As we approach the end of the calendar year, I look back on a great season of fishing. While the heavy snowfall from the winter delayed what I perceive as the normal timing of when different waterways become fishable, it added a little challenge to the mix. Among the high flows during a runoff that seemed to drag on forever, there were still plenty of fish. The season seemed to carry on late into the fall as well, with some of my best days on the water happening in the month of October.
The springtime brought some of the most challenging water conditions to fish. With so many of my normal spots being blown out, I was limited to smaller, dam-regulated waters around my area.
As spring turned to summer, more waters started becoming fishable. A trip to the Eastern Sierras was a bit of a reality check though, as the flows were still very high and difficult to fish.
In late summer one of my favorite rivers to fish finally mellowed to a safe flow rate, and I took any opportunity I could to get out and fish on this river. One outing I was fortunate to play host to a couple friends, Nick and Taylor.
With the cooler air preceding fall, the fishing seemed to really turn on. One day in the mountains with Taylor offered some challenging waters to fish, but a few catches on a river where I normally struggle shows progress in skill - as well as a little bit of luck!
