Trout fishing in Tasmania - Beyond the West - Column
The fish are big, bright, plentiful in the high lakes of this island near Australia,
Nestled in the rugged highlands of Tasmania--2 hours by car from the island's main cities--are thousands of lakes and streams where anglers from around the world seek some of the biggest and brightest wild trout in the South Pacific.
Brown trout weighing more than 30 pounds, rainbow trout weighing as much as 17 pounds, and brook trout weighing 5 to 6 pounds have been caught here.
I hired a local guide to take me on an early-morning excursion at Arthurs Lake near Tasmania's heart. Settled in a boat off the eucalyptus-fringed shore, we caught 4- to 7-pound brown trout. Later, during a stay at London Lakes Lodge, I stalked brown trout on nearby lakes with a fly rod and small dry flies. The lodge cleaned and cooked my catch.
WHEN TO GO, RATES
The best season to visit Tasmania is during Australia's spring and summer (roughly September through April), when daytime temperatures reach the mid-70s. Constant winds then aerate the lakes, while hatches of mayflies, caddises, and gum beetles create classic conditions for fly-fishing.
Rates at London Lakes Lodge are $385 Australian ($312 U.S.) per person from August 1 through September 30, and throughout April, and $550 Australian ($446 U.S.) from October 1 through March 31. Rates include guide, tackle, lodging, food, and transportation. The lodge is closed May 1 through July 31. To make reservations, phone SoPac: (800) 445-0190 in California, (800) 551-2012 outside California. The lodge also offers backpack and helicopter fishing excursions.
Hiring a professional guide independently costs $250 to $300 Australian per day ($203 to $243 U.S.), including transportation, boat, and tackle; rates are often negotiable. For a free list of guides, write or call Australia Naturally, 2121 Ave. of the Stars, Suite 1270, Los Angeles 90067; (310) 552-6352.
You'll need a Tasmanian fishing license ($20 Australian for 14 days), available there at bait and tackle shops.
At night, drive cautiously to avoid hitting slow-moving wombats and kangaroos. Poisonous snakes are common along lakesides and in the bush; watch your step.
Sunset, April, 1992 by Ben Davidson
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Monday, February 5, 2007
On the trail of big-trout hideouts in and around Yellowstone National Park
On the trail of big-trout hideouts in and around Yellowstone National Park
"What we need right now is a good storm," said Mike Lawson as he shook a couple of beadhead prince nymphs onto the counter of his fly-fishing shop in Last Chance, Idaho. "The weather's just too nice for good fishing."
Lawson is one of the cagiest guides on Henry's Fork, which is one of the premier trout streams in the country. Trout fishing in the tangle of spring-fed creeks and clear, cold rivers west of Yellowstone National Park starts in May, gets good in June, and continues through summer. In the spring and fall, fly fishers get their best shot at big rainbows and browns, with cutthroats offering a high profile during the summer. But so far our fall trip had been discouraging. My fishing buddy, Bruce, even joked that Lawson's Last Chance shop might be our last chance to salvage the trip.
While the fishing itself had been good, with balmy weather and hardly any other visitors, the catching had been not so good. And don't let anyone kid you: the catching is what makes or breaks a fishing trip, especially when you've come as far as we had.
We had flown into Idaho Falls a few days earlier and driven right past Henry's Fork in a hurry to get to West Yellowstone, a little town in the heart of the network of waters in and around Yellowstone National Park. We expected fish to be working these waters the way ants work a picnic. The biggest picnic, I thought, would be on the Firehole River.
My haste to fish the Firehole was deliberate. Years ago legendary Montana guide Bud Lilly suggested I use the remaining light of a cold late-September day to try a dry fly on the Firehole River just above the Midway Geyser Basin.
A storm was approaching, and as I waded into the river, the wind eased and snow began to fall, big flakes spinning as they swirled onto the steaming surface of the water. Somewhere off in the whiteness, a bull elk bugled, an eerily high and mournful trumpeting that echoed off the hills. Across the valley a coyote answered with a yipping howl. By dark I had caught and released three of the largest trout I had ever seen in the park.
I wanted another shot at those fish. Bruce listened patiently to the story for probably the 100th time as we approached the park entrance, only to find that the road along the Firehole up to Old Faithful had been closed for the season for reconstruction.
It probably wouldn't have mattered. West Yellowstone guides had warned us that warm weather was keeping the dry-fly hatches from happening, and the bright sun on the water was spooking the trout. We fished terrestrials and nymphs on the lower meadow of the Gibbon, the pocket water on the lower Firehole, and the deep pools where the two streams join to form the Madison River. Then we worked down the Madison, wading hip-deep in fast water over slippery rocks to cast streamers deep for brown trout. These big spawners hide out in riffles and pools along River Road and in waters near the park entrance that locals call "the barns," but nobody we met on the river that day had caught a thing. Neither did we.
