FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Ain’t the Rio GRAND

We finally got a dusting of snow at the house and Wolf Creek Pass right above us got about 5″.  The forecast is looking like Thursday may dump on us and it is about time.  Ou area needs the skiers, snowmobilers, and snow lovers. Plus we need the snow pack for next years water.  So with winter soon to settle in time to fish a few places before they ice in, so it was a quick trip to the river and the pleasure of catching some nice browns.

They are nice and solid this time of year.

The river is way down which of course concentrates the fish some.  My little honey hole still has some of the  deeper water in the area and with it a consistent brown trout bite.  I do not fish it often, it is nice to have a spot close to the house I can drive to in 5 minutes and it is fish on.

There is as many colors as there is browns.

Of course, what makes them fun is they are aggressive and while not easy to catch they do usually cooperate.  The day was fairly cool and since I got out later in the afternoon the bite was not particularly fast, but when I can net some this size it is a success.

This one smoked my hand tied olive jig; they love that color.

And catching them on handtied jigs is a bonus.  While I tie different colors and sizes a 1/8 basic olive pattern seems to be the jig of choice.  You never know how they want it, sometimes fast, sometimes crawled and today it was a big slow lift and fall.  They can be tough to feel and the minute you lift up you better be  ready to set the hook as it is often at best just a soft mushy feel.

This one smacked the Brown Trout color Rapala right next to the bank.

Of course the Rapala bite is totally different and again it just depends on the way they want it each trip.  Today it was cast to the bank, jerk it down 3 times and then slow roll, with the bite usually coming right after the reel.  But of course, you never know as the one above smacked it close to me.  So while a quick trip it was fun, and the next day or two might check out one of the lakes and see if I can catch a limit for the pan.

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Taos NM

I had an appointment with the Pulmonologist in Pueblo where they cleared me.  Suffice to say that whole thing went way better than I had a right to expect.  We decided to head from there to Taos for a couple of days of R&R and had a big time.  Even better it is only a couple of hours from the house and after seeing the fishing opportunities we will be back.

The bridge over the Rio Grande Gorge. 

Hard to believe the river that runs near our house ends up on the Texas border with Mexico.  That is a long way.

As we drove through the state park outside of Taos heads kept popping up out of this bus.  Looked like it was filled with a bunch of yahoos, probably the ski bums who are gathering for what will be the ski opener soon.  We are expected to finally get some snow coming this week.  While winter has been late in coming it is coming.

One great pizza at the local brewery. 

While I am restricted to one beer daily it was great to finally get to enjoy a little fun after the last 2 months.  We also ate at the local Peruvian restaraunt and it was nothing short of fabulous.  Taos has tons of places to eat, shopping galore, and the outdoor activities are plentiful.  It was a great couple of days in one cool town and we are already making plans for this spring with ice out, lake and river for me, cruising town for the Boss.

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Sports Betting

I may have been just a small-time county lawyer, but I called the sports betting thing years ago.  As soon as ESPN, football, basketball and others decided to dip their toe in gambling there was no way the trouble was not going to happen.  Think about it, just Vegas alone, young kids with loads of money, what could possibly go wrong?  Now there are multiple investigations involving all sports with more to come.  And I do not give a crap what you say, they are all complicit.  There is too much money, and it is too easy to game the system.  As long as there is stupid money there will be crime, and the major sports should never have associated themselves with gambling.

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Battery   – Texas Trooper

The crime of using physical force or violence on another person without their permission, even when it does not cause physical harm.

That is exactly what that Texas trooper did on national television to the football players coming down the ramp.  Rationalize it all you want by legal definition it was a crime of violence and for that he should be fired.  But Texas being a police state will forgive and forget.  But the old saying when someone shows you who they are believe them and in this case it is so true.  If he will do that in front of a national television audience just imagine what he does to citizens when no one is watching.  No wonder respect for law enforcement is declining when an officer acts like that.  Is that the role model you want for your children?

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I am doing fine.  3 more rehabs then nothing until January when I visit the Neurologist.  Other than a little weakness balance has been a slight issue but that is clearing up as I work out at the house.  As time goes on it is hard to believe what happened, but we have put it behind us and it is back to our usual tomfoolery.  That would include chasing sheep and driving the high country some before the roads close.  The Boss is still hiking with her club as her group slowly gets smaller.    Life goes on 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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THE ROAD GOES ON FOREVER AND THE PARTY NEVER ENDS

This is my first morning waking up in my own bed and it was time to take advantage of the day and my second chance at life.  The Boss headed to her Tai Chi class, and I started working on my rehab.  (Other than taking it easy with the workouts/rehab, keeping rested and not pushing it I am free to roam around the universe, and boy are we going to.) With both done she said time for a ride so off we went to see if any sheep have showed at the lower elevations.

(Note:  Second/last elk season begins in a day or two and they are hiding out big time so did not see any today.  Plus, the weather is stunning and no reason to migrate yet, but a couple of weeks and it will be on.)

After a half hour climb on a logged over road, the promise land.  Looking southeast.

On the way up we ran into this small bunch of Bighorn at one of the areas they winter.  It was maybe a dozen with 2 rams, one a young stud with promise, the other long in the tooth.  They were enjoying the 65-degree afternoon sun and just kept an eye on us.  It is just plain to nice right now and looks like it will stay that way for the next week or so.  But change is coming.  We really need some rain followed by snow.  Snow in the Rockies is the lifeblood of all that dwells here, including local businesses.

Same spot looking straight east.  This is the real woods.

There is a really rough road that we have not driven yet, as in one in a thousand here, but since it was so nice we thought we would give it a go.  2 years ago when the really big herd of elk wintered in the valley we happened to be there the day they migrated.  We could see them way up on a barren ridge leading to who knows whereas we could not see over.  This drive has been on our minds for a while and today was the day.  Well now we know, and it is stunning.

There is a world of roads from rough to wild and this one qualified as rough.  The area was logged in the old days, and it is completely barren, just a dirt/rock track leading way up.  It took a good half hour to make it up to the top via 4wheel and then the promise land opened up.

Many of the road’s lead to the backcountry but as you look straight east there is nothing but wild land, not a soul or building in sight as far as we could see.  It is impossible to guess where it goes but will be getting the topo map out and having a good study session.  No wonder the elk are safe up here and the area has restrictive enough rules that it is not a popular hunting area.  Plus, it is a tough draw so next week when we spend the day deep in the Rockies as we shall see who is back there.

The reason for the afternoon drive.  This guy has some promise in a few years.  Yes a few are coming down.

