FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Sunday Drive

11,400′ in the area of a big past fire.

The plan was to head up the mountain so I could see an area with a couple of lakes.  The Boss had hiked there and said folks were fishing.  We took off at daylight hoping to see some wildlife on the drive before the 4 wheelers got out and about.  There are plenty of folks here crawling all over the mountains and it has definitely kept much of the critters away from folks.  Add to that the folks camping in the high mountains and there is a  little bit of traffic.

When we got up there it was 2 nice smaller lakes with good access and there was some kind of hatch going on.  As soon as folks leave it will definitely be on my list.  After that it was early enough we decided to head to another lake way the heck up there and take a look.  On the way we went through a big area that burned off years ago and is recovering.   On the way we passed 2 lakes and the second one was almost empty.  It was fairly big but defintiely drying up.  Will have to ask around and see why.

 11,000′ plus at the top of the tree line.  Will not be back without a fishing rod.

When we got to the parking area it was just a short half mile hike into the lake.  We had heard about it years ago as a good area to see moose, and we hoped to get lucky but off all things it was not a moose but a hiker.  She was hustling right along from a different direction than we hiked in.  Turned out there is a 4 mile trail accessible from a different trail.  But no matter it was beautiful up there.

The Boss checking out the shoreline.

After just sitting quietly and enjoying where we were it was time to head back to the truck. We happened 2 meet 3 local guys headed to fish the lake and I learned a lot.  They said a friend of theirs catches big 2 handed brook trout.  He reported it was a little difficult to fish, but if there are brookies that big I will definitely be back.    My still water fly fishing skills are nonexistent but ater doing a little reading can’t wait to give it a go.

A Redtail giving us the side eye.

There are lots of grouse in Colorado.

Not the best picture, we took several and none are all that.  But the interesting thing about these guys is it looked like it was mom with 5 or 6 young of the year.  We see them fairly regularly and who knows, may just get the shotgun out this fall.  The areas we see them are fairly clear.

Our 5-hour morning drive covered some of the best this country has to offer.  As we expand our range, we find more and more great places to go.  That our government is trying to screw us by selling even 1 foot of public lands puzzles me.  Seems to come from basically 2 views – You got your “Texas style” which is we own it and only us rich folks get to use it, so we fence it off to keep the common guy out.  Or the politician view, camping out is the golf club spa on the taxpayers dime.  Either way hands of our “PUBLIC LANDS.

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Creede

We headed to Creede to visit the mineral show like we have the last few years.  I had an ulterior motive, to see what the amulet that I brought back from the Andes was and to see what the rock masters had to say.

Headed up the canyon to the mineral and rock show.  The opening in the pass to the Bachelor Loop.

The Bachelor Loop is a cool drive through the old gold mines of Creede.  It takes you way up and is one of those drives if you are in the area you need to take.  The show was at the beginning of the drive with most of it in an old gold mine.  So I figured if anyone could identify it for me it would be these guys.

I bought this at 13,000′ in Cusco Peru.  The guy told me he found it on a dig way up in the Andes.  You could tell it was worn many moons ago as an amulet and had a groove scratched in it all the way around it so it could be tied with leather or cord.  It only took me a short second to buy it, it just had the look and for some reason it is one of my pride possessions.

Turritella.  Front.  One cool rock.

Back.  Full 0f shells and fossils.  You can see the wear at the bottom from being worn around the neck.

Just to make it interesting I asked 4 different sellers what it was and 2 out of the 4 said Turritella.  They agreed that it was a rare color as most found here are dark or black like many at the show.  None looked like this one.  And a little research revealed it was believed to have assorted mystic and or healing properties.  But they were all in agreement it was one cool piece, why for some reason it called to me.  So instead of just leaving it with some other treasures time to get it mounted and wear it.

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We headed over to Durango to pick up a smoker and a few other things.  Since we did not bring the smoker with us from Texas, we have realized just how much we used it.  The interesting part of the story is the temp was 85 in Durango but as we approached Wolf Creek Pass things were looking dark.  When we got to the top it was raining and 46 degrees.  And to top it off this morning was barely 50 and it looks like rain, which we need badly.  Hopefully it will help with the fires.  (Sunday morning it was 36 up in the mountains.)

