FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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The Boss is Back

Miner Creek Road trail, where we took our hike today.

Glad to have my best buddy here.  It has been a while.

We took a great hike today and the weather was stunning.  After I picked her up at the airport on Saturday there was a free town pig roast right down the street.  Last year they buried 3 hogs and ended up running out so this year they cooked 6 with all the fixings.  It was delicious and basically the whole town was there with some music to boot.  One of the things I love about this “small town” atmosphere, when was the last time your town had free food for all, and everybody showed up?

Fall is here and with it the migration of folks back to their homes, most from Texas but they are from all over.  There are plenty of hunters and the hard core fly fishermen still here but that will also change shortly, then it is a quiet mountain town with a few hundred people and a ton of snow.  We have worked hard to get things the way we want them so when I return in January it will be good to go and I can just enjoy the winter, which is spectacular.

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Our Backyard Rocks

Was making the morning coffee and he and his mate were right out my back window.  One beautiful animal.

Dead still as they watched the turkeys down the hill.  To bad the other pics of the mate were just too fuzzy.

The object of their affection.  There are just tons of them passing through the yard every day. 

Turkeys, mule deer, coyotes, and it won’t be long before the bear makes an appearance.  As the Boss said when I sent her the coyote pictures we live in a zoo.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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On the way back from out hide we spotted these guys.  I never get tired of seeing sheep.  And as soon as the big snow comes they will be down in force and I will be chasing them for the perfect pic.

It really helps to have my wingman with me.  I would have missed these.

Watching me watching you.

Junior.

No big rams, but they are getting there.

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One of the 2 big boys who have been migrating up the hill behind the house every morning.

You can just see his buddy’s horns in the center of the picture.  He is a hoss.

The rut is not quite in full swing, but it is coming.  For now, we are still seeing bucks hanging out together in peace, but that is about to change.  We are so privileged to live here due to our love of all things wild.  While the mule deer were not as prevalent this summer they are back.  And the turkeys were flat gone until this month but are now here in force, this morning we saw maybe 50 give or take a wad.  Our backyard makes our breakfast an adventure every morning.

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The Boss worked a couple of long stretches to be able to come out here for the next 2 weeks.  Today we will be doing some responsible stuff, including making a batch of fresh Bighorn chili.  While I was unsure how a 10 1/2 old ram would taste he is great.  Not gamey at all his backstrap was great, we pan fried some yesterday and today chili.  Tomorrow will head to the lake and catch some trout for her required fish fry.

And we have mapped out our route to Yellowstone with a couple of stops on the way it will basically be through the mountains the whole trip.  Past of our original thought process when we were looking was easy access to the west.  And then 4 full days in the park, where it has been snowing and will probably not be above 50 degrees.  Perfect.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

A Dream Come True

The word epic is often thrown around a little to loosely.  But trips like that do happen, and 2 of my buddy’s both achieved flat epic as my buddy Rusty described his fishing trip.  But first we get to my buddy Randy who I have fished with in the past.  All I have to say is freakin’ awesome, congratulations this is definitely epic.

This is what persistence is all about.

Randy has applied for the Bighorn draw in Montana for 26 years and finally built up enough points and drew.  He is an experienced big game hunter whether deer, antelope, bear, lion, elk he has harvested plenty of trophy animals.  But this hunt was the top of the food chain.  He hunted with an outfitter who he has been hunting with for decades and has put him on trophy elk, mule deer, and lions.

Look at the mass.  It scored 180+ and will make the book.  A ram of a lifetime.

He said by far this is the toughest hunt of his life.  But the guide helped drive him on as they hunted the high mountains.  They saw plenty of sheep including other shooters but were not able to seal the deal.  And then it happened.

What an old warrior.  And the ram was no spring chicken either!

A true trophy for the “book.”

So get out and make your bucket list happen, your dream can come true.

This is what happens when you chase your dream.  Keeping up with the points, planning, and just making the dream happen.  I was a little worried when he got out here as he is very selective in what he harvests.  But in the end it all came together.  Congratulations, and now we are headed to the garage to dress and package some meat.  And tonight – Bighorn backstrap.