We canvassed a good part of the greater Yellowstone area during several long days, but the trout were fussy. Even local guides were shaking their heads over the unseasonably good weather and tough conditions. We were running out of time and options, and I was starting to smell like a skunk.
Which is why we ended up in Last Chance. Normally, we would have tried the bigger, opaque Madison River below Quake Lake, but exceptionally large water releases had made the Madison too high for fishing. We debated trying one of the other big rivers, like the Missouri or Big Hole, from a guided drift boat, but with only one full day of fishing left, we opted for the buggy and challenging Henry's Fork. Lawson gave us an access map, sold us two likely types of flies, and pointed us toward a stretch of river flowing through Railroad Ranch.
Broad, flat, and shallow enough to wade from bank to bank, the big-bending Henry's is a classic spring-fed creek with clear, cold water flowing smoothly over thick beds of weeds. A thin film of fog still covered the water as we parked at the access. A bald eagle flew up, then down, then back up the river, occasionally dipping into the mist in graceful swoops. We pulled on waders and rigged up our rods as the sun burned through the last of the mist. Casting one of Lawson's size-16 green leeches, I worked slowly down the river without much hope.
For a long and futile hour, I threw out line and stripped it back. Then a cold wind came up and blocks of dark clouds began stacking above the western horizon. The good weather was finally breaking.
The temperature dropped quickly, and a scattered hatch of small mayflies started coming off the river. A few trout rose tentatively, leaving faint dimples where they sipped the surface. Snipping off the leech and tying on a tiny, size-20 dry Griffith gnat, I took a deep breath. Casting into the wind makes presentation difficult, because the fly must drift naturally over the feeding fish.
I whipped the line downstream and to the right between gusts; the fly sat high on the surface as it drifted through the feeding lane. On the next cast, it started its drift, then suddenly disappeared into a glinting swirl. Setting the hook, I held on with both hands as the 22-inch trout sprinted, dragging my line toward the far riverbank.
Even now I can see that rainbow leaping high above the water, throwing a glittering spray of droplets, flashing silver and gold in the bright autumn sun. Carefully releasing the trout, I tied on a new fly as the cold wind picked up. Finally, the catching was good.
Yellowstone fly-fishing planner
Separate fishing licenses are required for Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Yellowstone National Park. Fly-fishing shops sell licenses and can explain local regulations.
Fly shops and guides
Hire a guide to get the lay of the land (about $275 to $350 a day for one or two anglers). Call the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce (406/6467701) for a complete list of area fly shops, which can direct you to guides. In West Yellowstone (it has five shops), try Blue Ribbon Flies (406/646-7642). In Last Chance, try Lawson's Henry's Fork Anglers (800/788-4479).
Lodging
The best fishing lodge in the region is Henry's Fork Lodge (208/558-7953) near Last Chance. It isn't cheap (from $250 per person, including meals and airport transportation), but it is so comfortable that nonanglers won't complain about your fishing time if you strand them here. For more choices, call the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce.
Roads
For an update on road closures in Yellowstone National Park after September 1, call (307) 344-2113.
Reference
The Yellowstone Flyfishing Guide, by Craig Mathews and Clayton Molinero (Lyons & Burford Publishers, New York, 1998; $16.95; 800/836-0510, ext. 29), has 176 information-packed pages with 15 maps showing every fishable stream in the park.
COPYRIGHT 1999 Sunset Publishing Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group
"What we need right now is a good storm," said Mike Lawson as he shook a couple of beadhead prince nymphs onto the counter of his fly-fishing shop in Last Chance, Idaho. "The weather's just too nice for good fishing."
Lawson is one of the cagiest guides on Henry's Fork, which is one of the premier trout streams in the country. Trout fishing in the tangle of spring-fed creeks and clear, cold rivers west of Yellowstone National Park starts in May, gets good in June, and continues through summer. In the spring and fall, fly fishers get their best shot at big rainbows and browns, with cutthroats offering a high profile during the summer. But so far our fall trip had been discouraging. My fishing buddy, Bruce, even joked that Lawson's Last Chance shop might be our last chance to salvage the trip.
While the fishing itself had been good, with balmy weather and hardly any other visitors, the catching had been not so good. And don't let anyone kid you: the catching is what makes or breaks a fishing trip, especially when you've come as far as we had.
We had flown into Idaho Falls a few days earlier and driven right past Henry's Fork in a hurry to get to West Yellowstone, a little town in the heart of the network of waters in and around Yellowstone National Park. We expected fish to be working these waters the way ants work a picnic. The biggest picnic, I thought, would be on the Firehole River.
My haste to fish the Firehole was deliberate. Years ago legendary Montana guide Bud Lilly suggested I use the remaining light of a cold late-September day to try a dry fly on the Firehole River just above the Midway Geyser Basin.
A storm was approaching, and as I waded into the river, the wind eased and snow began to fall, big flakes spinning as they swirled onto the steaming surface of the water. Somewhere off in the whiteness, a bull elk bugled, an eerily high and mournful trumpeting that echoed off the hills. Across the valley a coyote answered with a yipping howl. By dark I had caught and released three of the largest trout I had ever seen in the park.
I wanted another shot at those fish. Bruce listened patiently to the story for probably the 100th time as we approached the park entrance, only to find that the road along the Firehole up to Old Faithful had been closed for the season for reconstruction.
It probably wouldn't have mattered. West Yellowstone guides had warned us that warm weather was keeping the dry-fly hatches from happening, and the bright sun on the water was spooking the trout. We fished terrestrials and nymphs on the lower meadow of the Gibbon, the pocket water on the lower Firehole, and the deep pools where the two streams join to form the Madison River. Then we worked down the Madison, wading hip-deep in fast water over slippery rocks to cast streamers deep for brown trout. These big spawners hide out in riffles and pools along River Road and in waters near the park entrance that locals call "the barns," but nobody we met on the river that day had caught a thing. Neither did we.
We canvassed a good part of the greater Yellowstone area during several long days, but the trout were fussy. Even local guides were shaking their heads over the unseasonably good weather and tough conditions. We were running out of time and options, and I was starting to smell like a skunk.
Which is why we ended up in Last Chance. Normally, we would have tried the bigger, opaque Madison River below Quake Lake, but exceptionally large water releases had made the Madison too high for fishing. We debated trying one of the other big rivers, like the Missouri or Big Hole, from a guided drift boat, but with only one full day of fishing left, we opted for the buggy and challenging Henry's Fork. Lawson gave us an access map, sold us two likely types of flies, and pointed us toward a stretch of river flowing through Railroad Ranch.
Broad, flat, and shallow enough to wade from bank to bank, the big-bending Henry's is a classic spring-fed creek with clear, cold water flowing smoothly over thick beds of weeds. A thin film of fog still covered the water as we parked at the access. A bald eagle flew up, then down, then back up the river, occasionally dipping into the mist in graceful swoops. We pulled on waders and rigged up our rods as the sun burned through the last of the mist. Casting one of Lawson's size-16 green leeches, I worked slowly down the river without much hope.
For a long and futile hour, I threw out line and stripped it back. Then a cold wind came up and blocks of dark clouds began stacking above the western horizon. The good weather was finally breaking.
The temperature dropped quickly, and a scattered hatch of small mayflies started coming off the river. A few trout rose tentatively, leaving faint dimples where they sipped the surface. Snipping off the leech and tying on a tiny, size-20 dry Griffith gnat, I took a deep breath. Casting into the wind makes presentation difficult, because the fly must drift naturally over the feeding fish.
I whipped the line downstream and to the right between gusts; the fly sat high on the surface as it drifted through the feeding lane. On the next cast, it started its drift, then suddenly disappeared into a glinting swirl. Setting the hook, I held on with both hands as the 22-inch trout sprinted, dragging my line toward the far riverbank.
Even now I can see that rainbow leaping high above the water, throwing a glittering spray of droplets, flashing silver and gold in the bright autumn sun. Carefully releasing the trout, I tied on a new fly as the cold wind picked up. Finally, the catching was good.
Yellowstone fly-fishing planner
Separate fishing licenses are required for Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Yellowstone National Park. Fly-fishing shops sell licenses and can explain local regulations.
Fly shops and guides
Hire a guide to get the lay of the land (about $275 to $350 a day for one or two anglers). Call the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce (406/6467701) for a complete list of area fly shops, which can direct you to guides. In West Yellowstone (it has five shops), try Blue Ribbon Flies (406/646-7642). In Last Chance, try Lawson's Henry's Fork Anglers (800/788-4479).
Lodging
The best fishing lodge in the region is Henry's Fork Lodge (208/558-7953) near Last Chance. It isn't cheap (from $250 per person, including meals and airport transportation), but it is so comfortable that nonanglers won't complain about your fishing time if you strand them here. For more choices, call the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce.
Roads
For an update on road closures in Yellowstone National Park after September 1, call (307) 344-2113.
Reference
The Yellowstone Flyfishing Guide, by Craig Mathews and Clayton Molinero (Lyons & Burford Publishers, New York, 1998; $16.95; 800/836-0510, ext. 29), has 176 information-packed pages with 15 maps showing every fishable stream in the park.
COPYRIGHT 1999 Sunset Publishing Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group
Sunday, February 4, 2007
California Trout
TROUT 101 - THE WHAT, WHEN & WHY
What is a Trout?
Trout is the common name given to a number of freshwater fish species belonging to the salmon family, Salmonidae, and include three genera: Genus Salvelinus (often refered to as "char"), Genus Salmo which includes Atlantic species and Genus Oncorhynchus which includes Pacific species. Trout have no spines on the fins, and all of them have a small adipose fin along the back, near the tail.
Where are trout found?
Trout are usually found in cool, clear streams and lakes, and are distributed naturally throughout North America, Asia and Europe. Several species of trout were introduced to Australia and New Zealand by fishing enthusiasts in the 19th century. In California, trout thrive in a number of environments. Steelhead are found in coastal watersheds, many native species ply the high mountain creeks of the Sierras and rainbows and browns can be found all over the state.
Why are trout important?
Trout are important for a number of reasons but perhaps their primary importance is as an "indicator species". When trout disappear from a lake or river, that watershed is in trouble. Trout are referred to as "cold water fish" because, unlike a number of other species, they prefer cold, clean and often free-flowing water. When our streams and rivers, slow down, dry out or heat up, it's the trout that are the first to feel it.
Trout are also considered by ecologists to be a 'keystone' species for watersheds. Keystone species are those that, if they die off, leave critical gaps in the ecosystem that cannot be filled by other species. If trout are removed from a river system, for instance, the many aquatic insects that they feed on overpopulate, resulting in destruction of aquatic vegetation. Meanwhile, bears and birds and other land vertebrates that feed on trout are left without an important food source.
What Are "Wild Trout"?
When we talk about trout at CalTrout we usually mean wild trout. Unlike hatchery fish that are farmed and planted expressly for recreational fishing, wild trout live and breed naturally in the state's watersheds. While hatchery-reared fish have their place in California, wild trout remains CalTrout's primary focus.
Steelhead, a trout or not?
The steelhead is an anadromous species of trout, native to the west coast. Anadromous fish, like Salmon, are born in fresh water, mature in the ocean and return to freshwater (often the stream of their birth) to spawn. Unlike Salmon, however, steelhead do not necessarily die after spawning and can make the run between fresh and salt water several times. Because their habitat, appearance, and life cycle is so different from other trout species, they are often singled out as a separate species.
Heritage Trout
Many species of wild trout are actually immigrants. Species like the brown and some rainbow trout species were introduced into California's lakes and rivers many years ago where they continue to thrive and are protected under the Wild Trout Program.
Heritage trout, however, refers to those species that were here long before our state was called California. So, while all heritage trout are wild trout, not all wild trout are heritage trout.
California's Heritage Trout
No state can compete with California's diversity of native trout species. Its 60 major watersheds include over 20,000 miles of rivers and streams (Source: FRRAP, 1988.). These waters support 10 native trout species, the majority residing in the Sierra Nevada. California, however, also leads the nation in the number of extinct or imperiled aquatic species (Source: Moyle and Williams, 1991.). The problems for the State's native trout species are particularly acute in the Sierra Nevada, where river systems are the most altered and habitats impaired by logging, mining and grazing (Source: SNEP, 1996.).
A brief assessment of the status and health of these 10 native trout species is presented below. The assessment designates their health and general risk level according to four categories: extinct, at high risk, at moderate risk and not at risk.
Extinct
California Bull Trout: While Bull Trout populations still remain in other western states, no Bull has been caught in California since the 1970's. Before their disappearance, they were found in the McCloud River in Siskiyou and Shasta counties.
At High Risk
Paiute Cutthroat Trout: This is the rarest trout in California and one of the most imperiled species in the state. Limited to two small populations surviving in Silver King Creek in the Humboldt Toyabi National Forest and the Inyo National Forest, the Paiute is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Presently there are only about 500 Paiute trout over six inches. The two primary reasons for their diminishing numbers are habitat loss caused by overgrazing and the introduction of non-native trout species including rainbow and brown trout.
California Golden Trout: Once called the Volcano Creek Golden Trout, this species was designated as the State Fish by the California Legislature in 1947. Their range encompasses approximately 120 miles of stream habitat found mostly within the Golden Trout Wilderness high in the Sierras. The California golden trout is a State Species of Special Concern (Source: Fish Species of Special Concern in California, CA DFG, Second Edition, June 1995.) and a Forest Service classified Sensitive Species. The golden is the most likely California-native species to be federally listed as endangered, due to habitat degradation, primarily by livestock, and planting of non-native trout species.
Native Trout Populations at Moderate Risk
McCloud River Redband Trout: This unique and colorful rainbow trout subspecies is native only to the McCloud River and tributaries above Middle Falls near Mt. Shasta. Redbands populate about 60 miles of stream habitat but their numbers have been reduced by competition with non-native trout, primarily German browns. Hybridization with introduced rainbow trout and deficient late summer flows are also a problem. The McCloud River redband trout is a State Species of Special Concern and is a candidate for federal listing.
Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout: This rainbow trout subspecies is confined to Eagle Lake near Susanville in Northern California. The Lake's population is a robust one. However, the fish are spawned in a local hatchery as their historical spawning grounds (Pine Creek) go dry at certain times during the year due primarily to cattle overgrazing. The fish is presently listed as federally threatened.
Lahontan Cutthroat Trout: This cutthroat species historically occurred throughout the Walker, Carson, Truckee and Honey Lake drainages including Lake Tahoe, Donner and Fallenleaf Lake. Today, the Lahontan population is restricted to 14 streams in the Lahontan drainage with about 23 miles of occupied habitat, as well as 720 acres in Independence Lake. Presently the population consists of less than 10,000 adult fish. The Lahontan cutthroat trout is a federally listed threatened species due primarily to past overgrazing. Currently, the Lahontan is considered stable and a population has been re-established in the Upper Truckee River.
Goose Lake Trout: This rainbow trout species occurs in Goose Lake and most of its tributaries, as well as some of the tributaries of the Pit River. Historically, significant spawning runs consisting of thousands of 2-5 pound trout occurred in most suitable tributaries and provided a popular trophy fishery. Today, most of the spawning runs are blocked by diversion dams and are de-watered for irrigation purposes. The California Department of Fish & Game (DFG) feels that, despite the drought of 1992-93 which caused the lake to dry out completely, there is a good chance for the population to stabilize and even grow. And in tributaries such as Lassen Creek, several hundred Goose Lake trout have been seen spawning. The Fish and Wildlife Service wants to see the trout listed while the DFG feels that they should not be.
Warner Lake Redband Trout: This rainbow trout subspecies was isolated in Warner Lake approximately 15,000 years ago. Evolutionary changes during their long period of isolation resulted in a unique strain of trout. Human impact over the last 150 years has resulted in the fragmentation and diminishment of the marsh/lake/stream systems. Basin floors were developed for agriculture, which included extensive damming, channeling, draining and loss of marshlands. Irrigation diversions were constructed on most streams causing de-watering and physical blockages for both upstream and downstream migrating trout. Cattle grazing also contributed to channel destruction in some locations. In several cases, the loss of adjacent marshlands appears to be related to increased alkalization. Lake and marsh rearing habitat and functioning migration corridors have been lost as a result. Exotic warm water species have infiltrated and spread.
Native Trout Populations Not at Risk
Little Kern River Golden Trout: This colorful rainbow trout subspecies is native only to the Little Kern River drainage. In 1978 this species was listed as threatened. However, because of long and expensive restoration efforts, the Little Kern golden trout is now restored to 80 miles of stream habitat. It is likely to be the first species in California to be de-listed. Because of unauthorized plantings of exotics this may cause a delay in this de-listing.
Kern River Rainbow Trout: This rainbow subspecies formally occurred throughout the Kern River drainage but is now limited to the mainstem, upstream of the Little Kern River where it occupies about 30 miles of stream habitat. The Kern River rainbow is a State Species of Special Concern primarily as a result of hybridization with planted rainbow trout. The current population is relatively stable and is not federally listed.
Coastal Cutthroat Trout: The coastal cutthroat trout's range occurs from the lower Eel River north to Seward, Alaska. To date, 182 populations occupying 650 miles of stream habitat have been documented in California. In addition, they occur in five coastal lagoons with 4,500 acres of habitat. The best population occurs in the Smith River drainage where 14-18 inch fish are common. This population is considered stable and is not federally listed, but is listed as a State Species of Special Concern.
The source of this article is California Trout, Inc. • 870 Market Street, Suite 528 • San Francisco, CA 94102 and can be found on the internet at www.caltrout.org.
What is a Trout?
Trout is the common name given to a number of freshwater fish species belonging to the salmon family, Salmonidae, and include three genera: Genus Salvelinus (often refered to as "char"), Genus Salmo which includes Atlantic species and Genus Oncorhynchus which includes Pacific species. Trout have no spines on the fins, and all of them have a small adipose fin along the back, near the tail.
Where are trout found?
Trout are usually found in cool, clear streams and lakes, and are distributed naturally throughout North America, Asia and Europe. Several species of trout were introduced to Australia and New Zealand by fishing enthusiasts in the 19th century. In California, trout thrive in a number of environments. Steelhead are found in coastal watersheds, many native species ply the high mountain creeks of the Sierras and rainbows and browns can be found all over the state.
Why are trout important?
Trout are important for a number of reasons but perhaps their primary importance is as an "indicator species". When trout disappear from a lake or river, that watershed is in trouble. Trout are referred to as "cold water fish" because, unlike a number of other species, they prefer cold, clean and often free-flowing water. When our streams and rivers, slow down, dry out or heat up, it's the trout that are the first to feel it.
Trout are also considered by ecologists to be a 'keystone' species for watersheds. Keystone species are those that, if they die off, leave critical gaps in the ecosystem that cannot be filled by other species. If trout are removed from a river system, for instance, the many aquatic insects that they feed on overpopulate, resulting in destruction of aquatic vegetation. Meanwhile, bears and birds and other land vertebrates that feed on trout are left without an important food source.
What Are "Wild Trout"?
When we talk about trout at CalTrout we usually mean wild trout. Unlike hatchery fish that are farmed and planted expressly for recreational fishing, wild trout live and breed naturally in the state's watersheds. While hatchery-reared fish have their place in California, wild trout remains CalTrout's primary focus.
Steelhead, a trout or not?
The steelhead is an anadromous species of trout, native to the west coast. Anadromous fish, like Salmon, are born in fresh water, mature in the ocean and return to freshwater (often the stream of their birth) to spawn. Unlike Salmon, however, steelhead do not necessarily die after spawning and can make the run between fresh and salt water several times. Because their habitat, appearance, and life cycle is so different from other trout species, they are often singled out as a separate species.
Heritage Trout
Many species of wild trout are actually immigrants. Species like the brown and some rainbow trout species were introduced into California's lakes and rivers many years ago where they continue to thrive and are protected under the Wild Trout Program.
Heritage trout, however, refers to those species that were here long before our state was called California. So, while all heritage trout are wild trout, not all wild trout are heritage trout.
California's Heritage Trout
No state can compete with California's diversity of native trout species. Its 60 major watersheds include over 20,000 miles of rivers and streams (Source: FRRAP, 1988.). These waters support 10 native trout species, the majority residing in the Sierra Nevada. California, however, also leads the nation in the number of extinct or imperiled aquatic species (Source: Moyle and Williams, 1991.). The problems for the State's native trout species are particularly acute in the Sierra Nevada, where river systems are the most altered and habitats impaired by logging, mining and grazing (Source: SNEP, 1996.).
A brief assessment of the status and health of these 10 native trout species is presented below. The assessment designates their health and general risk level according to four categories: extinct, at high risk, at moderate risk and not at risk.
Extinct
California Bull Trout: While Bull Trout populations still remain in other western states, no Bull has been caught in California since the 1970's. Before their disappearance, they were found in the McCloud River in Siskiyou and Shasta counties.
At High Risk
Paiute Cutthroat Trout: This is the rarest trout in California and one of the most imperiled species in the state. Limited to two small populations surviving in Silver King Creek in the Humboldt Toyabi National Forest and the Inyo National Forest, the Paiute is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Presently there are only about 500 Paiute trout over six inches. The two primary reasons for their diminishing numbers are habitat loss caused by overgrazing and the introduction of non-native trout species including rainbow and brown trout.
California Golden Trout: Once called the Volcano Creek Golden Trout, this species was designated as the State Fish by the California Legislature in 1947. Their range encompasses approximately 120 miles of stream habitat found mostly within the Golden Trout Wilderness high in the Sierras. The California golden trout is a State Species of Special Concern (Source: Fish Species of Special Concern in California, CA DFG, Second Edition, June 1995.) and a Forest Service classified Sensitive Species. The golden is the most likely California-native species to be federally listed as endangered, due to habitat degradation, primarily by livestock, and planting of non-native trout species.
Native Trout Populations at Moderate Risk
McCloud River Redband Trout: This unique and colorful rainbow trout subspecies is native only to the McCloud River and tributaries above Middle Falls near Mt. Shasta. Redbands populate about 60 miles of stream habitat but their numbers have been reduced by competition with non-native trout, primarily German browns. Hybridization with introduced rainbow trout and deficient late summer flows are also a problem. The McCloud River redband trout is a State Species of Special Concern and is a candidate for federal listing.
Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout: This rainbow trout subspecies is confined to Eagle Lake near Susanville in Northern California. The Lake's population is a robust one. However, the fish are spawned in a local hatchery as their historical spawning grounds (Pine Creek) go dry at certain times during the year due primarily to cattle overgrazing. The fish is presently listed as federally threatened.
Lahontan Cutthroat Trout: This cutthroat species historically occurred throughout the Walker, Carson, Truckee and Honey Lake drainages including Lake Tahoe, Donner and Fallenleaf Lake. Today, the Lahontan population is restricted to 14 streams in the Lahontan drainage with about 23 miles of occupied habitat, as well as 720 acres in Independence Lake. Presently the population consists of less than 10,000 adult fish. The Lahontan cutthroat trout is a federally listed threatened species due primarily to past overgrazing. Currently, the Lahontan is considered stable and a population has been re-established in the Upper Truckee River.
