Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Jacqueline Quinn

Our second daughter. Born 10/21. 7lbs, 21 inches. Perfect.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

#12?

I recently was fortunate to make the acquaintance of Ned. A great guy and one of the most knowledgeable people on geography, creeks, streams, native trout and their conservation that I have had the pleasure of sharing a long drive and fishing trip with. Getting to the story of the 12th though, many folks that have looked at the illustrations in Behnke's book showing the distribution of redband trout of the Northern Great Basin have realized that the orange shaded range of the Upper Klamath Lake Basin redband trout extends south from Oregon into a remote section of Northern California. Putting two and two together, those familiar with the California Heritage Trout Challenge also realize that this fish IS NOT included in the list of qualifying fish for the Heritage Trout Challenge. In fact, I had even discussed the idea with Dave Lentz at DFG some five years ago. Ned, however, coming to the same conclusion, advanced the quest through research and was able to identify published confirmations of the Upper Klamath Lakes Basin Redbands occurring in California. Hearing this, I quickly volunteered to go with him to check it out and the DFG asked if we could collect fin samples.

North of Shasta.



Ned fishing a section of the creek.



Unfortunately we discovered that these waters that were confirmed to have redbands in the 70's are now inhabited by brown trout. This was disappointing to say the least (and made for challenging fishing). As most fly fisherman are aware, brown trout in meadow steams are spooky and typically tough to catch. Furthermore, streams that harbor browns have considerably less fish density than comparable streams with bows, redbands or cutthroat. Suffice to say, the catching was tough. Finally, though, Ned hooked a brown and then several more followed. We sampled a few miles of the upper sections of the creek and caught 8 or so browns. As our optimism for finding redbands waned, we came to this spot with one of the best holes we'd seen.



And here it was that I hooked this specimen on a small streamer right under the falls.



Is this a redband? A planter bow? If a redband, what kind? It is tough to say. We took a fin clip and sent it to DFG but, unfortunately, this was the only fish we caught that was not a brown, which puts the ratio of browns at 10:1. For now, I'll leave the comparison and identification to the reader.

The fish below is an archetype Upper Klamath Redband from the Oregon State Native Fish Investigations Project.



My fish looks right to me, but only genetic analysis can say for sure. The problem is that typically a genetic sampling requires clips from 40 fish and we could only provide one. Hopefully DFG and the lab at UC Davis can confirm with just one sample. In the mean time, I would say that the idea of a 12th native trout swimming in California waters is alive and well. Ned and I were blocked from the upper most headwaters of this particular creek by a locked gate on a forest service road. Further study revealed an alternate route to the uppermost stretches and springs. Perhaps the browns aren't there yet, or perhaps there is a barrier. Only further exploration and testing can say for sure.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Update and a quick trip to the Stanislaus

Fishing trips have been few and far between for me this past year or so. With a two year old daughter, a pregnant wife (due 10/10/10 - wouldn't that be cool?), a demanding job and a new house, time has been somewhat of a scarce commodity for me of late. Two weeks ago life served up a new obstacle: two torn tendons, a talar dome injury and what my doctor referred to as "the worst cartilage she'd ever seen". Long story short: I'm in a cast for a while. This injury was a result of training for the SF Half Marathon. I'd been running quite a bit (in the wee hours before everyone else wakes up) and really enjoying it, but I think I might have pushed up the mileage a little too fast. After a 10 miler two weeks ago I found myself barely able to walk. It took a week to get in to see the doctor and in the intervening time I went fishing, bad ankle and all!

The trip was with my brother in law and it was a late afternoon strike on the Stanislaus. We hiked into a canyon spot that I had been to a few years back and to a particular pool where I once saw the largest trout of my life chase a 12 incher that my buddy Mike had hooked. This fish was big and moved like a blacktip shark on the hunt. It was really a sight to see and something none of us who saw it will likely forget. It reminded me of the stories you hear of big bull trout coming up and whacking cutthroats in Montana. Only this one was either a big bow or brown. Unfortunately we couldn't raise that fish again two years ago and we couldn't raise it a week ago either.