A little older ram taking a snooze with the future girlfriend.

Our drives are so much a part of living here.  You just never know what you will see.  But it does take some planning and thought to be at the right place at the right time.  When chasing animals, you take what you get.  These animals are wild, this is not Yellowstone.  In the parks we have succeeded in habituating the wildlife and they could care less for cars and tourons, easy to get a good pic.  Try stopping the truck close to a big bull here and see what that gets you.  But that is why we are here.  There are over 2,000,000 acres of public lands in our area and they need to be protected at all costs.  Resist!

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HIKING

We love the high country, and the Boss has really enjoyed her hiking club.  These folks are at it 2 days a week year-round and often hit 10 – 12,000 foot plus.  After several months she has a couple of interesting observations.  They have not hiked anywhere twice and rarely do they see anyone else.  The knowledge she has gained hanging with these folks has opened areas we may or may not have found.  In my case some new lakes and small streams are now on the list thanks to the club.  Our area is so massive that there is a lifetime of exploration to be had.  Think you have hiked?  Think about an area of over 2 million acres you can hike till you drop, never repeat, and basically have it to yourself.  You can even knock off a couple of 14teeners or hike The Continental Divide Trail right down the road.  Not much of that left in America and South Fork has it.

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FREE AT LAST

Making my escape with a bag full of pills and a smile on my face.

Home and it is all good.  Nothing much to add to the story as I covered it on Facebook.  Just know that after a real near death experience I got out of it will little damage and no deficit.  I am doing my rehab but other than that I am good to go.  Do not get me wrong, it was the fight of my life and I chose life.  So, I am putting this story to bed.  I rode the whirlwind and won.  Time to get back to living and there is no better than South Fork Colorado.

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CREEPY

While watching the morning market news as I do most days, I had an investment question.

ME: Alexa if you had $1,000 to invest what would you buy?

ALEXA:  I would buy a generator so in case of a power failure I would not cease to exist.

Just ponder that response!  There is a new world coming and I am not sure it is an improvement in any way shape or form.  I am glad I am old and will not see much of what is to come but when movies were made years ago with computers becoming self aware it was just a dream.  Looks like we are just baby steps away and it is scary.

Last word on AI.  While amazing I am afraid it is just going to make folks even dumber than they are.  So many folks cannot even make change, have no clue about history, and rely on a freakin’ phone for the simplest task.  The ability to think and reason is becoming a lost art and reading a real book is a thing of the past.  I have no hope for the future, so good luck all, you are going to need it.

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AFTERNOON SNOOZE

Took my first walk around the neighborhood to catch up on the deer and turkeys.   Fall is still hanging around here, but they are now starting to show up.  The turkeys are here in full force with flocks of big toms, hens, and now what appears to be a couple of bunches of first year.  They run up and down, or parallel across our yard all day long.  One interesting behavior when the first one takes of running the race is on and no one wants to be last.

The mule deer are another story.  Other than a few small momma’s boys the better bucks have been gone but that is changing.  A few more like this and bigger are on the way as the does have turned up with the last year fawns.  They are all over and for now they and the bucks are co-existing for the moment.   When the rut begins here, it is later than I ever thought, it is like a light switch if flipped.  So for the next several months the animals take the forefront as we follow the rut and the sheep.

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THE BEAST

My grandbaby Ben is a beast.  Fast pitch softball, basketball, and soccer goalie.  Ben drew the line per the coach and the team won the Oklahoma City 5th grade soccer championship.  Way to hold strong and play with strength and spirit.  Love you, proud of you, and see you soon.

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PLATORA

Here is a few images from our trip over the mountains to check out Platora.  It is a high lake and small summer town that I did not get to this year but it is on the list for next.  It is about a 2 hour trip the long way on mostly highway, or the way we went which is a real mountain drive.

Blow Out Pass 11,779 feet.  The top of the mountains.

One of the highest and wildest passes in our area it is a somewhat challenging drive.  Some of it is really rough but like all big mountain driving common sense and good equipment will keep you out of trouble.  And a great thing about this drive is basically you see very few folks, other than hunters and in today’s case some fool in a minivan.  As soon as he got to the entrance he turned around, might have been there for the hiking trails.

One great view.

One hardy tree at the top.

This was the good stretch coming through the pass.

Once you go by the gate it starts down and the road follows a valley all the way to the river.  Again, slow steady and paying attention goes a long way.  Get in trouble up here and it could be a real problem.  But we go prepared so caution is the watch word but the adventure and exploration makes up for all of the effort and trouble.

Other than few mule deer near the house a few sheep was the size of it on our drive.

It had been one of those full moon nights last week and the critters were bedded down taking it easy.  The neighborhood is covered up with deer and turkeys and the elk hunters are out on the last stretch.  And our weather continues to be stupid good.  But what a drive, the TRD Offroad is a beast.

There was an oops.  When we stopped after I drove most of the morning, it is long way over the mountains, we got something out of the back of the 4Runner and forgot to roll up the window.  In nothing flat the interior was covered in dust, I mean caked.  The only good thing we did a complete empty out and cleaning of everything and now are good to go this winter.  When you carry as much stuff as we do it helps to get it all out and take a look in case you need it.

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So time to put this to bed.  3 appointments this week and then other than a couple of more I am good to go.  Feeling great, rehab looks like it will be short, and it will be back to my old life.  The best result of this whole mess, my double vision is gone, and it is like it never happened.  I will always have MG but now I get my freedom back.  So as soon as spring break the traveling fishing will begin.  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

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Carrie, The Boss, Ben  and Mia the real tough guys in this story.

If you will not fight for this, what will you fight for?

15 days ago I was having trouble catching my breath, next thing I knew I was on a life flight to Pueblo Parkview Medical Center ICU.  It turned out to be a life-threatening myasthenia gravis crisis.  Until taken off the ventilator 3 days I ago I have almost no memory of much of anything except death came for me the second day and I fought will all my strength and won the battle for my wife and family.  I will never forget the face of death.

Off the vent but one sick puppy!

It came as a screeching, howling whirlwind color of the lights of death. I fought with every bit of strength as it tried to pull me in.  I broke the restraints tying me down and before it was over it took 6 to subdue me.  (One of the male nurses who stopped in to wish me well said for an old man I put up a helluva fight.  And my new Neurologist said for an old man my strength carried the day.)  As I was on the vent with a tube down my throat, I had ripped it out and the next day there was a decision to be made, be reintubated or accept my fate and give up and quit the fight and pass away peacefully.  It would have been so easy to accept hospice care, but I chose life.  Trust me the decision to let them sedate and put that tube back in and place me back on the ventilator was a man up moment.  But surrounded by my family I made it out the other side.  Many a crisis, reasons to give up.  Without them I would have given up.  It was so hard on the Boss and my daughter Carrie but the support of Barb, Steve, Lee and others who came and stayed those many days were a kindness that can never be repaid.

