FAST WATER BIG THRILLS

As a youngster learning hard lessons in regard to the innate strength and power of fast waters either in the surf or on rivers, one outstanding experience leads my list... During summer months Stripped Bass move in large gangs along the California Coast, balmy warmer weather and abundant bait fish change what is usually a pot luck exercise for whatever may be in the area. My hunter gatherer family was spread out all over the city and along the coast line, at the first signs of prowling sea birds hunting huge balls of bait fish the word went out and it became time to use 12 foot and longer surf rods armed with quite gaudy looking feather arrangements my Uncle Dan fashioned when Jack Daniels allowed him a little free time!

I grew up thinking everyone knew how to pry Abalone off rocks and throw surf outfits at least 70 yards or more. I learned the pendulum method of swinging my extended surf line back and forth before throwing and at age ten made the 70 yard club. Many warm memories of my Grandfather bragging about my supposed prowess were severely dampened one late summer afternoon when at Ocean Beach near the fabled Cliff House my younger brother Mike and I decided a large rock about 20 yards off shore was a fine place to chase Strippers. Within an hour or so we were deep in fun city thinking what brave smart boys we were. Mike hooked into a small shark and away we went laughing and carrying on while a city cop having lunch watched a large rogue wave almost take us both down and out. He started screaming and waving his hands, “ Get your young butts off that boulder and do it now!” We didn’t need anymore convincing as the incoming tide had cut us off and it was time to swim back ( serious undercurrent ) or face our family in shame for being idiots! This adventure had a sobering effect for about a week......

One early Spring wading the mighty Merced river that runs from the Yosemite National Park winding down the valley for some miles, I found what I imagined to be a safe deep hole behind three large boulders. Usually water flow is what you see on this river, surges that occur in rivers that are controlled by man can be startling and sneak up on you! On this early morning I did not take my wading staff thinking I knew the waters well enough... No other fly fishers were around as most stayed away until the Merced slowed down, working my streamers all around large rocks hypnotized me and I began to slowly move into the faster current. Within twenty minutes I slipped and fell face first and began sinking quickly in the swirling currents. The water was numbing and I had managed not to drop one of my prized Bamboo fly rods as the current threw me around like a rag doll. It felt like five minutes tumbling and feeling panicky when I hit my head again and was caught half under water in a bunch of fallen branches caught between big rocks. I cut my waders off by cutting the straps as they were filled with water, thankfully I found branches that allowed me to pull myself onto the river bank having lost almost all my gear and saving my beloved Bamboo...

Of course every once in awhile taking a little risk separates the boys from the men.... This great photo of what I believe is a relative of the Tamin group of giant fresh water fish was caught by one of Slovenia’s best anglers. A memory to be reckoned with indeed? I have lucked into large trout hiding in deep holes when water runs quick, but this giant humbles me out completely...

In my annual river stream scouting trip starting with the Upper Sacramento River that is running about average this time of year, then heading for South lake Tahoe and the American River that hugs the road heading for Tahoe. Finishing with a the Carson River that eventually winds down the mountains toward Reno Nevada, all rivers are still running very fast and deep! I saw few fly fishers on any of these rivers, after throwing streamers for two days and only managing a few small planter trout taken near the stream edges. America’s big Summer welcoming holiday Memorial Day three day weekend is almost upon us. I prey all of you kids and adults are very careful this year, conditions are ripe for accidents involving fast dangerous waters! This years abundant rainfall has made conditions unusually dangerous, please be careful out there...

DRY BADGER