Bella Vista Fishing Report : Feb 13 to Feb 19 - 2010

Another week of fishing has just ended at Bella Vista Lodge. This time we had the pleasure of welcoming to our lodge, Hugh and Luke who came from the UK, Fred from the U.S., and Vadim and Marina, from Russia.

At the beginning of the week water was still a bit high, but by Monday the river was in nice condition regarding height and clarity. The strange and uncomfortable situation we had this week was the wind blowing upstream for almost 2 full days. With these conditions the drift of the line is incorrect and because of this we only landed two sea trout in two days.

Besides all those conditions on the river we had a great week of fishing!!! We landed 18 fish and lost 8.The biggest fish of the week was 22 lbs, and we had 5 over 15 lbs. Most of them were really fresh, putting up incredible fights with many jumps that we still remember. The average weight for the week was an incredible 12,86 lbs!!! The best average in 6 weeks.

River Conditions: During the week the water dropped and cleared providing great conditions for fishing, but for 2 days we had an upstream wind, so those days fishing wasn´t as good as it should be but thank to the Spey rods and the Snap T we were able to catch a good number of fish.

Water temperature: between 10 ºC and 15 ºC.

Water clarity: Clearing for the first 3 days and then continuing in perfect conditions.

Water level: It dropped 12 inches during the week

Fishing Conditions: Fishing was good for the whole week and we finished on a high, when all of the guests caught their biggest fish of the week. We finished with an average of 12,86lbs! Some days the water was too cold, especially during the mornings and after quite cold nights.

Fly lines used: We used Skagit and Windcutter lines with Type 3 and intermediate tips and long leaders.

Fishing Techniques: Casting long enough to present the fly into the channel, mending the line once or twice, and keeping a long drift on the main channel.

Flies Used: We used big flies when the sun went down, rubber-legged flies during the day and when the water was really clear, small nymphs.

Fish: Big fish for the week: 1 of 22 lbs, 5 fish between 15 and 20 lbs, and many smaller fish . Average weight: 12,86 lbs. Awesome!

Conditions of the fish: All sea trout except one, were females. Most of them were very fresh or fresh.

Tight lines!!!!