Trip Report: Steelhead on the San Lorenzo

I snuck out yesterday to try my hand at fly fishing on the San Lorenzo in Santa Cruz. I've heard that this water can contain a decent number of steelhead this time of year. (Keep in mind the river is only open on Sat/Sun and Wednesdays to fishing.)

After arriving around 10am, I was a little skeptical that there would be good trout fishing in Santa Cruz. I imagined a creek running through some developed areas. Boy, was I wrong. If I didn't know any better I would of sworn I was in the middle of the Sierras somewhere. The air temp was around 40 degrees and the water was cold too. The flow was very good and much to my surprise, the river contained enough white water to keep even a kayaker happy.

I had very little idea where I was going, so I parked in a lot that I believe was called Ox something or another and walked down to the river. There was about two feet of visibility. No doubt all the rain had something to do with this. I walked across a railroad bridge to the other side of the river and after rigging up, stepped into a few feet of water. I cast my line into something that sorta looked trout friendly. Nothing I was really used to from fishing in the Sierras. Who knows, maybe some big fish were just out of view.

I had rigged up a three fly setup. The bottom fly was an egg sucking leech, with two soft hackles above. I didn't get any bites so I started walking to find something better. I traveled probably 1/4 mile or so down river until I couldn't go any further without swimming. I got out and walked up a pretty good hill to that nearby railroad track that parallels the river. Now moving downstream, I was now quite a bit higher than the river and was in a section the locals call the "gorge". The water was very fast down there with lots of white water dumping into deeper pools. This looked like a good area.

Unfortunately, getting to the river from the railroad tracks was extremely steep and a little dangerous. Especially for those of us wearing felt sole boots. After some tense moments I was at the water and put my line in. I ended up catching two small trout both under 12 inches.

After an hour or two, I went back upriver as far as possible. The foliage on the side of the river made it hard to cast without getting tangled, so I decided it was time to leave and find a new area. I scurried back up the steep slope and after some more exploring of the area and a bite of food, I arrived at the car.

Next idea was to stop at one of the parking areas I passed on the way to "ox". This time I stopped at "Rincon" and walked a good 1/2 mile down a trail that switch backed across a steep hill. After arriving to the river, I realized that this was an absolutely beautiful section to fish. Lots of white water that looked like good holding ground for fish. Great wading spots and relatively easy access. There was a lot of river that I didn't have time to explore. I caught one more fish in this section. He was small too and measured about 11 inches.

This trip was fantastic. I had no idea that a river of this kind of beauty and flow was available in Santa Cruz. The downside is the short season and the crowds. Even though it was Wednesday, there were quite a few people in the river. I cannot even imagine what a weekend would be like.

There was a rumor floating around that someone caught a 10 lb steelhead the morning I was there and in that same area near the railroad bridge. I have no idea what he was using when he caught that thing, but someone told me he was fly fishing. I cannot even imagine what that would of been like! wow.

If I can find another Wednesday to go before the season ends, I'll be heading back to the San Lorenzo.

Size 12 Soft Hackle -- VIDEO!

Here we go again, another video. While I'm trying to learn to tie cleaner flies, I will occasionally videotape myself doing it. Why? Not really sure. However, they are going to be posted here for your amusement. Hopefully I'll get better and you'll be able to see the progress.

Sometimes I fight with myself about how clean a fly should look. Sure, it's nice to have that really clean and small looking head. But, if the idea is to make a buggy looking fish catching machine, does it really matter? You'd have to ask a fish to know for sure, but my guess would be no. It doesn't matter. I've been catching trout on the ugly ones too.

For this video, I sped it up so that you can watch it in super speed. You can see just as much and get half as bored by watching it in fast forward. So with that in mind, I declare this the inauguration of the "2-Minute Fly Video".

Trip Report: Lower Stanislaus

You know those days when you catch so many fish you almost get bored? Throw the line in, fish gets hooked, reel him in, carefully release him, rinse, and then repeat? Well, this certainly wasn't one of those days!

This was probably the slowest day I've ever had on the Lower Stan, and possibly the slowest day I've had on any of the streams here in the Sierras. Here is how it happened.

I arrived at the Tulloch Damn Rd access at 8:30am. After gearing up, I made my way down to the water, traveling slightly upstream from the gravel path that leads directly to the river. Air temp was approximately 39 degrees and although the sun hadn't made itself into the canyon yet, it was clear skies. Water temp was around 49 degrees and 4-5 feet visibility in the murky water.

