The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Wow... I am out of shape. Fishing buddy and I went up to Grouse Lake from Wright's Lake today. The hike is about 2.5 miles and is pretty steady uphill climb. There was much stopping, summoning of strength, stopping, drinking of water, asking "are we there yet?".

We found the remaining Sierra snow pack on the way up... some places the snow was a couple feet deep in little patches. Odd for how warm it has been to still see plenty of snow.

We finally got to the lake and after sitting and catching our breathes for a few minutes we could easily see lots of working fish. My buddy got two fish on about his first 4 casts and it looked like it was ON. I managed my first shortly after when I switched from a #16 beetle to a #12 black ant. Then... it pretty much stopped. The fishing for the rest of the day was pretty slow. He had 8, I had 4, very unbjornian numbers. The location was really beautiful, so it was a pretty good trip, even if the catching was not as hot as it seemed it would be.

The hike DOWN was much easier than up and that made it easier to enjoy the scenery, which was a bit smoky, but still pretty ruling.

I haven't done much/any of this kind of fishing, so this was a nice change of pace and it is pretty close to Pville, so good to know about.

B-

A buddy of mine has done that trip to Grouse and Smith (it's close by I believe)?

He said the scenery is gorgeous. I haven't made it up there yet, but will
sometime. And I WAS going to take my wife and son, but sounds like the hike
may be a bit much. Thx for the report.

Anglernut

PS: I bet you're loving the closeness of fishing to your house in Pville versus
your previous digs, eh? Cool beans. Now you can fish other places besides
Putah.

Well, keep in mind I am really, really out of shape... so maybe it wouldn't be bad for other folks. We saw plenty of folks on the trail. One thing to note were the mosquitos... they were out in FORCE. Bring some deet and maybe a flame thrower if you go.

It is nice to have water close by... I'm still finding out where it all is... there is so much around here but the places off the 50 don't tend to be top billed fly fishing places so I have to find out what is worth it and what isn't.

Sure was beautiful though!

B-

If you did all that hiking for that one feesh it was worth it. That is one PURDY feesh. Love the white lines on the fins.

Thanks.

One of my favorite hikes. I do it once a year and it keeps getting harder. But you have to go up to Hemlock lake, hardly any fish (I don't think there is anywhere for them to spawn) But one of the most beatiful lakes in the sierra and only 10 min. further up the trail.

Will P

Good times. But my legs are unhappy today.

Will, I'm afraid you lost me at "hardly any fish"... I like beautiful places, sure, but I LOVE beautiful places with fish!

My legs are also a tad unhappy today, along with my shoulders from the pack/water.

Uff da. I'm sure I would have done this no problem a decade ago.

B-

Thanks for the report, Bjprn.
Yeah, the old legs don't get the same kind of exercise when playing with the kiddos, as opposed to getting out fishing often enough!


Buzz