Another Local

April 21, 2019

Took to the water again for Easter Sunday this time with my buddy KB who picked me up at 7am.  bought our breakfast and trail lunch at the local Japanese bakery and we were off.  At the trailhead cloud cover in the mountains made it cold enough that I was glad I brought my Montbell UL jacket.   Now rigged up we headed up the trail to reach the middle section of the river.  Water was a tad fast but clear.  All the large fishable pools refused to give up a fish.  After a couple hours of nothing we decided to skip most of this section get back on the trail and head up to the waterfall.  Once there the river started to give some fish.  I lost, missed or blew well over half a dozen chances.  I did manage a couple to hand though.  KB managed the best fish of the day for sure.  Nice to see that some of the respectable models still exist here.

Local

April 18, 2019

Having tasted the skunk on the last trip, it was time for some "easy" local fishing.  After being told of some intel that one of our local streams has recovered from the trout, I headed out to check on them.  I was in no hurry to get on the water so I arrived at the parking lot before noon to get ready and head down to the water.  After fishing a few "fishy" areas without any result, I focused my attention to the larger pools near the dams.  Yet even they failed to produce.  After several of promising looking holes refused to give up a fish I switched from fishing mode to scouting mode.  Had all the fish really died out form the drought?  I was I told faulty info?  I was getting a bit frustrated and after a few hours of fishing dead water I started my way out.

I had all but quit in my mind and accepted the fact I may have been hit with another skunk until I decided to try one last section toward the start of the trail that I skipped on my way in.  Making my way down to the first hole I managed a rise on my first cast.  As I stripped him in he popped off at my legs.  Moving to the next hole, I set up for a very complicated cast.  With obstructions in front of my target I needled my loop into a triangle of over hanging branches and landed my fly exactly where I wanted.  Once the fly landed the fish took and I stripped her in.  I moved up to the dam and for the next hour or so I was plucking fish out the water.  I lost four flies in poison oak that was in the path of my backcast.  I thought of pulling my flies out as they were all  bunched together in the same spot but thought better of it.  Flies are cheap and risking a rash is not worth it.  Now out of my favorite fly I tested a similar fly but tied in an unnatural and unconvincing chartreuse ice dubbed body.  It still caught fish.  I decided stop and start my exit but not before checking one last section.  I made my climb up the trail onto the water until I reached the first hole only to find a bunch of pale half naked,  fat Asians sitting alongside the bank.  After witnessing the man-boobs I had enough and I made my way back to the main trail to climb out of there.

Year of the Skunk

April 12-14, 2019

2019 is the Year of the Pig but its turning out to be more like the Year of the Skunk for me.  This trip was no different.  With an invite from the boys at the shop we headed up to meet them Friday night.  They had already been there fishing on Thursday.  After running a few errands we were on the road just before noon.  

There was a chance we might be in time for the difficult-to-time salmonfly hatch but we'd never know until we got up there as there is no fly shop that really reports on this water.  We arrived at camp to meet half of our group.  The other half was still on the water.  They all arrived the day earlier so we asked how was the fishing.  The report it was tough fishing but we were glad to hear that there had been an consistent 45 minute dry fly hatch around 4pm.  They were keying on an almost rust colored mayfly in a size 14.

We didn't bother fishing the first evening although we could have as there was plenty of light left but after the long grueling ride up the mountain I was simply not in the mood.  So we set up camp and spent the evening bullshitting with the boys.

Next morning after breakfast and a briefing from the boys we were the first ones to set out.  At 3000 CFS we were limited on both wading and fishing areas.  The snow melt hadn't yet gone into full effect but the water was still slightly tea stained and still dangerous.  Careful wading along the edges were in order.  Fishing was tough for all but the boys managed a few to hand.  I came up with the skunk but lost one on a dry when my knot slipped.  Otherwise it was a tough day all around for me.

The fishing was poor for me but no matter as the scenery more than made up for the disappointment.  Wildflowers while not at full glory were still out in force in all their majesty.  The highlight for the weekend was the salmonfly hatch which must have just started on Saturday.  I managed to see a few on branches and boulders but the trout had yet to target them as evidenced by my failed attempts to get them to rise on a large stimulator. 

Everyone but me managed at least one fish mostly by Czech nymphing, a technique I don't care much for but was necessary in these types of conditions.  The next day while some decided to fish the main river again, while we decided to check a tributary on the way out.  Smaller and ideal dry fly water, the creek refused to give up a fish.  So after about a hour we quit and decided to head home. 

Mysterious Fish

April 2, 2019

I had tied some new flies that I wanted to put to the test so I took the boat out and invited Leo again.  Tidal predictions looked in our favor so I had high hopes.  Ran out to my usual spot this time a little more south and started casting.  I started with the spinnerbait fly but had no luck.  Leo was on early with a dink and also landed a respectable on as well.  With the spinnerbait fly not producing I wanted to try my newest invention but I soon realized I left that fly box in the truck.   So I kept the spinnerbait on.  Eventually Leo hooked up on a heavy fish that did nothing but putted line.  No head shakes, no violent reactions.  It eventually broke off his 16 pound tippet.  I suspect that it was a ray due to the nature of the fight but we'll never know.  I got the stench of the skunk which is all too much becoming a common theme of late.  

