Fished the Cheakamus today.What I noticed is that there is less green algae in this area compared to last year, most likely due to the floods drastically changing the flow of the river. Maybe it is still too early in the season for hatches, but there was very little flying insect activity during the day, but picked up a little bit in the evening. Overturning rocks revealed quite a few stonefly nymphs? (slim, black, crunchy looking - kinda look like mini scorpions) and mayfly nymphs? (fatter, flatter, lighter in color and not crunchy looking). Is my insect ID correct? The ones that were flying were I think mayflies and saw at least one small, darkish brown caddis.
The fish in the main runs of this river have DEFINITELY become pickier. Fishing is MUCH SLOWER than last year, IMO. Last year one drift would get multiple rises and was awesome for a newbie like me. This year, the fish seem to rise right after the fly hits the water and either half heartedly attacks the fly or turns away at the last moment. The rest of the drift, even if it is natural, the fly is ignored.
However, if you can find "slots" that haven't been fished, the fish are not that shy and readily rise to even my hand tied dries. Lots o' fun on my new 4 wt.
Questions. During a flood as large as last year's, is it reasonable to assume that a lot of fish get swept downstream? Do fish get sucked out of the dam at Daisy Lk? There seems to be a lot less larger fish - 12"+ than last year.
Anyways, that is my report and I am sticking to it. Posted because the webmaster forced me to .... isn't that harassement??
Shane
Author
Topic: Cheakamus July 31st (Read 2963 times)