It's spring (for a few more days)

It's been a nice few days here in the high desert, and people are getting out on the local waters. Unfortunately, the cold weather is making a comeback this weekend and will linger for a few days. This past week saw a number of individuals fishing at Chickahominy. While the water is in excellent condition and fish are being caught, up until a few days ago it was the fly fishers who were hooking the most fish, followed by those throwing hardware, while bait fishers seemed to find the catch rate a bit slower. That said, the fly fishing has slowed down to a "good" pace from the frantic "strike a cast" fishing which is normal right at ice out. Bead headed Prince nymphs, olive buggers and small black leeches and Wooly Worms have been producing at Chick.

Water levels continue to improve at all (accessible) reservoirs. There have been no reports from the lakes in the forest due to accessibility, but that should be changing rather soon.

For those of you who are adventurous and like poking around the desert, a reminder that this time of year many of the roads are soft, even if they look dry on the surface. Even some of the graveled USFS roads can be hiding sink holes, as I learned first hand last spring. Be careful out there. 

Blitzen:  No recent reports. The river is currently flowing at 157 cfs, and has been as high as 500 cfs this past week. 

Owyhee River:  The water was rushing out of the dam at nearly 800 cfs this past week, but the gates are now allowing just over 250 cfs of water to hit the lower river. Keep an eye on the flow before planning a trip there.

BLM Ponds: Most, if accessible, should be fishing well. Nymphs such as Princes, Hare's Ears and smaller dark Wooly Worms are often productive here in early season. If there is a slight chop, those who like fishing under an indicator my try small balanced leeches and nymphs tied on jig hooks. Not many chironomids have been noted yet this past week.