Dixon Lake

March 23, 2019

I wanted to try the spinnerbait fly on some freshwater bass so I tried my luck at Dixon.  I've only fished this lake once back in the early 2000s but haven't returned since.  This was home to Dottie a monster bass that everyone thought was going to break the world record someday.  Unfortunately she was found dead years ago but her offspring must be swimming in the lake now.  Some bass were in the shallows but were tight-mouthed and refused out offerings.  Not sure if it was the ever changing weather or the full moon but they weren't in aggressive pre-spawn mode.  Day was a bust and ended with the skunk.

First Outing of 2019

Almost three months have past this year and I've yet to get out to fish.  Yesterday it was time to rectify that with a new fly in hand.  On Monday I received my order for some spinnerbait components to tie the flies I ordered from Japan for Luc.  I tried to copy it but since the prefabbed wire was slightly different I made a small modification.

Fishing wise, I didn't expect much as the water is still cold but at least the the tidal predictions were in our favor so I was predicting at least a couple fish to hand.  It was a completely calm day almost lake-like in terms of how little chop was on the water.  Most of the day was overcast and it was not long before we were on some fish.  Dink calicos.  I was the first to hook up with a dink calico with my new fly with a spinnerbait. Leo was next.  After a few casts I noticed my fly didn't feel the same.  When I pulled it out of the water I noticed the blade had fallen off.  I had only tied one so I was forced to switch.  We managed a few more fish none impressive.  The largest of the bunch was a jacksmelt I landed but even still it wasn't anything to write home about. 

Can't wait until the summer.  From all indications, predictions are this summer will be an epic one with warm water all the way through November.  Not sure how accurate that is but if that is the case it's going to be one for the books.  Pelagic fish everywhere.  Let's just hope that they are right.  If they are I may wear out my welcome on the boat before the summer is over.

Last Fish of 2018

December 31, 2018

Before the fishing license expired for 2018, I tried once again to land my last fish of the season.  My last two outings resulted in the skunk.  Today was no different from the last outings, tough fishing all around on this day even for Luc.  I tried just about everything in the box.  Fish were deep and lethargic.  After hours of endless casting a fast full sinking line with every sort of submerged fly, I decided to try a different tactic.  I figured I need to keep the fly in the face of the fish long enough to agitate a strike.  So I tied a floating fly, a Iwai Minnow, hoping that the slow elevating action after it's been stripped would entice them enough.  I figured giving them a different look might help.  It was not long and I got my first bite of the day.  Missed another and then we called it a day.  Luc switched to a popper once he saw I got my first fish but wasn't as fortunate as I.  He ended the year with the skunk.  That tells you how hard it was this day.

Pre Santa Bass

December 24, 2018

Christmas Eve I delivered some spinnerbait flies from Japan that I asked Koji to buy for Luc.  He started with them but without any luck.  We'll wait until it warms in the spring to try them again.  Once he switched to an EP shad he was on.  I, on the other hand, apparently been a bad boy and got coal.

Skinner Lake Fly Fishing

December 16th, 2018

Luc invited me to go after stripers.  Reports were that the they were on the bite.  It didn't prove so.  I got the skunk but Luc managed two. 

That Time of Year...

November 3-4, 2018

This was so long ago I don't recall the details only that I managed a handful and lost two early.

Taipei Seabass Skunk

October 26, 2018

Peter and Liszt took me and another American out to try our luck on seabass.  Initially we hired a boat captain to take us out on his big boat.  When we arrive in the early morning to find out the boat was partially dry docked as he did not move the boat the previous night to account for the ebbing tide.  We took his small boat our instead.  It was without a fish finder and was too small to fish four.  Peter and I were dropped off under the bridge.  The day proved extremely difficult.  Out of four anglers only a mullet was caught.  I only managed a bump but no hook up.

Back In Taipei

October 21, 2018

When I arrived back in Taipei, it rained most of the time my first week back.  I had planned to fish on Sunday with Danny for mahseer.   I came back better prepared to fish this time.  I practiced my pick up casts as well as tightening up my loops for better line control.

When we arrived we wanted to start at a location I didn't get to fish last time but when we arrived the water was chocolate.  Odd since it hadn't rained for a few days.  It should have been cleared.  So we drove around checking other spots but they appeared even worse.  The water was also down from the last time.  So we decided to start where we started earlier this year when Danny took me out.

Again we were using black foam beetle style flies.  I was on early.  Not a large fish at all but a good sign and a good start.  This ended up being my only fish the outing though I missed several and lost another beast in the exact same spot I lost him earlier in the year with Danny witnessing both.  Go figure.  It was so tough today Danny only managed a few, the number I don't recall but it was a fraction of his usual amount.