As a side note as we walked up to the mineral show there was a dusting of snow on a high mountain.  Just one of the little reminders we live in the real mountains.

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Velvet Days

Needs to get a little farther past the ears to be a big boy.  But plenty of antler growing to be done this fall.

As you saw in the last post the big boys have returned.  This guy was in the front yard and I waited for him to turn his head.  These guys are all ears, which makes it easy to start to tell regular from big from giant.  It needs to get way past the ears to qualify, and it will be interesting to watch him this fall.  Not sure how a hardcore mule deer hunter judges them, for me the ears are a good start.  As it is only early August, he has a good start.

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This week should be all about the fishing.  The river is back down, need to hit the lake for some to put on the new smoker, and I want to spend a little time learning to fish still water.  The Boss will keep on hiking.  I really like this fly fishing learning curve.  No matter what you fish for if you get to set in your ways and your “spots” it can get a little stale.  Now chance of that here.  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

Be sure to click on the link and see the new products that Michael has introduced to the market.  The loudest shrimp on the market, a real improvement on the classic popping cork along with several new varieties of Knockin Tail plastics.  The punch line – if it has gills and fins they eat the Knockin Tail.

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A Quick Trip

A Beautiful Day with Rain Coming Over the Hill.

Loading the Lund due to the trailer configuration has been a little bit of a hassle so I picked up some Slick Stix to potentially fix the problem.  Of course, to get them on the boat has to be off so time to head to the lake and maybe fish a little first.  I was there a few days ago and it was a little tough.  Several things contributed to that. One there has been a major hatch of some sort and second the water level is dropping fast.

A Fattie who flopped out of the net.

The fish have definitely relocated.  Today they tended to be 20′ and not all the interested in eating.  The few bites I did get were all near the dam, and farther down lake just did not produce.  I wanted to be sure so after catching 4 or 5, and with rain coming over the mountain time to head back down to the ramp and put the Slick Stix on.

It only took about 10 minutes to put them on the bunks and boy was it worth it.  When putting the boat back on the trailer it slid right on, and just to know backed up and it slid right off.  It is one of those procrastination things that should have been done a while ago.

And speaking of doing stuff my stainless-steel table and sink came in and I spent the day getting it mounted behind the house.  Living in South Fork does have the occasional downside, like getting the plumbing additions to set it up just the way I want it.  In Colorado it is against the law to clean at the lake so as long as I am doing it might was well get it right.  After all these years it will be nice to have a place to clean, and keep clean.

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Fall is Coming.

He has a chance to be a really big boy.

When I got home and started working on this got up to get a cup of coffee and there was a nice buck in the backyard.  When I looked up there was some more, it was all horns.  We have seen just a few this fall but this was the first bunch of big boys.  Several times last fall they came through together and here they are from up on the mountain somewhere after being gone all summer.

No 2 exactly the same.  Then I looked at little up the hill – Jackpot!

Nothing but horns.

They are all being good friends right now which of course will change in a few months.  It is always cool to see them in this stage of antler development.  The velvet makes them look so much bigger, but it is easy to see who is headed towards being a whopper.

They had munching on their mind.

Thanks for stopping by.

(And then when I got done writing this and took the card out of the computer to put it back in the camera hanging by the window there was a bigger one yet.  I got a good look in the binos but by time I got the camera loaded he was gone over the hill.  He was a really wide 4×4 but when he turned, he had a big sticker on both beams right at the top split.  When counted with his big eye guards he was a good 6×6 and still growing.  It is going to be a great fall!)

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Fozzie the Bear

The Boss saw a post on Facebook and immediately recognized the street, as in a block from the house.  She hopped in the truck and there he was.  (The second time she has scored a bear that way so guess I will start tagging along from now on.)  We have seen him several times now and when the kids were here we named him Fozzie.  Now Fozzie is cool to see on occasion, but he just might be wearing out his welcome.

This is Fozzie the Bear, a regular visitor the last month.

Fozzie is ready to go 4wheeling.  Nancy said while she filmed it scared him or she would have honked before he made mincemeat out of that jeep.

That will be Fozzie’s last hurrah if we see him again.  This is broad daylight in the middle of the day so he is obviously not worried.  In the end he can’t just stroll around and cause mayhem, so it is all fun and games until the warden comes.  But is sure is crazy to see a bear strolling around, it is Colorado.

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From a reader.

Hmmm. Scaring up hoppers and you’re using a Rapala? Hard to beat hopper flys when those fish decide that’s what they want. Kind of like when those speckled trout want that topwater. The TX coast was good earlier but the water is already hot. Time to make sure the A/C is in good working order until early October. Now if I had that cold running water close by I would be trying a hopper! Sounds to me like you’ve got things covered! Hope you have continued success with your “new” fishing.
Colby S

You are so right.  The problem was I did not bring a fly rod with me (Stupid on my part.) as it was just a quick water check which turned into a catching trip.  The hopper will be getting a serious workout the next month.  This fly-fishing thing is a whole new can of worms, but I am learning.  And while I miss a big spec smoking a topwater I do not miss the heat.  In fact, we do not even have air conditioning in our house.  So thanks for commenting and good luck this fall and winter when the bay really turns on.

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Everything else is keeping us busy and with the river back down time for some hopper fishing.  We are having random rain and thunderstorms every afternoon, and we sure need it as we are in a period of high fire danger.  The rain has missed us for the most part but the temp dropping into the 60’s with the front is so nice.  The Boss keeps hiking, and I keep fishing.  Life is good in the mountains.  So, keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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The Rio Grande

As the river falls and the fishing traffic subsides it was time to check out a couple of spots on the river which turned out to be a success on several fronts.  The bite itself was fun and the average size was good.  But best of all, with the water down the wade fishing will really turn on.

The bite was on.

One thing about Brown Trout that I learned back in the 70′ on the White River, feed them a shallow running Rapala in their color and hold on.  I really was not expecting it to be that good and was only checking out the wading potential and it looks great.  Combine the hoppers that kicked up on the way back to the car and you have the makings of a cool bite.

Not bad for a couple of hours.

First up was the old sure thing honey hole, and it turned out to be a bust.  Not even a bite.  But moving to what ended up being 4 places the bite got better as the day warmed.  It was 54 degrees with a cold wind when I started but warmed up fairly quick as it does out here.  Since this was just a look and see trip I did not wear waders and even with it so shallow was still able to catch them.  While it is shallow the river is still wide but it put the fish right where they should be, at leas the ones I could reach on the cast.

The average today was a great sign.

They were smoking the Brown Trout color Rapala.

There was nobody out when I started at 7:30, it sure is not like the early rush all those years on the coast.  Of course, this time of year it may have more to do with letting the water warm some which gets the bugs moving around.  My knowledge of the bug thing leaves much to be desired but the learning curve goes on.  If they are willing to eat on top the next few weeks should be fun.  And the crowds are already declining here I am sure looking forward to the rest of the fall all the way to ice up.

This was the best of the morning.

Keep the Rapala barbless and try to not touch them for release.  It helps to hold them in the net and keep your hands off.  

The mornings trip was a success all the way around.  Waders and a flyrod should be good, and if it does not rain to hard tomorrow morning will be fun no matter how it turns out.  But if this mornings success was without waders which limited the places I could reach who knows how it might turn out.  So time to get all the sruff out and ready, like much of the fishing here, better get out while the getting is good.

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The Next Day

With the success of yesterday I was really looking forward to a serious wading adventure today, but that did not happen.  It was obvious the water had come up, and I mean way up.  As the Rio comes out of the Rio Grande Reservoir it is used for irrigation all over the valley and my intital thoughts were that they were letting it out of the lake.  That turned out to be faulty thinking.  The water was the result of rain in the mountains.  We have been getting some, but elsewhere there has been flooding.

That is the first time I have experienced that here and it will not be the last.  The punch line, I caught one on the fly rod.  That was the result of not only high water but my partial spin out.  The plan intially was to fish the best looking spots that were clear with the water down, today that was not possible as it was running to beat the band.  So right away I changed the plan to a streamer and caught one on my second cast.  As it was barbless it flopped off while I was trying to take a picture.  Everywhere I caught them the other day was completely different but I tried fishing what I could but the current was to strong.  A couple of new places produced one big bite and another fish broke my line.  It was just one of those days.

Today it will be back to the river to assess the water level.  It is just part of the learning curve.  But no big deal, the water will come back down shortly, and it will be a great fall.  Plus, where else do I have to be?  Retirement is a great thing.

