FINALLY, AN UPDATE!

Now that 5 weeks of hunting and tent-living is in the books, it's time to turn to fishing! (Well, with the exception of predator hunting this winter...)  I have some updated information regarding the local waters which I have been asked about since returning home this past week. Here goes...

Chickahominy:  The reservoir is seeing number of fish infected with copepods, apparently introduced from the hatchery during a spring stocking. While some trout are showing high amounts of the parasites around the gills, most are not showing severe issues. While there was a very small die off this summer, it could be those most infected (infested?) were those which died. Overall, the trout population remains high. The parasite is not (as I assumed) extremely susceptible to cold water, so the infestation my be around for some time. For those asking if the water is still high, yes. Considering it was the highest water level we've seen in nearly 40 years, the water will remain "high" into next year, even without high amounts of precipitation this winter. We are good for several more years. No recent fishing reports, but with the water cooling, fall fishing should be picking up.

Fish Lake:  The lake is seeing the same issue as Chickahominy, however, at presumably a more severe level. Again, we will most likely see fish affected by the parasite for awhile. No reports on the fishing.

Krumbo: No recent fishing reports, and it is not known if there is a copepod issue there. With no reports of the parasite there, assumptions are that it's not a problem, or extremely limited.

Mann Lake: Yes, it's fall. Yes, we've been told it would be stocked with Lahontans this year. And...it's true! I understand the stocking truck was in town with a batch of LCT's this week. We should be seeing that fishery rebound over the next couple of years. Finally!! 

Beulah Reservoir: Currently at 27% full, there should be sufficient water to carry the trout population through the winter. Fishing may be slow, or at least cause one to work a bit to find where the fish are, but could hold some nice trout.

Blitzen:  No recent reports, however, the consistent message I heard prior to hunting season was "there are fish there, but it's only fair fishing". We know the population isn't what it once was, but with increased flows this year, we will hopefully start to see a rebound on this special stream.

BLM Ponds: While most suffered winter kill, the fish will most likely be this year's plants. Turnover did affect the  local Burns Pond with a die off, but no word on that being an issue at the smaller BLM water bodies.

Enjoy the fall! I'm hoping to start getting out and fishing a few water bodies over the next couple of weeks, so will be offering a first-hand report once I get a feel for things.