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Heffley Lake Challenge
Richard
Probert
FRASER VALLEY ADVENTURES
The third annual Underwood fishing derby didn't look very promising. Ice
had been off Heffley Lake for just three weeks, and everyone was worried that
the spring turnover was not complete. As it turned out, these fears were
premature, as this year's family fishing derby saw the biggest fish caught in
three years.
Heffley lake is five miles long, with plenty of big trout in the two to
five pounds range. The largest recorded Heffley lake trout was a whopping 13
and one half pounds, a real trophy.
While Heffley lake is excellent fishing, access is mostly private, with
dozens of cottages and houses around the lake. Some people live on Heffley
lake year - round, others are summer or weekend visitors. Public access is
from a boat launch and campsite at the eastern end of the lake, as well as
from the lodge.
Upon arrival at Heffley Lake, the first thing I noticed were the birds.
Birds of all kinds, some no longer seen in the Fraser Valley, were flying all
around me, or chirping in the trees. Across the lake, there was an osprey nest
on a broken fir tree, with a pair of osprey taking turns feeding their young.
Ducks swam close by, geese honked overhead, an eagle circled overhead, in
search of a meal, and a Great Blue Heron flew awkwardly near the cabin. The
change from the crowded Fraser Valley could not have been more dramatic.
That night, before bed, my nephews, David, Steven and Tyler prepared
their flies for the next day. My nephews are avid anglers, who even tie their
own flies, with impressive results. They each have one or more boxes of
hand-tied flies, many their own invention. Last year Steven invented a red and
tinsel fly that proved very effective. Anything red seems to work very well in
Heffley lake.
The next morning, David's girlfriend, Kathy, landed a 17 and one half
inch rainbow, caught on a black leech pattern. The same day, Kathy's father,
Andy, caught a slighty smaller trout Both fish were caught in the shallows at
the western part of the lake. This is a vast shoal area ranging from 4 to 12
feet in depth. Many bigger fish cruise here in early spring, looking for
insects and smaller trout.
Heffley lake is nearly 4000 feet in elevation, with at least one stream
suitable for spawning. Every year or so, thousands of small trout are released
into the lake, for the fishing pressure is considerable, with many local and
non resident anglers fishing these waters.
What is particularly noticeable for Fraser Valley residents ,like myself,
is how clear the air is. No pollution from cars, trucks and industry, no soupy
white haze, like in the Fraser Valley, just crisp, clear, clean air, very good
for the lungs. I slept well.
As for tackle, a graphite fly rod, appropriately balanced with the line
and reel,with the right fly are a winning combination. In spring use medium
sinking lines, while in summer, anglers use sinking lines for greater depth.
After a good night's rest, everyone was eager for the Sunday fishing. That
day, Andy caught a rainbow that was 18 and one half inches, which turned out
to be the derby winner. My nephews caught and released many trout in the 14 to
17 inch range, while their girlfreinds, Kathy, Denise and Meaghan also
released some big trout.
A fishing guide from the Fraser Valley was on the lake, with a barge -
like boat. He anchored his boat and fly fished with chironomids, catching lots
of trout. He does this every year, sometimes catching and releasing dozens of
big rainbows in a day of fishing.
On Sunday morning I tried fishing in the shoals at the western part of
the lake. David and I tried numerous flies with no luck. Finally, I put on a
green doc spratley pattern, letting out about 100 feet of line, Not five
minutes later, I had a terrific strike, bending my fly rod in half. I saw a
huge fish jump 100 feet away. I even saw the green doc spratley fly, hooked in
the big trout's jaw. Before I could count to five, that monster rainbow tore
the fly line from the backing . I heard a " plink, plink, plink" as my fly
line went through the eyelets of my fly rod. Then the big trout was gone,
effectively stripping my line, after the knot holding the backing had snapped.
All I could think was " there goes my trophy fish". I learned an important
lesson that day - always check the knots, especially if the line has not been
used for more than a year. A hard lesson, but one well learned. Talk about a
fish story. But then don't the trophy fish always get away!
Sunday Morning saw my sister's husband, Terry, catch the biggest trout in
the bay, near their cottage. Terry was determined to better the 12 incher
caught so far in the bay. After two hours of fishing in his secret spots, he
landed and released a trout nearly 15 inches long, more than enough to win the
trophy for the biggest fish caught in the bay near their cottage.
After a sumptuous dinner and a good night's sleep, on Monday morning I
went out one more time, fishing near bays and waters about a mile away from
the cabin. Rain was settling in and I fished three hours without catching
much. I did, however, see other angler's catching trout to 2 pounds or more,
on a red doc spratley fly. Anything red catches fish on Heffley Lake, as does
green shrimp patterns and black leech patterns.
The third annual Underwood fishing derby ended Monday at noon. Andy
Cordonier won the trophy for the biggest trout, with his daughter, kathy,a
close second. Terry won the trophy for the biggest fish caught in the bay,
near their cottage. Everyone won a prize of some sort, even those who didn't
catch fish.
And what did I win? I won the prize for the best fish story or tale of
woe. The lesson being, always check knots, especially if the line has not been
used for some time.
I'm gearing up for next year's fishing derby. I have all the necessary
ingredients: a graphite fishing rod, sturdy reel, medium sinking line, green
and red doc spratley flies and black leech fly patterns, all designed to catch
next year's trpophy. Oh yes, I will also test all knots. Next year the trophy
rainbow won't get away. Heffley Lake 2003, here I come!
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