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The Boss

The Silverthread Hiking Club.

Nancy joined up with these folks which are a large group of hikers.  They hike twice a week. most of it at elevation and an average hike is around 5 miles into the mountains.  Hiking is a big thing here and she has seen a lot of new places.  This group even continues in the winter though obviously a lot of the summer folks are not here then.  But she puts me to shame so I fish when she hikes, it is the same, right?

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The next few days involves money, our money going to other folks.  The recessed overhead lights in the kitchen need replacing and they are coming tomorrow to let us know when and how much that is going to be.  (I would do it myself, but it is a little too involved and has to do with regular to LED so will leave that to the pros.)  Then at 10:30 going down the street where the Amish are working on a garage to get a bid on the car/boat port.  Getting things done here can be challenging and when I stopped and talked to him he said they are covered up like every other trade in the valley.  But the good thing is what I want is maybe a couple day project for the Amish, they get in and get the job done.  And it does not hurt that they also mill their own lumber and build trusses, the only problem is getting them here.  Other than that little thing all good here in the mountains.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stufff.

 Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Tenkara

Brook Trout on a dry fly.

Been a little quiet on the fishing front the last week or so.  The visitors are here in force and having at the woods and water.  As a perfect example was the fishing destination this morning.

The Boss has joined a hiking club and has been hiking wap in the mountains.  Her hike the other day was to an area we have driven in the past but I never paid particular attention to the creek.  After her group followed it, she said it should have some fish so for our drive this morning we headed way up so I could take a look.

A little of it looked like this.

It is an interesting area with both public and some private land.  Oh the way up the mountain there were at least 2 trucks parked, one on private and one on public land.  We went all the way to the campground and the Boss took off for short hike and I headed into the bush.  While not “deep’ it had plenty of runs and eddies.  I ended up poking around and it was not easy.  But in the end that is what makes it what it is, the middle of nowhere without souund.

Much of it looked like this.  And yes, there are fish there.

I still have a long way to go with casting and the creek is tree lined, as in heavy enough bear spray was a must have.  The bugs were out and there as a hatch of small white bugs so out came a really small white dry.  The first bite caught me sleeping, it was so shallow that when one darted out I was late.  But at least it was a good sign.  Before it was over missed two and lost one, plus the one above.

It is hard to put into words how cool it is to fish this type of place.  Water clearer than my glasses, brush enclosed banks in the real woods.  And with not a soul in sight, it is a pleasure to be there.  Of course I get hung up in the trees, fail to believe my eyes when one appears seemingly out of nowhere and miss it, but it comes with the territory.  It has been fun but times are changing.

The Rio

The big river has dropped like a rock this week.  Far enough that the drift guides are about out of business.  As a consequence, the wading will be much easier and the traffic way down.  Last year I was sick and really ending up missing the fall on the river, but that is not going to happen this year.  Time to get out the other rods and waders and start fishing the big river.  Next week the plan is to take the Boss’s kayak down the about 6 mile stretch above the ramp near the house.  It will primarily be a exploratory trip as it will be in an area with fairly good car access on public land.  So look out brown trout I am on the way.

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We see a lot of cool things on our drives in Colorado.  After heading north for a couple of days for the birthday thing we did see a few things along the way though the animals are hiding out as the whole state is full of vacationers.  We did see a couple of Bighorn Rams and what looked like an older Evinrude 25hp lying beside the road.  While unsure whether it was trash or just fell of a boat, who knows, but we left it there in case it just fell off someone’s boat.  Suffice to say the state is covered up with boats, ATV’s and trailers of all description.  But all that will be reduced to a dull roar in 6 weeks.  But that is the first motor I ever saw roadside.

A couple of days ago we took a drive north and with the traffic and ATV’s in the woods right now the big critters are keeping a low profile.  Combine that with warm weather and good stuff to eat way up they are a lot harder to find.  But on our drive the Boss saw a badger.  A rare sighting for us but when we came back it was gone.

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So Long

I used to like to read your stuff until i noticed you are a liberal and a Republican hater so bye!

Sorry to see you go but if you don’t like my stuff you are sure free to read whatever floats your boat or doesn’t get your panties in a wad.  One thing about a free country we all can do what makes us happy.  Bye.

