Howdy!
August isn't exactly my favorite month for fly fishing in streams. Often the temps
are high and the fishing an early morning-late evening affair. Based on the few
reports I've received from this last weekend, the fishing in the Sierras has been
really good. As predicted, hoppers are starting to show up and trout relish
hoppers like I relish a cold 6-pack of Alaskan Amber with a half-dozen Red's
glazed donuts (yes, I'm cutting back from the usual dozen). One report from the
Merced River wasn't all that good…few fish in the El Portal section and lower than
expected aquatic insect populations. Not sure what's going on there but the
Merced hasn't been the river my dad and I fished years ago. Too much pressure?
Too much poaching? Poor water quality? Your guess is a good as mine. The
Merced, though, isn't the only game in town in Yosemite National Park. Try some
other streams away from the roads and campgrounds. In fact, try fishing a stream
you've never fished before in the next week or two. It's easy to fish the same
places year after year…I know, I do it myself but despite being in California, there
is a multitude of good water to prospect.
Yet another casting clinic slated for this Saturday morning, August 7th… If the
interest is there, I'll offer another casting clinic this coming Saturday morning.
We'll start at 8:30 AM and end at 10:00 AM. The fee is $30.00 per person. The
clinic is open to anyone of any casting ability…or lack of. Let me know by 6:00 PM
Friday evening if you're planning on attending.
A banner year for Bristol Bay sockeye salmon… The Kvichak River empties Lake
Iliamna and is the main artery for sockeye salmon migration. This year, over 4
million Sockeye have migrated up the Kvichak into the Bristol Bay watershed, the
second biggest run this decade. A sockeye run this size means fat rainbows this
fall and fishing that's just about incomprehensible. Joe Hyde, manager of Copper
River Lodge, said the fishing has been really good and the fall should be
excellent. Our split week at Copper River and Royal Coachman Lodges,
September 19 - 26, is at a time when the rainbows are at their peak physical
condition. It's $5650.00 for the week, not including airfare, overnights in
Anchorage, fishing license and gratuity for the lodge staff. There's one spot left.
River X in February 19 - 26, 2011…
Fishing for peacock bass in Brazil can't be compared to anything else. I can't
think of a more-aggressive fish in a more unique environment. River X has clear
water, a white sand bottom, huge peacock bass numbers (peacock, spotted and
Temensis) and is literally stuffed with flats and lagoons from its headwaters to its
junction with the Amazon. We'll be staying in mobile, floating ten barges, which
put us in close proximity to the fishing. They are comfortable and air-conditioned.
Our flight will arrive in Manaus, Brazil, on Friday the 18th and depart for River X on
Saturday. The $4850.00 double occupancy rate includes 6 days of fishing, charter
to and from the operation, accommodations at the lodge, one night's lodging in
Manaus and beer and wine. Gratuities are not included. The trip is limited to eight
anglers. Now, this is not the Royal Amazon Lodge so if you need to be pampered
during your time, this might not be the operation for you. This adventure is about
the fishing…suck it up, tough it out and have fun. Complainers will be fed to the
piranhas and caiman. You'll be in the middle of nowhere in the Amazon River
basin…you'll soon discover your place in the food chain so don't expect a mint on
your pillow and cell phone reception.
Hunter Education…
The next Hunter Education Course will be held August 27th, 28th and 29th, in
Carmel Valley. I'll be team teaching with two other instructors so you'll be bored
by three different people, not just me. The cost is $20.00, not including range fees
and ammunition. Please pre-register by August 23rd. Contact me for more
information.
Used Sage rod and reel for sale…
I have a nearly new Sage 590 XP rod and Sage 2550 reel, loaded with fly line and
backing, for sale for $550.00. The rod comes with aluminum case and rod sock.
This combo came with the Sage Casting Analyzer and since no one uses it, I
might as well sell the rod and reel. It's never been fished but since it's technically
used, it doesn't come with the Sage Lifetime Warranty. Cash or checks only,
please.
Fish rescues now in progress, volunteers needed… The Carmel River Steelhead
Association has begun its annual fish rescue program on the tributaries of the
Carmel River. Though a lot of work, fish rescues are also a lot of fun and
rewarding. Participating is a good way to "give back". If you're interest, contact
Frank Emerson at 831-277-0544.
Wild Game Bar-b-que…
The Carmel River Steelhead Association's annual Wild Game Bar-b-que will be
held on Sunday, October 24th, at the Carmel Valley Trail & Saddle Club, which is
where the first bar-b-que was held many years ago. I don't know all of the fine
details yet but there will be plenty of fish and game served by local chefs. I need
to try to score some wild pig so if any of you have a few of those hanging around
your property and want to get rid of them, I'm your man. I guess I'd better start
drivin' the roads for skunks and opossums, too. Nothin' but the finest of road kill
for this party! I'm sure they also need donations for their silent auction and raffle
so if you would like to contribute, let me know.
And lastly, the deal of the week…
Sage DXL Typhoon Backpack and Typhoon Chest Pack, Simms Dry Creek
Rolltop Backpack, Hendrix Outdoors and Redington Kit Bags, Sage Wader Duffel
and Fishpond Storm Mountain Gear Bag…all 20% off. All book titles in stock also
20% off. This offer is good through this Saturday and is limited to stock on hand.
I just saw a news release about a plague outbreak at all Cabela's and Sportsmen's
Warehouse stores. Another good reason to avoid big box stores.
Thank you for your support.
Geoff Malloway
Central Coast Fly Fishing
7172 Carmel Valley Road
Carmel, CA 93923
(831) 626-6586
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