Half-pounders are in the Lower American River now.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Local guide Charlie Gonzales took me down the river in his new Hide drift boat for my birthday, yesterday.

https://www.facebook.com/charlie.gonzales.524?v=wall

http://www.bigvalleyguide.com/



I had Terry Thomas join us. First off we had a show from a group of Turkeys.



It was a beautiful day with some Half-pounders in every riffle from Rossmoor Bar down to the Gristmill Access.



Chef Charlie made some very nice shrimp ceviche for lunch.



We had about a dozen grabs, hooked 6 Half-pounders from 12 to 18 inches. Most flew off before we landed them on our Spey rods that were way to big but great practice for me.

Charlie had us use a larger on 10 soft hackle with a smaller 14 caddis pupa trailer. I think the smaller flies are the ticket now because the fish were eating caddis.

I would use a single handed rod or a small Switch rod now with a floating line, long leader and #12 caddis pupa on 3x tippet. Maybe have some caddis dries too.

I think you could fish all day long now but I would keep moving.

I did not do a good job with photos because my iPhone was in my pocket in a zip lock bag. Need to keep a water proof camera on a lanyard around my neck to get good fishing pictures.

We ran into Mark Kranhold at Rossmoor and then saw Malcom Fea at Gristmill.

Tons of wildlife on the river now. Many birds, deer and squirrels.

Put your gear in your car and get out there after work........

.

[Jeff C.]

Sounds like you boys had fun on the float. I have a LifeProof case for my iPhone and I don't have to worry about getting it wet. It was a well spent investment.

[winxp_man]

I would say a nice #4 Switch rod is nice right about now. Well that is hoping you do not hook into a bigger fish. Nice trip and looked like a fun day

[winxp_man]

Sounds like you boys had fun on the float. I have a LifeProof case for my iPhone and I don't have to worry about getting it wet. It was a well spent investment.

Damn right about this Jeff. The other day on the Truckee I dropped mine in while talking but didn't mind because of the LifeProof case

[Larry S]

The pictures tell it all; playing Hyde and seek on your birthday.
Best,
Larry S

[Smitty Fish]

I'll be out tomorrow swinging some soft hacks. Sounds like you guys had a blast. :-]

[Don Powell]

Happy Birthday, Bill... you celebrated in style!

[Adam Grace]

I am planning on fishing after working at the shop next week for a couple of days. I can't wait for the weather to warm up and the caddis to start popping off at dusk. Half-pounder fishing is fun, and my new 12' 5wt will be a blast with these spring run fish

[Charlie Gonzales]

Thanks for a great day Bill and Terry.

I will be out tomorrow evening, probly in the lower river somewhere.

Just got the new MOW intermediate tip and itchin to see how it swings.

[winxp_man]

Thanks for a great day Bill and Terry.

I will be out tomorrow evening, probly in the lower river somewhere.

Just got the new MOW intermediate tip and itchin to see how it swings.

I know that I like the iFlight head and the AirFlo intermediate head but I have yet to try the iMOW tips...... post a report when you get a chance.