Chasing Cousins

Of the watershed options available to me in Washoe County, I have always chosen the river over the lake.  I'm not really a still-water guy.  I've played the ladder game, standing like a ransacked rampart getting drilled in the chest with white capped waves while the balmy 24 degree air temps zapped the life out of my bones.  I've fished lures from the bank but never caught anything I couldn't best in the same stream that terminates in Pyramid Lake.  Today I gave the float-tube approach a run.  Other than not previously spending enough time in a float-tube to feel comfortable, it was a gorgeous day with some moments of excitement.

Everything about Pyramid Lake to me is eerie.  The surrounding villages, the stillness, the folklore...it all feels "off".  That said, it's breathtakingly picturesque at times, and really showcases what beauty there is to find in the high desert. 

A good friend and faithful Pyramid zealot took me out today and generously included his premier spot and preferred fly as part of the package.  Ryan is deadly on the lake and I thoroughly enjoyed watching him stick fish after fish all day.  Here is my modestly scrappy, but inaugural Pyramid cutty on the flyrod.  Video below for those that prefer their pictures moving.

After a few brutal trips out on the Truckee this past month, it felt nice to get towed around the lake for a few minutes in a float tube.  It's also noteworthy that of the three of us fishing together, only one fly produced all 10 fish caught.  Those cutties know what they like.