Weather in the eastern Sierra can change quickly; the storm in the previous post gives way to blue skies, and the air is crisp and clean. But look closely. Although Hot Creek is a relatively small stream, fly fishing at this moment remains difficult.
One of the things that makes this a blue ribbon trout fishery is that the stream is thick with all sorts of aquatic vegetation; that's what feeds the bugs. That's one reason why, if you are staying on the ranch, you are prohibited from wading in this beautiful little "spring creek".
There was a huge Caddis hatch taking place when this photo was shot, but the fisherman, can't see it, can't even see the fish rising for them. But they are. Put a #20 elk hair caddis on the end of 6X tippet on twelve or thirteen feet of leader, cast away from the wind, dead drift it well and watch what happens.
© James P. Webb 2012
Always wished I could build here for the view of the Minarets and Ritter Range.
ReplyDeletePat, I don't think you can see 'em from Hot Creek Ranch.
ReplyDeleteI was there June 11, 2012, day after this post, 4 nights. PMD emergers were the hot ticket at times, picking up 12 fish in an hour. Early Am, spinners down by the fence. It was a fun trip, went back in Sept, a little tougher.
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