FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

VOTE

Go vote, it is your civic duty.  When voting the people speak.  Our elected officials from county commissioner to president need hearing aids at times as they forget to listen to we the people.  But unless your voice is heard by voting they will continue to do as they please, often not in our best interest.  Plus, you can’t whine if you do not vote, you relinquished that right.  And once it is over it is over, we all need to accept the results and move on.  God bless America the greatest country in the history of civilization.

Weather

72/85.  Partly sunny and warmer; breezy in the afternoon with a 25% chance of rain.  Wind   SSE  12 – 30mph.

Lake Level

Yesterday 95.98 msl.  Today 95.99.  (Will just see if it is a slow rise.)

Bite Times

Major      9:28 am to 11:28 am.  (I can live with that, hope the fish read the book!.)

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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No pictures, unless you want to look at a bunch of smalls. But this is what happens in the fall, tough conditions and scattered fish.  And scattered they are, catching can simply be a matter of zigging when you should have zagged.  The only change in conditions was the water warmed a couple of degrees (So wrong in the fall when we want the drop to get us to winter fishing.)  nor did it help matters that the sun was out most of the day after the fog cleared.

I fished close to the ramp area as it was really foggy, it was 9:30 before it started to clear.  The Whopper Plopper was a good choice and while I caught 3 none even came close to making the grade.  As it cleared, I made my way up lake fishing points, some deep and some shallow but it was just plain slow.  The only good fish actually came on a swim jig and managed to make an escape when I tried to boat flip.  The most bites came on the chartreuse square bill, but they were all smalls.  At best I boated 10 this morning, it was tough with absolutely no pattern or bait preference to home in on.

The wind was forecast to blow up to and past 20mph, and until almost noon it did not blow at all.  I kept hoping that once it started there might be a spinnerbait bite.  So once the wind came up, I switched and 2 jumped the spinnerbait in miles of bank, from flat shallow to deeper channels it took a big stump to scare one up.  At this point I was not feeling it and although I caught one on my last cast, I decided to call it a day.  I was a little frustrated and feeling clueless but there was a reason I quit at that minute.

As I got close to the ramp there was a boat out in the middle of the lake and it looked like they are having motor trouble, so I motored over.  They were paddling their rear end off but getting further away from the ramp as the wind picked up.  There is no way they would have made it.  They had been paddling a while and were losing ground fast, the wind was picking up and they were just about to give out.

So, I grabbed a rope and towed them to the ramp.  They were both 80 years old and with only one other truck at the ramp, who I never saw anywhere, they would have probably been stranded.  Once I loaded my boat on the trailer, I noticed they were still sitting in the boat, and I asked if they had help coming.  He said he was just resting and was just too tired to do anything.  He finally headed for his truck, so I parked and went down and helped them get it on the trailer.  Though the fishing sucked there was a reason I was out there, it could not have worked out any better.

Over the years I have been fortunate enough to only be towed in once but have towed a bunch of folks.  It always disturbs (Pisses me off!) when I see folks drive right by someone in obvious distress.  I will always repeat the POC story as the worst example of really mean behavior. Watching all the high dollar boats full of sanctimonious rear ends drive right by a boat obviously have trouble really irritated me, when I stopped to check on them they had paddled all the way from the island.  It was fairly busy that day and they said lots of folks just went right on by.  Do not do that please.  It could happen to any of us but in the end stopping and checking on our fellow fishermen is simply the right thing to do.

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Some absolute slime ball shot a Desert Bighorn in western Colorado and left it laying there.  They did not even take the horns; it was a 3/4 curl.  And they did not take any of the meat.  People spend years and tens of thousands of dollars just to get a chance of taking a Bighorn.  Only 4 permits are drawn in the 2 units in the area where the sheep was poached.  Because some of the act is a felony serious jail time is possible.  Fine/restitution can top $25,000 along with a lifetime hunting ban.  If/when they catch this fool the book should be thrown at him.  I have no problem with sheep hunting, it is a bucket list hunt of a lifetime for anyone.  Though I have no chance of drawing a sheep tag, I will apply for it all.  What a waste of a magnificent animal.

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I am going to do something I rarely do any more, fish the lake on Saturday.  Saturday happens to be the opening of deer and turkey season and while there will be folks fishing it will not be as busy.   And if you are hunting, please be careful as you enjoy the weekend.  Plus, I get to the ramp early and generally beat the crowd, but I am not sure being on the water exactly at daylight has been helping but I keep hoping.  Now if the clouds will hang around and the wind will blow it should be a better day.  So, keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

It has been over 3 weeks since I fished the lake.  Lots has happened in that 3 weeks but things should settle down, at least until it is back to Colorado.  The good thing is the next couple of months are my favorite fishing time of the year and I will be taking full advantage of it.  And with deer hunting in full swing next week traffic will be down, the one time of year we can say that.

I have no clue what to expect tomorrow.  Good clouds will definitely help as will a little drizzle.  So tied on is a Whopper Plopper, Band O Lure, swim jig, crankbait and several plastics.  No guess what will work, and there will be a short stop to see if our white bass are up lake.  It will be one of my favorite days to fish, just have to figure it out.

Weather

68/78.  Warmer with sun and areas of low clouds with a 25% chance of rain.  Wind   ENE  8-15 mph.

Lake Level

Today 95.98 msl.  Twenty One days ago   96.26 msl.  (Still a slow steady decline.  But when I got home the lake had come up to 95.99 so it is a slow rise.)

Bite Times

Major      8:38 am to 10:38 am.  (That is perfect.)

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

***************

First bite.  Smashed a Whopper Plopper.

• Todays Totals:
• 6 bass on spinnerbait
• 3 white bass
• 4 bass on crankbaits
• 2 bass on Whopper Plopper.

It was an interesting morning.  The weather was right, my only concern was whether the water was off color, but it was not too bad.  Most of the lake was 73 degrees and the wind was blowing a little out of the North and would stay that way until I quit at 1:30. The Boss ordered supper, so the pressure was on to bring home the bacon.  Funny how when she wants a fry I feel more pressure than when I was tournament fishing or guiding.