Rattletale Fly

Last season inspired by the success of an injured baitfish popper created by my friend John, I set out to create own.  While his fly used a traditional popper head reversed to impart a sliding action hidden with EP ultra brush.  Mine is much simpler and uses a folded foam head.  I've added a rattle within flexcord for added obnoxiousness.  The fly can be tied traditionally with the eyes at 3 and 9 o'clock or tied like this one, injured baitfish style,  with eyes at the 12 and 6.

I only was able to fish this fish once last year and it was toward the end of a bad season.  Managed only one rise that whole day but it was with this fly.  This season I wanted to see if this fly had any merit.  I can say I only stopped using this fly when I wanted to test another.  It works.  Tying instructions forthcoming.

Pennsylvania Fishing Recap Notes

Slate drake sporadic hatch through the day. If fishing a dry all day searching use a Slate Drake fly.

• Caddis early in morning.  
• Midge throughout the day.  
• Cahill/ BWO evenings  
• Hatch around 6-9pm

Set Indicator 1.5x the depth for nymphing.

Flies that worked:
Galloup midge size 18
Gurddle bug golden/brown size 6
Harrop's hairwing Cahill size 14
BWO emerger size 18
Slate drake meshwings size 8(?)
PT emerger size 14 (slate run)
Improved BWO comparadun size 18 with Krystal flash
Cahill emerger size 14 run

Smallmouth
Mice at night (Matt got one at around 10)
Webb’s folded foam three rises
Hard foam popper chartreuse/black or yellow
Quarter upstream pop along the way no need to pause

Exploration

Last night around midnight I was in bed trying to get some sleep when I was startled by a frantic knocking at the front door.  Who the hell?  I got out of bed grabbed the pistol and checked the window to see who it was.  While pitched black I noticed a silhouette of a man with a gun holster and the typical police accouterments.  So I turned off the alarm and turned on the light put the pistol in my pocket and opened the door.  The deputy would hear the door open and came back and identified himself.  After a brief conversation he wanted some info on my neighbor who had he's backyard stereo on all day on the same channel.  I hadn't heard it but I guess some nearby did and called for a wellness check.  I texted my neighbor to see if he was okay or if he was out of town as he travels for business quite a bit.   I never did hear from him.  I wonder if he is alright.  I was out of cell phone range much of the day so I'm not sure if he ever replied.  Destroyed my phone on the water so I still don't know.

Now to the fishing.  Initially the plan was to fish the Kern but we axed that when we heard the fishing was only good for the first few hours of morning and then again at sundown.  Given the time to get there and how early we'd need to rise we called that off.  So we decided to stay locally.  We had two options.  Both in the past have been excellent but since we hadn't been to either in a while they were a crap shoot.  One option would be more difficult in terms of getting to the water and in the bushwhacking but most likely result in more solitude.  We choose the easier option in both regards.  I didn't want to deal with that road nor did I want to fight the vegetation with my backcasts.  While we choose the "easier " option we decided to fish a section we'd never checked out.  It proved almost if not just as hard in terms of bushwhacking.  Also there was no defined trail so there was either fighting vegetation or boulder hopping.  Despite these challenged at many spots it would open up and produce a beautiful pool with wide open spaces for casting.  We managed several fish but nothing of significant note.  Although I did have a local "beast" rise my fly only for the tippet to snap.  I did manage it on the GoPro and I've reviewed the footage.  Even with the camera mounted far away from the action the splash from the rise still looked big.  We ended the day by 11:30am and started our trek out of the canyon but not before I destroyed my iphone in the water.  Thanks LifeProof that's some quality waterproofing you guys have.

Canyon Skunks Me Again

Earlier in the week I asked Luc if he'd be fishing today  and if he needed a partner.  I wanted to test some new gear and prototype flies.  He said there's a tournament today but he'd be game .  We'd fish the East side he said as they've increase the lake by three feet.  I went skunked again but I was not without my chances.  I missed all three.  Luc managed three and missed a handful.  (Blog is now caught up with all fishing posts)

Quick Run

September 25, 2018

I had to return a borrowed Pelican case to my buddy so since I was in the neighborhood I decided to take the boat out for a short ride.  Water temps 68.5.  Fished kelp beds.  One fish.  10 inches.  Done after little over an hour.

Skunked at Luc's

September 16, 2018

Another day at Canyon Lake with Luc.  Tough day.  Luc managed two to hand missing five more.  I went zero for four.  I wanted to try out a new travel rod I just picked up.  The Orvis Frequent Flyer 8 weight.  It's a seven piece rod so its very portable.  I needed such a rod since airlines in Asia require you to check in rods unlike the rest of the world where you can carry them on.  Having a rod that I can throw in my suitcase is very convenient.  The rod given its entry level price point is fairly impressive given its also multi pieced.  Paired with SA Big Fly line and a Freaky Frog it casts quite nicely.  Its a nice addition earns its spot in my arsenal for a travel rod or a back up back up back up rod.  (I have multiple 8 weights.)