So, February first is approaching and it looks like it is
going to rain outside but at this point I am have no faith that water actually
falls from the sky. That said the weather man says there should be some rain in
the next few days. I also looked at the extended forecast on Accuweather
through March 14 and it shows some rain coming in through the month of
February. I think the bottom line though is that we are so far behind in
rain/snow that not matter what happens the next few months we are going to be experience
drought like water conditions through the summer.
What does the
drought mean? Well to be honest I can only hypothesize what fishing
will be like as I have no frame of reference in my life for these type of
conditions. I was not around the last time we had this bad of water situation
and I have never fished many of the rivers I guide this low. The general
consensus around here, among those that fish and live up here, is that spring
is going to be pretty darn good fishing, especially if we get the rain we all
hope for. If the rain and snow comes most water agencies will hold back water
and the rivers will most likely not change much during the spring. If we get
enough water the creeks and smaller tribs to the valley tailwaters could pump
some color but the ground is so dry I highly doubt it. So…Spring will be good
fishing even if we get very little rain and the drought conditions remain
fishing should be pretty darn good fishing until about late may or June. Trout
fishing on the L. Sac, L. Yuba, and Steelhead fishing on the Feather should be
good. I think ounce the weather gets warm and water is low, say come June, we
will start to see the true results of the drought on the tailwaters. I imagine
for those that venture up to the sierra trout water the reality of the drought
will take place sooner, that said as long as the air temps remain low during
the spring fishing should be decent. Unless we see about 90 straight days of
snow and rain I would plan my sierra trout trips this year for the spring…I think
by early to mid June trout fishing on bodies of water that rely on snow melt
are going to be in sad shape.
With regards to Striper and Shad fishing many old timers say
low water years are good shad years and high water years are good striper
years…that said I heard a guy in chico say the other day that striper fishing
is going to be amazing this year with the low water. Again I have no reference
point for the current conditions. I think shad fishing in May and June should
be pretty good as the schools will concentrate with low water but I am not sure
how far they will move up river…I have heard in low water years the Shad can
hang up but who knows. I can’t imagine the migratory striper run will move very
far up river this year and the lower water should concentrate the resident fish
making them a bit more skittish. I have been tying some smaller, sparser, and
lighter clousers for the summer and spring. I think smallmouth fishing on the
Sac will be pretty good this year as lower water should concentrate the fish
and make fishing for them a bit easier as they will be easier to locate. Carp
fishing I am not sure on the various reservoirs how that will pan out or how
the river will be affected. I am sure the flats will not have water on them in
most places but that may create new flats with low water who knows.
Current Fishing
Reports
The Lower Sac – is fishing fair I would say. Each
days seems to be different with some days being better then others. Most fish
are coming on Baetis and general Mayfly Nymphs. S&M nymphs #18, Trim Flash
Back PT’s #14, S&M PMD’s #16, Little Amigos #16, and a few fish still
coming on beads. Overcast weather should help and any rain can’t hurt.
The Lower Yuba – is fishing fair as well. The skwala
hatch is going but most of the skwalas seem to be concentrated above the bridge
and the hatch has not really migrated to far down river. I have seen skwalas as
far down as sycamore but I have not seen them in any consistent number. Small
nymphs and the occasional rubber leg are still catching the most fish for me.
On some days there can be a decent baetis hatch with fish eating in the flats
as well. Overcast should turn some fish on over the next couple of days.
Culture Reports – For those needing culture.
Sports Report…
Super Bowl week is upon us and my one Denver Bronco fan
buddy is pretty pumped…probably been wearing some form of bright orange all
week. Personally I will be fishing on super Sunday and counting days until
pitchers and catchers report and I can start reading random baseball news from
spring training. I have been catching a few NBA games and college basketball
games but nothing to serious. This is kind of my down time…signing day for ND
is coming up and I have been following that but not much Sports Watching
lately.
TV report…
So with no sports really grabbing my attention I have been
catching up on TV programs…Here is my list.
The Following – gruesome, suspenseful, and addicting
Girls – on HBO…pretty damn funny.
True Detectives – On HBO with Matthew Mcconaugheyand Woody
Harleson, great new show with good acting and story.
Revolutions – everybody loves a post apocalyptic Sci Fi show
Music…
I have been all over the place lately. Got into two new bands
Into It Over It and Have Mercy….Good indie/emo rock….but then I watched Jason
Isbell on Austin City Limits and started listening to all his CD’s over again.
He is one the best song writters I listen to. There is no other artist that I
know of that writes more songs I connect with then him. Any of his CD’s are
great albums and have a place for any mood or trip.
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