We spend a lot of time on rivers. Usually Spring brings a rise in water levels. There is always a period ahead of this surge as temperatures warm and fishing is good.
Then one settles in to wait for run off to end and river flows to return to a fishable level.
The Crooked River is a tail-water, meaning it flows out of a dam, which also means that the levels are more regulated. This bit of control has a positive effect on late spring run-off.
This year’s minimal snowpack means there will be a marginal rise to levels. It will become a problem in September when the reservoir dries up, but for now it makes for good fishing.
This week’s trip to the river was not particularly productive on the fishing side.
There is a Caddis fly hatch timed for the first part of May . . . Mother’s Day Caddis . . . which is just getting started. So maybe next week.
There was a marked increase in bird activity. Of course the Canada Geese and a variety of ducks bobbed in the water and settled on the banks.
We also got to watch a Kingfisher fishing. We added a new species to the list. Though not unusual for the area . . . a Lazuli Bunting was spotted and regaled us with song.
Sighted, also, was the Methuselah of butterflies, a Mourning Cloak in fringed black, was sunning in the willows.
This species overwinters, living for up to ten months which is a couple of lifetimes for a regular butterfly.
Warmer mornings are on tap for the future and the forecast is partly cloudy at worst.
The heat of summer will be on us all too soon, but for now we continue to take advantage of these beautiful spring days.