The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

All this time I was watching the BBC (Big Black Cloud) that was east and a bit south of me. It was moving north as were all of the BBC’s in the area. I could see the rain falling on the ridges. Of course, this BBC was spewing lighting and thunder.
Another BBC was directly south. I saw lightning and start counting. 16, that’s good! More lightning, 12.
Then 6. So I make the move to shelter and here was an old couch sitting under the tin roof..perfect for a nap. I was only out for a bit, I think, as I did not have a watch. I go back up to the pond and get back in. The Callibaetis are starting to pop up on the surface. Not many yet, but a few here and there and the fish are waiting. I guess I should mention my set up. I am using a 5 wt floating line with a furled leader. On to this I have a tapered leader giving me a total length of around 14 to 16’ with 5x tippet. I have on size 16 grey fuzzy pattern. For the next hour or so it’s hit and misses with all nice fish on. The smallest was 18”. Now remember that I am picking which fish to cast to, and as they say, life’s too short to cast to little fish if you have big ones cruising around as well.
Another BBC, more thunder, and the rain came with the lightning. Now I want everyone to know I do own a rain suit, in fact more than one. I did not pack my rain gear. I will not go into my reasoning. I did have my 99 cent emergency rain poncho in a bright red color. The lighting struck very close and the rain was intensifying, so on went the poncho, and I paddled quickly to the windward bank and a sheltered area next to a big bush. I sat there listing to the symphony of Mother Nature as the rain came down in buckets and enjoyed the light show. Then I noticed something, the Callibaetis were still hatching, only they could not fly given the heavy rain. Also, the storm was moving away from me.

Gotta be careful out there Paul!
Ever see what lightning will do to a graphite rod?



Here's the story:

Fishermen Survive Lightning Strike


Buzz

ya need to be in a safe spot (under a bush in a red pancho?) if it is closer then 8 miles.

Paul

Now that is SCARY, it fused his hair with his rod! DANG!

As I mentioned in my report when I was fishing in Eastern Oregon last week, I got caught in a thunderstorm and lightning hit VERY close to where I was. I had a very similar experience five years ago along the Madison River in Montana, and let me tell you...there is no other sphincter-clenching experience like it. The lightning and thunder are simultaneous, and it's like a bomb going off right near you. You also smell the argon in the air. Not something I want to go through again, if I can help it.

--FlyGuy (Dave)