I'm sure the water temp and milky water didn't help the situation. Although I knew the fish were in there, I didn't see a one. They were likely hunkered down not moving more than a few inches to grab food that happened to bounce off their nose. You knew it was going to be one of those days.

After trying for a little while, I went upstream, casting at spots that are usually productive. Nothing. Because the water was pretty low, I decided to try something I've always wanted to do. I carefully crossed the river and climbed up the steep bank to the canal on the other side. I've been trying to access some water downstream every time I'm here, but have been unable because of water levels and access is extremely dangerous on the Tulloch Rd side of the river. Not to say it was easy on the far side of the bank, there were a few spots to get to the river as the cliffs got higher and more treacherous. A good walk downstream and carefully negotiating some slick boulders, I found myself in a very nice place. Excellent wading and fishy looking area. Unfortunately, it didn't even produce a bite. On a normal Lower Stan day, I think this would of been excellent. The downside is that in order to move up or downstream you either had to swim or get out of the river and go around the cliffs to the next access point. Very difficult terrain. But may be worth a try on a better day.

It was starting to warm up and I decided to head back upstream to where I crossed the river. After a slip down a wet grassy slope wearing my felt sole boots, I made it back to the car side of the river. I walked back downstream and tried the usual spots that I've always caught fish at. I did manage to catch a couple under 10" rainbows. I talked to a few other fly fisherman and they seem to be having the same problem. Whew. Good to know it just wasn't me.

At 11:30, I decided to get in the car and head to Two-Mile Bar. Same water conditions of course. But, I wanted to give it a try anyway. Again, I threw a line into the usual spots without much luck. I think I got one bite. Normally, I would have caught at least 5-10 fish by now. It just wasn't happening today.

While at one area with swift current and overhanging brush, I was just dangling the soft hackle downstream. Up and down, left and right. Lifts and drifts. You get the point. It was a great looking spot. Nothing was happening. I knew fish were in there. Just couldn't get anyones attention. As I was slowly bringing my line in to go somewhere else, a fish decided to grab my size 12 silver tinsel soft hackle. He fought strongly and I brought him to hand. He wasn't big, but I'll give him an A for effort. The wild rainbow measured a little over 13 inches.

I don't have a picture (yet) of the fly that caught the 13 incher. Basically it was a size 12, black thread holding the partridge hackle and a green glass bead. The body is simply silver tinsel wrapped around the shank. It sits just below the surface and reflects sunlight like you wouldn't believe. My thought process is that it would be helpful with the water being so cloudy.

All in all, I'm still glad I made it out. Even if it was really slow. The conditions were not ideal, but I got a chance to be on the river. And with a newborn baby in the house, those times have been few.

Just a side note. The Lower Stan is usually pretty quiet on weekdays. However, this was the most crowded I've ever seen it. Tulloch Rd had about 8 cars parked and Two-Mile had another 6. Now that isn't a lot. But more than I've seen (I don't go on the weekends). I guess people were taking their three-day vacation to four. One of the nice gentlemen that I ran into gave me the location of a river I'm going to try next. Keep your fingers crossed it is soon!

21st Century Note Taking

When going to the river, I generally take notes on the conditions, what flies are working, what I catch and what I was doing at the time to catch that trout. I always start off with good intentions. However, as the day wears on, or I'm in the middle of the river barely able to balance in the current, I tend to lose interest in the idea of taking a pen and paper out.

So, I've decided that tomorrow I'll try something new. It turns out that my MP3 player has the ability to record voice. It's very small and has a cord to allow me to hang it around my neck.

After I get back and make my fishing report, we'll see if it helps.

Size 16 Hare's Ear Soft Hackle -- VIDEO!

The other day I mentioned that I took some video as I tied a size 16 soft hackle. Well, here it is in all of its glory. There is no audio and there was some editing as I stopped here and there to do other things.

This probably won't help anyone that is already a tyer, but perhaps someone new to it, or perhaps just new to soft hackles will get something out of it.

This is a super easy pattern. One more reason to love soft hackles.

First day out this year

If all goes as planned, this week, perhaps Thursday or Friday I'll get my first chance on the river this year. Of course, my choice will be the Lower Stanislaus. The weather is supposed to be in the upper 50's with sunny skies.

I've gotten all my gear together and will tie a few extra size 16 in various patterns to make sure I'm covered. I don't know what to expect of the river conditions, but I do know that it will be a good time no matter.

A trip report will follow!

Fly of the Week #13

I've been playing around with doing some fly tying videos. So far the tests have worked out well, but I haven't edited them together yet. Until that is done, I suppose we will have to settle for photos.

Here is another (surprise surprise) soft hackle.

