The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Fished the Crooked River today with my friend Terry. What an epic day for Whitefish. They were in the holes spawning and some trout holding below them. Between the two of us, we must have caught close to triple digits, as at times it was a fish every cast. About every 6th or 8th whitefish, we'd hook a nice rainbow. We caught a few rainbows to about 14-15". The whitefish ranged from 12" to very near 20" and they fought very well. Hot fly was anything resembling a whitefish egg. A small yellowish/orangish glo-bug, or similar. The usual assortment of flies (scuds, zebra midges, PT's) were only marginally successful. Fun day. We quit by 2:30 to make the mad dash back to Sunriver in time for the Civil War kick-off. While I have caught whitefish many times while trout fishing, never have I had a day like today.

Today was quite a contrast to Thanksgiving on the Fall, where there was a very sparce BWO hatch and very particular trout. Had a few refusals and one take with one fish to hand, but importantly, back in time for turkey!

Back to CA tomorrow.

That does sound "Epic" Phil. Good for you.

I tried to delete my post asking if that was the OR Crooked Creek before I saw this post, but the board wouldn't let me delete...and I tried three times.

What I wouldn't do to be able to run to a quality fishery, cast for a few hours and then zip on home.

Phil, how is that fishery doing? I had heard that the trout numbers had crashed really hard, really fast, but I have not heard much as of late.

What's the skinny?

B-

Bjorn, I had heard that as well several years ago. However, reports this year are much improved. Better water conditions this year. I caught probably 15-20 rainbows and all were fat and healthy and wild. I only took one fish with a hook scar, the rest appeared to be in very good shape. Not real big on average (8-14", but plenty feisty and reminded me of the Crooked rainbows from several years ago....the last time I fished it. The Crooked sure is a purty stream. I love fishing it, as it caters to all levels. It is an ego booster after a tough day on the Fall River!

Phil

The only water on the Fall I've fished up there is right by the hatchery... the rest of it looks a might bit difficult.

Glad to hear the Crooked is doing better. Thanks for the report.

B-