Tag: spring spawn

San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

Inside the Monument: Spring wild trout spawn

By Miguel Lizarraga

Returning to the moving waters where my father first introduced me to the art of fly fishing three decades ago feels like a journey through time, each ripple on the surface a memory stirred.

What once was a simple father-son outing has now transformed into a pilgrimage of sorts, as I witness the fruits of nature’s labor. In the tranquil stream where my father patiently taught me to cast my line without snatching a tree limb above me, wild trout still spawn. 

Not fires, pollution, and other of nature’s wrath can stop these fish.  Even though graffiti and trash may still paint the picture, the trout are doing their part.  It’s time that we do ours.

Events

Spring spawn: what lies beneath

Ahh, the idyllic Los Angeles River in springtime …
… what lurks below? Land of the lunkers, not thinking about your fly. (Jim Burns)

Events

L.A. River spring spawn gets it on!

If you were wondering if today’s weather in the low 60s would stop the spring spawn, the answer’s a definite “no.” Unless it’s raining tomorrow, considering going to the river to see one of the coolest things we’ve got going on in L.A.: spawning carp running up the river. We watched dozens and dozens and dozens of beautiful gold and sometimes rust fish going absolutely nuts.

Anyone who’s fished the spawn know that it’s not easy, but here are some tips:

— don’t go after jumping fish. They won’t strike.

— do get those egg flies out. Tie a bunch in chartreuse. That’s the color.

— don’t expect the fish to strike in fast, running water. Look for the slow pools.

— do let your egg hit bottom, in front of the fish you’ve targeted.

— don’t let your line foul under seaweed. You’ll get broken off (happened today).

— do get excited that you can fish the L.A. River right now.

— don’t play the fish too tightly(happened today as well!). This is not a San Gabes trout. These are big, frickin’ fish.

— do bring your camera. It’s that amazing.

See you on the river, Jim Burns