Читать книгу Fly Fishing California - Ken Hanley - Страница 23

by Jeff Solis

Near the remote town of Julian, find Cuyamaca Reservoir, one of Southern California’s premier fly fishing still waters. With trout, small- and largemouth bass, and panfish willing and able to eat your fly most of the year, Cuyamaca Reservoir offers the most consistent fishing in San Diego County. This area was badly burned in the fall 2003 Julian wildfire and is now recovering.

The lake is nestled in a 4,600-foot-high mountain meadow, surrounded by oak and pine. Deer and wild turkey frequent the area, and snow is not uncommon during the winter. Yes, this is in San Diego County so crowding may be a consideration. On Wednesdays, many members of the San Diego Fly Fishing Club are not at work, but fishing here. On weekends and holidays float tubes are limited to the last three hours of the fishing day.

Cuyamaca Reservoir is relatively shallow, with a maximum depth of about 15 feet. This is enough for big rainbow trout, however, and some up to 14 pounds have been taken here on a fly. The first and last hours of daylight are often the best times for great dry fly action. During the day, nymphs and Woolly Buggers fished slowly on the bottom are the best producers. Use a sink tip line for this technique.

To reach Cuyamaca Reservoir from San Diego, take Interstate 8 east to the Japatul Road turnoff, then follow Highway 79 north for 15 miles to the lake.

There are many different species here to give your line a tug. Photo by Howard Fisher.

Types of Fish

Rainbow trout, large and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and sturgeon.

Known Hatches & Baitfish

Midges, mayflies, dragonflies and damselflies, golden shiners, and bullfrog tadpoles.

Equipment to Use

Rods: 3–7 weight, 8–9 feet in length.

Reels: Standard click or disk.

Lines: WF or floating is usually all you need. Maybe pack a type-4 sink tip if the wind kicks up.

Leaders: For trout and panfish, 4X, 7–9 feet in length. For bass, 3X to 4X, 5–8 feet in length.

Wading: Chest-high waders and boots, or use a float tube on the entire lake.

Flies to Use

Dries: Light Cahill, Parachute Adams, Adams, Hendrickson, Callibaetis Emerger #14–20, Looping Callibaetis #16.

Nymphs: Hare’s Ear, Prince Nymph, Scud #8–16, especially with beadhead.

Streamers & Poppers: Woolly Bugger and Olive Matuka #6–12, Gurgler #2.

When to Fish

For trout, February through July and September through November. For bass and panfish, May through October.

Seasons & Limits

Open year-round. Smallmouth bass fishing is strictly catch and release. Check current California regulations for other limits and restrictions.

Nearby Fly Fishing

Poke around. Some say you can find a couple of streams with some trout. Special regulations will apply, though, so check with local anglers or a fly shop.

Accommodations & Services

There are two campgrounds at the lake, each with RV sites with hookups, a launch ramp, tackle shop, boat rentals (including paddleboats), and a very good restaurant. You can also find restaurants and lodging in Julian, although weekends are likely to be crowded.

Rating

With lots of fish and lots of action in a pretty place, Cuyamaca reservoir rates a 9, assuming full recovery from the fire.