Tuesday Angelinos woke to a record rain that dropped more than 2 inches in a matter of hours on our thirsty basin. Check out this news report to watch rescues, as well as a swollen river with water speeds estimated at 35 m.p.h.
Today, I wanted to assess what this would mean for fishing, and was surprised not to find the river blown out, but instead to be greeted by clear water, normal levels and hungry fish. Mature tilapia and feisty green sunfish rose to both a chartreuse and to a purple (!) hi-viz Parachute Adams. I only wished I’d brought my 3 weight, as the 5 was too big for these undiscriminating fish. You have to choose your target rod: lighter for the littler guys, bigger and badder for the carp.
Bottom line: With the predicted monster El Nino possibly coming our way, these next few weeks are an excellent time to enjoy fall fishing, because once the water begins to drop in earnest, there’s not enough structure between the rip-rap banks to keep a fav spot the same. We waited for months for the bass to come back after last winter.
Also, on my way to some sweet water, here was a fly fisher who got his wheels there before I did. Technology trumps shank’s mare. (Sorry for the image quality …)
Any fishing and biking stories you’d like to share?
See you on the river, Jim Burns
lariverflyfishing 
You guys need the rain, but softly, slowly, continuously, but I guess you can take what you get. By the way, we have scattered populations of tilapia I understand centered on warm springs. Anyway, nice report!
Gregg
I was out on the water at Red Car Park yesterday which was my first time on the river (9/22) landed 15 bass on a #10 golden retriever. And a number of panfish. But no luck with that carp. Any suggestions on patterns and techniques for carp on the LA river.
Sweet! I love the bass action. For carp, I’d try a chartreuse or white glo-bug. It’s really sight fishing. If you hang around a bit, you’ll see the carp. Pick one, then cast upstream, so that your fly drifts within a foot of the carp’s mouth. The take is super soft, so give it a beat before you set the hook.
If any part of your line hits the carp’s body, you’re sunk. Also, they are super spooky fish, so when you spot one, be very cautious about noise and your movement.
Good luck, Jim