I fished the Hex hatch on Lake Almanor on the 5th.
The Hex hatch is slow this year due to the high water level of the lake, I think. Right before dark the Hexs started to emerge but nothing like they did last season.
Only about half of the 10 or so fishermen out on Geritol Cove caught fish, luckly I was one of those who caught a fish, just one but it was nice. It taped out at 21" and felt like a 2-3lb trout. It fought hard and put a nice bend in my 6wt. That trout was the largest that I have caught at Almanor, I've only fished there twice, both during the Hex hatch.
Here's a blury picture of that trout.
I couldn't see my LCD screen to better frame the shot but you can see the fish's fat belly.
If it wasn't for that fish that trip wouldn't have been as enjoyable. I forgot just how much the temperature drops there on Almanor as soon as the sun disappears, I was pretty cold. I strongly recommend bringing a jacket and wear fleece under your breathable waders.
I talked to many local fishermen and they all told me that the bugs are emerging, not in any great number, but the fish don't reaaly seemed to be keyed in on the Hexs just yet. From my experience that night I would agree with those fishermen.
I caught my fish using a sinktip and a Hex nymph. The lack of surface activity was not promissing for any type of dry fly fishing. Hopefully the hatch will finally kick into high gear sometime soon. I love to see those huge yellow mayflies all over the place, very fun fishing.
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