Even though we couldn't raise Big Mo, we did manage to catch over two dozen trout. Roger actually caught a trout on each of hist first two casts while I was still rigging up. When I saw that I knew the fish would be eating well that day.

Nearly all the fish I caught were swinging a soft hackle. A technique I've been trying to use more and more. I also got a few to come up for caddis dries. It was nice to not have to bother rigging up a two-fly indicator set up.

The hike into the canyon.



The only fish pic I took. Most were in the 12-16 inch range.



Big Mo lives down there.

Monday, May 03, 2010

Final Call for Paiute...?

I'm not sure of the actual status of certification of the EIR/EIS and the official go-ahead for the project, but it seems that they are taking public comments on the Final document. So, if you care about the Paiute and ever want to fish for it on its home field, send a letter supporting the project. Details below from Gary Marston:

There is an open public comment period to the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed restoration of Paiute cutthroat into Silver King Creek below Llewellyn Falls until May 10th 2010.

For more information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-7952.htm

To see the EIS: EIS

You can address your comments to:

Robert D. Williams, State Supervisor, by
U.S. mail at Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, 1340 Financial Boulevard,
Suite 234, Reno, NV 89502; by telephone at (775) 861-6300 or by fax at
(775) 861-6301.

My Letter:

Robert D. Williams
State Supervisor
Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office
1340 Financial Boulevard, Suite 234
Reno, NV 89502

RE: Paiute Cutthroat Trout Restoration Project, Alpine County, California

Mr. Williams,

I am writing to express my support for the proposed implementation of the first and second recovery actions in the Paiute Cutthroat Trout Revised Recovery Plan. I have been fortunate enough to fish and camp along Silver King Creek three times (prior to its closure) and also fortunate enough to have caught three Paiute Cutthroat Trout that had come down Llewellyn Falls. Catching these fish was, in fact, the reason for my visit to the area. On these trips, each of which occurred over a weekend in late summer, I did not see another person on any part of Silver King Creek.

I am also aware of numerous other fisherman that have hiked into Llewellyn falls just for the rare opportunity to attempt to catch a Paiute Cutthroat Trout. As you may also be aware, there is a growing contingency of fisherman that share a desire to catch native trout in their native drainage as evidenced by the rapidly growing participation in programs like the California Heritage Trout Challenge and the Wyoming CuttSlam.

Implementing the Paiute Cutthroat Trout Restoration Project will create a unique opportunity for fisherman to enjoy catching this rare and remarkable fish. It will also result in increased public enjoyment of the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness area as well as increased tourism to Alpine County. Most importantly, however, implementing this recovery plan will protect this unique and endangered fish for future generations.

Sincerely,

Dave B

Lower Sac Bow

This is why they refer to L. Sac bows as "footballs".

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Book Review: "An Entirely Synthetic Fish" by Anders Halverson


I think most fly fisherman would generally agree that the reason the remaining naturally reproducing native trout species have been relegated in their native ranges to only the most remote headwaters and out of the way streams is due to stocking practices and, to a lesser degree, habitat degradation (I also think that most fisheries biologists would agree with them). However, aside from the obvious reason that they were trying providing more catchable fish for the angling public, I’m not sure most fly fisherman have really thought too deeply about how it came to be that the very administrators and scientists entrusted by the public to watch over our resources, had, for more than a century, determined that breeding and planting hatchery raised rainbow trout as far and wide as possible was in the public’s best interest. In his new book, An Entirely Synthetic Fish, Anders Halverson not only explores the history of hatchery rainbow trout, but he also provides enlightening insight and analysis into the thoughts and motivations of the key players in their ascension to become the world’s most ubiquitous and synthetic fish.

