry Feet / Moisture Wicking

·        Pulls sweat and moisture away from your feet throughout the day.

·        Leaving you with your feet dry ALL Day, even amidst athletic or strenuous activities.

Comfort & Durability

·        Bamboo is the softest most comfortable fabric you will ever wear on your feet.

·        Bamboo is also the strongest and most durable fabric you will ever put on your feet.

Odor Eliminating

·        Able to withstand the stink with 5+ days in each pair.

·        If aired out at night instead of thrown into a corner, as much as 10 + days.

·        Bottom line - ODOR FREE.

Allergy reduced

·        Naturally smooth fiber properties are non-irritating to the skin.

UV protection

·        Bamboo naturally provides added protection against the sun's harmful UV rays.

I have been testing these socks everyday for the past month and they have exceeded my expectations. They are perfect for the demands that we fly anglers need when out in field chasing game fish for endless hours. You’ll have to try a pair on to see for yourself. There are many different models in the line to choose from depending on your needs. Check out their website here http://www.eekoe.com/ to learn more about the best socks on earth. 

EEKOE for life!

Northern Sierra Fishing Report ~ Truckee River ~ Lake Davis ~ Middle Fork Feather River ~ North Fork Yuba River

The Truckee River is fishing pretty good right now, and the flows are dropping into shape. The Glenshire stretch is at 404 cubes, and the upper canyon is running at 695 cfs, and a little higher down by Floriston running 830. With higher flows, fish the side water first before venturing out. All of the fish last week were in deeper slower water next to the main flow/seam. Flesh Juan worms, red Squiggly Worms, flashy baetis nymphs, and rubber leg stones are all producing. There is still plenty of snow on the crest and surrounding mountains, during spring runoff you'll have higher flows in the afternoon into the evening from runoff. Mornings will have the lowest flow of the day. Check the gauges before you hit the water and plan accordingly.

Lake Davis is in its usual early spring pattern with some fish still trying to spawn, and others that are in post spawn mode. During this time there's a lull in the action, and recent trips have had very slow action. There has been some bugs out including blood midges, and callibaetis mayflies, but very sparse. Water temperatures are 48 to 52 degrees in the main body of the lake, shallow coves could see higher temps. Indicator fishing is producing the best with Albino Wino midges, and pheasant tail flashback nymphs. Honker Cove and camp 5 boat ramps are usable but the dock at Camp 5 has still not been put in. The west side road is open with a little mud here and there on the access point roads. Bring a chainsaw if you have one, my buddy Pete removed a down tree on the Cow Creek access so he could get in. Look for conditions to improve with warmer weather and more hatches.

The Middle Fork Feather river is fishing slow, flows are down from the previous weeks but are still on the high side. Water temperatures dictate all on the Middle Fork with current temps in the low 50's. Once the water temperatures reach 56 the trout will take artificial flies more readily. Your best bet is to fish streamers in back sloughs or other areas that are away from the main flow of snow melt. Black bead head wooly buggers and baby rainbow patterns are the top producing streamers. May and June will be very good this year thanks to the increased flows and snowpack.

Runoff is well under way on the North Fork Yuba River and currently the flows at Goodyears Bar are 1,240 cfs. Big water for sure and not ideal for fishing yet, but if you kayak, it's great right now. I saw over a dozen people floating it today and it looked like a real hoot. The water is clear and cold with water temperatures from 42 to 49 degrees depending on your location in the watershed. This year is more typical with a decent snowpack with gradual melting. I don't think the river will produce for another month or so. The best time to fish the North Fork Yuba is June through September. With the weather so nice out, I'm chomping at the bit to get out there. It will be a while......

Northern Sierra Fishing Report ~ Lake Davis ~ Middle Fork Feather River ~ Truckee River.

Transition time for myself is under way, the Lower Yuba River is in the rear view mirror, and the Northern Sierra awakens. First stop, Lake Davis. The spawn is on yet many of the east side feeder creeks are drying up. Look for the creeks that are still running, and target the areas around them. Fishing is fair at this time. Smaller chironomids are active, and also Callibaetis mayflies. Water color is off slightly with water temperatures 50 to 55 degrees, bays with dark bottoms have slightly higher water temps and the trout are seeking these areas out.

Early season at the lake brings out some amazing water fowl like Loons with their eerie call, and white pelicans strafing the water’s surface with spectacular aerial flight displays. Effective flies for stripping include Wiggle tails in brown, burnt orange, olive, and black, and Woolly Buggers in the same color schemes. For bobicating, try Albino Wino midges, and Pheasant Tail Flashback nymphs. Fish are scattered. It’s early, wait for more hatches to pop for better action. Special thanks to my buddy Pete for giving me a room, and delicious healthy meals. You are the man!

The Middle Fork Feather River opened on the 2^nd, beautiful views and sunny skies welcomed my guests and I. Water is high, water temps came in at 53 to 55, but the clarity was good. Streamer fishing got the only grabs with black Wooly Buggers, and nymphing was not happening.

Warmer water temps will dictate all. Keep an eye on this gem, when conditions are ripe, it’s game on. Tons of Gray Drakes hatching and on the water. These trout do not look up until water temps are at least 58. It was great to see so much water in the river, and free standing water in the Sierra, and Mohawk valleys.  Mosquitos are going to be a problem in this area, as well as the Buffalo bugs (no-see-ums).

The Truckee River is awesome right now, sexy water color, high, but very fishable. My guests and I have been doing pretty good targeting deeper pocket water, and deeper tail outs. Lots of weight is crucial. Stick and move, cover water. If you’re hooking fish, stay in the immediate area. 

Effective flies for us have been worms in flesh and red and small baetis nymphs in olive. All of the fish hooked today were sight fished, look at promising slicks behind boulders, and when the clear window appears look for the dark moving shape of a trout. The best aspect of today was the weather, so gorgeous. Unsettled weather moves in from Friday through Tuesday with intermittent snow and rain. Prepare and get out there, it’s AG (all good).

Respect ~ Ralph & Lisa Cutter ~ decades before you