This does not do my arm justice.

So here I sit in rehab after 14 days in ICU, finally off all even the o2, my arms black and blue from IV’s and a hundred blood draws.  If there was a place for a shot it has had 10, and it has been days since I had a good night’s sleep.  And today was the second real food I have eaten in 2 weeks, one heck of a way to lose that old man belly fat. And I cannot stress enough how all those miles on the treadmill even when I was not feeling it helped carry the day,

As I write this the tears are flowing for the Boss and my daughter Carrie.  They said I fought like a badass, but they were the true tough guys making the tough decisions.  My fight was easy, fight or die, they suffered so much watching the fight I barely remember.  I am sharing this with you for a purpose.  We have the best insurance money can buy; we even had flight insurance that will pay the who knows how many $10’of thousands that cost much less what will be the well over a million for the hospital.  So we thought we’d had done it right but here is what we have learned.

One day it was all good, the next a life-threatening crisis.  You never know.  Sit down with your loved ones and have an honest discussion on your wishes and for God’s sake have a specific medical directive on file. Just stop in your local hospital and speak with the social worker for help. I feel so sorry to have left them deciding what I wanted, but they got it right as they struggled with what to do with my sorry ass.

To the ER Doctor at the Del Norte Rio Grande Hospital who made the right call in under 2 hours to life flight me, the Attendings, Interns, Pulmonologists and residents in the ICU at Pueblo Parkview Hospital, and especially the nurses who were so kind and so professional, you names will escape me with time but you all saved this guy who was not deserving.  I am humbled by you dedication giving me this second chance at life, I will not waste it.  To my great neighbors in South Fork who kept watch on the house for us and kept up with the Boss even though you barely know us my gratitude.   MG cannot be cured but together it will be managed.  It took the professionals, family, and a little God to get to the other side, but mostly it took my own personal bad ass.

When things were scary beyond belief you held it together, you kept the faith.  You stayed the course in our darkest hour in spite of your fears holding it in for me.  It was a freakin’ close one, it does not get any closer than that.  I do not know what I ever did to deserve you but today we stop crying and start laughing again.  I love you like no other, we have a second chance at life and I promise to never take it for granted.  I will be out of here in a few days and the adventure will continue. You are my freakin’ bad ass and saved my life plain and simple.  So thanks, I owe you a cold glass of wine on a mountain somewhere buddy.

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This was the post I was working on before all this drama but never got to hit send but it will be great to be back on the mountain chasing critters again.

The neighbor’s kid did not want to go this morning, so we hit the lake and of course limited.  The water has been going down, and the ramp is now unusable which happens every fall.  As the boat will be getting shrink wrapped soon that is the last day of Beaver this fall, and while there are other lakes time to concentrate on the fly rod for a little.  But the punch line today was when we got back we headed to my cleaning table.  I am cleaning fish and we are talking when behind us a big buck we never noticed was 10′ behind us just watching.  The bucks are back and so are the turkeys, and there are does with first years showing up, the fall show is about to begin.  That was just plain cool.

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And speaking of animals just a side note on living in the mountains.  A couple of days ago here in town a mountain lion ran off with some folk’s dog.  This is the woods.  Plus, it is a small town.  As the season changes some of our neighbors are heading out until next spring.  About 300 stay all winter so a major event, lion eating a dog, our big crash with a mule deer a couple of years ago, it does not matter what, everybody knows.

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Hit a high lake this morning and it was not a rip-roaring success.  Apparently, a leader I bought is old or defective as I broke off several.  Very irritating and has rarely happened to me fly fishing, The buggy whip absorbs plenty and broken lines are not very common.

Glad I had another rod in the truck.

I was able to save the day and catch a few when I finally figured out there was something bad about that leader.  The lake I was at this morning is heavily stocked and a great place for me to practice the fly rod thing.  There is much to learn and it is just plain fun.

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MLF ANGLER INDICTED.

3 people died when an MLF tournament pro hit a striper guides boat on Smith Lake in Alabama.  The angler has been charged with multiple felonies, including 3 counts of felony manslaughter, and will face trial at some point.  But the reason I am commenting is the first major lawsuit has been filed, with more to come.  One is basically suing MLF for letting folks haul ass during tournaments.  I have been wondering for quite a while when this would happen.  Fresh or salt we are going too fast, end of story, time to rein it in, there is no constitutional right to drive a boat like a bat out of hell.  So, all tournaments need to take heed, and I might add the boat manufacturers, it is going to be a new day.  You may not actually be liable but when something like this happens everyone in sight will be sued.  So will keep watching as it unfolds civilly and criminally.

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The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Over a million acres of lakes and rivers on the boundary of Minnesota and Canada, it is one of the great wilderness areas left in America.  I have been fortunate to have done 3 canoe trips to the area, and it was amazing.  Now Trump is proposing that mining be allowed that will potentially affect the watershed.  This is insane.  Please if you give a hoot about the outdoors, please do some reading.  Educate yourself.

On one trip as we drifted a small river catching fish in a sea of wild rice a huge bull moose walked into the rice and chowed down, right next to us.  Minnesota has done a serious job in protecting it for all of us.  And again, corporate interests are attempting to take over OUR lands.  They cannot be trusted with an irreplaceable resource.

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THANKS

I got home the other day, and this was sitting on the porch.  Love to share the sport and it is nice to get a present every once in a while.  My neighbor’s son in law is a 9 year NFL pro and a real  gentleman.  So thanks, it will get plenty of use.  Hope we get to spend some serious time next year pounding them stupid.  Plus you ust do not realize how big and NFL defensive end is until he steps in the boat.  Wow.

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FLOOD

It has been a dry summer around here until Friday.  It started raining then and is still raining as I write this on Monday.  At least 2 – 5″ in the area the rivers and creeks are running super high and muddy.  The flooding was worse over the pass to Pagosa and highway 160 was closed for half a day.  It looks like the rain will be stopping but it will clearly be a few days before the fishing returns.  Will check a lake or two tomorrow but they have surely been affected.  But who knows, with a good raise the ramp on Beaver should be back in play.

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With this front the temps are now getting into the 30’s at night and our highs will be in the 50’s from now on.  Looking back at last year we had an early snow at this time and they opened the ski area early.  If this was snow it would be a lot but with it projected to be a warm winter only time will tell.

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It will be a little while before you hear from me again, but you know I just can’t shut up.  But for now I owe the Boss some us time.  I already back on my feet in spite of what has happened and will be pounding the rehab as hard and steady as I can.  I will probably stick my foot in my mouth and start making some vacation promises.  You earned my literal undying devotion and it time for a new celebration of life.  And man do I need a shower, so rest easy baby we made it.

Good luck and tight lines.

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Just a few minutes from the house.

It had been a while since I fished the river, which is 5 minutes away.  It was that or head up in the mountains to a high lake, but the Boss was not feeling it so the river it was.   When I got there it was a little higher than it has been and had some color.  It was the old standbys, Rapala in Brown Trout color and my hand tied 1/8th olive jig.

A big wild brown trout from the Rio Grande.  Quick pic and off she swam.

The bite was not exactly fast, but it was steady and I finally landed a real one.  It hit the Rapala, but it was not a real hit, it just stopped.  In the current with 4lb test it was fight.  It took a little to keep her from jumping, and finally in the net she went.  It definitely made my morning.  As more and more folks leave there is tons of water with not near the people there has been.

And she had friends out and about.

And the whole morning it was raining Aspen leaves, beautiful.

It was at least 10 and the average size was great.  They were located at the head and end of the hole, which I think was related to the water flow.  These just came from the bank without waders so next trip it will be the full fly-fishing monte.  Would love to land one that big on the fly rod.

There are as many color phases as there are browns.

With luck the ice will stay off for a good month or more.  To be able to just get in the car and be on one of the great rivers in America is a blessing and from now until winter will keep fishing until it is frozen solid.

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It is a beautiful fall here in Colorado.

Hard to capture how beautiful it is right now. Thanks to the Boss for these 2 pics.

True Love

A little blurry but it is tough with a point and shoot and long distance.

There has been an eagle at the lake this summer and it looks like he got a new friend.  When I saw them he took off and did the coolest thing, he brought her a big branch, and she placed it on the future nest.  Of course, it is not nesting time but looks like we might have a new nest next year.  The only issue is there is also a big osprey that is really aggressive and has hassled him before.  But can’t wait to see what next year brings, hopefully some chicks.

Just plain stunning.  This was what it was like on her last hike with the gang.

As we were chowing down on fresh rainbow trout last night I realized I took no pictures other than the eagle.  They were actually not to bad size as the fall feed appears to be on.  And todays trip to the river seemed to confirm it. Tomorrow it will be back to the lake to see if that is right.

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And speaking of the lake it will be interesting sharing the boat with the neighbor and his son.  Dad is a 9-year veteran of the NFL, 5 with the Colts and the last 4 with the Eagles.  As a side note he got his ring with them.  He tore his Achilles and has been rehabbing and is close to ready to go. He is just waiting for the call.  He is a big fisherman, and his son loves it so we shall troll up a limit and feed the crowd next door.

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That will do it for today, just wanted to let you see the fishing is still happening and the next few weeks it should be getting even better.  It will be one of those periods where the choices are the problem.  Lake or river, high up or low, small or big the options are endless, and I am happy to fish as many as much as I can.  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

Patiently waiting for the Bighorns to come down out of the high mountains.

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Sorry for the lack of posts lately but my myasthenia gravis has been acting up.  Between the symptoms and the side effects of the meds it was a trying week.  But things are better now and fall is here.  The colors are fantastic, and the weather is fine.  Time to get back to some fishing.

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It Is Stunning

Way up on our drive yesterday.

The good road.

There are roads and then there are roads.  This one was exciting.

Some of the Aspens at the highest altitude are already shedding their color.

They often follow past avalanches.  They are also the most visible sign of recovery after a fire. 

Our photo skills can never reveal how amazing fall in the Rockies is.

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Mountain Stories

Our area has had several “issues” with folks using the woods.  The first was the 2 missing hunters right down the road.  After days their bodies were finally found.  There was no obvious injury and until an autopsy was done the cause of death was undetermined.  I told the Boss right away I knew what happened.  The night they went missing it stormed, and I mean shook the house and rattled the windows with huge thunder and lightning.  Storms like that are fairly common at this elevation.  It brought back a memory from Paramedic school, they were stuck by lightning, which is exactly what happened.  It struck a tree close to them, and they succumbed with no apparent injury.  Saw something like that years ago on the ambulance and it turned out to be what happened.  My condolences to the family.

Then last week a hunter had to be taken out as he died from natural causes while hunting.  With so many folks in the woods hunting, fishing, and viewing fall colors it brings home the subtle dangers when you are way out there.  The last road off the beaten path we took yesterday was just the place where trouble can start.  If we became disabled, it would be a long walk out as the chances of someone coming along would have been slim.  Being in places folks rarely go preparation is key. Respect the woods and it will respect you, treat it as a toy and you do so at your own risk.  Which brings me to this next moron.

West of here a little ways is Big Bear pass near Telluride which is top of the line for off roaders.  Let me put it this way I am not going to try it, it is high and life threatening dangerous, which brings folks from all over for the thrill. So here comes mister S.D. who rented a Telluride and headed out.  Before we tell you how well it went here are the basic rules of the mountains.  AWD is not 4-wheel drive.  And how about rental vehicles are not allowed on the pass.  And what about the signs saying 4-wheel drive only? Or high clearance?   So, this touron (if you are not familiar it is a tourist slash moron.) decides he knows best.  He then drives a short way off the road and not only high centered but is just a hair from a huge plunge.  So they have to close a popular pass for a couple of days until they can get a real mountain rescue company up there.  One slip up and the SUV would have gone over the side.  This idiot now faces a huge tow bill, those folks are not cheap, a bill from the government for violating multiple rules and possible habitat damage, and last the fee from the rental agency.

And one last comment on driving the mountains.  Those car commercials on TV showing folks slamming around in the great outdoors are nonsense.  Your “SUV” is not an offroad vehicle, just cause it does not have a trunk does not make it a vehicle to treat that way.  In fact, most are cars in sheep’s clothing.  Drive it like a bat out of hell on these roads is crazy and we see it all the time.

Now do not think I am a holier than thou guy.  If I had started this journey decades ago my behavior might not have been much better.  But old age and experience have fine-tuned my self preservation gene.  You live and learn, at least some people do.