Right off the bat the one above smashed the Whopper Plopper, and unfortunately it ended up fooling me a little, so I stayed with it way to long.  One more small jumped on and another missed it but they were clearly not having it.  But for the amount of time I threw it it ended up being rather disappointing.  With that result and the water having some color up lake I figured the chartreuse Sixth Sense crankbait would catch them, and it did.  All 4 on it were small or right at 14″.

One thing I wanted to do was check on the white bass up lake so I trolled one up but then could not get another bite.  With it being slow at least for the better fish I headed down lake to my white bass flat and ended up boating several more, so at least I had a fish fry.  But there was one more thing to try and turned out I should have been throwing the spinnerbait all morning.

The first place I tried 3 jumped on, then 3 more on the last bank before I called it a day to get home and head to happy hour with the Boss.  They were all on the small side, though 2 would have measured if I was hurting in a tournament.  Banks with wind on it was where they were, and I should have known better.  But it was a good thing in the long run, as of first thing in the morning at least I know what I will be doing.

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It will be back to the lake in the morning to see if I can work on the spinnerbait bite.   Coleto has its moments when they are eating it and maybe it will be a good day.  Rusty is fishing the river today so unless he has a stellar report I will stick with the plan.  And with the wind forecast to blow 12 – 30 mph the lake is definitely the better choice, at least as far as the wind goes.  The 1 1/2″ of rain we got yesterday was a slow steady soaker.  The ditch in my front yard is a good measuring stick, if there is no water in it then it was a soaker and not a gully washer.  But according to the weather dude some areas got 3 – 4″ so only time will tell what affect that has one the area creeks and rivers.

But I do not look a gift horse in the mouth.  15 is not a bad total for the morning, hopefully I can add some serious size tomorrow.  Not much else to say except get up and get out, it is good for the soul.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Will get up and gone early in the morning.  Really want to give the topwater a good go before the sun comes up.  Have not decided where yet, will do that when I pull out of the driveway.  Head to where I know some are or a completely different place where they should be.  No matter what it will be fishing on a nice fall day.  It does not get a whole lot better than so we shall see how it goes when it is all said and done.

This says it all about the great outdoors.

Weather

58/78.  Intervals of clouds and sunshine with a 55% chance of a passing shower in the afternoon.  Wind   E 8 – 15 mph.

Tides

High 2:21 am – 1.56ft   Low 2:22 pm – 0.19ft

Bite Times

Major   6:45 am to 8:45 am.    Minor   2:04 pm to 3:04 pm.   (The tides and bite times combine to make it good day, I hope.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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As I write this it is raining fairly hard this morning and from the forecast it might rain off and on for several more days.  Good thing I decided to head back to the creek as we have had this same scenario in the past, and the creek and river fishing was ended before it got started.  To much fresh water, not to mention the color is not good trout water so it will be the week before we know how bad it gets.

The weather was perfect when I headed down river.  Catching a couple (Or a dozen!) on topwater was the plan.  And though a couple did jump on fishing was slow as far as numbers go.  But since I was pushing it, it is early and still warm, it is not surprising that they are not in there big time yet.

Nice size but just not enough of them.  Salt and Pepper Knockin Tail and topwater.

There was 3 bites on topwater, and I managed to hook up with 2 of them.  The rest, if you can call 10 or so the rest, came on plastics.  Whether the 4″ Salt and Pepper on a heavy 1/8th jig head or the 3 1/2′ Nuked Glow on a light 1/8th screw lock, there was no difference in the bites with both being about equal.  The only real difference was they tended to eat the Nuked Glow as it fell slower so the hookup ratio was better.  Since I wanted to keep after the trout I did no real red fishing but did lose a big one on a topwater and had another halfhearted boil.

One here and one there.

I added the 4″ Pearl Knockin Tail under a popping cork and while I had 2 bites neither came to the net.  The water was not moving, and when it seemed like it was going out just a hair it did not last long. And the fact it was sunny and nice with no wind did not seem to help matters either.

The only red and one of 2 flounder.  Most today on the 3 1/2″ Nuked Glow Knockin Tail on a 1/8th screw lock jig head.

I did catch a couple quite a bit farther up river and it seems they are coming in, but it will depend on what happens the next week.  To much fresh will stop that in it’s tracks.  I can’t blame it all on the fish, I had a few more bites that should have made the net, but all in all a nice day on the water, hope it is not over before it gets started.

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As you know I have complained repeatedly about the potential for chronic wasting disease (CWD) from captive deer breeding facilities to our wild herd.  We should have a clearer picture of the threat following this season.  So, if this applies to you be sure to have your deer checked, our herd may depend on it, or I can shut up about it.

TPWD reminds hunters that agency wildlife biologists and animal health officials are collecting and testing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) samples from hunter-harvested deer to get a clearer picture of the prevalence and distribution of the disease across Texas. Proactive monitoring improves the state’s response time to CWD detection and can greatly reduce the risk of the disease further spreading to neighboring captive and free-ranging populations.

Hunters in surveillance and containment zones must meet submission requirements of harvested CWD susceptible species. Additionally, hunters outside of established surveillance and containment zones are encouraged to voluntarily submit their harvest for testing at a check station, for free, before heading home from the field. Hunters can find a map of TPWD check stations  for all CWD zones on the TPWD website. Hunters can also contact their local biologist to submit a sample.

Thanks TPWD for this.  Hope this answers lots of questions.  And it would be nice if the preliminary numbers were released as soon as possible, before the issue fades from the public conversation.  So, get your deer checked no matter where you shoot it in the state, it is the responsible thing to do.

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Just how much is a real piece of junk in my yard worth?

we have boat that was left on our property with its trailer with no title bill of sale will be given I dont know anything about it just it has been seating here for 7 years asking $800 obo on it

I just chose $800 because I need a new smart tv.

The rest of the boat is great.

15′ Bass Boat with out a motor. Has a bad transom. The rest of the boat is solid

Except for the part that holds that motor thingy.

Great price on a 1977.

Don’t have title, just bill of sale. Needs some work; bought as a project but don’t have the time, unfortunately. Many extras! $8,300 /OBO

If it say “project” and no title run as fast as you can.

Just fish a couple of hours it will be fine.

