Comments for Desert Sportsman http://desertsportsman.com Fly Fishing Arizona and the World Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:58:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ Comment on Fade to Black by desertsportsman http://desertsportsman.com/2011/07/06/fade-to-black/#comment-271 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:58:51 +0000 http://www.desertsportsman.com/ds/?p=472#comment-271 Thanks for the update Doug… at least some encouraging news coming out of the Black river drainage with the recent reports of success at the WF. My main concern still lies with the main stem of Black from Fish Creek through Pacheta Creek and downstream into the smallmouth water. I feel better about the chances for recovery now than I did when I wrote that piece, but still don’t know enough about what the long term effects will be.

Kevin Krai

]]> Comment on Fade to Black by Doug Benford http://desertsportsman.com/2011/07/06/fade-to-black/#comment-270 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 02:21:28 +0000 http://www.desertsportsman.com/ds/?p=472#comment-270 I live in Alpine and travel the 249 rd. (Alpine to Big lake) frequently. The 3 Forks Canyon which is about 6 mile above Diamond Rock on the Black, was severely burned. In fact, all the canyon walls are burnt to black sticks. The floor of the canyon is a beautiful lush green as are the willow along the creek. The forest service spread straw and then planted seed on the mountains along the canyon. I have been told that access to the diamond rock area all the way to Buffalo crossing will be closed for up to 5 years. The canyon was severely burned. The road has been pretty well washed out in many locations. From where you turn off 249 to go to the East Fork to just before Sierra Blanca Lake is badly burned. Sierra Blanca Lake area is in great shape as is Big lake area and the West Fork (Thompson Creek). I have been told that about 1/2 mi. below the road crossing the canyon is badly burned. I fish the WF in the meadow above the crossing and had a number of small fish attack my fly, that was encouraging.

]]>