The opening weeks on Crowley were very slow. You can attribute this to an extended period of ice this season, coupled with very low water levels last fall. Warmer weather recently has the chironomids making up for lost time in the hatch department and it is business as usual on Crowley. The trout are not as large this year on average, and look like blimps in shape as their girth is almost grotesque on some models! We are seeing a bunch of Kamloops rainbows that are ten inches long, and six inches wide. You will still see the usual 14-16 inch tail walkers on the good days but the trophy sized fish are few and far between. Many of the larger fish are still in the tributaries and I anticipate a very good showing during the summer months. The lake will turn over about two/three weeks later this season setting the stage for what looks to be an epic event in McGee and Hilton Bays this July.

The numbers make up for the size and a thirty-fifty fish day is very common just about anywhere on the lake with good weather if you are using the still water nymphing technique. The most consistent areas are Sometimes Bay towards the Stormy Beach area. Sandy is great when you have an offshore condition or glassy surface. Layton Springs/Alligator Pt. has also been on fire when the wind comes from the south or east. Big Hilton has been spotty but I would check it out in the morning as I have seen some larger fish here overall. The Sacramento Perch are on the spawn and you will get those "slow motion" take downs at times in all these areas. The perch are huge this year and I have seen several three pounders so far.

I suggest you fish deeper than in years past at this time. Surface temps have dropped dramatically the last few days and are currently in the low fifties and upper forties. No damsels or callibaetis yet. We are locating more trout on our sonar's below twelve feet. 10 feet is the minimum, with some really good fishing at the 13-14 foot depth at times. Tough on you tubers for sure because of the length of the leaders. No algae or significant weed beds anywhere as of this report and for Crowley the clarity remains excellent.

The hot flies are Gillies and Crystal Emergers #18-20 during the hatch. Put a Copper Tiger or Zebra Midge #18-20 as the lower before and after the emergence. I suggest a #6 split shot about 8 inches above the upper fly to get you down quicker and to keep some tension on your leader for a more efficient hook set under the strike indicator.

If you decide to bring your own boat be prepared to get inspected for the Quagga Mussel. Make sure all the compartments and bilge are totally dry. It takes about fifteen minutes per inspection and you must fill out a boat use form issued by the LADWP. More info on this is available at www.ladwp.com/mussels

The father and son team of Jim and Wendell Nagao have spent many spring trips with us on Crowley and their tradition is to catch a bunch of trout. The tradition lives on!!! Check out this double at Hilton Bay by clicking on www.sierradrifters.com/fish.htm

Fly fishing groom Doug Armstrong may qualify as having one of the greatest bachelor parties ever. Spending one afternoon on our trophy pond catching ten pound rainbows and "hydrating" in preparation for many of the group to go out and fish Crowley from our fleet of flats boats. Best man Bill Weilbacher is shown putting the wood to one of the many fish he caught while being guided by Drifters "Fill" Therrien (click on www.sierradrifters.com/fish.htm). Fun times guys, thanks a bunch. The Sierra Drifters staff wants to wish Doug and his new bride all the best for many years to come.

Eric "The Fireman" Carlsen got into some really nice rainbows on Crowley, as well as this wide bodied cutthroat while being assisted by Drifters guide Doug Rodricks. Our hats are off to you Eric, fish this size have been scarce this season at Crowley but should begin to show in numbers soon.

The Tom Stewart group had a couple of fun days with Drifters guide Fill Therrien. Posing with a couple of the many rainbows caught and released on Crowley recently. Again, click on www.sierradrifters.com/fish.htm to view all the pictures. Note the tremendous girth the bows have this year. They look like footballs with tails!