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And now Rusty’s trip to the Bighorn River which he so rightly called Epic.  They fished out of Ft. Smith on the Crow Reservation and visited Custer’s Last Stand while they were at it.  So no need for any further comment from me.  If you do not think his trip was epic time to take up knitting.

Rusty with one beautiful Brown. And here is the rest of the story!

It is hard to say much else other than that is flat ridiculous!  They used a double nymph rig below an indicator all week with most of the fish averaging 15-21″.  That is world class fishing anywhere.  There is only one downside, how to figure out how to do that myself.  So thanks for the pictures and congratulations on what was truly and EPIC trip.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Today’s Boat Buying Favorite:  “40 hoarse mercury motor.”  Better take it to the doctor.

While I have decided to not buy the “Colorado boat” yet as I will be in Texas much of the fall and not back here until January.  And with ice out on many of the lakes not until late April/early May I will just wait unless the perfect boat comes along.  But of course, looking at boats is an everyday occurrence, and I am constantly amazed at folk’s feeble attempt to sell theirs.  I found one online that I would definitely look at, it checked all the boxes accept the most important 1:  Title Lost.  For the love of God if you really own it get a copy, it is not rocket science.  Just apply to whatever the agency in your state is and file for a new one.  Basically, it seems lots of folks buy a boat and then either do not register it in their name, or toss the title in a drawer or the trash, or both.

One thing I have learned in my search is my requirements are definitely set in stone.  No longer than 16′, a newer 25hp 4 stroke engine as there will be plenty of trolling, (Electric start.)  and a trailer with no rust.  As many of the lakes have gravel access need to keep the weight down as much as possible. Simple enough.  Not interested in a fancy interior and want easy access to batteries and gas tank.  Trolling motor and GPS are irrelevant and replaceable but would be nice if fairly new.  One thing that is really popular out here is the power drive type trolling motors.  I hate those foot controls and would definitely replace it with a hand controlled which I have been using for over 20 years.  It really does lesson a ton of potential problems and I can operate it in my sleep.  The search goes on.

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CWD

I sure hope their inaction turns out to be correct and not the decimation of our wild deer herd.

Straight from TPWD.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received confirmation of a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a deer-breeding facility in Kimble County, marking the second such detection in a deer-breeding facility located in the county.

CWD has an incubation period that can span years.

I can gripe about this until I am blue in the face but what do I know?  Another positive at a captive breeding facility, the second in this county but there have been more throughout the state.  They admit incubation can take years.  So, why the wait?  Just hang out and let it potentially spread when they cannot guarantee there is no problem letting captive breeding continue.  What else do they need to recognize the real danger to our wild herd.  10 more positives, 100, a thousand?   Oh I forgot, the $$$$.  Guess protection of the common man’s deer is not as important as the rich side of Texas deer hunting.  Nero fiddles while Rome burns.  I just do not get it.

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Guess I will leave it at that today.  As soon as we get the ram processed it will be time for a ride to show him the sights.  And while we are at it maybe I can show him our local sheep.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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Off Topic Rant

PRIME

As a big college football fan, it has been so entertaining being in Colorado.  Love him or hate him it is hard to quantify what he has done.  Not only elevate the program but he is smart enough to recognize the new college football landscape.  While I am not sure that the changes to the rules is a good thing, Prime has turned the college football world on its head and any criticism of his actions is completely unwarranted.  He has played legally within the rules so do not give the player a hard time, it is the rules.  And in the long run it is jealousy.  The NIL may not be good for college football but any coach who does not take advantage of ANY rule that can help his team is a loser.  Welcome to the new world.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Morning Drive

I never get tired of the scenery.  

It has been a little rainy the last few days, mostly coming in the early afternoon.  So with that in mind it was up early and I headed to Pool Table Road for ride first.  Of course, there were hunters in the woods but at least this area is a trophy draw area so there was a good chance that the traffic would be down some.

