Warming, Melting, and Low Water

As we finally witness warmer weather here in the high desert, more snow is melting in the mountains. I was amazed three weeks ago when I ventured into the hills north of Burns to put up some trail cams, only to find many areas still not passable due to drifts, as well as acres of standing water in what is usually a flat, a campsite, or just a depression in the forest. Amazing...

So, with warmer weather, better fishing should follow. Personally, I've only fished Wallowa Lake this past month (with, *cough* non-fly methods *cough*) and am not receiving many reports. I am hearing that some of the lakes on USFS land (Yellowjacket, Delintment) are not only accessible now, but have been planted, with a few holdovers being taken at YJ. I would be surprised if Delintment held over, however, we were surprised that it did last year! From ODFW reports, all local stillwaters have received their plantings, with Krumbo getting a couple doses.

Blitzen:  For the past several days, the Blitzen has been experiencing 100 cfs fluctuations each day, with the "lows" and "highs" seeing a steady upward trend. Looking at the USGS graph, it appears that the high, around midnight, was at approximately 630 cfs, with a current (12:25 PM) 492 cfs reading. Watch for steady or on the drop levels; I'd prefer them at about half of the current level, if not even lower. 

Mann Lake:  I just called the local ODFW office to see if there is any "new" news beyond the ODFW recreation report, which hasn't changed for several weeks now.  Unfortunately, it's the same news - low water and poor fishing. If I hear anything changing, I will add it to the website immediately.

Krumbo and Chickahominy:  No recent reports, however, Krumbo should be picking up after the "lull" it seems to experience after plantings. Not sure why that happens, but seems to year after year (no, it's not just a brown Woolly Bugger issue). Chick should also be showing some activity in the shallows early mornings and late evenings for the few carry overs. (A word for those wanting to fish Chickahominy this fall or next year once the this year's plants gain some size - don't be afraid to wade to mid-thigh depth in the evening and fish back toward the bank. Over the years, these fish like the shallows, allowing sight fishing to rising or bulging fish.)

Owyhee: As I often mention to those inquiring, with the river being 2 1/2 hours away, I don't get a lot of info on the river. The big flows have been tamed to a current reading of 293 cfs, about 50% higher than the average release this time of year. ODFW was reporting that some fish were being taken at the 1,000+ cfs stage, so with the lower discharge, fishing should only pick up. Be careful wading the stream, as it can be a bit milky and difficult to see the large rocks/small boulders, especially at higher water levels.