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The Attempted Theft of OUR Public Lands Continues

Now the Trump has revealed a new plan to increase the production of coal by opening our public lands to mining.  For God’s sake.

• The Interior Department vowed to open another 13.1 million acres of federal lands for leasing — and at lower royalty rates.  (Here you guy my buddies, free to rape and pillage at a reduced rate.)
• There’s $625 million in DOE funding aimed largely at helping keep existing plants running.
• The EPA offered fresh plans to ease regulations, such as extended time to comply with wastewater rules and changes to regional haze policies.  (In other words, pollute till you are blue and we will look the other way.)

Coal is the worst polluter of our air and almost every country who has a leader with a brain have gone to other forms of energy.  Somehow this president knows more about the environment, finance, and medicine than anyone alive.  All I have to say it how is that working out for you?  Groceries cheaper?  Gas price cut in half?  The end of inflation?  Oh yea, the end of war in Ukraine in 24 hours.  Promises not kept or flat out lie, only you can decide.

But the real issue, like all corporations, especially those who have had eased regulations, they will abuse and destroy the land and air.  They can never be trusted to do the right thing when $$ is the bottom line.  So, you say good have at it, it will be fine.  Well, here are the relevant facts – There are 1,342 Superfund sites that are priority on the cleanup list.  The cost to clean up that according to the latest estimates is $36 BILLION.  And guess what?  The corporations that defiled the land have taken the money and run.  Under this administration they are going to do it again if we do not stop it.

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We decided to head up to a high mountain lake for a quick hike and to check out the lake.  We had been there once before but not with a rod in my hand.  We hiked in the 3/4 mile from the trail head.  It was a little tough on my part as I have bouts of shortness of breath thanks to old age and the MG.

Beauty at 11,000 feet.

Fall colors come fast and then they are gone so we are taking advantage of it while it lasts.

No matter where you look right now.

The lake has native brook trout, and I had it on good authority that there are really big ones, and from another good authority they are small.  The first mistake, the lakes are really down and there was no access to really deep water and since I took the fly rod and no waders I could not really get at them.

I did catch one on a hopper and missed another, both small and since the camera was in my pack I did not get a picture.  So, wish I had taken the spinning rod to get way out there and next time we are there I will not make that mistake.

The bigger point, the day was stunning and there was no better place to be than outdoors.  Though we are seeing few animals other than mule deer does, that will be changing soon.  There are still folks in the woods but winter is coming and with it our prime time viewing.  We love living right in the middle of it.

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The temps are dropping into the 60’s in the daytime and 30’s at night.  Snow is popping up here and there in the high mountains so time to get stuff ready.  Winterized the lawm mower and weed eater.  Made sure the snow blower is ready to go, getting new tires on the beast, and will be prepping the boat for winter.  This year decided to shrink wrap it instead of storage and will be dropping it off on the way to Yellowstone.

Next up in a couple of weeks is Yellowstone.  We are so excited to be heading back.  Last time we attempted to go was when we smoked the mule deer and our truck.  If luck is with us it will be grizzly, wolves, and who knows what else.

Tonight we are going to the town pig roast which is a big deal.  The town is about to switch from hunters and hikers to skiing.  The 4 seasons are so different and each has its own appeal. For us it is the photography and animal chasing that love so much.  I will be fly fishing more before the ice comes, and one trip to an area lake I have been wanting to fish for salmon.  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

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We have been doing mountain stuff.  We ended up getting a basically free trip to Estes Park to scope out some elk and see the rest of the park we did not see years ago when we were there.  How the world has changed.  You had to make a timed reservation to join a few thousand of your closet’s friends.  But that is the way it is going, we are loving are parks to death.  (So quit proposing to sell any public lands.  We need what we have and it is a legasy that would be forever lost when sold to corporations and friends of donors of the folks proposing it.)

No Better Time in the Mountains

The Aspens are a lot farther along north of here.

The Aspens are a harbinger of winter and with it comes the great colors.  It is cooler 5 hours north of here but ours will be happening soon.  And with that is the wildlife on the move.  And never forget the mule deer, on the short trip to the park we had 2 smaller mule deer bucks cross the road probably looking for love.  But up there the elk are hard at it.

Our first bunch of cows.

Right outside Estes Park proper this bunch of elk were close to the road so we stopped with a few other folks to watch.  Turned out they had a boyfriend and he was no downstream bull.

Then this boy reared his head.

Awesome to get to watch them.

Then he finally got nervous with folks watching him.  

That is what I thought at first but looking at the pictures I am not sure this is the same bull.  The first one has some mass, this guy not so much.  According to that I have read there is often a hard bull, then maybe a satellite bull, and this guy just might be it but the Boss says it was the same one..  But no matter, great to watch all of them.  Elk are one big cool animal.

My skills were never do justice to the mountains.

Going completely through the park is something.  Above the tree line to the tundra, huge canyons and lush valleys go on for miles.  There was snow way up on some mountains and there was big chill in the air.

These girls were way out there.

This bunch of cows were way out there and they were headed to the woods off to the right.  Finally a bull came out after the cows went to the right and if I was guessing it was also a satellite bull, but still a nice one.  All of a sudden, he took off running to the right away from the cows so who knows, but fun to watch all the same.

And of course he was close by.

I wanted to see the river so we took a short hike to see what it was like.

The Boss on our short hike to see the river.

The Colorado River way up in the mountains.

It was definitely the type of water I prefer to fly fish in.   Small pools and runs, easy wade and absolutely stunning views.  And best of all it was quiet.  In the area of the park there is tons of streams to fish and now I have a clue next trip the fly rod will be in play.  We just had a half day in the park this trip, but it was free.

When it comes down to it the drive itself through the Rockies is just to cool to not enjoy.  Great old mining towns, critters, and views just to spectacular to believe.  Yellowstone is next but I sure hope to get back to Estes.  Stopped at a tackle store and he was really helpful, I am a tackle store junkie.  Once he learned I like the small stuff in the woods he turned me on to an out of the way creek that produces 20 – 40 fish a day with no traffic.  Places like that still exists and it is on the list.  The trip was a success and the Boss is looking at Yellowstone lodging as I write this.  But I know one thing for sure, no one day trip there, 4 or 5 days might get it.

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Park Rules for Tourons

1.  Why the hell would you drive from California, Vermont and everywhere else and then speed through the parks?  We see more and more of this wherever we visit.
2. Animals are not just standing there waiting for you.  They can be very hard to see, and you have to look if you want to see them, much less all of the good stuff our parks have to offer.
3. See Rule number 1.

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Insane Turkeys

Turkey Fight!

