Angling Report: Jan 2002 Lake Brunner Fly Fishing Report
The onset of summer has been slow - but the arrival of two guests from Japan, Mr Kitada and Ms Nakamura, saw the sun finally appear for longer than an hour at a time. Not only that, but the first cicadas of summer were beginning to chirp... always a good sign!
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| The river levels dropped, and water slowly cleared, enabling us to eventually try a little river fishing. Above, Mr Kitada casts a nymph into the clear waters of the Bruce Stream. Note the fallen tree, a legacy of the 900mm of rain from mid-November to mid-December, followed by 600mm on the first two days of January! The Bruce was running at least 3 metres above normal during these two rain events. Recovery of the stream after such big floods will take time - many trout seek respite back down in the lake, and taking some weeks to repopulate the stream. |
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While Mr Kitada was trying to coax a trout into action, Ms Nakamura was enjoying the brilliant West Coast sunshine.
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A nice example of prime West Coast brown trout - a fat hen fish is quickly photographed prior to release. Trout are in superb condition this season.
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Ms Nakamura proudly displays a typical Lake Brunner brown trout, one of the very first she caught unaided. An enthusiastic novice fly-fisherwoman, her skill level, and success rate, improved daily. She was able to catch fish using streamer, dry and nymph!
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Ms Nakamura, on the Crooked River.
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Mr Kitada, hooked up briefly to a nice trout on a small West Coast stream
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January 21 2002
The weather continues to improve, and guest Joe Kinker from Lake Saint Louis, Missouri USA had a blast today! The fish were in a cooperative mood, and happily taking dry fly and nymph all day! Joe landed 7 during the first session, and managed to land another 3 during the evening! It was one of those days when the guide wished HE was fishing - for every fish landed, another self-released, or broke us off. A truly awesome day out!
January 25/26 2002
Michael Rhodes and son Matthew joined us for the day - and it was tough out there on Friday 25th. Very hot, and a late start to the afternoon breeze - most days it starts to blow around 1-2pm, but on this day not until after 4pm. The fishing was difficult for some inexplicable reason - few fish in evidence, and those we saw were very wary.
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Matthew was first to catch a fish, a lovely big brown, and the first he had caught unaided on the fly. His casting skills deserved such a reward, and he put in a great days effort. |
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Michael also landed a couple for the day. The following morning, whilst Matthew enjoyed a sleep in, Michael and I slipped down to the Arnold River for a few hours. |
The fish were in a more playful mood, happily taking a nymph suspended under the dry fly, more often taking the dry fly itself, a big, ugly cicada pattern! Michael landed 6, was broken off once, and lost another right at the net - all in all, a great morning!
Angling Report: Jan 2002 Lake Brunner Fly Fishing Report
                                
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