WIND-WIND-WIND

WIND-WIND-WIND. Unfortunately we have to take it and take as much of it as mother nature throws at us. Wind makes waves which and when combined with sunlight sustains superior oxygen levels. Good. Stillwater fly fisher people experience numerous varieties of still water conditions. From that dark, extremely reflected "PONDY", calm as can be "sheet of glass" scenario to the polar opposite - Hard pounding winds that throw reflections of grey and spray throughout the entire day. Getting out of it sometimes consists of motoring all the way across the lake to tuck up against the far tree-line / shoreline, because the wind has skipped a mere 40 feet of that end, shooting over the trees and touching water just off shore. Just enough to anchor. WHY IS THE WIND ALWAYS BLOWING HEAD ON INTO OUR CAMPSITES? Who knows, it rarely graces us in the "overhead" direction.

When the wind is mad, its time to adjust our tactics. Those long / meticulously tied leaders ending in super light fluorocarbon tippets can be laid to rest for the day. Why? Well in my opinion, when the surface is "disturbed", so is the way light falls through the water column. Therefore, being extra sneaky or cautious may need not apply. If the only cast-able water available, is less than 4 feet - completely disregard what I just said. During these "hurricane - ish" type days, spend some extra time learning your lake's profile. Actually spend more than 30 seconds searching for bugs. Comb the bottoms of logs, sift through the bullrushes & overturn rocks. Have a look at small particles passing you, along the shoal. What particles? The disturbed particles that the waves have dug up and sent on their way. Why are they moving? because the lake has now incorporated a small breeze current. Thats right, the water is moving in a specific direction, usually affiliated with the pulse or pressure of the waves reaching shallower water. There is serious pressure on the surface of a small lake during winds greater than 25 kph. Imagine blowing on a plate with an inch of water on top. Things get pushed around and its not often observed because of the waves - surface disturbances. Whichever side of a bay or end of the lake this debris or sediment is heading, sometimes so are the fish. The problem is it's going to be right into the mess of the wind, but when its starts to calm down (normally when you just started flipping your steaks), thats when you want to be casting big obnoxious patterns or slow lower profile presentations through those "deposit zones". They host a poor visibility rating for a short amount of time, but all sorts of resident food sources have been kicked up and swept together to reside in a new section of the lake's bottom. I have always found one of two patterns work really well for me in these situations: 1) Medium sized bright red flashy buggers with gold bead heads OR LITTLE FORT LEECHES, stripped quite quickly. 2) #12 clear back pale yellow baggy shrimp (scud) patterns, slowly walking along the cloud & clear lines (normally 3 - 6 feet of water).

Lately I have chosen a different anchor position than the regular front and back drop, casting off the side of the boat. In the windy conditions greater than say 10 kph, I try to drop my anchors bow (or sometimes stern) into the wind, releasing a good amount of scope (extra rope). As the boat slowly swings along in its new 'bitten destination', I have the back anchor completely ready to deploy. Just when the boat is approaching the desired casting spot (just before), I release the stern anchor quickly down and try not to let anymore than a few extra feet. The reason being is that you don't want too much swing. Clearing the floor of obstruction (paddles, flyboxes, beer etc) is important for where your stripped line will land (as per normal).

In general, big wind storms and substantial jumps in conditions and clarity "stir the pot" so to speak. Feeding zones can change rapidly. Temperatures mix in the shallows and the normal thermocline settings can and will re-adjust. Its a good time to have a look at the lake and watch where the waves are ending up. Where the little micro currents are leading to and most of all, where you will be able to fish. Tight Tippets Brent Gill / The Douglas Lake Ranch.

NEW PRIVATE CAMPSITES at BIG & LITTLE SABIN LAKES!

We are proud to announce the addition of two new locations set for private camping on The Douglas Lake Ranch! Big Sabin Lake will be receiving two campsites and Little Sabin Lake will be receiving one (lake exclusive). Both of these lake have been part of our diligent stocking and management program for decades. Triploid Kamloops Rainbow trout inhabit these waters. The fishing can be fast and furious for trout 1 to 2 pounds. The regulations are: fly fishing only, barbless hooks, maximum two boats per site & only children 16 and under can retain a fish (one per day / per youth). No boats or firewood are provided at these new sites. A picnic table, outhouse and fire pit are all located at each site. Firewood will be available for purchase from The Douglas Lake Ranch.