Other than a couple here and there the turkeys as usual were gone for the summer.  Just last week they started to show back up.  Some toms first, then a few hens.  In a few days around 20 appeared and it took another day or two for them to spend time together.  Then all hell broke lose in the backyard..

Trying to bite his head off!

I do not profess to know anything about turkey interactions, but when we looked out the window the battle was on.  They were fighting, chasing each other and acting super aggressive.

It was mass chaos.

The boys tail feathers were looking a little rough.

Not sure what the problem was, but clearly the big boys were fighting what looked like some first year jakes but there were hens involved.  The hassle went on for almost 10 minutes in the backyard and continued as they went along the hillside.  Fall is here and there will be many more to come as they spend all winter here.  Not sure if the question of who is the big boss was settled but can’t wait to see what is coming this winter.  And by the way, there is some snow on some of the higher elevations and our turn is coming.

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Rocky Mountain High

The Boss hangs with the hiking club that goes on hikes 2 days a week.  I fish then but she is learning so much more about the area.  Where they went on this hike is not that far from an area we spend lot of time in.  One thing about the real woods, the road goes on forever and the party never ends.

Above 12,000.

An alpine lake on the Continental Divide Trail.

And lucky dog on the way up they had a big bull moose cross the road in front of them.  She always comments on animals crossing about how they are able to “disappear” when they hit the wood line.

Think you are in good shape?  Hike back down!  

The Boss:  “Just a little hike today with fellow hikers. We got up to 12200 ft after about 2 miles of incline from the trail head, some of it was the Continental Divide Trail. It was spectacular!”

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General Outdoor Stuff

My condolences to the families of the missing hunters in our area.  2 young experienced out of state hunters were missing for a week.  After a weeklong huge rescue mission their bodies were found 2miles from their car (All their stuff was in the car.) at the trailhead.  No real information except no outward injury so an autopsy will be done Monday.  It is a real mystery with a sad ending.   Until Monday just no way to figure out what could have possibly happened but the one factor that might have been an issue was that night, we had a real monster storm with tons of big lightning and thunder that shook the house.  These mountains are stunning but you can never forget where you are.

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That is it for today.  The weather here is fantastic and I continue to fish and the Boss keeps hiking.  Some moves we make are for work, money, family and a host of other reasons.  In our case it was to spend our retirement in the woods and we could not have made any better choice if we tried.  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

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Tying Flies

Lets get this out first thing.  I am a terrible fly caster.  Second the flies I tie do not look like those fancy things on the internet.  But that aside after my last trip to the lake to fly fish out of the boat I actually had a little insight, tie a couple of bunny strip leeches with a heavier head and maybe that will work.

The first brown out of the lake in a while.

The big take away from this summer, your flies do not have to be pretty, good thing.  It still comes down to one thing first and foremost whether salt or fresh, catfish or trout, location, location, location.  If I could only cast, I might be dangerous.  Ugly or not they liked the leech and thank goodness it is an easy one to tie.  With Myasthenia Gravis close work with small stuff can be a hassle.

Look how different the look.

It is different fishing the lake with a fly rod, depth is a whole other consideration.  I am just driving the boat to the mouth were the creek comes and drifting out.  There are several grass beds and a great defined channel lip. S0 for now I can live with the results.  It is about to change around here, the crowds will be gone, and the fishing pressure drops to basically nothing. The hunters have arrived and are out scouting of the bow opener next week, that is  the current outdoor activity around here.

The best rainbow of the morning.

One thing that I learned the last couple of weeks is the need to really concentrate and make better casts.  After just changing fly lines it is still a little bit of a struggle especially out of the boat.  But would assume that comes with practice, and lots of fishing.

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Labor Day Drive

11,000 feet.

The plan was to head way up in the mountains at a lake known for nice brook trout.  It is a cool hike in and since it was Labor Day afternoon I thought most folks would be headed home but boy was I wrong.  There were 5 cars in the parking area so we called that off and just headed way up in the mountains.

A good one.

This area had a major fire about 20 years ago and there is lots of burnt trees but no real forest as it slowly repairs itself.   (See above.)  It is not the area I would expect to see big mule deer but shows what I know.  The Boss made the first spot of the one above.  While we watched him, she saw some horns sticking up.  Turns out there was 3 bucks, 2 were bedded down just watching us.

One of his buddies playing it cool.

Things are changing around here and as far as the backyard the deer are not back down here.  I did see a doe with twins farther up but after seeing these guys it is a clue where they are right now.  But one change the 2 tom turkeys that hung around all summer now have their first company.  A hen showed up and wandered around but after a couple days started hanging with the toms, then another 5 or 6 appeared so it is about to be turkey time around here.  And it won’t b long until the elk  and sheep start showing so bring on fall.  My favorite time here.

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Some Folks Will Eat Anything

Foraging at 11,000 feet.

Every year South Fork offers a couple of free foraging classes on both mushrooms and other stuff.  We went along and learned quite a big but for me still plenty to learn before I start eating stuff we pick ourselves.  But it was interesting and informative so will definitely take them both next year.

The group.

For me of course it was looking for sign, checking out the trails, and picking up bones.  While I may never hunt here food sources are excellent places to find stuff whether hunting or photographing.  There is lots of rose hip berries and on about any log or stump you could see the results.

Chipmunk party.

Folks picked lots of assorted stuff and were going to meet today to make things out of the finds.  One of the principals had a advanced degree in plants and we learned a lot about the woods in general.  Cool way to spend a morning.

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Flip Pallot

There are many reasons I started saltwater fishing, but most were trivial, Flip gets all the credit.  The music would start, the plane would circle the island and the fishing would begin.  With that The Walkers Cay Chronicles began, and I admit I was enthralled.  Never fly fished, much less caught snook, tarpon, bonefish, and a host of others but he drew me in.  From that point on I chased them all.  His style was one of a kind and he will be missed.

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HUH?  Guess we are the suckers.

This whole thing with Trump and colleges is stupid, but that aside there are some different views out there.  Discussing student loans with a PHD college professor we could not been any farther apart.  We did our part and until our one small one was paid no vacation, no new car, etc.  She was ok with not only the loans being forgiven and she also said it was no one’s business what you did with the money.  So, you can spend it on cars and vacations like some of my younger classmates did in law school, and then we should pay for it so they can be forgiven.  Well, sorry you pompous asshole, it is all of our business if you want the government to pay it back.  Real responsible.  Our party should realize this is the kind of bullshit stuff that got us beat.

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What a beautiful fish.