Size 12

(click for larger picture)

This one was tied with minimal yellow threading. on a size 14 hook. Sometimes less is more, especially in clear water. This pattern has caught more than a few fish in the past.

The Lower Stan Opens

As much as I'd like to hit the lower Stanislaus this opening week, it just won't be happening. Real life gets in the way once again. Not to mention a big winter storm is coming into the area.

Friday through Sunday should see anywhere from 5 to 10 feet of snow in the upper elevations. You can only imagine what this rain/snow will do to the trout streams including this river. If you do go, be careful! Speaking as someone who has seen a flash flood happen right before him, you don't want to be there if it happens.

Fly of the Week #12

Since I'm running behind with my weekly fly postings, let's put another on to try and catch up. This was tied a few weeks ago, but I've just now taken a picture of it.

Size 12
(click for larger picture)

This beaded soft hackle was tied with black thread on a size 12 hook. Brown stretch tubing was wrapped around the hook/thread before tying in the hackle.

Fly of the Week #11

After a few weeks of searching, the camera manual has been found! A quick read revealed the elusive focus distance in macro mode, I've finally been able to take some decent pictures!

The background is a little dark on this one, so you'll probably want to click on the image to see it in high res in order to get a better look.

"Hare's Ear Soft Hackle" - Size 12
(click for larger picture)

Not much to say other than this is my first attempt at using tinsel. It came out okay. Nothing fancy. It looks nice and buggy, I'm counting on it to catch a few. This messy soft hackle was tied with silver tinsel around the golden stone dubbing and looks close to some of the hare's ear that I've purchased over the years.

Fly of the Week #10

I'm really behind with my weekly fly posts. Sorry about that! New babies are time consuming!! Since I haven't had time to tie, I dug a photo out from one I've already done.

"Glossy Brown Soft Hackle" - Size 12

(click for larger picture)

This little guy was tied with brown thread and brown floss. Black thread was wrapped sparingly around to break up the pattern. Before adding the hackle, I covered the body with Sally's "Hard as Nails" polish to give it a shiny appearance. After dried, the hackle was tied in with brown unwaxed thread.

Early Christmas

My inlaws came to visit a week or two ago and we exchanged gifts early. I never know what to ask for when this time of year comes around, but this time, I made a wish list on a certain outdoors website that has fly tying material.

That turned out to be a good thing, I ended up with a bunch of assorted hooks (much needed), some tinsel, partridge for hackle, a knot tier that I can't seem to figure out how to use, and some tippet material.

Can't wait to try em out. Speaking of fly tying, I realize I'm behind with my Fly of the Week. Sorry about that. I plan to get back on it soon. Between work and the new baby, it has been a little difficult to find time to do much tying!

Pattern Searching

Since I began tying flies not too long ago, the point has been to fill my box with as many combinations of wet and soft hackle flies as possible. When I get out to the river, I simply see what works and what doesn't from that supply. By taking pictures of each fly and keeping good notes on river, I can easily reproduce the ones that work and forget about the ones that don't. Of course it isn't always that easy since a certain pattern may work one day and not another.

Part of the reason for this blog is to be an extension of my on-river-note-taking. I'm making more of an effort to write about each trip I take, so that I can easily go back and remind myself of what happened on a past day.

I've tied a few patterns that I've seen from other people. But for the most part, I just make it up as I go. My theory, whether wrong or right, is that buggy looking flies will catch fish. I don't really feel a need to tie a particular pattern that someone else finds successful or that is really popular. Don't get me wrong, I think that size and color are very important. It should come close to what fish are eating or what they are familiar with. I just don't think it needs to be an exact science.

Fly of the Week #9

Unless I'm reproducing a successful fly that I've tied in the past, I generally don't have a pattern in mind before beginning a new one. The idea is to fill my fly box with a variety of sizes and patterns to see what works or not. Here is another one of those made up patterns.

"Golden Stone Soft Hackle" - Size 12
(click for larger picture)

Using brown thread, brown partridge hackle, and golden stone dubbing, this fly was thrown onto a size 12 hook.

Fly of the Week #8

My fly photos are slowly getting better. I still have a ways to go until I'm happy with how they come out, but at least I'm making progress.

"Blue Bead Dry / Soft Hackle" - Size 12
(click for larger picture)

Here is another fly where I combined dry fly and wet fly hackle together. The dry stiffer hackle behind the blue glass bead and the partridge hackle in front. The whole thing is tied with unwaxed brown thread. Although untested at this point, I'd imagine it would do pretty well given the buggy look of it. Similar flies have done well on the Lower Stan.