Pool Table holds a special place in my Colorado experience, it is where I found the first bunch of sheep and saw what will probably remain the biggest Bighorn ram I have seen yet.  Along with that I was also lucky enough to see a real mule deer fight, it was amazing.  Today nothing like that happened.  But it was no surprise, not only are there hunters and campers but it is a local favorite of the ATV crowd.  But it is a beautiful drive as it heads way up in the mountains.  Large areas up top have been clear cut, there are huge bluffs, and for those who don’t mind getting their teeth ratttled out of their head you can always take one of the roughest roads anywhere.  I have made that part of the drive a couple of times but today I just wanted to enjoy the morning.  As soon as the sun was way up time to go see how the water level was in my favorite little creek, then drive a couple of more miles and catch supper.

They were not particularly interested in the small creek this morning.

I was a little surprised to see that the water in the creek was up.  It was plenty clear and looked great.  To make a long story short only one small one followed my dry fly but turned off the minute he saw me.  Other than that, for some reason not only did I not see another brook trout, not one took a pass at it.  But as I learn and have a tough time it has its upside, fishing these small creeks takes place in some of the most beautiful places on earth so no complaints.  Then finishing off the morning’s plan, go get supper.

One great thing about this area, there is always the fallback spot.  Supper!

Today it was Beaver Lake which is not that far from the house, and right down the road from where I was fly fishing.  It still brings back memories of my youth, sitting on the bank, line out on the bottom waiting for a bite.  In those early days it was catfish and bass or bluegills anywhere I could get on my bike or my folks would take me.

As I have said before if I need supper the stockers are there for the taking.  When I initially started fishing these lakes  my plan, fish near the ramp.  Makes sense, when they stock they back the truck up and off they go, a little trick I learned on the White River.  In the past I found a grass bed close to the ramp on Beaver and it is easy pickings.  Just fish salmon eggs on 4lb line and as long as you are close to the fish a limit is not that hard to catch.  It took all of a half hour and their next stop, the grill.  And my timing was perfect as it is thundering as I write this.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Speaking of the old Days.

This may be my favorite part of Colorado.

I just love this little stove.  When I was really young my grandparents in Northern Illinois had a big propane stove in the living room, which warmed about half of the house.  The rest was by Grandma’s wood stove which she fired up after Gramps went to get the cows in the back pasture to milk them, by hand no less.  I always loved to stand right in front of it so that it warmed my clothes, and 60 years later I am doing it again.

It is getting cooler here fast, there has been snow on the big mountains, and nothing beats cranking it on in the mornings.  It easily heats the living room nice and toasty in nothing flat.  There is nothing like direct “real” heat, it feels so good on these old bones.

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The road goes on forever and the party never ends.

I am so privileged to live here.  Go about any direction and there is all the great outdoors a person could ever need.  With only a few weeks to go before we take off out west and then I return to Texas time to make the most of it.  Next I think I will drive north and look for sheep and moose.  And there is a lake I want to stop and fish so it will be off early in the morning.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Never Forget the Murders

It was over 20 years ago when radical Islamic Terrorists killed over 3,000 people in the World Trade Center.  We went to ground zero 2 months after it happened, and it was still burning and there were family members walking around in a daze holding their loved one’s pictures.  I will never forget the smell, and the people.  We must stay vigilant and give no quarter to anyone who threatens our country.  So never forget what happened and who did it.  And thanks to the folks in the service standing in the breach.  God Bless America.

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Friday Morning Drive

As I headed out way before sunrise my expectations for seeing wildlife were low, and I was not “disappointed.”  This drive always produces and while I did see a few does and one buck in full run as he crossed the road, there was not much out and about.  But the reason was simple enough, it is bow season in an over-the-counter license area.  The woods were full of camps and the traffic in the middle of nowhere was heavy.

One of the few mule deer this morning but not surprising.  (At least the only one I photographed that was in focus.) 

At first there were few folks around but by 7:00 or so it was on.  Though there were still folks in camp there were a bunch of trucks parked by the road where they were walking in.  There were plenty of out of state plates, and the sound of ATV’s were echoing through the hills.  So any deer in their right mind, especially the big bucks were not moving around.  Just guessing but the big buck running across the road was probably pushed by hunters.