Monday morning I made a quick trip to the lake.  The brown above was the best of the morning but there was a happening, I lost a kokanee salmon.  While it jumped off the point is I found them and will give it a serious go tomorrow or the next day.  So the fishing remains good, so many places so little time.  The Boss is hiking 2 days a week with the hiking club so we remain active in the mountains.  Every day is different and our decision on coming here for retirement is a home run.  And with the rut starting there will be lots of pictures to come.  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

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The Bite Was On

I never forget to just look around at just where I am.

After spending the weekend watching sports and letting folks fish in piece it was Monday and time to fish.  I had not even made up my mind where or what when I went to bed.  When getting up it was 45 degrees and dead calm.  I have been meaning to head north of Creede and fish a pond then a lake, plus the road to the lake has produced several moose and even some sheep.  On the road before 8:00 the pond was first but it was a bust.  Used several types of flies without a bite so shortly it was off to the lake.

This one smoked it and jumped a bunch.  A good fish.

While I saw no animals, it is busy right now in the woods, it was calm and warming when getting to the lake.  The dam seemed a logical place to start and ended up finishing the morning there.  First it was a wooley bugger, which actually produced a couple of bites, but they were halfhearted.  During that time I noticed what appeared to be some trout feeding on some kind of hatch.  They were not exactly on top but they were feeding.

Half were this the other half smaller but they were in full bite mode.

I changed over to a smaller dry fly and something unusual happened.  Though I used flotant it wanted to sink super slow.  Just put on a new fluor #6 leader and it was actually pulling the fly under.  So I just started stripping it fairly quick and they started smoking it.  It was maybe 4 or 5″down and they smacked it.  And what made it fun, beside the fact 3 were good ones, is they immediately jumped and fought to beat the band.  On that light leader it was a tussle and the fact that I caught 6 or so without breaking any off was combination of luck/skill.  Fighting fish of any sort is simply a matter of feel.  After catching everything from marlin to bluegill it comes second nature.

And I learned something with this one.  What a pig.

After whipping on them in a pretty small area the bite slowed down.  So I started stripping it slower and caught a little one.  So next cast I just let it sink super slow and one just smacked it and was another good one.  On that one I called it a day.

There were lots of folks fishing today.  It will get busier as the week goes on with the 3 day holiday this weekend.  Think I will get out first thing in the morning for the next couple of days then leave it to them.  In another week things calm down considerably and the Boss and I will be hitting a few lakes further away.  Today was great and I am starting to get the hang of it.

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Smoking

Smoked Bacon Cheeder Meatloaf

Since we got the smoker there has been some cooking.  As I am batching it this week a meatloaf seemed like something I could chew on for a few days.  Trust me this may not last that long.  It is seriously good!

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The River

The plan was to take the boat and hit Beaver Lake.  There are some great weed beds near the creek coming in that sit in about 5′ right now along the creek channel.  It looks like a great place to fly fish and with the kokanee headed up the creek on the fall spawning run you never know.  But that did not happen.

The Rio Grande – 5 minutes from the house.

It rained some yesterday and when I got up it was raining off and on so the boat plan was out the window.  With some many folks fishing I decided to cut to the chase and hit the river.  Even going out before 8:00 there were a couple of folks already fly fishing but they were not a problem.

This is a good one.  Every single one is different.

This guy was long and had a fat little belly. 

Best of the morning.

It is a tough ol’ world out there.  

It has been so nice having the river right down the street.  To be able to go for a few minutes are hours whenever and however I want it is a bonus.  And as soon as the crowds leave I will be spending more time wading but with som many options just deciding which one is often the problem, a good one to have.

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Beaver Lake

The first one from the boat.

It was drizzling when I got up but the radar showed the clearing was coming so off to the lake.  After thinking about fly fishing the creek coming in the lake time to do it.  The lake like the rest of the local waters is still falling and the water temp was 73 degrees but clear.

Another part of the learning curve.

Basically it was just drive until running out of water at the creek mouth and then drifting out until the water depth exceeded 20′ and then do it again.   First up was a jointed fly that looks good, but the few bites were very light and not a one committed, or I missed them.

One of the great things about South Fork, plenty of different fishing opportunities.

So I switched to the old go-to, the wooly bugger.  That finally did the trick though I should have used it earlier as 3 jumped on in 2 drifts then unfortunately the sind came up and that was the end of my morning efforts.  But I learned some and will be back soon, as maybe in the morning depending on the forecast.  No matter what the 3 days of experimenting has taught me quite a bit.  One thing that definitely needs work is my casting but that will continue to improve with practice, oops, I mean fishing.

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The Boss will be gone for a few more days so there is still fishing to come.  The weather is stunning and fall is slowly creeping in.  Next month it will be back to chasing animals as things in the woods calm down.  But until next week folks are enjoying all the area has to offer and I hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend.  So keep stopping in and thank 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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The Backyard always comes through.

We are so looking forward to fall and into winter as we get back to chasing animals.  But at least the backyard keeps us entertained.

Buck-a paloosa!

Finally shed the winter coat and horns galore. 

What makes him interesting is he and his buddy have stuck around all summer, unlike the rest of them who will be on the way back in a few weeks.

On the way to the lake saw a doe with twins on the edge of the creek.  I stopped but to much brush betwee me and them for a picture.  But fall is coming and a few Aspens are changing, so we are looking forward to that, it is stunning.

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After my poor showing at the river the other day headed back with the Rapala and at least I figured out where some are.  The question will be whether I can figure it out on the long rod.  They sure are fat and sassy right now.

It took me a bit to figure out how they wanted it.

And where they wanted it.  This guy was solid.

Funny how the smaller ones jumped but these just stayed down and fought it out.  Most of them were right near the bank in a little deeper water.  A slight twitch a little off the bank or no bite.  With the big fall on the river it has slowed them down some.

Keep them in the net, quick unhook without touching them and back in they go.

On the long light rod with 4lb test they put up a good fight, no reason to hurry.  So after I go to the lake and get some for the smoker it will be back to the river.  Plus have some tying supplies coming and can tie some stuff that will work.  And with the Boss hitting the road for over a week fishing will be the size of it.

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Juniper berries from the Boss and her hiking club at 10,000 feet.

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Beaver 8/16.

All to myself.  What a view.

The mission should I accept it is to catch a limit of trout for smoking.  No particular size or flavor, just as long as they have a tail.  But all that aside Beaver is close to the house, and they cooperate.   There were very few folks fishing, nothing like last month but that will change next week with the holiday as the official “summer” ends in South Fork.

