California Opener: As Much About Water As Trout

With the enormous amounts of precipitation that California has experienced so far this year, water managers are already trying to stay ahead of the game. Water being released at between 400 and 600 cfs from lakes and impoundments is threatening to leave many creeks and rivers unfishable for weeks or even months. “‘The West Walker River will have some Class 5 [rapids] by July during the peak runoff and I suggest you hit this place in May, unless you are into whitewater rafting,’ said Tom Loe of the Sierra Drifters guide service, in a preseason report to clients.” Pete Thomas in the L.A. Times.