FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

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Crossing the Divide on the way to Lake City.

After spending much of the weekend watching basketball it was time to head out and actually start really checking out places to fish other than right here by South Fork.  And a side benefit was checking on the sheep on the way to Lake City.

The weather here has been absolutely amazing with temps in the 40′ most afternoons.  We have had the occasional snow shower but it melts quickly.  One indicator that spring really is sprining is the lack of the big boys.  Even in the neighborhood the big mule deer seem to have hit the road but tons of does remain.

Thie bunch has stayed in the same area.

This is the big bunch north of Creede.  Though there are a few left that you can see from the road the rams are flat gone.  I assume as it has warmed, and the heavy snow melt is beginning they are able to head back up to their normal range away from the world.

The rams have definitely hit the road as it warms.

I feel so lucky to be able to view the wildlife here.  Whether the menagerie in my back yard of the big game in the mountains it never fails to amaze and amuse.  As soon as the high forest roads clear the elk seach will ramp back up.  And as soon as the shed season opens the Boss and I will hit the woods.

The was random ewe on a ridge at the extreme range of my lens.  To really get the kind of focus I am looking for time to get one of those window tripods.  Hard to hold it rock steady at that distance.

My main goal was to check out a couple of lakes and streams and the Lake City area is loaded with them.  But the main goal was to scope out San Cristobal.  It is the 2cnd largest lake in Colorado and is home to trout with some up to 20+ lbs.  It has good shoreline access and also a ramp.  My quest for a small lake boat for fishing out here continues but I will be fishing one way or the other soon.  As a side note a nice lady told me that past the lake there is an area with lots of moose so will be headed back that way soon.

One of the things I really like about here is how freely folks share fishing information, so unlike the nonsense I often see in Texas.  And the Lake City area has untold stream access and will be my stomping grounds at times.  It was a good day and while I was circling the lake I spotted another group of sheep, all ewes which is confirming my thoughts.  It might not be full on spring yet but don’t tell the big boys.  And the elk herd I saw a few times in the lower valleys have also hit the road.

 The second largest natural lake in Colorado.  Who would not like this view while catching fish?

A group of ewes near that lake.

Just lake watching for elk, big white butts.

‘My topo map is now getting marked up as I continue to explore in anticipation of ice out.  We are starting to have just a little melting on the water, most of that on the shallow riffles.  The rivers and creeks are still frozen solid but there are signs of the thaw beginning.  My anticipation is high for the coming season.

And my favorite picture of the day.  It won’t be long!

Everyday is still an adventure for me.  Next up figuring out the boating issues out here as the rules are somewhat confusing so a stop at the local game and fish office is next.  Colorado’s regulations are like Ontario, better keep the book on hand and refer to it often so you do not make a mistake.  But the most important aspect of this adventure, there is all the land and water anyone could ever fish or hike.  And so far the folks here are so friendly and helpful.  Yesterday I was pulled off the side of the road glassing with the flashers on and in 5 minutes two trucks stopped to see if I was having trouble.  How cool is that?

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Basically, ocean salmon fishing from California to Northern Oregon has been shut down during prime time.  Stocks have been diminishing and fish and game folks have been telling folks it was coming and the day is here.  They had a complete ban in the past which was a result of a drought, and as the issues with the Colorado and other rivers continues it will only get worse.  It will probably go to court immediately from the commercial fishermen who are shut down.  But when it comes down to it the only thing that matters is giving the fish a rest and helping them come back.  If we do not do something the fish stand no chance.

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Still waiting on the building inspector to see if my plans are approved, but like all that kind of thing everywhere it proceeds at its own pace.   And I am really looking forward to the Boss arriving Sunday for a week.  I almost feel guilty as I have been here weeks and she has only stayed in her house 3 nights.  Then I will drive her home and for some serious fishing for a few weeks while continuing to search for the small boat.  I think I read there are 13 lakes withing 20 miles of South Fork and the majority are boat accessible.  So the dream continues.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines