FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Inc.

I went ahead and made the drive all the way back yesterday (Saturday), 16 hours.  I admit that is a haul, but it was one of those days where I just kept rolling and today get to reap the benefit of doing that.  See the Boss before she heads to work, get at least a little organized, look over the fishing stuff and boat looked over making sure it will be good to go first thing in the morning.

It will be interesting to see what is up with the lake fish.  The basic plan, A Rig with 4″ Knockin Tails and of course the 5″ Pearl slow rolled.  Both are great baits this time of year and if they do eat it they tend to be on the big size.  And who knows, maybe I did not miss the white bass run.  And a fresh fry sounds delicious.  Only way to know is to go and that will be the theme the next month or so.

Weather

Today 96.47 msl.   Exactly 1 Month Ago 95.59 msl.   (Up almost a foot!)

Bite Time

Major.  12:04 pm.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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The biggest reason beside the Boss that I came back was to fish, and that did not happen.  You can see from above that things did not look all that bad when I prepared this Sunday night.  When I headed to the lake Monday morning it became real apparent that I was biting off a little more than I could or wanted to chew.

When I got to the ramp at daylight the wind was blowing well over 20 mph directly on the ramp with big rollers, it was misting and the fog was thick.  It took exactly 1 minute out of the truck to realize there was no way that I was going to fish in that.  So I headed back to the house and called it a day.  Now it is Tuesday and things are not really looking up.  Unfortunately, it looks like it will be Thursday at the earliest before I will be fishing,  Hope the whole week is not lost but watching the weather channel they say more rain on the way tomorrow and if it is below freezing it will stay ugly over most of the state.   So that will do it for my first fishing report since coming back.  Not the way I wanted my week to go.

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Met a nice couple the other day who live in an area just a little farther out of town and they commented on the amount of wildlife in our neighborhood.  In fact, they occasionally drive through just to observe what is out and moving about. There are tons of stuff to see here every day.  They also said wait till the bears come out.  Ok.  Can’t wait.

This morning first thing a doe just blasted out of the back yard.  Then 2 really big bucks walked right down to the fence while I was talking to the Boss, and she got to see them on face time.  Later a dozen does came out and walked right along our fence as they headed to the neighborhood.  Every morning is something new.

Did learn from the neighbors that alongside our fence is the major game trail.  Not only has a lion been seen but they were eating on the porch with the former owners and the bear just walked right by them.  Really looking forward to spring.

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I got this comment from a reader.

I have hunted out of Southfork several times and always loved it. The wife and I have visited there several times also, including last summer. I envy you living there except for the prolonged cold. Looking forward to the fishing reports to start back, but enjoy the wildlife photos. Have a safe trip home.

One thing about living here/there, it is winter.  There are plenty of trade off’s no matter where we choose to live.  (Being retired makes the really cold weather not such a big deal.  Nothing a hot toddy and fire will not cure!)  We would not have made this area the choice, or anywhere else, without balancing everything, in other words the fishing.  If I had to make a guess there are literally hundreds of lakes in Colorado, dozens within a couple of hours of here, of course not taking into account miles of streams and creeks for flyfishing.  In the end the public access to woods and wildlife was the deciding factor.  There are enough back roads to last a lifetime with some of the greatest hikes in this country.  Add in some bears, sheep, moose, deer, and on and on it is my happy place.  On that note apparently there is a herd of Dall Sheep down the road which are rarely seen, can’t wait to see my first one.  And stay tuned the fishing is about to begin.  Thanks for commenting.

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Last I want to offer my condolences to the family of the young man who is missing after a barge collision near Charlie’s.  Running at night is dangerous no matter how you look at it.  So sad when you are talking a young man, way to early.  Sorry that had to happen to his family and friends.

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Well in spite of my best intentions it will be a few days before a real fishing report.  But rest assured that as soon as it settles down the fishing will resume.  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

Inc.

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They are one big fat beautiful bird.  Can’t wait until the gobbling begins.

The first month has really been an adventure.  Being here is all I thought it would be.  Starting my day is such a pleasure watching the morning turkey parade.  When you mix in a few mule deer it drives home that we really do live in the woods.  As the year progresses it will be interesting to see if the activity is the same or do many melt off into the woods until next winter.  Access to food is the big deal I am sure.  And speaking of access to food the prior owner did a certain amount of feeding, which unfortunately but correctly is illegal.  The practice will not continue in our yard, it is just not right to condition wild animals.

Yesterday I headed up the mountains to check on the sheep.  But just a few miles from the house some ewes crossed the road.  So I marked that area and continued on looking for the big herd, and the couple of herds of elk we saw last trip.  With the temp dropping into the low teens and alot more snow I was interested in how they react.  Once I got there I violated the cardinal rule when trying to photograph wildlife, take the shot.  I finally found them but to get a better shot, they were almost at the top of the ridge on the wrong side of the truck, I had to go a little until I could turn around.  But alas they made it over the ridge by time I got back.  And there was not an elk is sight.  Lesson learned.

Cool animals.

Looks like we are going to be a mama!

This bunch had several yearlings. 

But these guys were still out on the way home, though they too were headed back up the mountain.  No ram with them, or I just did not see him.  Several of the females looked like they were either pregnant or fat, though pregnant is probably the answer.  These were the closest I have seen to town yet.  It still thrills just like it did watching Wild World of Sports when I was a kid.  They are one majestic animal and I appreciate every chance I get to observe.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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I am really getting familiar with the local mule deer.  There are obviously several homes that feed and there is a wide variety from first year young to big bucks.  It will be interesting as they start to shed.  Who knows we just might get lucky on our walk and gather a couple up.

They love this place.  Feeding them maybe?

On Guard!

I took several pictures with the ones above.  There were 4 bucks in a wad and I tried to get a pile of horns but they just did not come out right.  But it sure is nice getting plenty of opportunities to get some cool pictures.  Sooner or late the perfect picture will be blown up on the wall over the fireplace.

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I am so glad to see the government suing Google for all kinds of predatory practices.  So how did that affect the blog?  Early on when I was committed to the cause I would have as many as 750 or more visits per day.  Then the calls and emails started trying to sell me stuff, improve my rank, etc.  Basically, they strong arm you like the mob wanting to provide you “protection.”  As you know with me I ignored them and the result, they reduced my place in this online world and my numbers dropped immediately and precipitously.  Their punch line – play by our rules or else.  My response – F’ Off.  Hope they get their rearend kicked.

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And this question from SA Joe.

You mention IOWA…where abouts???

For me it was a small farm town, Mt Pleasant in the southeast corner of the state.  The Boss is from an even smaller town about 20 miles away, Mediapolis.  We actually did not meet until Arkansas.  But as proven time and time again, it is a small world and I admit I could not have gotten any luckier if I tried.

And from Rick.

Sounds like you’re getting settled in. I’m happy for you. I always look forward to your next post.
Rick

Thanks.  As far as getting settled that took exactly 1 minute.  As I said before rarely are we lucky enough to really get to achieve a dream, but it is actually happening.  And the fishing reports are about to resume.

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Will be heading back to Texas this weekend.  Really ambivalent about it but of course missing the Boss.  And the fishing will be a side bonus for the next month before I head back here.  Plus having the grandkids coming for a visit while I am there is a bonus, they always want the trip to Bubba’s for the boil.  Can’t wait until those city kids come out here and I can introduce them to the great outdoors.

The big project on returning will be getting the garage and shop built.  Nothing can really happen until the ground thaws as there is dirt work to be done but looks like the guy we will be working with is flexible and can start as soon as it does.   The project would be easier if there was not a rule, no loss of Aspen trees.  This place is stunning in the fall when the leaves turn, and that view is not up for discussion.

Then after that extravaganza the Boss wants a cool year-round hydroponic Geo Dome nestled amongst the aspens for year-round vegetables.  That will be interesting as she has proven over the years that there is no plant she cannot murder!  Sorry Boss but that is the tough reality.  Having a separate well will be a good thing when that is done.  But after that the line is drawn, no more projects.

The fishing reports will start next week, and I am looking forward to wetting a line.  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

Inc.

A nice symmetrical rack and pretty face.  A youngster with possibilities.

Best I can tell there must be around 15 bucks in the neighborhood.  A couple are fairly large but most look like this guy.  I suppose after a while I will know them all and find myself currently naming those with distinct headgear.  There is a drop tine buck but he so far has eluded me.  And soon it will be time to review the shed hunting rules depending on where you are searching.

The turkeys are another story, there are to many to count but they do provide the mornings entertainment.  For some reason they run like mad on the road right in front of the house in some kind of race every morning, not to mention dozens in the backyard.  I am sure I will get used to it but never grow tired of it.

It has snowed regularly, and I have really enjoyed my winter walks, the treadmill it is not.  And the fireplace has a special place in my heart now that I actually have one and it is winter.    I have met some good folks and a couple of fishermen, so all is good in the small town of South Fork,

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Home

Sitting here with a cup of joe watching the mornings turkey parade along with a couple of sparring mule deer I started thinking about the plan for the next few months.  Then all of a sudden it dawned on me, where is home?  For some of us it is where we were born or spent the majority of our youth, or it might be where you currently live, or some variation of those options.

I can honestly say Victoria never felt like home to me, and I never labeled it as home.   It was always labeled as where we lived.  I guess I consider Iowa home.  So here I sit in Colorado and it absolutely feels like home to me.  From this point on if asked that would be my answer.  Over the years we called Colorado our happy place and the last couple of weeks have confirmed that, this is my happy place.  Why the mountains affect me like this I do not know, it has just been that way since our first trip west.  Snow?  Yep a foot of it with a couple of days to come.  Cold?  Sure is, the locals at happy hour are all saying it is colder than usual.  None of that has stopped me from getting out and doing something.  Yesterday was a perfect example.

Having seen a good herd of elk the other day the hope was to find them again and get some pictures.  It was a little slushy on the highway and when getting close there was a beautiful coyote standing in a field with potential for a great shot. It has really surprised us how many coyotes are in the area.  But with snow on the side of the road and a car on my butt I could not stop, so turned around but of course by then he was gone and never saw the elk.  Then later while taking a walk an eagle flew over with a crow harassing the stuffing out of him.  The point is our love of wildlife gets answered almost daily.  There is much to learn about elk, mule deer, bear and turkey, I am going to enjoy every minute of it.

The punch line is I will be heading back to Texas in a week or so. It looks like it will be month here then a month back until full ice out and the fishing begins.  The Boss will be able to come out in March and will ride back with me late in March until we figure it out.

But for me it works out perfect, a month of spring February fishing, then the month of April which works out to be 2 of the best spring months to wet a line.  Weird but heading back will seem like an extended fishing trip.  In fact, reading this I must acknowledge and thank the Boss, I am spoiled.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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It will be interesting to get back on the lake not to mention some nice strings of trout some of my Facebook friends have been catching on the bay.  Looking back on the last time I fished the lake it has come up almost 3/4 of a foot.  That bodes well for the A Rig and Knockin Tail, it had a good run last year so no reason to expect it not to produce when I get back.  Expect some fishing reports next week and they will keep on coming.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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Off Topic Rant – Please do not read this if it might put your sensitive panties in a wad.

Ahhh – Geoge Santos – OMG.  That any politician would not publicly denounce him is amazing.  Anyone who is willing to work with him for any reason astounds me.  And do not give me that old “all of them lie”, this guy is the poster child for crazy as a loon slime ball.  Ask yourself the following questions:  Would you leave him alone with your children?  Would you invest your life savings with him?  How about letting him “borrow” your check book?  Or rent him your apartment in spite of 3 eviction actions in the last 5 years including the current one where he lives with his sister?  If you say yes to all that then fine, ask him over for supper and send him more money.  But the final straw for me – He posted he was on the Hannah Montana (Did not even spell it correctly.) Show.  Ohhh the horror and disrespect to a show of monumental societal importance.  At some point someone with a backbone and ethics needs to stand up and do something.  It would be remarkably fascinating if we were not talking about a member of the House of Representatives.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Inc.

This sure has been interesting and actually very nice.  At first it seemed like I was just staying at an Air B&B since the house was furnished and is in an area we have rented before.  Of course, that changes when it is time to clean, so reality is not that far away.  And for me personally it has allowed me to check out for a while, which has been so relaxing.  I have reduced TV, internet, ignored the blog, read some books and just generally taken a break from the world.

And one real bonus, I do not have to check everything out in the morning to make sure some scumbag did not break in my truck or the boat. Nor do I have to worry that someone, ie: the last piece of shit who did, might take something out of my open garage while I am home.  Of course, there is some crime here, where isn’t there.  But checking the Victoria Advocate, unlike Victoria it seems random gang bang shootings are few and far between here.  That little observation is a quality-of-life issue and it sure is a nice change of pace.  Funny how we do not think about it all that often, but when you have do you realize it is a quality-of-life issue that can be a silent stressor.  Best I can tell so far from talking with folks there is one big issue, trespassing.

Good thing for them trespassers cannot be shot on sight!

It really has changed my perspective and it seems to have taken a small load off for whatever reason.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

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It is winter in Colorado.  We got a lot more after this.

As it came down with almost an additional foot it got me to thinking about what my buddy Rusty said about living out here.  He was in Colorado almost 25 years and said he just got tired of it.  I can see how he got there and if I had somewhere to be I might feel the same, or if I had to be at work no matter the conditions.  But I realized why his experience is different from my future experience.  I can just stay in the house, turn on the fire, grab a book and a toddy and just let it all play out.  Of course, I am still in the “cool lots of snow so go for a ride” mode.

Now I did go out yesterday, but without my Trail Edition 4Runner it might have been different.  But growing up in Iowa big snow and cold was just part of the winter deal, and Arkansas was only slightly better.  There we had the occasional 24″ of snow, and even serious ice storms that trashed the trees and made driving really dangerous.  It is nothing but a thing which comes with the territory, it is just all in how you look at it.

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And I had my first snow blower episode.  When the former owners wanted to sell theirs, I contacted my brother-in-law who is up in the cold coutry and asked about the model.  He said it was a steal, so we grabbed it.  Basically, it is a beast, totally self-propelled it marched right up and down the driveway which at this point had a foot of snow on it.  While no real big deal with the 4Runner when the snowplow goes by it of course pushed big piles in front of the driveway.  Now that I have used it once it does an amazing job,and with more expected tonight it just might get another workout, me too!  Living here is sure different than our last 20 years and not a day goes by that I am not happy to be here.

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While I have no clue what will come of the Cowboy’s next playoff game, they sure looked good Monday night.  It will be an interesting matchup with San Fransico who is having an amazing run with a quarterback who was an afterthought in the draft.  Dak is a good quarterback and his situation with Cowboy fans reminds me of what Tony Romo went through.  Funny how armchair quarterbacks can make all the plays.  (But if you could throw a pass as well as you armchair coach you probably would have a lot more money.)  Hope it is a good game.  (Funny how I can check out on some stuff but football is and remains a constant in my life.)

And speaking of football I have a comment on A&M.  When they fired their offensive coordinator, it made me laugh when they admitted that Jimbo called the plays.  “Stuff” sure does run downhill.  Now they have announced that the new hire will call the plays.  Make of that what you will but my question:  Are you getting your $90,000,000 worth?  (Sorry but that is insane!)

And last will probably start paying attention to Colorado football.  Coach Prime is here and the show is bound to be entertaining no matter how it shakes out.  It will be interesting to see how he recruits, playing football here is like the black and blue division of the NFL, weather be damned the show must go on.  Not sure with the way things have turned out in the NCAA how that will play out with the recruits.  The NIL is going to ruin college football some day.  (If it has not already,)

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Just wanted to let you all know it is all good in the mountains.  Waiting on the garage dude to come and see how much of my allowance is going to be eaten up!  But the Boss wants a garage, end of story.  So with the weather out here just want to get in line with hopes it can all happen before next winter.  Lots of building going on in the area, most of it in the high price range, so a little garage might take a back seat, just have to see how that plays out.

I have been walking around the circle here for my exercise but will be heading back out to the woods chasing wildlife this weekend.  I did see a big herd of elk coming back from the store yesterday and as they are closer to the road I just might be able to get some good pictures.  So with the turkeys making a racket ourside the back door as I write this hope everyone has a good weekend.  And while the fishing it taking a little break it will be back to Texas in a little bit for some of that spring fishimg,   Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Inc.

Mule deer are so different from whitetails.  This is a good one.

At some point I will take “the picture” as long as they keep giving me the chance.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

The turkeys in this neighborhood are something.  As daylight breaks, they come pouring out of the forest behind the house.  From that point on they are running around for much of the day.  They have had squabbles with each other and the mule deer.  Not really knowing anything about their interactions one thing that I find interesting is the hens run together and the long beards do the same and there is little interaction between them, at least right now.  If I were guessing, and I am, it looks like there is at least 3 or 4 separate flocks which also seem to hassle some.  Guess after I have lived here long enough some of that will be obvious.  And of course, will be looking at my hunting options behind the house.  . But no matter what can’t wait for gobbling season, it should be amazing.

Your timing has to be perfect.  Coyotes just do not like a stopping vehicle and generally hit the road when you do.  This guy was a long way out there.

Want to take a few pictures of Bighorns?  Try going where there are plenty.

As do elk the sheep come down from the really high country in the dead of winter.  Better food availability along with the salt put on the highway.  So interesting how an animal that is so shy and inaccessible during the year is willing to be close to roads.  For folks like me it is a blessing and just like the mule deer I hope to take “the picture” someday.  I can thank Curt Gowdy and Wild World of Sports back in the old days.  The 2 critters that impressed a young man was marlin and sheep.  They seemed almost like mythical creatures from far aways lands.  Got the marlin taken care of and as long as I am living and breathing out here will never grow tired of watching them.  Today I spent an hour just watching them watching me.  Loved it.

This guy is an old guy, he was resting with about 20 ewes.

Winter gives you the best chance for some close-up pictures of sheep that normally inhabit the really high country.

The elk herd at the base of the mountains in the valleys after coming down for the winter, very few bulls with these 2 bunches.  I am still looking for some to get closer to.  And according to an old hunter I met here, the big bulls do not really come down until their “private parts” are in the snow. 

Can’t wait for a lot more of that.  

Of course the creeks and rivers are basically frozen.  The only real open water in this area is on the shallow riffles where the water is really moving keeping small areas open.  But the great thing about the area is take advantage of all the great things there is to do here in the outdoors year round.

It does not really matter where it goes, just that you are on it.

With the forecast for 49 degrees today and tomorrow I decided to return to Big Meadow Road and just hike it without the snowshoes.  It was going to be interesting to hike 45 minutes up hill, it is high there, which is what I did but did not reach the lake.  On the way up it got hot and I tied my jacket around my waist and when I turned around I did not realize it fell off my waist.  So halfway back down it was oh crap, so I turned around and hiked back up to find it in the middle of the road.  So for an old man that lives at something like 600 feet in Texas it is interesting at 9,000 feet.  Not sure how long it will take to really get aclimated but not much longer at this rate,  At least I did not kick the bucket on the way back up.

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Good to hear from SA Joe.

Well the invite is there if your taking the boat(s) up north and you need one down here to do some fresh water fishing. No salt boat here. Hope you put my number in your phone. I got yours.

Went into Serious Tackle 14065 Delaney Rd. La Marque tx 77568 http://www.serioustackle.com about a month ago. They had a HUGE assortment of knockin tails. And a great selection of other lures and stuff….

Thanks for the offer but the flats boat will stay in Texas until we make the final jump.  I am already looking for a Lund style v hull for the small lakes around here.  And thanks for the heads up on Serious Tackle.  I think they are a long term customer.  I have your number and will keep your kind offer on the books.

And from one of the long time readers.

Still read and appreciate everything you write. Wishing the best of health and happiness to you and theBoss for this new year. Good luck on your Colorado adventures and Lord knows where else you guys end up exploring, fishing and traveling.
Rick

Coming from you it is a real compliment and I appreciate you sticking with me.  And as far as new adventures one of the things that attracted us to this area is we are now and easy day drive from Yellowstone, Estes, the Tetons, and beyond.  The plan is to spend the rest of our lives chasing all things on 2 or 4 legs and enjoying all things the outdoors has to offer.  So while the blog may change, you know me, it will continue as long as these old fingers work.  Thanks.

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Drawing a line in the sand?

A slime bag bowhunting married couple were recently convicted of violating the federal Lacey Act in their hunting business.  When they pled guilty, they admitted they knew they were committing a federal crime.  They were initially accused of multiple game violations, real slimy stuff, related to bowhunting.  They were apparently successful “Influencers” whatever in the hell that is.  Basically, they cannot hunt for 3 years and are ordered, along with their company, to pay over $80k in fines and restitution.  Seems like alot?  Nope.  They got off easy.

The greater issue is they committed those violations intentionally to line their pockets, not just being the typical knucklehead shooting a deer out of season. We have got to start punishing folks who violate our game and fish laws for profit completely different.  My solution, a felony conviction with some jail time.  At least that would render them unable to own or use a firearm.  Then a lifetime ban on hunting and fishing, with the big fine to go along with it.  Maybe some others would stop and think.  But at least they would be out of the woods forever.

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This report is a little disjointed but it is a pleasure to change gears just a little.  Will be heading back near the end of the month for the fishing, then back in March to let the Boss enjoy some of the fruits of her labor and wait for ice out.

Good morning folks.  20 feet out my back door as I finish this up.

So time to figure out the day and go from there.  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 Inc.

One beautiful morning out our front window!  2″ of fresh powder.

I wanted to lead with this from our buddy Chago.

The sense of freedom is yours. The world is vast and you are no longer confined to four walls.

You have interacted with the Earth’s gravitational pull, shared a moment with wildlife, and tipped your hat to mother nature.

May you never find your way back to the cage of life.

Congratulations! Life is made for living.

You have captured how it feels to be here and all that comes with it.  As far as the “cage” of life I could not have said it any better.  For me the move here has to with exactly that.  And to make that truly happen will take some personal soul searching and commitment.  I promise to really let the “small stuff” go, which is a big step for me.  We spend entirely too much of our lives stressing on things that in the end mean little.  To go along with that, just let the old stuff go, the small hurts and slights that happen to us along the way mean little and it is time to let them go.

I promise to go outside and let it fill me with the joy that lives there.  To treat it and the living things with the respect they deserve and remain humble to my place in it.  I promise to read more, watch less TV, reduce computer time and stay off the “devil” phone.  (It is just plain sad and depressing to see 4 folks at a table in a restaurant all looking at their phones.)  To really let it sink in that almost nothing can’t wait.

But most important:  Stop, shut up, (No small undetaking on my part.)  and just look around and take it in.  In our travels west we always asked folks: Do you ever get tired of the view?  It was driven home as we were fly fishing a small steam outside of Estes Park.  The guide continually said, quit casting and look around at just where you are.  Ok – Done. I promise to never take it for granted.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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A good one.  Sorry it is a little out of focus, but they won’t always do what you want, dang wild animals.

From Darryl.

Awesome and congrads on the purchase of your dream home. Always enjoy the blog. What part of Iowa are you from? I grew up mostly near Lake Mills, just south of Albert Lea, MN.

Appreciate it.  Both the Boss and I grew up 20 miles apart in southeast Iowa in small farming towns.  We met and married in Arkansas.  And funny you should mention you grew up in Minnesota.  It is definitely one of the great fishing destinations in this world and if the fishing season was just a hair longer I could have ended up there.  I was lucky enough to do the Boundry Waters a couple of times and fished in the Brainard area.  Winter actually played a big part in our decision.  The area of Colorado we are in has tons of winter days in the teens then up high 30’s to 40’s like it will be today.  Just the right amount of 4 seasons for us.  Thanks again for reading.

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And from SW Joe,

Doesnt look like that bike in the yard is gonna get used anytime soon !!!!  HAPPY NEW YEAR BUDDY !!!!

It sure won’t, it is hoofing time.  It will be in the low 40’s later and the snowshoes will be on and off I go into the woods.  Haven’t decided on a route yet but it is not without a wealth of choices.  Thanks for being a long-term supporter.  The blog will be a little different from here, but I will be back to fish a couple of months and then back here for ice out and the fly rod.  You would think I was spoiled or something.

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Matt had this to say about South Fork.

Wow, South Fork. We stayed there a few days last year and absolutely loved it. We’ve talking about going back in the summer to explore the wildness and fish the Rio Grande.

I expect you to send some fly fishing reports.

Before we took the plunge, we considered many places around the country.  Our travels in country were always “fishing” expeditions in both senses.  Then as I said before Africa and Yellowstone happened and we were hooked on wildlife.  Once we visited Pagosa Springs we were sold on the area as we spent countless hours driving the mountain roads and taking pictures.  One of my really big life complaints, Texas’s almost total lack of public grounds, for hunting, fishing, and exploring.  Here there are literally untold acres of public lands outside our door, as in millions.

On our snowshoe walk the other day we were surrounded by mountains with not a sound, stunning and we had it all to ourselves.  And this morning as I type this out my back window 25 trukeys are squabbling as they are want to do.  Out my front window, a couple of mule deer with one buck feeding across the street.  Now we have this giant area to explore, and we could not be any happier.  As soon as ice out on the river, March/April give or take the fly fishing reports will start as I explore the multitude of opportunity the area brings.  But it will be back soon to catch the spring Texas fishing.  Sorry for the long answer but I could go on and on, and of course I will!

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Snowshoeing at 9,000 feet.

No matter the weather I will be out daily enjoying the mountains.  Today I headed to the road leading to Big Meadow Lake only to find it was closed when you turned off the highway.  But they plowed a lot and then put up a berm to keep out cars and snowmobiles.  It was plowed a while ago but was perfect for the snowshoes.  I walked 35 minutes uphill and then 25 back down.  It takes a while to adjust to the altitude.  (All the hard work on the treadmill is paying off.)  Not quite like the 600 feet or so that is Victoria.  Other than a few random birds there was not a sound, and not a soul in sight, one of the very things that brought us here.  I turned around before I got to the lake not wanting to overdo it as I continue to acclimate.  Trust me we flatlanders can feel the altitude.

Thanks to these folks for providing opportunities for all on our public lands.

As I headed back down it started to cloud a little, a very light snow and wind chased me down the hill.  Looking back on my life who would have thought I would be hitting 70 y/o this year and hiking at 9,000 in the dead of winter and living to tell about it.  So, the adventure begins and who knows what is around the next corner?  No idea but I will keep chasing.

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It is a plain and simple joy being here.  Mountains out our front windows, forest in the back.  I am living the get up and get out and do something thing.  Movement is the key to life, and as I always say it is in the doing.  While the fishing reports will be a little slim, they will start up big time when I get home in February.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Crossing the Divide at 12,000 feet.  It was stunning today.

If you have read much of my stuff you know I love bighorn sheep.  And when looking for them this time of year, and the elk for that matter, you head to the valleys closets to the high mountains where you know the sheep reside.  On our first real morning expedition we headed north.  In this case I will shut up and show you what we found.  Some of the pics are not the best but they all tell the story.

Stunning.   So without further ado here we go.

Such a joy and privilege to observe them up close.

It was a great day.  We also found 2 big groups of wintering elk that were just to far out on private property to get pictures.  But after dropping the Boss off at the airport I will be stopping at a couple of different elk wintering grounds to see what is up.

As I type this the turkeys did their morning thing.  All of sudden they flew into the yard right by the window.  I will never get tired of that.  These actually landed on our side of the fence so they are only 15 feet from our back windows.  I was not familiar with these turkey and after reading they are Merriams.  The hens have no red on the head and neither do the long beards.

Boy are they fat!

Today is the last day here for the Boss.  So we are headed out for some snow shoeing.  The weather is so interesting here.  While cold when the sun comes out it is pleasant and we are loving it.  Much more to come.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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It was good to hear from my old buddy Voe who I had the pleasure of fishing with many times on Coleto until he moved.

Congratulations good Buddy,
Sounds like a wonderful time to be had.
Obviously life is going well and very happy for the two of you.
Still checking in on the reports from time to time and enjoying.
Have a great and prosperous New Year.
Your past Fishing Buddy
Voe

So good to hear from you and hope you and your wife are doing well.  As we are only 8 hours from Vegas will let you know when we are out there.  Thanks for keeping in touch.

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And from one of my long term regulars.

Happy new year to you and yours. Keep up the good work and continue the blog please!
Be watching for your posts next year!!
Thanks again.
Ed

Thanks so much and the same to you and yours.

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This is how it will roll around here the nest month before heading back to Texas to get in on the spring fishing.  All I have to say to the Boss – Thanks for this life.  So, all you guys who are going to marry choose wisely.  Even a knucklehead like me can get lucky.

I hope you like the pics, we loved taking them and being amongst them.  The search will go on.  And I am starting to do the research and exploration for tailwaters to fish the last few months of winter.  So off to the snow we go.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

A Dream Come True.

A life’s realization for us.  It seems our search for this house began after the Boss took a balloon ride across the Masi Mara in Africa.  So we went back and so began the search.  Yellowstone, the Rockies, Aransas Wildlife it has not mattered, it has been lets go chase wildlife.  But we always returned to Southwest Colorado to 4 wheel drive, chase elk and muleys, see a lion, the area was always special.  After a long search it happened and for some reason the house of our dreams that we could afford came back on the market in South Fork and it was a done deal.

It is in small subdivision with many folks part time residents.  In the winter South Fork has around 300 residents if that tells you anything.  Perfect.  What made it perfect is our back fence (20 feet from the house) borders the woods, as in a bazzillion acres of national forests and public lands.  We loved the fact that the critters were constant visitors.  Turkey, deer, coyote, bobcat, and bear this place has it all.  So after closing we were so excited to head to the house.  On the way in there were lots of mule deer, a couple of respectable bucks so it was off to a good start.

Enjoying her birthday present.  She earned it!

Of course, with the time change we woke up before daylight and when it came, it was amazing.  When I say the turkeys came streaming off the hillside I am not kidding,  40 – 50 who knows but they were everywhere doing turkey stuff.  Meanwhile a big buck walked right in front of the house, and even the turkey and deer were fighting over some good stuff.  It was a National Geographic moment.  But watching them all I kept going where are the long beards, and then here they came right behind the house.  My count was 15 but the turkey just kept on coming.  As I write this a bunch are walking down the road.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

They looked a little different from the turkey I am familiar with.  Not near the red areas on the head, the hens had none to speak of and the toms just a touch.  But the were a really big bodied bird and after reading up on them they are probably Merriams.  On our many visits to the mountains here we have seen lots.  So our first morning was a big success and as I write this it is playing out again.

On the house side I can not tell you how wonderful it was to move in, with just a suitcase.  Completely furnished, spotless and as we have learned these 2 days it is way beyond our expectations.  This is one quality built home, and with R50 in the ceiling it is energy efficient, and the gas fireplace is warming me as I watch the parade, including the rabbit that just hopped across the window.   And looking out the window there is a mountain in the front yard, and one in the back.  Way cool.

Here there is 4 or 5 inches of snow on the ground, they just got 59 inches in one day at Wolf Creek Pass, about 20 minutes down the road.  We are 8,000 feet and Wolf Creek is around 11,000 over the Continental Divide and gets the most snow in Colorado.  It snowed here last night and as folks have been telling me it went true to form.  As the sun came out the roads started to clear.  It tends to be in the low teens at night then above freezing and into the 40’s most days.  We needed a few supplies and since it was snowing on the mountains, clear at the house, I wanted to drive over the pass to Pagosa just to see what it was like with snow coming down and the roads far from clear.  While there was only mandatory chains for commercial vehicles it was definitely 4wheel mandatory.  And once we got to the top not only were we in the snow storm but in clouds and the visibility was about 30 feet,  It was one amazing drive.  Once you drop off the hill the weather was the same in Pagosa and South Fork, 40 and sunny.  On the mountain it was 20 and snowing like crazy.  And of course the ski area was jammed as apparently new powder is the deal for them.  Just the right amount of winter for us.

So where does it go from here?  First up today is some snow shoeing in an area I have seen the sheep and a stop at several spots on the river to see how that looks.  What little we have seen of it and a couple of lakes they are frozen over.  But it is so beautiful here right now who cares, this is everything we missed about not having the 4 seasons we both grew up with.  (Texas as we all know seems to have two, hot and then real freakin’ hot.)   From there it will be back and forth, me staying weeks at a time and the Boss will be out here when the schedule allows as there is an airport in Alamosa which is close.

Count me as one lucky guy.  Our lifetime of work has led us here, you know a couple of kids from the corn fields of Iowa who did not come from money, to owning a second house in Colorado.  Only other folks do that.  I have said it a hundred times on the blog; How bad do you want it?  You hear folks say “Living the dream.”  It can really happen and it happened to us.  It took hard work and a certain amount of luck all coming together at the same time.  And what can I say about the Boss but thanks, we did it.

Just wanted to fill you in as the posts may not flow at quite the rate they did for a while.  But who knows may want to share a picture when the lion comes to the back yard or a nice brown trout on the fly.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tigh Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

What is not to like about a morning like this.  Get up and get out!

I might fish one more day before I take off, just depends on how much progress we make the next couple of days.  Today was different in that I caught 10 but it was slow as snot.  Now don’t get me wrong after catching 1 last trip it was a major improvement.  The Boss put in her order for 2 bass for her fry and at least I got that done.  And as it has been I continue to catch them on everything with nothing doing any better than another.  But I am a shallow water guy, and it may not be the most efficient way to catch them but it sure is my way.  If faced with a have to catch them day as if guiding or tournament fishing I would stay with the swim jig all day, that is the one consistent bait this month.

Weather

Wednesday 95.54 msl.   Today 95.59 msl.  (The lake is 2.69 feet low from pool and it really is starting to show.)

Bite Time

Major.  6:22 am to 8:22 am.   Minor.  1:16 pm to 2:16 pm.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

The water temp is basically the same and is in the high 50’s over almost all the lake.  The color is clearing some but unfortunately the water is still on a steady decline.  It will be past the end of the piers at the ramp soon so pray for rain.

Swim jig and a 4″ Greenback Knockin Tail.

It was hard to decide which way to go, back to the place where I struck out or up lake to my usual haunts, so up lake I went.  The wind was light out of the north which made it easy to fish.  It was just one here then a half hour another.  Nothing where I have been catching them, though I did fish newer places.  5 jumped on but it was a couple on crankbait, 2 on swim jig, one on jerkbait until I decided to run all the way to the place where I struck out last trip and of course they were there and biting.

One condition to note they were on a secondary point on a channel bank that was out of the wind with the sun shining on it.  Another tell-tale sign, the first couple of gators I have seen in a month.  Of course I forgot to look at the water temp but I am sure it was higher.  A classic spring location.

A jerkbait fish who looks like a Heron took a stab at him.  One on the 4″ Honeydew Knockin Tail.

5 jumped on there in 2 passes.  Several followed the Honeydew and the jerkbait to the boat, so I was fishing just a hair to fast.  But in the end not a bad day, it is fall and the pattern is inconsistent.  It won’t be long spring is going to happen and there is one thing to watch that can happen when the water conditions are like they are on Coleto.  Get a big warm rain and they charge the backs of the big flat coves.  Just saying.

Looks like I will miss the white bass run which is going to happen really soon up lake.  Guess trading white bass for brown trout is not that bad a trade.  Life is about to change here but the blog will continue on.

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Blasts From the Past

Probably 1962.  My grandparents and my brothers and sisters.  Looks like we all just got a Tootsie Pop.

They raised a family on 80 acres of land.  Huge garden, milked cows by hand, picked corn by hand and until sometime in the 70′ did the farm work with Belgians horses.  I thought they were 10 foot tall.  And I will always cherish the times in the winter when he would hitch them up to the sleigh, collars and bells on, and we would take the milk to the cheese factory.  I would always hear him get up at 3:30 or 4:00 to head out to the back pasture to get the cows.  Grandpa never wore his teeth and I never understood a word he said. Grandma raised the kids and made the best buns ever.  And 4 or 5 courses for lunch were the standard meal for hard working farmers.  Times lost that I am glad I got to live.

Bar Tending

Mope’s

While in college I decided to try out bartending.  It was at Mope’s which is in downtown Freeport Illinois right across the street from the courthouse.  This ad predates that, when I worked there it was the classic shot and a beer joint.  Great food, the best real steak sandwich in the world, and cheap booze it was a landmark.  Every day the judge would come across the street, eat lunch, then buy a bottle of Bud, tuck it up his sleeve and stroll back to work.  Last call was 2:00 am and everybody out at 3:00.  I learned real quick about drunks, no you are not funny, and nothing good comes of being out at 3:00.  I lasted 6 months.

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Have a safe and Happy New Year.  Do not drink and drive and participate in amateur night.  And even if you do not drink assume the other guy has.  Drive defensive, assume the worst and be so careful.  Getting in an accident or cuffed and stuffed is no way to start the new year.

2022 is in the rear-view mirror.  Let the bad go and build on the new.  Most of us made it this year, and our thoughts and prayers to family and friends who are not with us anymore.  The Boss and I are off on another new adventure.  Dreams can come true, and we are so excited for the future.  And to you and yours success and hope for the new year.  I will keep on fishing and writing so keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

I considered a trip to the creek but with the wind forecasted for tomorrow I changed my mind and will go later this week.  But it was not just the wind speed, but the possible affect it will have on the lake.  As it continues to heat up, and today will help, there just might be a pretty good spinnerbait bite with winds like it is forecast to be.  So being the glutton for punishment like I am it will be up and gone in the morning,

Weather

Today 95.54 msl.   Monday 95.58 msl.  (The slow steady drop continues and it won’t be long before the piers will be out of the water.)

Bite Time

 Major 4:41 pm.    Minor 11:14 am.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

The Did Not Go As Planned

Things just did not go as planned so I will keep the story short.  It goes like this:  2 bites and 1 over the side.  When I got to the ramp it was dead calm as forecast, but with the wind going to blow it seemed logical to start where I caught them on jerkbait Monday.  It looked perfect when I got to the bank and for the next 1 1/2 hours, I could not get them to touch the jerkbait, not even sure anyone even looked at it.   At that point the wind was starting to howl, and it never let up until I called no mas and headed to the house around 2:00.

When I first started the blog I always took a picture of the first one in case it was the last one.  Well there you go.  1/4 oz swim jig with a Knockin Tail trailer.

The plan at the point was drive all the way up lake and check water temp and hit a couple of spots before returning to the main lake area and spinnerbaiting the high wind.  The water temp was up from 44 to 52 way up lake so I made a white bass pass without success, and then did some fishing.  Looks like the white bass run will be while I am in Colorado dang it.  Then crankbait did not even get so much as a touch then out came the swim jig before heading back down.

I missed the first one, then stuck the little one above.  From that point on it was an absolute bust.  With the wind really howling out came the spinnerbait and for the next 2 hours it was zip.  Fishing super windy banks, points, high banks, I could not buy a bite.  It has been a while since I struck out like this.  Now I could have stayed and tried to wait them out, I am sure they bit somewhere or sometime later in the afternoon but I had important business.  First up was the Hogs bowl game, followed by the basketball game.  So I put it on the trailer and called it a butt whipping.

It happens to the best of us, it is just one of those inexplicable happenings.  One thing I have learned watching MLF is how easy it is to miss a pattern, while others are smoking them, that is what makes fishing what it is.  You never know.

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Now This Is Interesting

I have a friend who has what is probably the best indicator of bass mood, one in a tank at the house.  When discussing our current weather and bite, or lack of, he did an experiment, feed him.  Not that evening or into the next day did he eat anything.  He was basically not moving.  So lets think about the conditions when trying to figure out the really spotty lake bite this week.  First up we have a real cold front stunner, then it is immediately followed by mile high sky, high pressure, and several days of wind out of the north.  Even in a tank at the house he was still feeling it, and obviously so where his cousins.  At least that is my theory and I am sticking to it.

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 I really like this comment from Anonymous.

What a great year and a great recap! Thanks for sharing you knowledge and experiences with us. I read all of your blogs and never get tired of them. You are blessed to be able to do all you do, but dang you sure do work to make it happen.

Thanks for the kind words but your last sentence says it all.  It really is work at times, but as I often say how bad do you want it?  I have been hard at this fishing thing since I impulsively moved to Arkansas without a clue, bought a bait store in 1974 and then started guiding.  From that point on it has been all about the fishing no matter where I lived or what I was doing.  But behind that is the work to keep boats and tackle up to snuff, the cold mornings where you want to just stay in the sack, the $100 at the gas pump, and then getting home from a long day on the salt and cleaning the works.  And then pictures and posting.  But in the end this is a labor of love.  Thanks for reading.

And this from a reader who shall remain nameless.

Enjoy reading your blog. I see you often see you in the warmer months on the Coleto branch of the lake while I’m fishing for crappie. I run to Garcitas Creek and the Seadrift in the winter and like to see your reports. Please keep writing as there are few blogs to read that interest me…..

Again my thanks all.

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Rusty sent me a note that the day use/ramp fee on Fayette County is going to $4 a day for seniors and $7 a day for the rest of you suckers.  I know these places have upkeep and assorted costs but like all things fishing it seems to keep going up.  Our sport has gotten so expensive that I worry it will affect the number of young folks getting involved.  If it does some parts of the fishing future could be in jeopardy from the “anti” crowd.   And with coal slated to be a thing of the past the price of entry to power plants lakes will only keep going up.  In the long run just like my fishing license it is still a good deal.

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TPWD has reopened the areas closed following our freeze.  I have not heard any fish kill reports so we may have slid by.  On the lake I saw a couple of dead tilapia though is sure did not get cold enough to kill them.  But is sure would not hurt the lake any to have less of them.

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We are in the throes of preparations to take over the new house buy I will give it another go in the morning.  I may not be a lot of things but I am not a quitter and can take my whipping like a man.  You can count the number of times I have had that kind of day on Coleto on one hand.  But tomorrows forecast looks good so I will be out there taking it on the nose again, not.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines