FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Everywhere you look.  The Lake City area has plenty of peaks in the 13,000 foot range.  (Can’t imagine how much snow is there now!)

The weather looked good today, and there was no big deal on the roads so time for a drive.  Today I headed north and ended up crossing the divide in search of moose.  I have only seen 3 since we have been here and conditions seemed right for wildlife chasing, but things were not as they might have seen.

The highway goes north to Lake City and Lake San Cristobal.  The highway crosses the Continental Divide and is winding and a cool drive.  With the roads so clear it was a great day to head that way as that area is known for their moose, we saw one up there last year.  A side benefit is the highway goes by a couple of areas with bighorns, and a big wintering range at the base of the high mountains for the elk.

This was one big gang of elk crossing one of their wintering areas.  They are way out there.

As I neared their winter range it seemed like there was a line of ants way off in the distance crossing a field in a big valley.  Too bad there is no place to park or drive to get a better view, but you take what you can get.

Reaching out with the long lens.

As there was a beat down place in the field you could see where they were feeding and they seemed to be heading back to the mountain.  And since on my way back 2 hours later there was not an elk in sight obviously they headed back in the woods.

Let me take a minute to comment on the weather.  It has been warm with little snow, and it has affected the wildlife.  Without the heavy snow the big bunch of Bighorns were nowhere in sight, though I did see the smaller bunch below on the way up.  Everything I saw was early and once morning changed to afternoon things just disappeared,

As close as the 600mm will let me get.  Unfortunately, this particular wintering place has no way to get closer.  But I love seeing them and spent time watching on the binoculars.

Without the heavy snow pack in the higher places it has kept the big bunch of sheep high up in the mountains as I assume it is easier to get something to ear.  Same with the elk.  But seeing dozens of elk and a group of sheep is nothing to sneeze at and I still enjoy seeing them.  (And that will change with today’s snow.)

**************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Lake San Cristobal is definitely on the fishing agenda as soon as ice is out, plus Lake City and it are both known for moose.  With a huge bottom running along the lake and then further in the mountains it is moose territory.  There is extensive creek bottoms in the area and it looks like moose country.  Since you can put all I know about moose in a thimble it is still the chase.  After seeing lots in Tetons and a few in Yellowstone and Alaska they are one cool creature and sure are big.  But it was not to be today but hard to complain when you see serious wildlife and cross the divide at 13,000.  Nothing but stunning.

With little snow, comparatively not many sheep out today, or if they were they were back up on the mountain.

This bunch was on the turn to one of my favorite roads to drive in the woods.  I wish the pictures were better but it was early and the light was not quite there.  The small rams were butting heads, jumping around and just plain acting crazy and it was fun to watch.  The couple of pics I did get were blurry so these are the size of it.

This was the only ram in the bunch, at least a mature one.

These guys were butting heads until he ran the small ones off.  The few I did see this morning were rambunctious.

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Today on the other hand is a new day.  The snow forecasts are all over the place but looks like the 24″+ is on the way to be the winner.  It started right after dark and is still coming down.  The work is about to begin but it is absolutely stunning.

Not thinking the shovel will get the job done today.

Here in South Fork and in the valley, this is so welcome.  Not only will it bring the skiers to the mountain but the snowmobilers will be running wild.  This areas winter economy is based on one thing – snow.  And as part of the bigger picture the valley has been in a drought and the rivers and lakes rely on the snow.  This will go a long way to helping with that.

The long beards in the backyard.  This gives you an idea of how hard it is snowing.

It is a good foot with the forecast that it will continue the next 24 hours.  So before I get the beast of a snowblower out will just wait and see what the rest of the day brings.  A warm fire and a good book will be the order of the day, at least until I cannot stand it anymore and out comes the beast.  Living here is an adventure and I love every minute of it.

Downtown South Fork.  Home sweet home!

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Thanks to my buddy Jesse for picking up a package when we were gone before the porch pirates got it.  It is “almost” the last of the boat rigging stuff.  Can not wait to get back next month and put the finishing touches on it.  One area of fishing that is new to me is kokanee fishing.  Basically, a genetic cousin to the sockeye they are filter feeders but are catchable in some of the area lakes.  I have caught a few randomly from the bank but trolling is the way to go and the new boat is specifically for the area lakes and fishing.  The one I cruised to the other day actually has lake trout so I am really looking forward to this new fishing challenge.  So, while there is no fishing on the blog that is about to change.  Please keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines