LAST EDITED ON Jan-22-01 AT 10:36 AM (PST)

What an amazing place! I felt like I should have been shooting one of ESPN's outdoor shows. The canyon sides had just a little bit of snow in some of the shady spots and the temp on the stream was perfect. Water flow was a little low but, the trout were out.

The downside: only three hits and no hookups. I don't know if it was low water or what but, those were some wary fish. The only serious bites were the twenty+ red welts I have all over my arms, hands, ears, and neck. Being from Ohio, I have seen deer flies, horse flies, and clouds of mosquitos that look like a low fog. Nothing, but nothing, prepared me for these little winged Satans that saw me as a Carl's Jr. with a stick in my hand. Word of warning: suck it up and use bug repellant. I don't care if I coat every fly with anti-bug stuff and the trout run from the odor of my streamers, I am swimming in bug spray next time.

But, hey, beautiful day, good friends, and my first fishing trip of the year; can't complain.

Tight lines.
Deaner

By the way: those who did land trout were using dry flies (light to dark brown #14-18) and bright nymphs (pupa style with a little flash). Also, there was alot of Powerbait on the banks and some smiling spinfishermen so, I think they did well also.

I'm not sure where exactly you fishedon piru, but try Agua Blanca sometime - its above blue point campground, and you need to make a pretty long hike to get there(overnight is a good way to go), but there are some HUGE wild trout back up in there and it hardly ever gets touched. Just one thing, If you do go up there, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE release everything so everyone who puts in the work to go there gets rewarded.

Thanks for the info. I promise, if the trout would just help out with the "catch" part I will do the "release" part. Any input on the San Gabriel? I think I am heading out there next weekend.

Deaner

I fished the East San Gabe by the bridge on the 5th of Jan, before any significant rain had hit the area. It was close to bone dry and not a fish in sight. But what really chapped my &$*#@! was all the graffiti and junk I saw on the banks. How pathetic that people, fisherman, would be so careless and inconsiderate. Diapers! YUCK!