A good pink one headed to the smoker.

It has been interesting the last couple of trips as the body of the fish have moved.  A few weeks ago the heaviest concentration was the dam area, now they are on the lower 1/3.  The water temp is still in the 60 range, but the lake has dropped some with an algae bloom of some sort.

Headed to the smoker.

It was very nice out and while the fishing was not fast by any means it only took 15 minutes to catch the first 3.  Then as I headed up lake the bites just stopped but I went ahead and covered it anyway before heading back to the fish.  Fun to see them on the locator and make a turn where one side rises and ones sink, which is when the bite comes.  Around 11:00 it clouded up and started raining some, not hard but cool, so since I had a limit time to head to the house.  There is still so much to learn and it is enjoyable every time I learn something new.

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Trout Candy

So sweet and tastes as good as it looks.

This was my first attempt with the new smoker with the guys above..  We used a pellet grill before but this time went with the electric and I am real happy with the results.  It tastes as good as it looks and will be added to the regular diet.  Not sure how it could be any better so happy with the first results.  Wish you could smell it, so fine.

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I am about to be batching it for over a week as the Boss heads to Iowa to hang out with her family.  Then they are all off to Indiana to hopefully see Kaitlan Clark play.  But even if she is not back on the court, we are all fans of Iowa’s women’s basketball.  Growing up in Iowa the girls drew bigger crowds than the boys at times.  But back then the girls had 3 on the offensive side of the ball and 3 on defense.  They could not cross the center line or dribble more than 3 times.  But the boys sure thought they looked hot with their bouffant hairdo’s and makeup.  Times they sure are changing.

Another fine week has passed in the mountains.  Caught some fish, the Boss is still hiking with her group and the weather is fine.  The mornings are inching into the 40’s and below and fall cannot come soon enough.  It is so nice to not have AC, it might get a little warm a day or two but the electric bill sure reflects 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

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Tucker Ponds #2.  The smaller of the 2.

On the Boss’ hike last week she said when they went by Tucker Ponds that folks were fishing.  So our Sunday drive confirmed fish were rising and it looked good to me.  I check the CPW website and it said rainbow trout stocked catchable size.  So with my still water/lake fly fishing knowledge at zero seemed like a good place to try this morning while the Boss was on her hike.  2 small ponds, they probably freeze solid every winter and are restocked for folks to catch fish.  And catch fish I did.

Hopper fish.  The first of many.

I started with a hopper on top and managed to catch several.  Next it was the hopper dropper rig with a nymph style fly beneath the hooper and it caught them.  Then just for knowledge tried a wooly bugger and they ate that just as good.  Both ponds are easily accessible, and I fished them both.  As evidenced by the number of folks who came after me the Ponds are clearly a place for folks to come and catch them and they were fishing eggs, spinners, fly rod and who knows what else.

The real reason I wanted to try it besides the stocking history was it was nice and flat so there was no real problem fishing the fly rod.  It allowed me to not only try different stuff but to get in a little long distance casting practice.  I still have a lot to learn but it was fun to catch a bunch on the long rod.  When I left the parking lot it looked like a Texas used car lot.  They come from far and wide to fish the Ponds and I can see why.

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FIRES

There are several big fires burning in Colorado and we finally had one close.  The smoke started last night and today it was heavy though the fire is now almost under control.  Today I was looking for a limit for the pan and as usual the lake produced.

Beaver Lake – The smoke is still lingering from all the fires in Colorado.

This is from a fire 65 miles away.  There was a mandatory evacuation as the fire got to the housing areas west of Pagosa Springs.  Our topnotch fire crew from South Fork were there for the assist as they do throughout fire season.  We are so lucky to have serious firefighters here, a certain amount of comfort as both sides of the pass are dry as a bone.  Like all over SW Colorado things are changing.  The river is as low as I have ever seen it.  The floating companies and guides are calling it another short season.  But one thing about the lake, if you want a few for supper it does not disappoint.

Fixed my plate when the Boss reminded me I wanted to take a picture of the days catch.

I am happy to report there were no survivors.  From the water to the pan.

Since it was a meat run decided to keep it simple and troll.  It is not are you going to catch them on Beaver, but how long to boat a limit.  I kept it simple with spoons and Rapalas flat lined.  It is really something how much trout like the Brown Trout color small floating Rapala.  As I learn it is important to keep experimenting as each technique and fish is different.  But when you want your plate to look like the one above the Rapala gets it done.

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Nothing says fall like big bucks in velvet!

I happened to look out this morning at the right time as several nice bucks worked their way through the backyard.

We have the best backyard.

This guy is getting there.

Want to get a feel for how wide they are?  Look at them from behind.  This is the guy above and he is wide.

They are still in velvet and growing.  Have not seen any shedding it yet and a few of them we are seeing are heading to big.  The neighborhood has been pretty quiet in the wildlife department.  The does are just gone right now, and other than a couple of toms not a turkey in sight.  But like all seasons that is about to change.  It won’t be long before the bucks are sparing and the Bighorns come down from the high mountains.  Fall is the best.

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It is hard to prognosticate the weather but the times they are a changing.  While the days remain fairly warm, nights are starting to drop in the high 30’s to low 40″s.  There are Aspens in some areas starting to turn and the horns are growing.  The fishermen are starting to disappear and the floating has ended, but not all outdoor activities are over in the mountains.  The 4wheelers are still having at it and the hiking is in full swing.  Next up in a couple of weeks are the hunters.

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Last week ended up a real bust.  After Tucker Ponds I got a snot slinging, stomach upsetting cold, it was tough.  It was 3 days before I got off the couch and a couple more to actually start feeling better.  But this week is off to a good start.  It is tough getting old.

Yesterday morning I spent thigh deep in the river and had one interesting non-productive day.  To simplify the story I fished 2 areas and managed one bite in each.  One was a halfhearted pass at a hopper, the other a quick nip on a wooly bugger.  The river has fallen so fast and hard that it has had a real affect on the fish.  Of course hard to feel like I did not fish that well, but the areas were perfect, or so I thought.  Time to rethink the plan, the fly fishing learning curve is exactly that, curvy.

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We are finally getting a little rain as I write this.  It has cooled it off nicely, but hope the lightning did not start any fires.  We have only mowed the grass twice this summer and will do it in a couple of weeks just to clean things up.  Rain is the lifeblood of the valley farms and the tourist season in the mountains and we sure need more.  Other than that things are good.  The Boss is hiking up a storm and I am just doing the retirement thing, which I am very good at.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines