Yep. Those were the good old days. There were fewer gas-powered boats on Fall River back then. Now, the guides have access to private launches and are legally entitled to use gas-powered boats on the river. The Fall River experience has been somewhat diminished as a result. Then too, the Pale Morning Dun hatches aren't what they used to be. Especially below Zug Bug Alley.
As for that poor, tired, trampled piece of water below the Hat 2 Powerhouse, the so-called Powerhouse Riffle, it still continues to produce fish, though it will never be what it once was. And I am afraid the Old Carbon Bridge stretch that was silted over a number of years ago will never return to its former glory, despite ongoing restoration work.
The Hat Creek watershed does have one conceivable bright spot, however. And that is Baum Lake, or as I like to call it, "Hat Creek Lake." There is a viable population of Pit River strain wild trout in this lake, though it is disappearing fast due to angler harvesting. I have advocated for years that Baum Lake should be protected as a wild trout fishery and included in the Fish and Wildlife Wild Trout Program. Anyone who feels as I do that hatchery stubby tails have no place in a spring creek ecosystem should contact Michael Dege with the Wild Trout Program.
Michael.Dege@wildlife.ca.gov
Sorry. I got a little off-topic didn't I?
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- John Muir
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