South Branch and Lamington Trout
 

Fished around califon up to long valley only in a few spots, many spots on the way up to long valley would be occupied by anglers or posted (and on occasion both) . Saw some palominos. Couldnt entice but they sure look pretty down there looking like a bright orange fall leaf. I wonder if the herons think they taste like clementines?

A spot I hit last year where I got my PB rainbow was open fortunately, although I didnt find a giant I still picked up two good chunky rainbows. I moved around the spot. Twice two different rainbows would chase my jig almost to my feet in fast, not so deep, water. Hooked another one later in a similar scenario but it unhooked itself in flopping around in fast water.

I also fished on the lamington in a newer stretch and picked up two rainbows. Both of these rainbows would hit just within a few feet after chasing my jig in semi-fast water. Was ready this time and was able to immediately loosen drag. Lost what seemed to be a brown trout later on.

All trout came off of black marabou jigs. Trout like em swaying across the current. Just bounce em up when you feel them hit the bottom.

https://i.postimg.cc/tT9XXJgQ/IMG-20190103-175000.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/FzRNL6cT/IMG-20190103-175042.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/50pfjJHH/IMG-20190104-182958.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/tJMytzNp/IMG-20190104-183037.jpg

Re: South Branch and Lamington Trout
 

Nice fish, way to catch em up in the high water. Lamington can be a slow go.

More rain this w/e!

Dave

Re: South Branch and Lamington Trout
 

Nice going

Re: South Branch and Lamington Trout
 

Nice trout, more rain on the way, uggggh !!!

Re: South Branch and Lamington Trout
 

Nice fish. Love black wooly buggers in the winter, they nothing but the flyrod version of a marabou jig.

Assume the latter 2 picks were the fish from the Lamington. They look in good shape.

Re: South Branch and Lamington Trout
 

Correct, from lamington. I've tried tying jigs like a fancy bugger with flash and hackle but they really just seem to like the black feathers. Something about how it's just pure black and how the feathers shape-shift so easily must trigger em to chase it and hit it. AndyS prefers black paint on the jig head but I haven't noticed a difference.

Re: South Branch and Lamington Trout
 

Very nice fish! Good stuff.

Re: South Branch and Lamington Trout
 

I prefer my buggers simple as well. Particularly when targeting wild and holdover fish. Winter as well.

I'll fish the flashier ones with cone and bead heads for fresh stockers.

Re: South Branch and Lamington Trout
 

Smart. One guy I met gave me great advice on tying buggers "I don't use hackle I just wrap the hell out of marabou all over the hook" that's the fly tying I'm comfortable with myself :D

Re: South Branch and Lamington Trout
 

Nice work again Luke! Young guy is on a tear LOVE IT!!!!