In a time of heightened interest in biodiversity and concomitant movement toward the preservation and restoration of native species, those of us that are keenly interested in native trout will do well to read this book. If, for no other reason, than to gain a sense of humility, and, perhaps, some restraint, as we cavalierly charge forth in the support of reestablishing native trout in their native ranges. Having read this book, one can’t help but to examine their positions critically and to ask themselves: is it possible that future generations will look back and wonder how it is that we didn’t realize the unintended damage being levied as a derivative of our actions...despite our good intentions?

Learn more about the book and where you can get a copy here: An Entirely Synthetic Fish

Saturday, February 06, 2010

On Lightweight Backpacking and Fly Fishing

I hesitate to describe this as a post about "ultralight" backpacking and fly fishing as some of the true ultralight backpacking guys really take it to the next level--and make a lot of sacrifices to get there. Those guys will look at my kit and load weights and chuckle. Nevertheless, I believe that there are a lot of folks that backpack primarily to fly fish and that are also interested in lightening their packs so in this post I am going to outline some thoughts on combining the two activities and also outline what gear I carry and why.

To start, my outlook on lightweight backpacking is based on the following ideas:


  • Most importantly, and aside from being fun of its own accord and being a great way to see the last untouched places, backpacking is the only way to get to the really good fishing.

  • Deep trips into the backcountry are often required to catch native trout in their native ranges.

  • The lighter the backpack the better. While backpacking you should be able to comfortably fly fish with your pack on. This allows you to test the water to see if it is worth stopping and dropping the pack to fish hard. You also need to be able to fish while hiking in order to surgically strike the fishiest looking water without delaying the overall hike too much. For me, the cutoff to comfortably fish with a pack on is about 25 pounds.

  • Lastly, there are certain comforts that are worth a few extra ounces here and there.

So, what's in the pack and how much does it weigh?


CAMPING & BACKPACKING GEAR



Gregory Z65 Backpack, size medium - 62.0oz/3.88lbs
Lightweight yet big enough for extended trips.



Montbell U.L. SS #2 Sleeping Bag - 31.0oz/1.94lbs
Warm, stretchy and really really light.



Thermarest Neo Air Medium Pad - 13.0oz/0.81lbs
Light and comfy.



MSR Hubba Hubba Tent - 67.0oz/4.19lbs
I've had mine since '05. Light, roomy and simple to pitch.



MSR Pocket Rocket Stove - 3.8oz/0.24lbs
Tiny, light and bullet proof.



MSR IsoPro Fuel - 8.0oz/0.50lbs
Works with the stove and lantern.



Mammut X Zoom Headlamp - 6.0oz/0.38lbs
Lights up the darkness. You could land a jumbo jet with this headlamp.



MSR WaterWorks Ceramic Water Filter - 14.6oz/0.91lbs
Good flow and attaches directly to waterbottles. Very easy to field clean.



Evernew Titanium Cook Pot - 4.8oz/0.30lbs
Holds a full load of mac-n-cheese.



Primus Lantern (before the easylight) - 5.0oz/0.31lbs
In the backcountry a lantern makes a campsite feel like home.



Gregory Seam Sealed Rain Cover - 3.0oz/0.19lbs
Wet gear and clothes can ruin a trip.



Spyderco Ladybug III Knife - 0.5oz/0.03lbs
Light and sharper than Occam's.



Nalgene Wide-Mouth Cantene Water Bottle - 2.0oz/0.13lbs
Between this and the hardshell I have enough water for a night.



Nalgene Bottle - 6.2oz/0.39lbs
For water on the trail.



Rei Insulated Mug - 5.0oz/0.31lbs
Warm coffee in the morning makes me human again.



First Aid Kit - 1.0oz/0.06lbs
Custom kit for wounds and blisters.



Mini Bic Lighter - 0.6oz/0.04lbs
Small, simple and reliable.



Coghlan's Plastic Matchbox w/ Safety Matches - 1.0oz/0.06lbs
Always have a backup in the backcountry.



GSI Outdoors Lexan Fork (Sawed-off) - 0.6oz/0.04lbs
I've had this fork forever: tough, lite and costs $0.79!



