FALLS PERFECT FACE

“No Spring, nor Summer beauty hath such grace,
As I have seen in one Autumnal face.”

      - John Donne 1571?-1631

Early October in upper California looks like a dream visit to Monet’s studio at the height of his fascination with color’s, rusty reds and burnt gold glowing on or near streams and rivers valleys alive with songbirds... I have been on a tour of my favorite California trout waters starting with smaller streams on private property near Fall River continuing down toward the Carson River. Most of these rivers are running low because of factors including drought conditions and farming needs coupled with few considerations for wild trout and salmon. In my mind it is a forgone conclusion California land of milk, honey and opportunity will be facing water wars over people, farmer, fish rights within the coming months because of limited rainfall coupled with too many people straining the existing system. Of course as a fly fisher naturalist my main concern’s are for the animal’s, birds, and wild game fish that depend on our keeping our waters clean. Daily temperatures are still hovering in the low 80s as autumn says hello to fall colors and well educated wild trout, winter’s first snow dusting high peaks.. This perfect California Fall October fly column is dedicated to my beautiful trout scout friend Karen Graham..I think Karen is the ultimate sports, arts figure, “ Thanks again for all your help with my attempt to raise money for woman’s breast cancer, Tight lines Karen.” For Fall River I formation contact Fall River California Chamber Commerce 530-336-5840 or call Fall River Hotel restaurant, 530-336-5550 .

The upper Sacramento River has had a fine season of guides reporting many limits of trout and salmon caught by fly rodders. Those who hunt hard and ask questions might find area’s to wade where few fly fishers can be seen around Ball’s Ferry and about five miles further up river. Local maps show several prime fly fisher zones from Mt. Shasta down to Lake Shasta reservoir where elbow room and wild trout can be found. Caddis flies, hoppers, midges, ants, yellow jackets, wild colored simulator’s of your own creation will work. Best to learn heavy deep nymphing- getting down deep quick is the key to working this water.

Those looking for an isolated serious wading experience the area from Box Canyon Dam toward the city of Dunsmuir includes a boxed in canyon with high walls that can be waded for about three miles carefully, large fish have been taken by experts in this area. The famous Cantera Loop area can be either waded or walked on the rail road tracks, one can expect company here at times. For more information contact Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce Dunsmuir California, 530-235-2177 or call Castle Crags State Park 530-235-2684.( Remember to ask about current water conditions )

Hat Creek was silent after the final Labor Day assault, water crystal green not many other fly fishers this late in the year. Always expect company when working this popular place, especially the 400 yard section just below Powerhouse#2, in some flat water places many big fish can be seen holding and waiting. This is Caddis, Mayfly, Mosquito, Prince Nymph, country in dun patterns size#18-22 thrown in clear waters to educated weary trout.The view of the water while driving by the camping area that intersects the creek is camera worthy all year, crystal clear waters.

Hat Creek is 50 miles from Redding California via Hiway299, this has to be one of the most perfect looking fly fishing area’s in the world this time of year. Contact Burney Chamber of Commerce, Burney California, 530-335-2111 or call Lassen Volcanic National Park, 530-595-4444

Heading much further down state to the Lake Tahoe, American River, East Fork Carson River near world famous Sorensens Fly fishing Resort water is at a seasonable low though not many fly fishers to be seen after second week in October. The ride up Hyway #50 toward Donner summit heading on into South lake Tahoe provides many access areas walking distance from the road exist nice slow running shallow pools full of trout. These fish will rise to #22 Mosquitos or hit Hopper dropper combinations with hopper on top and a Prince Nymph will draw attention in the last hour of day light. Many of the access climbs need to be done very carefully as steep loose gravel and many No Parking signs also exist, be careful.Contact Sorensen’s Fly Fishing Resort Markleyville, www.sorensensresort.com, California 800-423-9999 or call South lake Tahoe California Chamber Commerce 530-541-5255 or www.tahoeinfo.com . Those looking for high end food and excellent fly fishing savvy Sorensen’s is one of my favorite places to go after throwing flies.

California in my mind now appears like a giant sow that has accumulated far too many hard water sucking piglets that continue to evaporate and pollute rivers, streams and creeks. It is heart breaking for outdoors men, bird watchers, fly fishers and anyone who loves clean running water to witness this mass rape. Now and again our beloved mostly self serving egoist leaders make token gestures aimed at calming the unwashed mass’s, bills are introduced with grand fanfare and then its back to the pathetic status quo... In my 57 summers chasing game fish and wading almost all of this states waters in good times and bad, I feel like that Indian standing on a cliff looking at his land with tears in his eyes. The latest and worst news is another large development near Lake Tahoe may be built and yet another wild section of this great state will be plundered by greedy developers who could care less about water quality, population density and the shrinking water supply. Will this situation ever reverse it self or at least compromise,one would not be advised to hold one’s breath!

Global warming, shrinking ice bergs, Robins sighted in Antarctica, old growth forests cut, unchecked development, less and less annual rainfall, and the slow heating up of this states waters are sobering and quite sad for all of us who remember Pacific Ocean surf so white and bright it hurt your eyes and smelled wonderful. Fly fishers, bird watchers view this uncontrolled rape up close and personal, who really is to blame for this chaos? Simple answer to a complex question, we all are period. We elected these clowns and we allow unchecked migration and greedy land developers to prey upon us like jackals too blind chasing mortgages and bigger faster cars. I love America and will always live and chase trout, salmon in California until all the water is either gone or polluted, its too late for me to quit and I fear too late for California to turn back this pure greed and ignorance.

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“ ADVENTURES OF FLETCHER QUILL “