Goose Lake Trout: This rainbow trout species occurs in Goose Lake and most of its tributaries, as well as some of the tributaries of the Pit River. Historically, significant spawning runs consisting of thousands of 2-5 pound trout occurred in most suitable tributaries and provided a popular trophy fishery. Today, most of the spawning runs are blocked by diversion dams and are de-watered for irrigation purposes. The California Department of Fish & Game (DFG) feels that, despite the drought of 1992-93 which caused the lake to dry out completely, there is a good chance for the population to stabilize and even grow. And in tributaries such as Lassen Creek, several hundred Goose Lake trout have been seen spawning. The Fish and Wildlife Service wants to see the trout listed while the DFG feels that they should not be.
Warner Lake Redband Trout: This rainbow trout subspecies was isolated in Warner Lake approximately 15,000 years ago. Evolutionary changes during their long period of isolation resulted in a unique strain of trout. Human impact over the last 150 years has resulted in the fragmentation and diminishment of the marsh/lake/stream systems. Basin floors were developed for agriculture, which included extensive damming, channeling, draining and loss of marshlands. Irrigation diversions were constructed on most streams causing de-watering and physical blockages for both upstream and downstream migrating trout. Cattle grazing also contributed to channel destruction in some locations. In several cases, the loss of adjacent marshlands appears to be related to increased alkalization. Lake and marsh rearing habitat and functioning migration corridors have been lost as a result. Exotic warm water species have infiltrated and spread.
Native Trout Populations Not at Risk
Little Kern River Golden Trout: This colorful rainbow trout subspecies is native only to the Little Kern River drainage. In 1978 this species was listed as threatened. However, because of long and expensive restoration efforts, the Little Kern golden trout is now restored to 80 miles of stream habitat. It is likely to be the first species in California to be de-listed. Because of unauthorized plantings of exotics this may cause a delay in this de-listing.
Kern River Rainbow Trout: This rainbow subspecies formally occurred throughout the Kern River drainage but is now limited to the mainstem, upstream of the Little Kern River where it occupies about 30 miles of stream habitat. The Kern River rainbow is a State Species of Special Concern primarily as a result of hybridization with planted rainbow trout. The current population is relatively stable and is not federally listed.
Coastal Cutthroat Trout: The coastal cutthroat trout's range occurs from the lower Eel River north to Seward, Alaska. To date, 182 populations occupying 650 miles of stream habitat have been documented in California. In addition, they occur in five coastal lagoons with 4,500 acres of habitat. The best population occurs in the Smith River drainage where 14-18 inch fish are common. This population is considered stable and is not federally listed, but is listed as a State Species of Special Concern.
The source of this article is California Trout, Inc. • 870 Market Street, Suite 528 • San Francisco, CA 94102 and can be found on the internet at www.caltrout.org.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Fly Fihsing - Learn the Basics Here
FORGET WHAT YOU'VE READ IN other magazines. Forget what you've heard on those Saturday-morning fishing shows. Forget what you've seen in the movies.
Start with this: Fly-fishing is not an art form. It's not a sport that requires you to travel to Yellowstone or Patagonia or some exotic place and hire a guide for $400 a day. Fly-fishing is a skill you can learn and use to deadly effect on the nearest farm-pond bluegill, municipal-reservoir bass, or decent-size creek trout.
Unlike traditional fishing, fly-fishing uses relatively heavy lines to cast artificial lures that weigh too little to toss on their own, requiring a rod designed to store, release, and transfer energy during the peculiar back-and-forth, start-stop method of fly-casting. To catch a fish with a fly rod, you need only to master the basic forward cast and use it to place a bit of fur and feather, or yam and wool--the fly--within view of a fish. No more and no less.
But fly-fishing does differ from conventional fishing in ways that make heart rates redline. It ain't all that easy to cast that little runt of a lure. And once a fish enters the picture, fly-fishing quickly ramps up to more than a contemplative notion. Every surge, every leap, every flick of a fin travels up that taut line and limber rod and into your gut. You don't fish with a flyrod as much as you hunt fish with a flyrod.
Like any sport, fly-fishing is never mastered. You simply take each skill to a higher level. And therein lies its great beauty--each level takes fly fishermen to more beautiful, wild, and remote places. Like Yellowstone and Patagonia.
GET OUT THE BOZEMAN ANGLER, BOZEMAN, MONTANA
One-day schools cover the fundamentals, and you can take it to the next level with a guided trip. Nestled right in the middle of all the majestic beauty Montana has to offer, the Bozeman Angler is a wannabe-fly-fisher's dream. bozemanangler.com
STEP-BY-STEP
THREE STEPS TO THE PERFECT BASIC CAST. There are slightly different methods out there. Reject them all. Learn this one first--you'll have an easier time juicing the technique later. Start practicing in your backyard or wherever you have room.