Marmots love rocky places to make their home.

I always wondered if marmots were good to eat so did the usual, Goggle.  There were more comments saying they were good to eat than folks that did not like them.  Apparently, they are hard to skin, like squirrels can be, but other than that they are basically cooked like any wild game.  And they have historically been a food source dating back hundreds of years.  Not sure if I will try them at some point but you never know.  Speaking of getting out of your comfort zone.

Maybe if I stay real still they won’t see me.  They do kind of look like a squirrel, only an obese one. 

It was a cool 34 degrees on the mountain this morning.  Fall is coming fast, this morning before I hit the road I made sure that the furnace was ready to go, I already ran the fireplace.  So happy it cranked right up and started warming the house.  Better to know now in case there is an issue instead of finding out when I wake up and there is snow on the ground.  And speaking of that there is a little snow forecast in the high mountains this weekend, a cold front on the way, so just have to see what that brings.

More turkey making an appearance and these were on a dead run.

And when I took a break from writing this looked out the back window and here came more turkeys.  It happened to be 3 again but definitely not the same as the other day.  So the gathering of the turkeys has begun, and it won’t be long before they overrun the neighborhood.

So glad we took the fence out, before this winter is over there will be some great shots.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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I got this comment from a reader and after thinking about it I love it.

Every time I read your blog, I’m reminded of the beauty that exists outside of my comfort zone. Thank you…

While that is not the original reason for the blog it actually is a part of it.  I always say get up and get out.  Believe me at times I am outside my own comfort zone but in the end that makes it what it is.  It is in the doing, and as the Boss often says; “We all have a tendency to stay rooted in our warm and fuzzy spot.”   If you would have told me years ago we would be walking across a ramshackle bridge in the jungle between Costa Rica and Panama, that I would balloon across Cappadocia in Turkey, or that I would snowshoe at 10,000 feet in the middle of winter in the Rockies I would not have believed it.  So folks – Go do something out of your comfort zone you just might like it.  Thanks for the comment.

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It has been very normal around here and I have kept busy, retirement is supposed to be a time to rest but there is always something to do.  Now the weather has really improved with highs in the high 60’s and rain off and on.  And I must say that I have heard more thunder in the time we have been here than I heard the last 15 years in Texas.  And as insane the lightning that accompanies the rain it is no surprise wild fires are started that way.  And there was even a few inches of snow on Pikes Peak and other areas above 13,000 feet.

Tomorrow I hope to get in some fishing weather dependent, nice thing about it being right down the road.  And while I was cleaning up a minute ago a couple of turkeys strolled by.  And looking forward to the Boss getting here in less than 2 weeks.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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I feel like Otis Redding – Sittin’ On The Dock of The Bay.    Shaw Lake is way up there.  And maybe a couple of people there, it is quiet.

I hate to bring this up to you Texans who are still boiling but things are about to change here.  There is a leaf or two on the Aspens in the yard looking suspicious.  The nights are getting cooler, and the wind has a touch of fall to it.  Then this morning I actually turned the gas fireplace on for a few minutes to warm the front room up.  Guess it is time to start closing the windows at night, maybe.  And an hour later looked out the window and lo and behold, 3 turkeys.

The first of fall.

It has been a couple of months since we saw any.

As soon as spring was sliding into summer the turkeys flat disappeared.  I assume they went on the nest and we had not seen a one for almost 4 months.  Then here came 3 toms/Jakes on their usual route.  So even the turkeys feel it and I look forward to the return of everything that walks or flies in the forest.  I cannot tell you how often I look out the back window.  There are cool birds, Aberts squirrels much less the big stuff.  One great backyard.  So time to hit the early morning woods and see what is stirring about.  Not sure as there are hunters out and about but you don’t know until you go.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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The last few days I did exactly what I do in Texas during the holiday weekend, stayed home and out of the fray.  Other than a trip to the store I did not leave the property but suffice to say when I was on the highway it was really busy.  After the holiday next up is what is referred to as the second wave.  An older crowd it will be intersting to see how busy it is.

So this morning I decided to head to the river and see how it looked, and maybe catch a couple.  To say I was amazed is an understatement.  The river is past low it is knee deep in most places.  There were folks fishing, the wading is not too bad, and it is sure the end of the floating season.

An average Rio Grande brown.

A dry will catch them.

My knowledge of fly fishing is still definitely in the beginner stage.  It is not easy, when combined with the water level changes and their feeding patterns it is constantly changing and it seems tough at times.  But I could care less, it is so nice to just go close, and stay as long or as short as I please.  And I still remember to just look around and remember where I am.

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Stockers

Unlike the browns above these Rainbows make the pan.

These are the rainbow stockers from the lake the other day.  While I do not have a smoker here yet, the grill on low for and hour and a half and they were perfect.  And just like specks, if you are going to keep them put them on ice asap.  Nothing like out of the water and on the plate.

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I am patiently waiting to hear from my buddy Randy.  On his bucket list Bighorn hunt in Southern Wyoming and will be passing through when he is done.  So nothing yet, but this is no easy hunt and Randy has high standards.  Hoping for the best.

The Boss is coming in 17 days and we are both looking forward to spending some time together on our Western swing.  Then back to Texas and hopefully some fishing, and if the weather will calm down some work on the property in anticipation of sale next year.  Got to get stuff done so I can haul back here.  But the river, the creek, and the lake are all going to take the forefront.  I look forward to the creek every hear and the time is coming.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Sometimes you just want to sit by the water and put a few in the box.

Folks are rolling in for the holiday weekend.  A nickel for each camper and a dime for each ATV and I would be loaded.  Rod tubes, bikes, kayaks, if you can use it outdoors it is on trailers, top of the car, and anywhere else they can hang it.  The folks who come here love the outdoors like we do and even busy there is plenty of space for all.  It is so not the ramp at Froggie’s on a holiday weekend.  So hope you all have a great weekend just be careful, safe, and courteous, it will go a long way.

Not only good fishing but a nice hike if you are so inclined.  There will be a boat in the drive next year.

The plan today, head to Big Meadow and catch some trout for supper.  Though it was a little breezy on “my spot” it made no difference.  The lake is dropping fast, as are the small streams around here, and today lots of grass was floating on the spot, which is the lakes outflow.  With a great point, good current. and plenty of grass beds, it has not failed me yet.

Headed to the grill.  As this tv wrestler says:  “Sorry about your damn luck.”

Since the wind was blowing grass on the spot I decided to forgo lures and get right to the task at hand.  The lakes around here are stocked regularly and if I am wanting supper that is where I head.  The river is another story, it is all catch and release, which is my choice.

My go to method for stocker rainbows is easy.  (I did catch a zillion in Arkansas on the White using it.)  4lb test, a 1/8th ounce slip sinker pegged with a split shot about a foot above a #6 salmon egg hook.  Sometimes they prefer one egg, other times 2.  And leave the hook point exposed.  The spot does not require a long cast, just drop it on the edge of the point where the current is, and you are in business.  Today I played “dirty.”

Trout are not big on just grabbing it and eating, which leads to their downfall.  Just keep the line tight and you will feel the peck.  Let them peck it a time or two unless they take off with it, and then drop your rod tip and let the line go slack.  One they can’t feel you, and two it lets them swallow it.  And you will know when they take off with it.  Occasionally it stays real slack so lift slowly and see what you feel.  They are usually on there.

But there is this caveat:  This is strictly for catching stockers, and keeping all you catch.  They are often hooked real deep, which is the point.  I would never do that on any fish other than stockers and NEVER on any you are not going to keep.  It does not matter if they are hooked deep, they end up just as dead.  The limit on most lakes is 4 which is all the Boss and I eat.  Today I kept 3 for super slow grilling, makes my mouth water thinking about it.

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Hope you saw that amazing moon.

A bad moon on the rise!

It was one amazing moon.

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I just had to blow up a couple of pictures from the buck craziness of the other day.  Since I was glued to the camera, I wanted to be sure some of them were as big as they looked.  I am just learning about mule deer but they sure looked big to me.  And guess what?  They are!

From one of my regular readers:  “all I can say is awesome.”

You got that right!  This was one big deer.  A really tall rack, I suspect he is a really good one as far as bucks go.  It will be interesting to see how they look when the velvet comes off.  After looking at the others the one below stuck out as a gnarly looking buck among nice bucks.

Wish I could have got him in the sun.  Not only gnarly but plenty of mass!

There are always plenty of deer in the neighborhood, but these were exceptional.  It will be interesting as the rut starts to watch the sparing and there will be plenty.  I love our back yard and keep a camera and binoculars on the kitchen counter, you never know.

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After finally getting the propane situation resolved Tuesday my next job, insulate the garage.  That is not nearly as simple as it sounds.  Looks like I will have to rent a trailer and then drive 90 miles to pick it up.  Like many things here it takes a little patience and some getting used to.  So this morning I made a quick trip to the Rio Grande and managed to catch a couple before I make the plan.  I can tell you I am about “projected” out.

A nice brown trout from my honey hole right down the road.  

I was also interested in checking out the water level in the Rio Grande, and boy is it low.  In the approximately 5 years I have been fishing here I have never seen it this low.   There are almost no guides drift fishing, and it looks like that season is already over.  A late start and an early finish, it has not been a banner year for outfitters by any measure.

A little guy on a Rooster Tail.

I started with my hand tied 1/8th ounce olive jig, which is fairly consistent for the browns.  After catching the one in the net the biggest one I have had on yet in the river bit and the fight was on.  Unfortunately, he jumped off, he was jumping crazy.  But losing them comes with the territory as I pinch the barbs down as I release all of them on the river.  It makes it so much easier on the fish that you are going to release.  Next it will be off to one of the lakes to catch some supper.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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For several years now I have been writing about captive deer and the reality of the spread of CWD in our wild population from deer breeding facilities.  My concern was TWPD was not taking it seriously enough early on and now it appears it is really spreading.  It is complicated but it has always been about money no matter what TPWD says. It was easy to see this day coming and it will only get worse.  If you really care about the issue read this article and make up your own mind.  Plus read the comments, TPWD needs to read them to get a feel for what folks really think about the practice and their response to it.  In my opinion, it is time to shut down captive breeding as other states have done, it is malpractice to not do so immediately.  Either your job is to protect wildlife or to protect rich breeders.

Texas Rancher Wages War Against Deer Euthanasia As Disease Spreads (yahoo.com)

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Things are about to get rolling around here.  My buddy Randy will stop for a few days as soon as he kills his Bighorn Sheep.  It will be good to see him, and I cannot wait to hear the story.  A Bighorn is a lifetime bucket list for many hunters, and he has paid his dues.  Then in 3 weeks the Boss will be here, and it will be off to Yellowstone and the Tetons, with a few stops on the way.  Between those 2 I need to get off my ass and get to insulating.  As soon as we are back from Yellowstone I will be headed back with the Boss for a couple of months in Texas until the first of the year, if I can take it that long.  But until that all happens I will keep after the woods and water.  So, keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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I was talking to the Boss as she headed to work when I happened to look out the back window and to say it blew my mind was an understatement!  The big camera was in the truck but luckily I had the backup Canon, while it has a shorter lens it did the job.  All I have to say is I love our backyard.  Nothing to say about this morning that the pictures do not do for me.  These are in the exact order I took them.  Enjoy I sure did!

I was thrilled this guy was right out my backdoor….then I looked up and it was on!

He was a nice one but his buddies were nothing to sneeze at.

Then I saw this guy, a monster by any standard!  Spit tines, sticker he had it all.

This guy was flat insane, hard to counts points but who cares, he was the Boss of the bunch.

And there was more to come.  This guy was a real hoss.

Not a small guy in the bunch.

And they just kept coming.  I did not know where to look.

I am so privileged to live here.

If I were guessing, there were 8 or 9 as they feed on my hillside.

Are you kidding me!!  No way I could get them all in one shot.

I just kept shooting as the fed by.

And the last straggler heads down the mountain.  Thanks no matter how the day goes the moment leaves me in awe.

It will back to the woods and water after resolving another issue on my continued efforts to get the house just like I want it.  But all the paint in the world, new garage, whatever, pales compared to the joy I get from the wildlife here.  To look out the window and see big bucks, and lots of them, slowly feeding in the backyard is a dream come true.  Hope you liked these as much as I did seeing them.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Now that is a spike!  And it is all good when the light is right.

Fishing was on tap, but I made an executive decision to make my favorite loop drive for 2 reasons.  First, we have some potentially serious rain coming today and animals historically tend to be on the move.  The second storm, archery for elk and mule deer opens on the 2cnd and the area I was driving will be full of hunters soon.  Part of that is over the counter tags so lots of out of state hunters come.

In fact, besides the regular folks camping the hunters are already here with more coming.  There were lots of camps with trailers and noone there, just staking out their turf.  As I headed back down the moutntains met 4 or 5 campers headed up.  So glad I made the drive this morning.  Stuff will be quite a bit harder to see with all the hunters out and about.

It was one stunning morning in the Rockies.  Being in the clouds is still a wonder to a kid who grew up in a corn field.

The drive is rough at times and before it is over you hit the tree line.  It takes about 4 hours but since most of it is under 20mph watching the woods it is part of it.  Funny. heading up until I get to about 9,500 I don’t see all the many deer but from then on you have a good chance of seeing plenty, and today was one of those days.

Saw at least 4 mommas with babies, one had twins.

They were really on the move today and I saw as many fawns as I have all year.  But it won’t be long until they are on their own when the rut gets in full swing.  And funny how momma will give me a little time for photos, the fawns are still just a little suspicious.

There she is in close up.  The spots are going away and they are growing up.

She gave me the old foot stomp warning, her baby had already hit the road.

Amazing how many families I saw today.  But that won’t last long.

I had hoped to see some elk as last trip I saw a cow.  But they are still way up there, and deep in the woods.  There is still a world of areas I have not drove yet and as my experience grows I should see more during the summer.  But with the rut right around the corner not to mention the first snows they will be a little more accessible.  And with some of our local areas being designated as trophy areas with limited draws there is still a chance to see a few before heading back to Texas.

It seems the 10,000 foot range is about right for the grouse.

Bet they are good to eat but how you would hunt them in these mountains I will never know.

The coming rain had them on the move.

Could not get him in good light.  Might have been an immature bald but hard to tell.

One thing that has surprised me is how few raptors I see.  And those that I do, usually bald eagles and ospreys, are generally around water.  This guy took off out of the grass and dropped whatever he had.  The picture could have been better but it just added to a busy morning for wildlife.

This guy had huge front beams, but stuff happens.  Took this as he was on a dead run.

So as you can see it was a doe kind of morning.  I saw maybe 4 bucks and the last one I saw was the one above.  The reason I am showing you this is another example of how photographing wild animals is not easy.

I saw this buck from a half mile away.  Bedded down on a hillside on the edge of the woods he stuck out like a sore thumb.  A real beautiful buck.  The light was perfect and it was going to be the shot of the day.  Picked up the camera and nothing, the battery was dead.  I brought a spare battery just in case (If you have it “just in case” no excuse not to change it before leaving the house.)  and by time I got it in he was on a dead run.  This guy was a real hoss but sometimes it just does not work out.  But like everything I saw today it is a privilege and a pleasure to have them share their home with me.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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I am a mess sometimes with techn0logy.  Pete the builder stopped by and called me 4 times from the road in front of the house.  Not a one rang on my phone right next to me.  Guess maybe that is why I have got no calls this week.  In fact, I was blaming the gas company for not showing up last week, but they told the Boss they did call, so maybe they did.  Pete said put it on airplane mode for 5 minutes then take it off.  Then he called and it went through so who knows.  But at least I am back in action.  Apparently, both me and my phone are dinosaurs.

