Fly Fishing Newsletter
5-30-2005
Henry's Lake
Some mixed reviews would be the best way to describe opening weekend. Some reports are 20 fish in a few hours. Another story was a few 11 pound fish caught in the first few days. Some were heard saying they threw everything but the kitchen sink and only caught a few fish. It's the case of you were either in the fish or out of it. Then for some they found the fish but couldn't find anything they want to bite on.
I talked to Bill about his two days on the lake. He caught just a few fish on Saturday but lost some big ones due to some exciting runs. His day on Monday was 16 fish with most of the fish being cutts ranging between 15 to 18 inches. As predicted the bulk of the fish are going to be the 2 and 3 year old fish. Bill also lost some big ones on Monday as well. In his search for fish he was also entertaining his grandkids and son-in-laws. He is pleased with what he saw so far. Bill also told me a 13 ½ pound fish was caught. Both Bill and I believe that some of those bigger fish we were catching last year have survived the winter and have put on a few pounds. I know I can relate to that one. Bill talked with Damon Keen the fishery manager and he stated that "it's the best he has seen in the five years he has been managing the lake". He stated that five 11 pound fish were caught in a two day period. He said that this is a first for him too. He was very excited about the lakes first few days. The water is a little off colored. The fish are scattered but they will start bunching up some in the next few weeks and the water will clear. We expect that in a week or so things are really going to heat up. Damon checked 123 boats in the two days and only 23 out of the 123 didn't have fish.
Those that fished the lake also had to fight the waves to get the fish they did get. June can certainly have it's moments with the wind. I personally hate the wind. However, those that used the wind and drifted with some flies caught fish.
The hot flies for the opener have been the BH Electric Black, Electric Black and the always reliable Mity Mouse.
Sheridan Lake
While the hordes descended on Henry's and other places, I had the awesome pleasure to fish Sheridan Lake . I guided Eric and Lyle Kunz one day and Tim & Melanie Christensen on another. We averaged over 40 fish on both days. Most of the fish caught ranged between 3 to 4 pounds with some getting into that 5 to 7 pound range. We caught them on Chronomids and leech patterns. The lake was kind of funny as one day one color worked better and then the next day another worked better. Sinking lines also were a key to successful days.
Sheridan for those who don't know is a 400 acre lake. It has kamloops and lots of them. They are aggressive hitters and fighters. It was a blast!! We can either guide those that want to be guided or for those do it yourself people we can make the arrangements for you and help you with tips on best ways to fish the lake. It's 150.00 per rod fee for those who want to fish it by themselves unguided or you can be guided for 375.00 for two people.
This is a lake that definitely is a lake worth taking a look at. I have not heard yet anyone being unhappy about the lake or the fish being caught. The scenery and setting is simple awesome. Many thanks go to Frank Vandersloot for allowing fishing on this great fishery. Without his generosity this would be something only available to a select few. Again, this is a lake you need to fish, it's awesome! Here are some pictures to help illustrate.
Lynn Scott
BS Flies
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