Fall 2007 Fishing Report

Hello from Jim Brungardt.  I am very pleased that interest in the fishing program continued to grow thru the 2007 season.  My hope is that there will be continued interest and growth in the fishing program for 2008.  But for now let’s look back at some of this past season’s highlights. 

Our season opened June 1st.  Although many of our resident fish have not yet arrived, the first couple of weeks of fishing were quite good.  By mid June the vast majority of the fish had returned and the first consistent hatches had started.  Mid June offers some of the most diverse dry fly fishing of the season.  It’s not uncommon to see Pale Morning Duns, a few spring Baetis, several types of caddis and even some huge Green Drakes all hatching at the same time.  I’m sure those of you that fished in late June have fond memories of some awesome fishing.   July brought unseasonably warm dry weather.  This caused water temps to rise and water levels to drop.  Due to these and other cumulative factors I decided it was best to close the creeks to fishing for 8 days.  Looking back I know this short term closure was the best way to protect the long term viability of these unique fisheries.  I hope closures are rare but rest assured I will do whatever it takes to ensure these creeks are protected well into the future.  Cooler temps and some much needed rain came in mid July.  PMDs (Pale Morning Duns) continued to hatch and by mid July the fish were also keying in on terrestrials.  My trusty beetle pattern was soon the hot ticket.  Fish were also looking for hoppers and if they wouldn’t eat the beetle sometimes they would eat my favorite hopper pattern, the Green Machine.  During August the PMDs gave way to the Sulphurs.  These tiny mayflies seem to bring every fish in the creek up to the surface but as many of you know these bugs can be difficult to match and this hatch can be frustrating.  We managed to fool our fair share but I’ll continue to search for other more creative patterns for next season.  By early September the Sulphur hatches slowed and most of our fish were keying in on terrestrials.  Although the fish consistently ate ants and beetles there were some days of great hopper fishing.  Some of the best fishing of the year was during the first couple of weeks of October.  Although the Mahogany Dun hatches were not as heavy as in years past the fall Baetis hatches were incredible.  Those of you lucky enough to fish during early October know exactly what I’m talking about…the fishing just doesn’t get any better.  The last couple of weeks of the season offered some decent fishing but it seems many of the fish had begun to head downstream to the Snake for the winter.  Overall I was very pleased with the fishing this past season and am already looking forward to 2008.

The last major piece of stream re-hab will begin on Lower Spring Creek in early December.  Once again the fellas from Urbani and Associates will be here to work their magic.  We will also be doing some minor maintenance work on upper Cody Creek.   I can’t wait to see the results and will update you when the work is completed later this winter. 

The HOA board just approved a couple of minor changes to the fishing rules and regulations.  In order to help plan schedules each homeowner will now be allowed to book 2 sessions per season on spring and/or Cody Creek up to a month in advance.  These two bookings must be at least one month apart.  All other bookings on spring and Cody Creek will follow the existing rule that allows bookings up to three days in advance.  The rule that allows ranch lot owners 2, 3 and 4 to book space on Blue Crane Creek up to seven days ahead and estate and cabin lot owners to book space on Blue Crane Creek up to three days ahead has not changed.  You will receive a package in early 2008 that will include a fishing schedule and more details on the changes to the fishing rules and regulations.

I want to thank all of you that fished this season.  I enjoyed spending time on the water with old friends and was also happy to get on the water with new homeowners.  I look forward to getting back on the water with everyone next season.  Have a great winter!

Jim Brungardt
Fishing Coordinator
3 Creek Ranch
jbrungardt@3creekranch-jh.com