DS Fishing Blog

I'm a thinker.  That's why I decided to make the long drive to the East Walker River the weekend after Memorial Day Weekend.  I calculated the crowds would be gone and the trout would be jumping.  Note to self:  check the weather report before all fly fishing adventures.

Well, I did check my iphone and here is my quick review of The Weather Channel App:  It sucks!  I think they must update it about every ten days. I don't mind fly fishing in the rain.  That's what your gear is for, to keep you dry.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find my waterproof jacket.  I am somewhat of a fishing minimalist and I like to have as light a load as possible when I'm on the water.  I have a North Face ultra light weight, breathable, waterproof, packable jacket that my good friend gave me years ago which I take every time I fly fish.   I'm sad to say I still can't find it.  I took my backup jacket which doesn't really keep me dry, but allows me to invest in the illusion of preparedness.  

My plan was to leave early Friday morning and be nymphing the East Walker by noon.  As is often the case, a last minute meeting kept me from leaving until 2 pm.  Just North of Bishop I hit the weather.  It was raging almost all the way to Bridgeport where it cleared up and turned into a pretty amazing sunset.  The drive went by really quickly because I've been listening to audiobooks on my iphone.  If you haven't read Blue Highways by William Least Heat Moon, go get it.  Blue Highways refers to the color of the older highways on older maps.  Blue colored lines would take you off the beaten path to where you might want to go, although you might not know it until you got there.  I haven't looked at a map, but I imagine California Highway 395 that I travelled to Bridgeport along the East Sierra range is just such a highway.  This book is well worth your time.

I was surprised to see others camping when I arrived.  I often find fly fishermen territorial and not always friendly.  I'm willing to chalk it up to some folks fly fishing for the solitude and the rudeness is unintentional, they just are focused on the trout.  Well, I was surprised how friendly these three guys were.  I was about to drive away to find another camp site when I just asked if they'd mind if I just set up shop on the other end of this little parking area.  Ming, his brother and their friend were more than accommodating, never mind that I kind of invited myself to chit chat by their fire.  I hit the hay early and was on the water by 6:30 the next morning.  By 9 the crowds had come and were almost as prolific as the midges hatching.