One Good Morning 1/22/25.

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Our first South Fork bull elk.  Sorry for the blur something on the lens.

We headed out early chasing animals.  Obviously we left to early as it was 11 degrees and some areas higher up it was 12 degrees later in the morning.  They were just not moving whether in our old standbys or on a new high mountain road taking us well over 11,ooo.  With little snow so many more areas are accessible.  But we kept at it until 12:30 and the real jackpot was about 10 miles from the house when I looked over and all I saw was antler.

We have spent untold hours chasing stuff and while we have seen plenty of cows in the area, this morning we saw our first big bull elk.  He was in a place not easy to photograph, it did not take long before he finally got sick of us and crossed the road heading up the mountain.  He did have a little hitch in his get along on a rear leg but it did not slow him down.  One side benefit of the auto focus struggling we spent a lot more time just watching him.  While we have seen plenty in Estes and Yellowstone, this was our first real wild bull and with the lack of snow we were just blessed to see him.  They are one big, majestic animal.  Hopefully there are many more to come.

Though it was slow we kept after it.  If you want to see wildlife you have to keep at it, you never know.  While cold it was a beautiful day, we were able to get to some places we have not been before.  It is just amazing how many lakes are within an hour or so of the house.  A side benefit we found a couple of roads that have not been plowed so they were put on the summer to do list.  There is just something awesome about driving the divide.

2 of a pack of 4 on the hunt.

There are several big ranches with cleared fields on our north drives.  It has been a surprise how many coyotes are in Colorado.  Today was saw on earlier on our drive when we came across what turned out to be a pack of 4.  These photos are from way the heck out there, while one person shoots the other uses the binocs.  When we are this far away they usually do not run off, but they do watch us and ease away.

As the day starts to warm the mice and other small stuff comes out and the coyotes are on the hunt.

The 5-minute encounter with the bull elk made the day.  In our ongoing chase it never ceases to happen for us at some point.  Sometimes it is easy, others it just does not pan out.  But when you see a lion in the wild, a big bear or bull elk it is all worth it.  This winter has been different with the lack of snow in this part of the state, the wildlife is acting different, but you just have to adapt, they are out there just not where you might expect.

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Squirmy Worms

There is nothing like getting a surprise package and I got one today.  The very proficient fly tier+ the Mad Aggie is at it again and I am so appreciative for the worms.  Actually, it has been the most consistent fly for me since starting this fly-fishing journey.  The time to start my own fly tying in anticipation of spring is about to begin.  After making bass baits over the years fly tying is on another level.  But having caught a fish or two on my own hand tied flies it is very rewarding.  So, thanks Rusty they will get a workout.

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Wade-right-300x50The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Snow for you but not for us!

It has not snowed much at our house so far this winter.  Hey Victoria, how about that weather down there?  That is crazy.  The 16 years we were there it flurried once.  Hope the grid held up as they promised it would.  Good luck with that.

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We are basically hunkered down nice and warm in our little house.  The Boss hits the road for a big hike daily, I am generally doing my treadmill, nice to have heat and TV in the garage but occasionally join her when it is a little warmer.  The cold front was a bruiser but it is back to warm afternoons, we are just wondering if it will ever snow down here.  When we have not had the snow blower of the snowshoes out yet tells you how dry it is.  But some of the biggest snowfalls are yet to come.  Plus I am counting the days until ice out.   SO keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff,

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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OFF TOPIC – SHAME

I just watched a violent criminal throw a fire extinguisher and hit an officer in the head during the January 6th riot.  I can live with pardons for nonviolent offenders from that day, but it makes me want to puke watching law enforcement being assaulted and then them walking away with nothing.  How hypocritical.  Many of the folks I represented in the past who assaulted police basically received prison in the 5-year range.  So now violent police assaulting defendants are walking away scott free.  Do not tell me you support the Blue and you are ok with any violent felon getting a pardon/commutation from any president.  So don’t get your panties in wad about some of Biden’s pardons, they have both taken it way too far.  (Whataboutism is always the argument used by those who have no argument, and what some of the scummiest defendants I represented tried to use as they whined, what about that other guy.  That is not point of this question.)  So, stick to the point – Are you ok with folks beating police or not?  It is a simple question.

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About Redfishlaw

I am a retired attorney who just loves to fish. I was a freshwater guide for about 20 years and now have moved to the salt. I am not the greatest fisherman, but I am committed. So if you love fishing, and want to learn what little I have to offer, stop by anytime.
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