Boat with trailer has small leaked about a cup an hour. 14 foot long and 5 foot wide . No title

Course you can’t get it licensed.

What is a little rot?

Project boat, needs stringers replaced. Water got in the boat in the past causing rot in some places. Started working on it but can’t finish.

A really simple project to finish.

It happens to the best of them.

Has been sitting up for over 2 years since it has been run. Needs work.

Whether it is just neglected or sitting in a garage not being run is never good on an engine.  Why the skiff had to go.

Buying a used boat can be an adventure.  Some are diamonds in the rough, many are just rough.  So take your time, ask plenty of questions.  If it is one of the late model boats in the $50k+ market if they cannot produce maintenance records including compression numbers walk away.  Anybody selling an expensive boat should be more than happy to document it all or let you talk to their mechanic.  Remember it is your money and they are not being nice letting you buy their boat.

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This buying a house thing is a pain in the ass.  Colorado makes it more complicted than it needs to be.  But the Boss keeps telling it is just a process which is no conselation but at least it looks like everything on our end is done so closing should go on January 5.  Can’t wait.  Can you say ice fishing?

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Tomorrow will be the lake.  The weather looks promising for bass fishing so it will be up and gone first thing.  Then later in the week if it is not raining POC is in my future.  Colton (The best young fisherman on the coast and Saltwater Legends winner.) in his Facebook report says he has been tearing trout up for 3 days.  The best news, plenty of 15″s, which is a sure sign the 17′ 3 fish post freeze limit is working.  Hard as it might be for some folks to believe fishing pressure matters, even on the coast.  And speaking of Colton and the Everlast fishing team, Everlast just announced that they will be sponsoring another team, which will include his dad, Pat.  All I have to say about that, other teams need to be scared.  Good luck to them it is coming up fast.

And here is a scary number – this is my 1,500 post!  No wonder I get tired of it at times.  It has been a labor of love which will continue, until who knows when.  But I can not tell youo how much I appreciate all the support.  Thanks.

That about covers it for today.  The fishing will continue and with deer season right around the corner the best time of the year to be on the water is now.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

I often say you never know until you go.  And with that thought in mind time to maybe jump the season a little and head to the creek.  There should be a few reds if nothing else, and the trout who knows.  It was a slow season on creeks and rivers last year probably due to the winter kill.  One thing that should be on the plus side is there should not be to much fresh water as you get close to the bay.  The weather looks good, and my anticipation is high.  This is my favorite time of the year, and I am ready for winter saltwater fishing.

This one put up an epic fight.  The Salt and Pepper KTL was definitely the ticket today.

Weather

80/47.  Pleasant with plenty of sunshine with a 0% chance of rain.  Wind   E 8 – 15 mph.

Tides

High 2:10 am – 1.12ft   Low 10:19 am – 0.17ft   High 9:21 pm – 1.24ft

(I generally take the tides from the Matagorda entrance and noticed last year that the rivers are generally the exact opposite so will try to take notice and see if that is the norm.  Looking at the water the low was really about 2:30.)

Bite Times

Minor         8:44 am to 9:44 am.    Major   2:16 pm to 4:16 pm.

************** 

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

***************

The water color is good but the temp seems to be in the low 70’s so the time is not quite right.  That does not mean I did not catch some but we need more nights in the 40’s like last night.  It will happen, I am jjust happy with the number of small trout.  Last year it was tough but the number of small fish is definitely a good thing after the freeze.

This is what all 15 or so looked like except for 1, which I managed to delete.  But they were not much.

There are 2 baits which worked great last year from now through real winter:  the Mansfield Magic for the reds and the Salt and Pepper for the trout.  So while I did fish some different colors they worked best.  Nothing hit the topwater but I was a little late and it was dead calm with a mile high sky.  The “problem” if you can call it that was, they were definitely not bunched up.  Most of the bites came less than 10′ from the bank.  There was a flurry with 5 or 6 sand trout, but that was the size of the trout bite.  Once the bottom dropped out time to throw the spinnerbait.

A spinnerbait with the Mansfield Magic Knockin Tail trailer.  A solid fall and winter bait.

It was dead low but I found some reds tailing on their bellies.   I had 3 shots and trailers and only managed to make the perfect cast.  Rolled it an inch of the bank and he blasted it.  The other two, no bueno.  Make a terrible cast and get a terrible result.

So not a bad day.  Nice to be back in a boat with a trolling motor and locator.  I fished shallow banks, deep channel banks, and points.  While they all produced a fish, that literally is what would happen.  Catch a fish or two or miss one and that would be the size of it.  Then a mile later and it would happen again.  But the future looks bright, it is time to get after it.

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Things I forgot yesterday.

The first day I literally threw everything in the box.  I kept after it until it was clear the twitch bait was the ticket for us.  Then the Clearwater KTL put them in the boat.

Tim the co-oner of Wade Right actually got a text from another captain on the islands wanting to know how we did it as they struggled.  In fact, apparently all the other boats out there had a hard time.  Our success was a tribute to having 11 good fishermen helping each other to get it done.  Far to many fishermen do not share, like they are something.  Try sharing information some time, it will not kill you.

And I definitely should have told you that the number 1 bait as far as numbers went was the 4″ Knockin Tail in Blue Ice.  Tim had a bag and shared them with everyone.  It caught pompano, blue fish, jumped a tarpon, caught big reds and jacks in the surf, and was the number 1 trout producer.  Guess I need to add some to my arsenal.

We are set for May 2024 as the few dates the Backdraft had available did not line up with everyone.  So, it might be a little wait but as usual it is worth the wait.  In fact, that is the same time as our best trip when we smashed big trout in the surf so it can’t come soon enough.

As far as us talking to other fishermen and ruining their day none of this group is like that.  None of us would want to make their trip worse and in fact would have helped anyone who asked.  These guys are good fishermen and a credit to our sport.  Why I like them, not a horse’s butt in the group.

And I hope I made it clear, with 6 boats the post yesterday was just a sample of what was caught.  We only kept 7 slot reds, and it was probably 3 times that at least as far as bull reds went.

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And here is a couple of comments from regulars.

Hurry up and get the house in Colorado. We all need a place to crash while skiing !!!!!  6 months is crazy !!!!!!   You planning on moving or is that a summer house?

Joe In San Antonio

The Boss has a couple of years till she retires but we will use it all 4 seasons.  We have looked off and on for a couple of years for just this house.  When it came up we jumped on it as it checked all our boxes and would not be around long.  She has worked hard, and this is her reward, I am just lucky enough to have her for a wife.  And as far as visitors we are taking reservations starting in 2030 so be sure to sign up!  Good to hear from you.

And this from Ed.

Man, sounds like a great trip. One that I’m trying to convince my fishing buddy to take with me. The limits in Louisiana are just unbelievable. But if they can grow em that quickly then I guess it’s every man for themselves!! Thanks for sharing this it just makes me want it that much more! I didn’t see the info on the outfit that you use so if possible send it out there again please! Glad you’re safe and had such a great time. Time for you to get back to the salt here in POC so I can see what the pattern is around there.

Our annual trip is one of the few times I participate in the meat haul and it sure is fun.  And as not everyone is from the area we are happy to send them on with a bag full.  And I am getting a few good local reports from the salt and will be back at it soon.  My buddies Todd and David had a nice string out of POC the other day and Rusty shared a good report.

As nighttime temps are headed to the 40’s and the good fall fishing will kick off.  I actually spent the day getting my saltwater stuff organized and cleaned because it will be on soon.

We did meet some guys on another boat who got screwed by their boat.  When they got there the captain upped the price by $200 a head and added a $200 fuel charged that he never mentioned when they booked.  Be sure to get it in writing and if there is a problem complain to everyone from the BBB to fish and game.  So going with the old hands is the way to go as there are some sketchy guides working the islands.  Here is their links, and trust me they book fast with very few open dates for next year.  Thanks for the comment.

https://fishsouthernbelle.com/

Captain Howie, a really good trip for 6 guys and the food is off the chart.

https://www.dmjcharters.com/

This is the Backdraft with Captain Denny.  Great big boat with plenty of room for 12.  But book early because he fills up fast.  He only had a few dates left for next year so we reserved time in 2024.

This trip is really a bucket list trip.  The fishing can be great, or tough, fishing is fishing no matter where you are.  But if you work together to establish a pattern like we did this year there will be fish in the boat.  So good luck on organizing a trip.  It is just plain fun.

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For a guy who is allegedly winding down I am still pretty windy.  But I have really had a good year the last few months and it has only gotten better.  So I will keep it up.  I have meet so many good folks and like today shared a brew and a couple of stories at the ramp.  If you see me stop and say hi.  Keep on stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Chandeleur Islands

The Wade Right Fishing Crew.  My wife says I am color blind but my outfit matches to a tee!

This was my 5th year when I it was my pleasure to fish the Islands with the boys from Wade Right and their loose nit band of really good fishermen and all-around crazy boys.  We fished, ate, drank and bullshitted for 4 nights and 3 days.  And it was nothing short of another great time.

One thing about that trip is every year the fishing conditions are different.  This year was literally the Running of the Bulls.  The big fish were on the chew, the trout were tough.  Now take that statement with a grain of salt.  Since we boxed 171 in 3 days tough is a relative term.  With Louisiana having that ridiculous 12″ trout limit most of us have a hard time keeping those smaller trout or we could have easily inflated our numbers.  But in the final analysis it was another great trip I would not miss for anything.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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So without further ado let’s look at a few of the many big ass redfish that came to the boga.  If you like 35 – 40+ inch redfish this would be the trip for you.  And just for your information we only kept 7 slot reds so no bulls were harmed in the making of these pictures.  But a few shoulders and backs paid the price!

This one as a little on the small side.  It was insane.

The beach was just plain off the chain this year.

Wading on the beach was great, in the bay drifting was the ticket.

With the wind being perfect we all headed to the beach the first morning and it was absolutely awesome.  Big bulls in the 35 – 45″ range were cruising the surf and every time you looked around someone was hooked up and the battle was on. I did not land one that morning but when my spool got down to about 6-line wraps left I had to break mine off.  They were some bigheaded monsters.  For total on the big fish, who knows, but it was something.

Home away from home, the Backdraft.  100″ of luxury accommodations.  Check out captain Jimmie on his website, a first class operation.

https://www.dmjcharters.com

We switched to the Backdraft from the Southern Belle after Capt. Howie went to only 6 pack trips.  The Backdraft has a great salon, plenty of bathrooms with showers and fed us 3 meals a day and to which we added plenty of cold brews.  The skiffs have a 15hp electric start motor and are quick enough to cover what basically is a 10-mile stretch of the big island.  The mates were great, and I think the Captain is starting to warm up to our motley crew.

Hauling back for supper.

The back deck where we spent plenty of time.  I would hate to estimate the bucks spent on tackle and equipment!

After the beach slowed down the first morning Jason and I headed out to the bay and he ended up figuring it out, which served all of us well on the rest of the trip.  Every trip to faraway places the fishing is always different from the last trip.  This time the trout were not schooled up.  So, while we caught a few wading, drifting was the ticket.

The trout were in the potholes scattered throughout the extensive grass beds.  While we caught some wading the holes were scattered far enough apart that wade fishing was not the way to go.  The key was drifting with the wind, which is acceptable for any trip to the islands.  Jason figured it out – drift and make a long cast to the potholes with a small hard twitch bait, twitch it through the pothole and get ready.  While not fast by any means it ended up being the pattern.  Very similar to a bass pattern where they are positioned on certain stuff and you just need to cast, work it and reel it in and do it again.

And of course, on the beach there was a jack attack.  Probably what spooled me on day 1.

 Just a small sample of the beach fish.  The boys smacked them stupid day 1 and 2.

I never went back to the beach after the first morning.  I have caught my share of big reds and am just more interested in catching the trout.  By the end of day 3 there were plenty of sore backs and shoulders.  I believe it was the afternoon of day 1 when the boys went back to the beach and sight casted the big reds as they cruised the beach.  If you like em’ big this would have been the trip for you.

The trout were tough, but that is a relative term when we kept 164 over 3 days.  It was more of each boat catching 3 or 4 in the morning then more in the afternoon.  I was lucky enough to fish with 3 different folks, so my partners and I ended up adding 50 to the total over the 3 days, which is the legal limit on the islands for 2 people.  There were a few cases of woe with lost big trout and if memory serves me right there was only a couple over 3, but the rest were fat and sassy.  I had my bite which would have been big trout when she came up yellow mouth open, wallowing like a hog, then spitting the twitch bait.  When I lost that one I knew it was my big chance.

My boat partner on day 2 with a big one from the flats.  Larry stopped reeling right by the boat and turned his head to say something to me when this one blasted it with 5′ of line out.  What a freakin’ bite!

You always learn every trip and this time Larry taught me something.  We both were fishing twitch baits and he schooled me on technique.  With the trout basically one to a pot hole we would cast past it, jerk it through and then go ahead and reel it in.  The grass was tough at times so it was just pinpoint cast and twitch it some.  I was fishing with mono so my jerk bait would sink pretty fast while Larry was fishing braid with a 2-foot fluorocarbon leader.  Once he worked it to the pothole he would stop and his twitch bait would just suspend in the hole and they would eat.  Really cool.  I did get to go a little paramedic on him when he got hooked.  A small trout in the net tangled to beat the band in the trebles ends up sticking one in his finger.  A little “hook out”, see video on the left, and back in business.  No harm no foul.

A small one for the big ones we were catching.

It was really interesting how well the hard twitch baits were working.  Plastics worked, but in the heavy grass were a little tougher to fish.  Most of my trout came on the 4″ Clearwater Knockin Tail on a swim bait hook to keep it as grass free as possible.  What happened on this trip the fish were feeding on small Pogies, which were a perfect size match with a small twitch bait.  It was definitely a match the hatch.  To highlight the point. I had multiple huge reds follow a 5″ Knockin Tail almost to the boat and then not eat.  Small was the way to go, as usual, listen to the fish.

Of course, there were a few happenings.  One of the Iowa boys jumped a really big tarpon on the beach, a first in my trips there.  He said it went nuts then spooled him as it headed to Mexico.  We caught a few big jacks, one barracuda, a couple of spanish, and a few other assorted fish.  You just never knew.  With the weather on the cool side there were not near the sharks like last year, but there were plenty of big sea turtles and some really huge rays.  Though the boat traffic has increased every year since I started fishing there it is still a wonderful wild place to fish.  The real worry, like all places in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast the islands are disappearing.  Our Captain has fished if for decades and hearing how it was is almost depressing.  We need to save the coast, the woods, and water.    They are not making any more.

Of course we had multiple pools based on this and that. but there was a new one this year, which set the bar on totally cool.

Billy the new title holder with his belt.  The bar is set and next year the battle will be on.  Funny how a bunch of grown men want that belt!  (Including me!)

When Jason revealed the belt, it was an immediate hit.  To win it took a combo of the biggest slot red and trout, and Billy got it done though it was a close race.  It was amazing no matter what anyone says, we all want to be the champ.  So, it will be engraved with his name and date of the trip.  By time we all got home it was on his mantel over the fireplace.  He will hold the belt for the year, but we are all coming for it.  So enjoy it now brother, it will be the last time you hold it!  Like they say on TV wrestling he will be the undefeated, undisputed champion of our world.  What a great idea.

Jason also had another cool contest.  The last day we all drew from a bag of freshwater baits.  Biggest fish of any sort wins the money.  I drew a Rattle Trap so was not feeling too bad about it and ended up catching a 17 1/2″ trout.  But Jason ended up winning with an 18 3/4″ on a Bettle Spin.  Other than those 2 nothing else of note on the freshwater baits, though not sure most of the guys gave them a serious workout.  I was with Tim, and he had a torpedo which he did produce some bites, but nothing made the grade.  One comment on our topwater fishing, it was really slow.  (Looking back on it now should have fished the smallest one in the box to try and match the hatch.  Nothing like hindsight.) Though a few were caught it was definitely not the way to go, which was too bad as it is usually a good choice in the islands.

Of course, I have forgot plenty and there are tons of pictures out there of giant big-headed reds.  Funny how we only kept 7 slot reds.  In the pat it was plenty of slots and few giants.  This trip they were on the beach and in the flats.  There was definitely more sight fishing this trip as the water was gin clear.  Though the day Jason and I sacked 18 trout they were in an area that was off color, soaking up the sunlight and the temp on day 1, which was a high-pressure clear sky front following their first cold front of the year.  In fact, we got very lucky as a big front had just blown through and it ended up warming all 3 days.

I really enjoyed fishing with Tim and Jason from Wade Right for a day each, and then Larry.  There was plenty of switching of boat partners daily letting us all spend the day with someone different.  And as an example of how good this group of fishermen really is:  the charter boat docked near the Backdraft spoke with our captain.  When he told him our total he asked how as his charter fished all over and did not have a good trip.  He said don’t let you guys talk to my guys.  Thanks to Jason we got the pattern down, and if we had added the 12″ as a group it would have been a lot bigger total, but we just can’t keep those babies.  And when they called us home on the radio to call it a day they were really biting.  Isn’t that the way!

I could keep adding things as I reread this, but you get the point.  Things will get back to normal here as it is back to the real world.  Spending today cleaning and organizing, and then probably the lake in the morning as long as it is not storming.  Even if I moved to Colorado tomorrow this is a trip I will go on until I physically can’t, or they get tired of me.  It is not all about the fishing, on my 5 trips the fishing has been anywhere from great to really tough but it has never been a “bad” trip.  We really enjoy the Backdraft and are already looking at setting a new date for next year as they already have tons of bookings and few open dates.  I have repeatedly said it is the best deal in fishing, bar none.  So, figure out your adventure and make it happen.  Hope you enjoyed this quick overview of our trip.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

I am literally just killing time.  Leaving Tuesday, it will be the annual 3 days of fishing in the Chandelier Islands with a boat full of good fisherman who happen to be first class bullshitters.  Never a dull moment it is still about the fishing.  (And the money I intend to win off these bumpkins!) We have had great fishing, terrible fishing, sank 3 boats, drank a truck load of beer, and I learned that just letting sharks come all the way to the stringer and then smashing them on the head works.  It is all in the timing as last year both were an easy 6 foot plus.   And when it is good the fishing can be something.  No matter what it will be a good time.

