As the New Year approaches, perhaps you are giving into day dreams about where you might go fly fishing in 2013. I must admit this is a recurring problem for me as the Los Angeles basin would not be considered by most to be a treasure trove of hot spots.
All is not lost because the California Dept. of Fish and Game recognizes our plight and stocks catchable sized rainbows every week. First thing one does is go to www.dfg.gov and click on the link for “plants”.
You will quickly find that local ponds or lakes are stocked during January as streams will be swollen with muddy runoff.
My experience has been to forget waders and forget the fly rod in these mostly urban Los Angeles waters. The trusty fly-n-bubble method is the way to go. If you are not familiar this approach requires a spinning rod and reel with 4 pound test monofilament. Slip a clear plastic bubble/bobber over the end of the line then tie on a swivel to stop the bubble from sliding all the way to the end of your line. Attach a 5 foot leader of 2 pound test to the swivel and tie the wet fly of your choosing to the terminal end.
The technique is to cast out permit the ripples to die off then retrieve slowly. Add water into the bubble for casting weight if you think you are not casting far enough. Have fun!!
Just in case you forgot, if you haven’t purchased a new 2013 license you can now buy online at the DFG website after you check out the planting schedule.
Happy New Year’s and catch some fish it will be good for you.
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