Fly Fishing the Big Lost River

Fly Fishing on the Big Lost River

Today started out cold (34 degrees F) with a strong, cold wind and storm clouds covering the mountain surrounding the valley. The weather was not so good for fly fishing as I had planned. So I went about my daily routine.

I have started to build a greenhouse for next season. You need a building permit to build anything in Mackay so I went to City Hall to get one. After lunch I went back to work setting up the railroad ties I will use for the foundation for the greenhouse. It is hard work to move the 9 foot, tar soaked ties and I had to take off my jacket as the temperature had warmed up. It was then I noticed that the wind had quit blowing.

Needless to say, I picked up my tools and headed for the garage to get my fishing gear. There won't be many days left for fly fishing. The stretch of water close to home, runs too high to fish from mid May until early October because of irrigation in the valley. Last week the water at the access crossing was mid thigh deep. Today when I got to the crossing, the water wasn't even knee deep; just perfect for fishing.

No wind, 60 degree temperature, beautiful fall colors, great water with well defined holes and riffles; what more could you ask for? Maybe a few more days like this one!

Big Lost River

(About 1-1/2 Miles from My House)

Wayne Olsen Photo

Oh, I almost forgot! The fishing was great! The catching was good. I usually release all the fish I catch unless they are good sized. That was the case today. Leave the little ones to grow for next time. So, I went home and cooked some Schwan Talapia loin fillets. It was much easier. I plan on fishing again tomorrow if the weather is good, I can work on the greenhouse even in the snow!

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