Has anyone on this forum had any success in past years with the Lahontan cutthroat that have supposedly been planted over the years in Grasmere and Shoofly reservoirs?
As I plan for getting out of hibernation later in the spring, this is one species that I have not caught, and would like to put them on the list this year- just curious if it would be worthwhile to visit either or both of those reservoirs later in the spring to target the Lahontan.
I know that Mann Lake over in OR used to have a healthy population, but some bright soul introduced goldfish which took over and they killed off the lake to eliminate the goldfish. Anyway I am looking for someplace in Idaho to target the species.
Thanks for any info!
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I am not sure about an Idaho location, but man oh man, Pyramid Lake in Nevada (just north of Reno) is fun!
I was really impressed with the size of the fish. They grow fast there.
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I am planning on a trip to Grasmere this summer. I will be interested to see the replys on this one. Ron
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Not sure about the reservoirs you speak of but I second Pyramid Lake as to where to go. It can really be good in late March and April. Weather can be a nice break from cabin fever that time of year, or just about the same as say Twin or Pokey. From Twin it is about a 6 hour drive or so. The drive isn't bad, an easy trip. You can have great luck from shore and the little place where you get your reservation permit always keeps the pictures updated and you can see the hogs they have been pulling out in recent weeks from shore and boat. You don't need a Nevada tag, just a reservation permit. Some people will even go out with a step ladder and fish from that. Quite possibly one of the best places to catch consistantly big fish. If you want big cutthroats that should be at the top of your list.
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Pyramid gets my vote as well. Easy 40 fish days with a shot at a 12 lb. + Lahontan. Lahontan Cutthroat require very alkaline waters. They have evolved with a special slime coat that protects them and allows them to flourish in such harsh conditions. They do well anywhere you find Tui Chubs. We have get togethers there twice a year and launch up to 100 boats for the fest! [fishin]
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Grasmere has had almost 300,000 Lahontans planted in it over the past 10 years, but I've never talked with anyone who has fished it successfully.
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That's 3 votes for Pyramid for Lahontans. I guess if I am not successful in Idaho waters, that is where I will have to go. Thanks for the input.
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Lake Lenore Washington is a hell of a lot closer than Reno. You won't catch a 20lb Lahontan there, but you might get into one around 8-10lb.
Interesting lake, that one.
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I've fly fished it (it being Grasmere) twice, but always at poor times of the year (extremely cold water). Haven't even had a bite.
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The early spring would be the best for fly fishing. Lahontan Cutt's like to swim along the shore in shallow water during spawning season. This would give you the best access for shallow flies and jigs. You will also see a lot of guys casting spoons this time of year. They become aggressive and will slash at anything in brass/red as well as leech patterns and minnow type streamers.
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I used to do well at Mann lake using the same type of techniques, but did not do well at Grasmere. The water has been very dark/muddy every time I've been there. I'm sure that didn't help any.
Anyone ever ice fished Grasmere?
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In 2007 F&G did a study of 9 southwest lakes that included Grasmere and Shoofly.
They collected 10 Lahontan Cutts from each. Average size was about 12" for Grasmere and 14" for Shoofly.
So they were in there and alive and well in 2007. If it was me, I would give them a try as they are stocked with fry regularly. I don't know if either one had a water drawdown event in the last couple of years though. F&G would probably know.
By the way the mercury levels for the fish tissue there was:
319 ng/g for Grasmere, and 502 ng/g for Shoofly. Advisories are issued for 300 and above.
Shoofly's reading may be higher simply because of the slightly higher average size.
They sound fun to catch, but I still wouldn't eat many!
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Thanks for the info. Good to know that, at least 3 years ago, there was a healthy population in both reservoirs. This Lahontan pursuit is definitely not for eating - only C and R. Looks like F and G has also stocked Little Blue Creek R. and Bybee R. quite regularly over the years. I am going to put the area on my schedule anyway for this spring and then will decide which reservoirs to target based on any current information when it gets time. Just can't seem to find anyone who has had any success with these.
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there have been so many dumped into Grasmere that some would have to be there. I camped there last fall but didn't fish. I am planning on trying it this spring some time. Ron
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That's my feeling as well. I usually hit DVIR for a few days early in May. I might try Grasmere during that trip or the subsequent weekend. The fish have to be there, it just may take some figuring out. Maybe I will see you there or we can compare notes.
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Sounds great. Maybe we can set something up to meet there. Ron
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All I can say is chartruse powerbait on Little Blue and pink powerbait on Shoofly and Grasmere. I think the pictures finish the story.[inline Scan2194.jpg]
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Spectacular fish and big
s all around!
Thanks for the pics!
Don
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yep I am going to Grasmere. Ron
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Now those are impressive! I knew they had to be in there. Today, you're the man with the answers. Great pics. Thanks for sharing them.
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