1 Bring the rod overhead with even, quick power. At the instant the rod comes to a 2 o'clock position, stop the motion sharply.
2 Cast the line forward and backward, stopping at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions. Watch the loop of the line. Concentrate on throwing tight loops that unspool completely each time you stop the rod.
3 Pull excess line off the reel with your left hand. For your final cast, stop the rod tip in the direction you want the fly to travel, and release the line with your left hand. The slack will stream out, adding distance to the cast.
THE SETUP
If you're just getting started buying fly-fishing gear, go for quality pieces. They will be easier to ]earn with than a budget setup, and you won't outgrow them after one season. Here are some of the essentials.
1 FLY
Start off with a smallish popper. It floats, you can see it easily, and it will catch anything that swims. Ask your fly-fishing retailer for a locally hot pattern and size. $2 AND UP@JFISHERONLINE.COM
2 LINE AND LEADER
The Clouser series by Rio is a top-shelf line made for heavier flies, and it doubles as a great learning line ($60). Pair the flyline with a MainStream knotless leader ($5 for two). Fred LOCAL DEALERS@RIOPRODUCTS.COM
3 ROD
Redinston's CPS 7-weight nine-foot rod handles pond trout and bragging-size bass alike, and the fast action helps beginners go for distance. $279@ REDINGTON.COM
4 REEL
The Velocity 3 reel by Lamson has the fishfighting power of reels costing twice as much. $239 @WATERWORKSLAMSON.COM
COPYRIGHT 2006 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group
Start with this: Fly-fishing is not an art form. It's not a sport that requires you to travel to Yellowstone or Patagonia or some exotic place and hire a guide for $400 a day. Fly-fishing is a skill you can learn and use to deadly effect on the nearest farm-pond bluegill, municipal-reservoir bass, or decent-size creek trout.
Unlike traditional fishing, fly-fishing uses relatively heavy lines to cast artificial lures that weigh too little to toss on their own, requiring a rod designed to store, release, and transfer energy during the peculiar back-and-forth, start-stop method of fly-casting. To catch a fish with a fly rod, you need only to master the basic forward cast and use it to place a bit of fur and feather, or yam and wool--the fly--within view of a fish. No more and no less.
But fly-fishing does differ from conventional fishing in ways that make heart rates redline. It ain't all that easy to cast that little runt of a lure. And once a fish enters the picture, fly-fishing quickly ramps up to more than a contemplative notion. Every surge, every leap, every flick of a fin travels up that taut line and limber rod and into your gut. You don't fish with a flyrod as much as you hunt fish with a flyrod.
Like any sport, fly-fishing is never mastered. You simply take each skill to a higher level. And therein lies its great beauty--each level takes fly fishermen to more beautiful, wild, and remote places. Like Yellowstone and Patagonia.
GET OUT THE BOZEMAN ANGLER, BOZEMAN, MONTANA
One-day schools cover the fundamentals, and you can take it to the next level with a guided trip. Nestled right in the middle of all the majestic beauty Montana has to offer, the Bozeman Angler is a wannabe-fly-fisher's dream. bozemanangler.com
STEP-BY-STEP
THREE STEPS TO THE PERFECT BASIC CAST. There are slightly different methods out there. Reject them all. Learn this one first--you'll have an easier time juicing the technique later. Start practicing in your backyard or wherever you have room.
1 Bring the rod overhead with even, quick power. At the instant the rod comes to a 2 o'clock position, stop the motion sharply.
2 Cast the line forward and backward, stopping at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions. Watch the loop of the line. Concentrate on throwing tight loops that unspool completely each time you stop the rod.
3 Pull excess line off the reel with your left hand. For your final cast, stop the rod tip in the direction you want the fly to travel, and release the line with your left hand. The slack will stream out, adding distance to the cast.
THE SETUP
If you're just getting started buying fly-fishing gear, go for quality pieces. They will be easier to ]earn with than a budget setup, and you won't outgrow them after one season. Here are some of the essentials.
1 FLY
Start off with a smallish popper. It floats, you can see it easily, and it will catch anything that swims. Ask your fly-fishing retailer for a locally hot pattern and size. $2 AND UP@JFISHERONLINE.COM
2 LINE AND LEADER
The Clouser series by Rio is a top-shelf line made for heavier flies, and it doubles as a great learning line ($60). Pair the flyline with a MainStream knotless leader ($5 for two). Fred LOCAL DEALERS@RIOPRODUCTS.COM
3 ROD
Redinston's CPS 7-weight nine-foot rod handles pond trout and bragging-size bass alike, and the fast action helps beginners go for distance. $279@ REDINGTON.COM
4 REEL
The Velocity 3 reel by Lamson has the fishfighting power of reels costing twice as much. $239 @WATERWORKSLAMSON.COM
COPYRIGHT 2006 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group
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