As the year winds down, I realize how fortunate I am.  Alaska, the Everglades, Colorado twice and now the Chandelier Islands.  That qualifies as a good year.  Looking back on it I realize how these types of trips affect my “real life.”  The anticipation of what is to come can outweigh the “regular” fishing.  So, at times it is hard to get up and go with some of these types of trips looming on the horizon.  Not a complaint, just an observation.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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My best last year.

The weather moved in this morning, so I never did hit the water.  All worked out as I spent the morning sending off financial paperwork for the house.  It sure is a lot of stuff but it is one of those things that has to be done.  No paperwork no house.  But at least we got some good rain today and hopefully this front will be blown by Louisiana by time we actually start fishing on Thursday.  I am starting to get excited.

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KARMA

The 2 knuckleheads who cheated in the walleye tournament are about to pay the piper.  Leadbelly and his partner in slime are charged with multiple crimes, felony and misdemeanors, for stuffing the walleye.  Then Karma really reared its ugly head:  The police served a search warrant at the partner’s house and towed his Ranger walleye boat off.  It was seized as it was used in the commission of various crimes.  That warms my heart!  And if I were guessing as a retired defense attorney, they are probably going to make an example of them, which they should.  So we all hope at least a little jail time and permanent suspension of any fishing or hunting licenses plus a big hit on the wallet.  They are the lowest of scum and have earned whatever they get.

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While it is exciting to be buying our dream home in Colorado the paperwork is a real hassle.  After buying 5 previous houses this is by far the most complicated process yet.  But the Boss spoke with our buddy who owns a house there and before it was over it took him almost 6 months to close.  At least we are hoping for 3 months, I am ready to sit by the stove with a toddy and warm my soul in the mountains.  Funny what you think about.  We are going to finally get another dog, and we have always had a doggy door so ours could go in and out whenever.  So, with plenty of bears, coyotes and other critters it may not be that great of an idea.

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It will be a week before you hear from me again, but will have a story, of some sort.  The Chandeliers rarely fails to come across with the goods.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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You Have Been Warned

If you are getting closer to retirement age you should be very concerned.  The Republicans are planning on cutting Social Security and Medicare if they retake the house next year.  They keep referring to these as “entitlement” programs.  Every time I hear one of these pompous ass’s say that it makes my blood boil.  Last I looked I have paid in for over 5 decades and now they want to start cutting something we all paid for.  Ok boys I have a deal for you, ANY cuts to the programs we paid for should be offset with the same percentage or higher to your benefits.  No more double retirement or life long medical for you entitled rear ends.  We are being screwed every day, they are the “entitled” and time has come to end unlimited terms and ridiculous benefits none of us can claim.  If you do not think they are screwing us you might want to actually look at their benefits.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

***************

Weather

70/88.  Sunshine and some clouds with a 5% chance of rain.  Wind   ESE  9-20 mph.

Lake Level

Yesterday 96.29 msl.  Today   96.26 msl.  (Looks like it will be a slow steady decline.)

Bite Times

Minor         9:02 am to 10:02 am.

Conditions were almost the same this morning.  I went with the buzzbait until the sun peaked over the hills catching a couple.  Picked up the chartreuse crankbait and on my third or fourth cast absolute disaster struck.

One literally knocked over 2 foot of slack in it and took off for deep water.  She was on and it was big, real big.  At first I thought it was a catfish, but no slime ended up on the line.  It came all the way to the boat and there was no doubt it was a giant.  I did nothing wrong and then she just came off.  It made me sick to my stomach.  Really big fish come so rarely, and this was as big as I have seen in a while.  It took a minute to digest, and maybe just maybe I will get another shot someday, but it was right up there with the giant I lost on a Bang O Lure about 10 years ago on Coleto.  Oh well, you live to fight another day.

I think it was 5 or so like this, all on the crankbait.

Fishing was not as good today for some crazy reason.  Since it turned out I had enough fish for the fry I religiously stayed with the crankbait but just never did have a run.  One here, one there, but no real pattern today.  After losing Ms. Big I was hoping to get another good bite but as the morning wore on it really slowed down.  From about 11 until I quit at 1:30 not a bite.  And I made sure today to try new places, which absolutely did not work out.  So with it getting hot and with the bite seemingly over I called it a day.  But there is no doubt the memory of the big fish will be permanently burned in my brain; it really smacked me a good one.  They just do not come along that often.

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Just because you can does not mean you should.

This is an actual photo of Desert Bighorns taken in the Badlands.  Whoever took it manipulated the stuff out of it so turned it to black and white, the best view.  Too bad as the original must have been amazing.

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This buying a house thing is much more complicated in Colorado than it was in Arkansas or Texas.  Hell in Arkanasas you just said you wanted it and then you bought it.  The banker who was also a real estate agent in mulitple states said it gets more like California.  When they make something mandatory Colorado seems to follow.  Lots of forms and deadlines and other assorted busy work.  But it will be a labor of love and if all goes well we close January 5th.

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Have some house keeping matters to take care of the next few days.  A flu shot is top of the list as the Boss says it has arrived.  But I will be back on the water shortly.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

It Happened!

We have loved going to southeast Colorado to fish, hike, and chase animals.  And we have been looking.  Our requirements were pretty rigid and finding a place has been a several year project.  We had no specific time to buy, we will be in Victoria for a couple of more years, but when we found this it was a no brainer.  It is in a quiet neighborhood in South Fork, a couple of blocks from the rivers much less access to hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands, and the back yard is the national forest so only woods forever.  When we first looked turkeys were in the backyard, and the deer and bears are regular visitors.  So, we are off on another adventure.  I constantly say it is in the doing:  Well, we have done it now and we could not be more excited!

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

***************

Weather

65/88.  Plenty of sun with 0% chance of rain.  Wind   E 10-25 mph.

Lake Level

Today   96.29 msl     20 days ago    96.78 msl.

Bite Times

Minor 8:03 am to 9:03 am.

When I dropped in the water the wind was light out of the east.  The water temp was 83 at the ramp and the water color was nothing short of murky.  The farther up you go the worse it gets.  Today there was a mission, a fish fry.  A friend of ours was literally busted up when some on the phone turned in front of his motorcycle.  The end result he is unable to work for several months and has a troup of kids.  So a meal schedule was set up and when it is our turn it will be a fish fry.  So with that mission in mind I headed out.

It was a beautiful morning.

The lake is clearly dropping but like any fall day a buzzbait is always good to start with and since that is my go to it was the bait of choice the first 2 hours.  3 jumped on, 2 were keepers and one hopped off on the boat flip.  They all came early and when it was over they were flat done.  So I switched to a crankbait and caught several, including another keeper.

The best of the morning on buzzbait.

I was throwing the Six Sense chartreuse square bill, which has become my favorite color on Coleto.  It was consistent and I caught maybe a total of 5 or 5 and lost a keeper.  They were here and there but since I was on the meat hunt time to head down lake and do some trolling, maybe add a white bass or two and even a catfish.

The fish fry is shaping up.

The first was a big catfish, but the end result was 2 feet of slime on the line when he got off.  It was definitely a heavy fish, and it was surprise as they usually do not come off of a crankbait.  3 different shad colors that ran in the 10-foot range worked, and I kept the boat in the 10 – 20-foot range.  Before it was over besides several smalls 2 more bass made my limit and 3 white bass helped the take.  So, job well done, the plan is to finish off the fry, he has lots of kids tomorrow.

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Got some good news on the old skiff.  Larry and Rusty have replaced all fittings with stainless steel, built new lids for the live wells, filled and sanded all the dings out of it that I accumulated over the years and even moved the back deck forward to allow the motor to tilt higher.  They have done yeoman’s work on it, there really was a great boat in there.  Hope it serves him well.

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When I cleaned fish 2 of the bass had a big red crawdad in their belly.  The good decision was made when deciding to throw the crankbait.  The water color is just right and instead of trolling I believe it would have been a limit any way just cranking.  So tomorrow should be fun but you never know.  And while fall can be tricky at times there is always a way to catch them you just have to figure it out.  Which sounds so easy!  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Since there are so many pictures this post will just be the rest of them.  It was a great trip and the pictures themselves will tell the story.

Beautiful.

Another great trip.  The first was just me fishing the Rio Gande out of South Fork as I attempted to expand my fly-fishing abilities.  The progress is slow but sure and a couple of good runs made the week.  Then the Boss and her sister Barb and bro-in-law Steve showed up and we headed to Pagosa.  We did our cruising in the mountains and some hiking.  Steve and I fished some including with a guide.  That part of the world never ceases to amaze and is just a plain old good time.

And please remember that the quality of the pics at times is not the best.  The ability of a 600mm lens to reach out and capture stuff at long range.  But the price is at times camera shake when handheld on wildlife who just refuse to cooperate.  But to be able to record stuff I could never reach is worth it.  So fuzzy as some may be they are memories.  Those of you who are regulars here know good or bad they are just part of our ongoing story.  Hope you like them.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

***************

There are no words.

The first real snow on the mountain.  Headed up to 12,000+.  The only other tire tracks were an elk guide who had set up camp and I am sure was scouting for the up coming season.

The hike to Opal Lake.  The aspens were nothing short of spectacular this year.  Our timing could not have been better.

It was easy to see the turkeys had a good year.  We saw huge flocks on almost every drive the last week.

The mule deer bucks were on the prowl and the rut came to a big head while we were there.  We saw lathered up bucks chasing does and several fights.  It seems one of the differences between whitetails and mule deer is the muley bucks seem to hang out more during the rut.  Getting up and doing a little sparing then off for the does.

My bro-in-law and I had a day on the Rio Grande with a guide.  We basically jerked and stripped streamers to nice brown trout.  The tactic was keeping the boat close to the bank and making short fast casts and ripping it back.  A machine gun pattern to get as many casts as possible in the money spot.

The Lewis’s woodpecker was discovered on the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805 and are known to hang out in family groups.  There were 4 in the tree and looked as big as a medium hawk until you notice the beak.  They are not big “drillers” but are big nut eaters.  Their diet is big on acorns and they are known to store them in a crotch in a tree.  Cool spot.

We did not see any elk early but after the first snow we saw a big bunch with a herd bull and several satellites with a bunch of cows.  Then we saw some one evening and the next morning more were on the move.  I am sure it is game on as I write this.

This is the house next door.  This guy beds there regularly and looks like a statue.  In all my trips out there this was the top for bucks.  They were on the mountains and next door in town.  Lots of chasing and fighting, just plain cool to see.

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On my efforts at fly fishing got this comment from Rusty, who is a real pro at fly tying.

Glad you are enjoying fly fishing, it is very challenging, but the reward I think is worth it. Certainly a lifelong pursuit
Fished Keller today with decent results. Very high tide this morning with 12-15 mph winds making it tough but worth it. Have fun in the high country!😎

Actually, catching some nice browns sure has helped spur me on, it is tougher than it looks.  But it is another area of fishing that I am happy to explore.  No one trick pony in my case, adding something new just increases the experience.   And really looking forward to fishing it this winter on the creek.  And congrats on Keller, the wind there can be a hassle, but often you can basically have it to yourself without all the Majeks running over you like POC.

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And Ross sent this comment along.

Sounds like you are having fun up there! Keep it up! I am headed back to the Chandeleurs with Capt Howie and the Southern Belle on Sunday….

Your trip has me thinking of a mountain trip next summer with the wife and kids. Haven’t looked at it hard yet, but Pagosa is on the list. Enjoy reading about all your different fishing trips. Have fun and keep up with the fly rod…that is some of the most fun fishing you can have.

Good luck in the Chandeliers and tell Capt. Howie I said hey.  We are headed that way in the middle of the month and as usual I am really looking forward to putting the hurt on them.  Plan to finally do some fly fishing on this trip, great place to experiment, there are plenty of reds.  My boat partner last trip is a serious fly fisherman and his last red was something.  It was time to end the trip and as I headed over to get him with the boat he hooked up on a red.  Then a giant black top exploded on his red.  A real “topwater” bite!

The great thing I love about Pagosa and South Fork is the massive area to explore with plenty of lakes and streams to fish.  In fact, in the next couple of days will be fishing some salmon eggs in one of the local lakes to put some stockers in the pan.  As I write this it is Saturday morning, and I am packing up the South Fork cabin and heading to Pagosa.  With a little time to kill before I can get in the house will be stopping at a couple of lakes on the way.  Then it will be another week of it.

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While watching college bass fishing one of the announcers was talking about fishing Bull Shoals and getting a hook stuck in him and having to go to the ER.  And they mentioned the board, the same one that has been there since the Boss and I worked there.  It has lots of baits and other things that get taken out of folks.  My favorite was the 2 guys who came in together.  Guy number 1 gets a hook in the ear, then guy number 2 trying to take it out gets hooked in the hand so they road to town hooked together.  Fun in the old ER,

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Of course, I have more pictures that I will share until it is time to move on.  And I will do a separate post on our day with the guide.  We learned a lot and Steve was able to experience a different river and technique.

And time to start thinking about the annual trek to the Chandelier Islands.  That trip is always a good time whether the fishing is so-so are off the chain like it was last year.  On the local fishing front will be off to the lake Monday to see what is going on there.  The bay is also on the schedule somewhere.  I really appreciate everyone who reads this drivel.  As it winds down it is what it is and has been a great ride the last 10+ years.  This is 1,570th time I have posted, which is amazing.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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Day 4

The Rio Grande where I am fishing.  It is 7000 feet, not sure how high I was when I took this but it was up there.

After yesterday I was starting to get a little discouraged with my flyrod skills, so I went to the fly shop for some help.  In my favorite starting hole things were looking like same old same old.  I tried the suggestions and could not buy a bite.  The river is just big enough and deep enough that I could not reach where I was smacking them.  That place is consistent as can be.  The only time I ever caught a bunch in my life on flyrod was there, but the water was way down.  Plus, it just so happened that trip there was a major hatch which was sheer luck.  The lure fishing continues to be really good.  Minnow baits are drawing some big hits, and it was an easy 6 or 8, they just kept biting. But that is not why I am here.

A nice one of the 7 or 8 this morning from my favorite hole.

About 10:00 it was time for a big change, which included putting the spinning rod away and head to a completely new stretch of river.  That stretch is really shallow with big boulders and little slots.  The shop sold me a couple of nymphs and he said to make sure that it was ticking bottom.  So in the water I went for a big wade, and it worked.

Was starting to get a little discouraged when I finally got on them with the flyrod.

They were in shallow water and when I finally got serious it happened.

The last picture this morning as it started to pour so no more pictures, but they continued to bite.

I ended up catching 5 or 6 all on my 3wght with an indicator and the nymph approximately 3 feet below it.  It did take me a while to read the water correctly and then have the fly bumping just right.  But when they stopped it, the fight was on.  The one above was the smallest once I figured it out.  Unfortunately, it started to pour and cool off, and of course I have 2 raincoats at the cabin.   It really cools off here when it rains and once I was sopping wet it was time to call it a day and get in some dry clothes.

After drying off took a ride to Beaver Creek Resorvior to catch a few stockers and check out Beaver Creek, which is really small and isolated.  Having fished Beaver Lake before I new there were always stockers at the ramp (If there are trout and you are on a new lake always fish the ramp, just might be where they dump them in.) so I stopped there and caught 3 or 4 small stocker rainbows, before I got rained on again.  When the Boss and her crowd gets here that is a great  place to get a fish fry.  Just get some salmon eggs, a split shot, and a small wire hook.  They eat it up and is the quickest way to get a fry.  Colorado has a serious stocking program and they are there for the taking.  But it is not brown trout on the fly.

In the morning it will be back on the new to me place.  Today I actually felt like I had a clue.  My casting still leaves something to be desired but that is easly fixable.  I c ame down to listening to the dude at the fly shop.  Fly shops as a rule are totally different from many tackle stores, like they are really helpful.  You just have to listen and apply, and today it worked out.  It sure was fun and I am looking forward to tomorrow.  Might even take a raincoat.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

***************

Just cannot get enough of the views in the high mountains.

A few from today.

I can only describe the Aspens as golden.

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Last South Fork Day

Needed to head over to the next town to get a headlight bulb as one was burnd out so did noot get on the water until later.  I even stopped at a local cafe and had one of those to dang big breakfasts, which was great.  (You know the place, with the big table full of the daily coffee guys.) The plan was not to fish to long today, my old body needs a little rest from wading, which is work.  But slowly but surely, I am getting a clue.  Fly fishing is just a different deal.

Nice one on a nymph.

This netting and picture taking while in the middle of the river is exciting at times.

It really is interesting as you work a stream, trout are finicky and it is not like tossing plastics for other fish.  But that is what I like about it.  I caught 5 today and was happy with the results.  And watching them jumpis a thing of beauty.

Fun on a 3 weight rod and 6X leader.

The Rio Grande has lots of browns and few rainbows, which if you catch one, I have only caught 2 this week, you have to throw them back.  Which is no problem, if you want fish go to any lake and catch them, they all have them.

This week my brother-in-law who is really a novice fisherman will be here.  He has the bug so we will catch them several ways, hopefully get him a few on the fly.  The weather looks wet in th afternoons this week so that should not be too much of a detriment.  And of course cruising the mountains eveyday, so much available so little time.

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Saturday it will be pack up and head to Pagosa Springs.  The Boss’s sister and her husband will be getting there late afternoon so after I check out will hit a couple of lakes on the way over the pass.  No wading tomorrow, I am getting tired, but have learned a lot.  And one thing that is readily apparent, the guys I have met and the fly shop where I stopped are a world apart from bay and bass fishermen.  Unlike those guys, there are no big secrets and folks are happy to help. It seems the love of the outdoors is a big factor with them, how many they caught is no big deal.  Where and how are traded freely and it is just a different fishing world, and it has been fun.  I have really enjoyed my time here and look forward to next week.  Back with you next week and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines