Day after Easter snow storm

Springtime in Northern Nevada. Always an adventure. Maybe a trip to Pyramid or Northern California is in order.

St Paddy's Day bass

It's still a little bit early and cold for top water bass here in Northern Nevada. I was able to get two, on top, on St. Paddy's Day. Not Bad.

New Eagle Claw 6'6" 5/6 weight Feather Light

I was able to make a Craigslist deal on a new (to me) Eagle Claw Feather Light fiberglass fly rod. With the super windy weather last weekend, I wasn't able to test it out until today. It was an absolutely beautiful day in Reno today. High in the 70's, no clouds, and best of all no wind. I went to my local pond expecting to catch a ton of bass. That's NOT what happened. The fishing was very tough, I tried my simi seal leeches. No takes. I tried quick strips, slow strips, let 'em sink, across the surface. Nothing! I was finally able to get one bass on a Arizona Wanderings mini hopper. That's right. First top water of the year, who would've guessed?

I enjoyed fishing the new rod. It was a little tough to throw the streamers into the wind, but when I switched to a light hopper with a longer leader, it cast like a dream. I was able to make long casts with a soft landing. That is key at this pond, these fish are super nervous, and won't eat a hopper pattern that plops too hard. I can already tell that this is going to be my "go to" rod this summer. The best thing is...it fits in my Suzuki Samurai strung up and ready to go.

Nice bass close to home

Even though it's been windy and cold the last couple of days, I got out to my home pond. I'm glad that I did. If this isn't the biggest bass I've caught out of this pond, than it's pretty close.

Quick morning trip

I'm so happy that I live close enough to a pond that I can get out for a quick trip before work. I was able to get a little sunshine on my back, catch five fish, and still make it to work on time.

Not a bad way to spend a morning.

February Redding trip

I took the family to Redding this weekend for my Nephew's birthday, and was able to get out to a couple of local ponds on Saturday. The first stop was the Kapusta Ponds behind the Jolly Giant Flea Market, and were a total bust. I fished for at least two hours without a bite, swirl, splash, or anything. I think the recent rain really turned the fish off. 

I went to another pond in the evening, and was able to redeem myself. I ended up with three fish in about an hour and a half. Not bad for February.

Olive Simi-Seal bugger

Not a bad bass

Fly fishing for bass under ice?

With a few days of temperatures in the 60's I decided to hit my bass pond after work today. I had pretty low expectations, having never caught a Nevada bass in February before. The pond was about 80% ice, so I went to what must of been the sunny end. There was only open water around the edges, and at the "creek" end. Not really a creek, just Spring run-off.  

I tied on an Olive Balanced Leech, and cast up against the opposite bank. I let it sink slowly with a VERY slow retrieve...BOOM! first bass of the year! I was able to hook one more on the olive leech until I lost it in a tree. I tied on a smaller, slower sinking "Blue Collar Leech in white, and hooked two more. 

I feel like I stole these fish this early in the year, looks like it's going to be a great season!

Bass under ice.

Olive Balanced Leech

White "Blue Collar Leech"

Mostly frozen

A nice Northern Nevada buck

A little scenery

Co-Pilot in the Sammy