DIGGER CREEK RANCH

Attention world-class master fly fishers looking for true quality habitat, countless big fighting fish, new wild strains, perfect natural artesian fed waters, and absolute privacy. Digger Creek Ranch nestled within a remote valley near the towns of Burney and Shingletown fills the bill on all counts. My fly fishing partner in crime Cindy Garrison and I spent a quick two days looking over the property and visiting the Duke of Digger Creek, Jim Tompkins. Jim has 660 acres of pure trout / fly fisher heaven in as much as the quality and steady year round 46 degrees water temperature is near perfect for raising serious fighting trout. Several strains of famous California trout like the Eagle Lake strain has been planted and has spawned and produced a Digger Creek wild strain that grows quickly and is beautiful to behold. What a fly fisher paradise this place is in regard to water quality. Mighty Mount Shasta continually pours ice-cold pure water on the property, as do the many artesian natural springs that feed Digger Creek. One tiny little tale worth telling occurred at the beginning of the five-hour ride up north to Shingletown from Sausalito, California

EXACTLY HOW TOUGH ARE YA COWBOY?

While riding along in the moon light with the lovely Cindy’s nine inch high heels perched on the dash board and listening to stories of encounters in Botswana, Africa with wild 15 foot crocodiles and lions big enough to eat American cars. I the humble fly fisher writer driver was suddenly in a life and death situation with a large deer (Doe) that had quickly turned to tiny bite size sautéed pieces all over the front of my new rental SUV at about 60 miles an hour. I was for a few moments in a state of shock and pulled quickly off the road. Cindy Garrison my African Fly Fishing guide pal jumps out of the wrecked truck and rip’s off a piece off metal and makes a frying pan and begins crushing herbs from the ditch we were parked in and produced a very tasty venison hors d' oeuvre seasoned with wild garlic. I was still busy gripping the steering wheel with a far off stare and a river of pathetic weak Marin County sensitivity dripping off my deeply lined brow. Cindy asked “ So, Dan what exactly sort of adventuring did you say your into?” The long ride was accomplished in another cool SUV and we arrived in fly fisher utopia my friends, and I emerged as a humbler outdoorsmen with a new love for road kill treats. Cindy and I did mange to polish off both a squirrel and several frogs on the way home. Now back to Digger Creek and its magic.

DIGGER CREEK’S SPECIAL WATERS

Outstanding private fly-fishing takes place on several large spring fed lakes and on two miles of private wild trout filled Digger Creek. A series of European style deep trench type beats have been created and beckon fly fishers to wonder down a gradual slope while catching and releasing remarkably well schooled trout in excess of 3 /10 pounds. This is not easy fly-fishing and that is the fun of it, one must understand more then the basics to catch these well fed little monsters. Wonderful nonstop action in a variety of both creek, spring fed lake and meandering deep beats offer an eclectic trout menu for the most discerning fly fisher.

When one descends upon the magical remoteness that is the valley protecting Digger Creek Ranch, the main lodge comes into view. Envy in its most base form is unavoidable as the winding large front porch and three enormous spring fed lakes surrounded by trees and perfectly kept grounds is enchanting. The land next to the lodge is BLM and the resident birds include eagles and quail. The mammal population includes black bear, mountain lions and all the other creatures one would expect in such a remote area. Jim has created a special trout sanctuary where those who have the skills to gently drop a size #22 midge from long distances can hook up with trout over 25 inches. Fly fishers who thrive on small creeks running ice cold year round full of trophy trout will not be disappointed. Digger Creek runs through the 660-acre ranch rivaling the finest old world English private gentlemen’s retreat.

The main lodge recently refitted and updated is an Inn Keepers dream to behold with several warmly furnished rooms looking out on the manicured grounds. Guests can sit down to elegant gourmet meals while braces of migrating ducks drift by picture windows. I have not spent time on such a magical property in many years, the scenery at Digger Creek in the spring when wild flowers and greenery is stunning. Watching the sun set off the front porch of the main lodge can be a spirit lifting soul-settling experience. Of course the real attractions to this place are the unlimited numbers of healthy strong trout that will if caught, fight with serious intent and coupled with the remoteness many seasoned fly veterans associate with the ultimate experience.

Many fly fishers believe these managed catch and release ranches take the true spirit of hunting wild trout out of the game. I beg to argue that Federal and State hatchery plants when deemed necessary manage many so-called wild trout areas. If you value your time and want to have a guaranteed shot at as many trophy trout as you can imagine, call Jim Tompkins at Digger Creek Ranch. This paradise and experience will kick-start that fly fisher soul of yours. I will be personally hosting several one and two day retreats year round at Digger Creek. Ask Jim about the “Dan Fallon’s Trout-Athon Retreat” Contact Jim Tompkins at (530)-242-6744 or on the Web at digger creekranch.com E-Mail address [email protected]

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“ ADVENTURES OF FLETCHER QUILL “

ILLUSTRATED BY SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE CARTOONIST PHIL FRANK.