American River Clean up

[Ed Wahl]

Protect American River Canyons is doing a clean up of the American River at the confluence outside of Auburn on Saturday from 8 til noon.

I'm going to be there to help out with the hwy segment again, Auburn to the bridge.

I'm trolling for volunteers.

Heading for the Rubicon after we're done. Gotta see if the Fall Caddis are out and about yet.

How 'bout it? Pick up some trash and see one of the prettiest (my opinion) rivers in the state.

Ed

[Ed Wahl]

Pretty easy clean up day this time around. PARC gets quite a turnout at these events in Auburn. I was done with my part at 11:30 and boogied on up the hill for some fishing time.
Here's a couple of pics at the clean up event.



The CHP donates a pilot and helicopter to move the trash that was thrown off of the Foresthill bridge over to the dumpster.




I got to the bridge, had some lunch and just chilled for a bit before heading in. This is the 'short' trail. I love walking through these mixed forest areas.



When I went to get to the water I had to slide down a boulder underneath some fairly thick alders. Usually no problem. But this time as I ducked under the canopy and looked down I spotted this 'bow hanging around in my landing zone.




It took many tries and many snagged twigs to finally lower my fly all the way down to the fish without spooking it. But unfortunately the fish didn't like what it saw. Took a close look and darted off.

Once I was done knocking my head against that wall I started fishing my way back to the bridge. The catching was pretty good using both Fall Caddis nymphs and Stimulator's. While I didn't manage to land anything bigger than 10 inches they kept me entertained all afternoon. Not too easy and not too hard.
A typical Rubicon 'bow.



The weather couldn't have been better for a day in the canyon. Once again I kicked myself for not packing a sleeping bag and some gear and just staying up there for the night. Warm evenings in the canyon are just so pleasant, they seep into your subconscious and stay with you forever.

A couple of water shots.





It'll be even better in October. Big Caddis will be out and the skeeters will be gone.

Ed

[Jgoding]

Hey Ed,

I didn't know Rubicon trout fed with their dorsal fin but now I know =p

sorry, couldn't resist but I'm sure the fly is just stuck in your net right there

[Ed Wahl]

Nah, I just snag 'em in the back.

I'd already unhooked it, I figured I can untangle my fly at my leisure but the trout's gotta go back quick.

Ed