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Tomorrow will be up early and headed to a lake I have only fished once.  The goal will be a fish fry but the one time I fished it the only one I caught was not a recent stocker.  And it will be early as it is getting close to the last of the summer weekend folks as kids are back in school and the hunters are just arriving.  Then it will be heading to Durango to pick up insulation for the garage.  I am kind of “project” weary and that is actually the last one to finish off getting the house like I want it.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Tuesday morning on the road to the Rio Grande Reservoir.  

After hanging out yesterday waiting for assorted folks to do a thing or two this morning it was up and gone way before daylight.  I was hoping to see some sheep and a moose and one of those things happened.  There is certain geography moose like and they are often actually in it and hard to see, but not this morning.  Coming around a corner there she was, and as they say, what a moose.

The biggest thing in these woods.

She was in a creek bottom right where you would expect.  Quite a way off she cooperated just enough for me to get a couple of pictures.  This is with the 600mm fully extended as she was way out there.

Munching.

This is when she decided she had enough of me.

The sheep were not out either on the way up or back.  The traffic is heavy right now and there are folks in the woods.  By 9:00 add the 4 wheelers and the window for seeing critters closes but that is going to reduce drastically in the next couple of weeks.  In the end you just have to get up and get out.  Like all things the more I search the luckier I get, similar to fishing.

This girl just kept on feeding but kept on eyeballing me.  Love these close ups.

I saw several mule deer this morning and 2 nice bucks cross the road in front of me but by the time I got there could not find them in the woods.  Love how they look in velvet.  Not having my wingman reduces the chances of seeing them and getting a good shor.  But that is what chasing wild animals is all about.  When it happens, it makes it all worth it.

And one of the smallest in the woods.  Prairie dogs are just cool.

We are finally getting rain and it was off and on this morning.  It did not hold the fishermen or 4 wheelers down but even when busy it is not “crowded” by my standards.  And if you want to get away from that you can, a topo map and a willingness to explore is all you need.  And a long lens sure does help.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Just wondering for a friend.  Why when you are selling a boat do you take a picture of the motor with the cowling off?  I know it can show the buyer there is no oil or water, but while it looks like a motor to me it does not say much else.  Impress me with the maintenance records.

This comment comes after I have literally looked at thousands of boats.  If I have learned one thing about myself since I have been here, I am a boat guy.  Add multiple lakes right down the road and it is starting to drive me nuts.  But with only a little less than 2 months before I head back to Texas I will wait unless the perfect boat comes up.  My standards are high but there will be a boat in this driveway by next spring’s thaw.

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Reader Comments

Hope this help the chubs.

https://www.nps.gov/glca/learn/news/20230818.htm

Funny you sent me this.  Interesting reading on removing the smallmouth best they can from an area on the Colorado river.  If they want to save the chubs it better work or the smallies will eat every last one of them.  The reason your comment struck me is I was just thinking about documenting all the fish I have caught over the years and the chub is one baseline fish for me.  My grandparents had a creek on their farm, and we used to catch them, and grandma would fry them up on the cast iron stove.  They are actually really good to eat.  Thanks, brought back a great memory.

You are living the Best Life

All I have to say is you are freakin’ correct, guilty as charged.  A little bit of luck combined with a little planning has led us here.  Not to be too dramatic but the clock is ticking on this old man like it does for each and every one of us.  You have to keep moving mentally and physically.  It is good for your health, even better for the soul.

Tenkara is a great option. Headed to Montana next month for a week of Big Horn river drift boat fishing…

That is going to be epic and we will be looking forward to your report and a picture or two.  And looks like the Tenkara for small streams will be waiting for next year to join the fray.  (Tenkara is a rod only fly fishing method generally for small streams and close quarters.) The small creek fishing is slowly declining as the water levels go down, but I intend to explore some others.  As usual thanks for your help and good luck in Montana.

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Tomorrow it will be off to Durango to take care of some truck maintenance prior to heading to Yellowstone.  We plan on visiting several places we have not visited on the way prior to 4 days in the park.  Then it will be back here to get the house in order before heading back to Texas.  That will be a little bittersweet but looking forward to some salt when I get back.  I think it is time for a fish fry so keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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