FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

If you have not checked them out lately please do so.  Michael has added several new and innovative products to the lineup.   Can’t wait to start wearing the fish out here on the new stuff.

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Echo Lake

This was my go-to lake when we would visit Pagosa Springs.  Since we were over there the other day I decided to stop in and check it out, as you can see it is cleared and beautiful with the mountains in the background.  It has the works in it, bass. crappie, trout, catfish and was always good for a limit of trout when we wanted the fish fry.

Normally I would have already been back with the boat but we are headed out of town for a few days to visit Deadwood South Dakota.  But as you can see the weather is fine so as soon as I get back here next week the boat will be out of storage for good.  And speaking of storage while our lot is narrow, I am currently planning for a carport where the boat will live in all summer and the truck in the winter.  We shall see if that gets done this year.

As far as the trip I have never seen Mt. Rushmore so that is on the list.  Though for me there is a pretty good population of Mountain Goats in the area which is one cool animal.  We have only seen a couple in Yellowstone so hope to get some good photos.  Some hiking and photography are definitely on the list.  And being the slow time there like it is here the motels are cheaper than all get out.  There is actually one more reason for the trip, my eyes.

It has been a struggle trying to regulate the meds with the eye issues.  Unfortunately, once I get outside the vision becomes a hassle, basically while driving in bright sun.  We think we have the medicine in some sort of order, trust me the side effects suck, so this trip will be a test run on how far I can take it or how we will space the meds to accommodate travel.  Ocular  Myasthenia Gravis is one weird disease but at my age it sure could be worse.

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Fish Fry

With the Boss whining about some fresh fish I headed to the river to see if it was possible to catch a couple of unders.  The legal limit on Brown trout is under 12′, which right now is a hassle.

He was long and skinny.

With the limited snow pack and rain the river is still low.  Today it was starting to rise some and had more color.  They would not cooperate on the fly rod so as usual outcomes either the Rapala or the jig.  The fishing was a little slower but after catching a few it was time to see if things had opened up any on my favorite local lake.

He jumped out of the net and was headed back in the river.

Don’t get me wrong I am not complaining about 14 – 18″ browns on lures.  They are aggressive and put up a good fight in the current.  And a few are kind enough to add a couple of jumps before netting.  But as far as fish fry’s the lake is the place.

On the way to Beaver I checked out my favorite small stream and there is a depressing amount of water in it.  There is still some snow way up and hopefully it will start running off and filling it to a fishable level.  But one thing about this area there are plenty of places to fish.

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Let The Games Begin

We checked out Beaver Lake last week and the stream leading in was open but the lake was still frozen.  But with it being so warm it had to have at least some open water and the creek end did.  While not a big bunch there was open water around the edges.  I walked in and the area was plenty open for some fish and it turned out to be great.

A Limit – Supper.

When I walked in I only took a spinning rod and fishing bag along deciding to leave the flyrod in the truck, which turned out to be to bad.  Since the Rapala was still tied on from the river it was first up but did not generate a bite.  With ice floating around some in the wind the water was ice cold, not sure that made a difference but with no results time for the olive jig.

Let the feast begin.

Trout seem to really like olive in jigs or flies so I tie my own in 1/16 or 1/8th.  I dug out a 1/8th and started tossing it.  With them not wanting to chase the Rapala I let the jig sink to the bottom, which was about 6′ in the middle of the creek and started hopping it.  From that point the bite was on.  While a subtle bite it was just soft when you picked it up and they were on.  Since I was to lazy to walk back to the truck I missed out on what might have been a good Wooly Bugger bite on the fly rod.  As a side note one of the things I want to learn is fishing the fly on the lake which should be productive given the amount of trout in some of them.  And I am due for a big one this year, just have to fish the right waters.

It turned out to be a mixture of Rainbows and Browns.  After maybe 10 or so one broke me off, it is 4lb test and it happens just often enough to remind you retying is necessary after a few.  But that gave me a chance before I quit to give the salmon egg a toss, no surprise they eat those year-round.  About the only time I throw them is when there is a quick need for a fish fry.

But the punch line is once we return it will be on.  Our temps are expected to hit mid 70’s today and remain in that range give or take a few.  The lake should be open by then and the rest of them are on their way.  Can’t wait to get after it.  Soon it will be up to Blue Mesa for some Lake Trout fishing as soon as the ramps open.  They should love the 5″ Knockin Tail, as will the pike on Navajo and it will be fun.  We still cannot believe we live here and appreciate it every single day.

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I want to thank you who still read this blog.  It has gone through some changes over the years and where we are headed is still up in the air.  Renaming it has entered the discussion.  Just a thought but since our lives have changed it might be a good time for a change and a renewed determination.  But who knows, no matter what I will continue to blather on, so keep stopping and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines