Clouds and Rainbows

Last visit to this lake I got snowed on, so yesterday's cloudy forecast wasn't gonna worry me; and maybe the fish would be more active without all that bright sunshine. The hike ascends dusty clearcuts toward the big trees. Once I got there the ground was wet with drops they'd combed out of the sky.

IMG_9218.jpeg

IMG_9220.jpeg

IMG_9221.jpeg

IMG_9222.jpeg

You cross a ridge and drop into the lake basin below. Ragged clouds blew through, and the sun almost came out.

IMG_9225.jpeg

IMG_9226.jpeg

IMG_9229.jpeg

And for a change, I consistently got into fish; nice big shouldered fish.

IMG_9233.jpeg

I think I have a new confidence fly, one that @Dave Westburg showed me, the Black Pennell. I tie it with a chubbier beetle-like profile than tradition would suggest.

IMG_9238.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Great fly for high lakes. Looks like a terrestrial. I always try to have some Black Pennels in my alpine lakes box. A greenwells glory imitates callibaetis nymphs. A butcher is a bright attractor pattern. And the Black Pennel looks like a beetle or ant. The more fish you catch the buggier the fly gets...

IMG_1611.JPG
 
Last edited:
Thanks for sharing nice pics of a gorgeous spot, and a deftly written report. Looks like a really fun day.
 
Reports like this make me want to strap up a lightweight tube and give it a try.
Thanks Billy, I always enjoy your trip reports, and wish I could figure out where your favorite, secret seep lakes are. It seems a big strong guy like you ought to be able to pack along the kitchen sink, no? I used to carry twice the weight I do now without much thinking about it.
 
Back
Top