Optio WP Camera - 5.6oz/0.35lbs
Fishing cameras get wet.



Thermacell Mosquito Repellent - 7.6oz/0.38lbs
This thing works and can be the difference between a good night and bad.




FISHING GEAR



Sage ZXL 7'6" 3 wt (in sock) - 2.6oz/0.16lbs
The rod I bring varies depending on the destination, but generally a short 3 works well in the highcountry.



Sage LL 3 Wt (in sock) - 2.5oz/0.16lbs
Breaking a rod shouldn't ruin a trip.



2" Polycarbonite Tube w/ Caps for 2 rods - 7.0oz/0.44lbs
Light and tough rod tube for two rods.



Ross Evolution Reel w/ 3 wt line - 6.0oz/0.38lbs




Fly Boxes X 3 - 10.8oz/0.375lbs
I bring 3; nymphs, dries, streamers. The cost of not having a fly you want is huge.



Tippet/Leaders/Hemos/Clippers - 5.9oz/0.37lbs
All the gear I need.



Columbia Aquatooth Water Shoes - 19.0oz/1.19lbs
Quick dry shoes for wading.



CLOTHING - CARRIED



REI SPF Long Sleeve Shirt, Granite Colored - 9.8oz/0.61lbs
Great stealthy fishing shirt with enough pockets for everything.



Smartwool light hiker socks - 3.2oz/0.20lbs
Years of hiking in smartwool and never had a blister.



Marmot Aegis Rain Jacket - 14.0oz/0.88lbs
Let's just say the Outside mag gear of the year was well deserved.



Patagonia Capilene 3 Shirt - 7.8oz/0.49lbs
Solid mid-weight shirt.



Patagonia Capilene 3 Bottoms - 3.9oz/0.24lbs




Backup Underwear - 2.6oz/0.16lbs




Mountain Hardware Fleece Beanie - 0.9oz/0.06lbs




Columbia Titanium Shant Legs - 4.0oz/0.25lbs
Zip on legs for my hiking shorts (btw shants=shorts+pants).



Fingerless Wool Gloves - 2.0oz/0.13lbs
Great warm gloves for cold nights and for fishing.



Toiletries - 5.7oz/0.4lbs
TOOB toothbrush,sunblock,chapstick,DEET,wet wipes.



CLOTHING - WORN



Columbia Titanium Shant Shorts - 8.0oz/0.50lbs
Not as comfortable as the non-convert shorts but functional.



TNF Ruckus Vaporwik Shirt - 7.1oz/0.44lbs
Quick drying but needs to be aired out each night....



Costa Del Mar z580 Polarized Glasses - 4.1oz/0.26lbs
Heavy but no lens I've tried holds a candle to the z580.



Vasque Boots - 64.0oz/4.0lbs
Heavy but damn solid boots. For a guy that has broken his ankle twice, I could not do 20, or even 10, mile days without them.



Hiking Underwear - 2.6oz/0.16lbs
Avoid chaffing.



Smartwool light hiker socks - 3.2oz/0.20lbs
Years of hiking in smartwool and never had a blister.



Baseball Hat - 2.5oz/0.16lbs
Always be hiding.



Suunto Altimeter Watch - 2.0oz/0.13lbs
Altitude is crucial to navigation.



Komperdell Titanal Predator Trekking Poles - 20.0oz/1.25lbs
For years I was too cool for hiking poles. That was stupid.




This list boils down to 22.31 pounds in the pack and 7.14 pounds worn, not including food and water. I usually go with dehydrated meals which comes out to less than a pound per day and water is about 2 pounds per 32 ounces (a full water bottle's worth). Generally, I will also bring a bear cannister along which is another couple pounds and sometimes different rods and gear are required. I usually go solo as well, but if I am backpacking with a friend, a lot of the above can be shared to reduce the weight loads. Waders are sometimes nice to have as well and I've yet to find a good lightweight pair for backpacking.