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On That Subject

You can’t forget how our country is falling into severe divide. Our legislators seem to be afraid to stand up for what they know is right. Hopefully they will find a backbone and do what they know is the right thing to do before it is too late.

Good to hear from you and I decided to post these together as they are relevant to each other.  The divide is real and sad.   The days of old school democrats and republicans getting together over a drink and figuring it out is over.  I contend the underlying issue comes down to one thing – Citizens United.  Money has changed it all and both sides suck.  Pelosi made a bazillion, MTG made a ton by miraculously trading perfectly on the day of the tariff announcements.  I make that comparison for this reason, every single one in the elected federal government is getting rich.  Any attempt to blame one side or another is stupid.  Time to clean house across the board, rich guys cannot sympathize with the electorate as the gig is too good.  During this round of budgeting notice neither the house or senate cut any of their pay or benefits.  It is time for term limits and the end of stock trading, among other reforms.  If folks came into office with the understanding that with only 2 terms you could vote your constituents issues, and not what is politically or financially expedient the world would be a better place.

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And Speaking of Political Stupid

Florida continues to be Florida.  Having fished it for decades and having family there it’s like the rest of America, times they are a changing.  Now the governor, white go-go boots with lifts guy, has signed a new law that I find incredibly interesting as a retired criminal defense attorney and incredibly stupid as a fisherman.  Without going to deep in the legalese the simple explanation is game and fish folks doing safety checks on the water can open closed containers – coolers, live wells etc as part of the inspection.  It is a form of an administrative search, with examples like TSA, semi-trucks, restaurant kitchens, chicken plants, etsc.

The basic rationale has always been if you are in a boat with fishing equipment it is assumed you are fishing.  With that there has always been an exception in most places for checking not only license, but safety equipment and then take a look around at whatever they want aboard the boat.  I look at it through several lens.  First it is an exception to the search and seizure rules that is justified by the rational we just talked about.  I am not a big fan of some search and seizure issues as unfortunately some of the cases I worked on involved bad searches and even illegal activity by law enforcement.  But…….

Ass a fisherman I have no problem at all with them checking.  Knock yourself out, I support what you do.  Having been checked by everything from real jerks to great guys, fresh and salt, it is critical to keep folks from stealing our fish, much less operating a POS boat that is a danger to all of us, or maybe smuggling dope.  Can you imagine what will go on when poachers and smugglers know they can just carry on even if they get stopped?  Have your paperwork and equipment in order and you will be cool even with a dead body in the hold.  It will be chaos.

In the end it is one of the worst ideas yet.  Not sure where or who is responsible for this law, but as usual follow the money.  Otherwise, what is possibly the rational for the change?  Our wardens have a tough job every day and there seems to be no good reason for the change.

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Lots of festivals, rodeos, Logger Days, car shows, and a ton of other things happening in the valley right now.  The weather on the east side of Colorado is warm, here is is great, cool with clouds lately.  We have plenty to keep us busy and are trying to decided where to head west after the “summer” is over.  And our plans are set in stone for Patagonia fishing and lion search.  Until then plenty of exploring and fishing on tap.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stugg.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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The Kids are Here!

My daughter Carrie along with the kids, Ben and Mia are here and we have been having a big time.  From fishing, hiking, rail biking, to horseback riding it has been big fun.  They wanted to ride horses in the mountains, and it turned into a big adventure for them.  Not really experienced they had fun and will be doing it again when they come next time.  For me, I hate horses and they hate me.  So have fun girls, see you when you get back.

The Boss cowboys up!

Desperados!

At the edge of the cliff on Ice Cave Ridge deep in the forest. They had a big time as it was really all their first time riding a horse.  A 2 hour ride they admitted they felt it, but they said the view was fantastic.  But in the end they were glad they had not done the 4-hour trip.

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Wildlife

We had a great day today along with some real cool wildlife sightings, including the bear in the backyard after we got home.  But first on the way to the Williams Lake area for their horseback ride and lunch by the lake we saw a fox.  Not any fox, the one that crossed the highway way up on Wolf Creek Pass was stunning.  After much research it was a variation of a Red fox color that looked exactly like a African wild dog.  There was no doubt it was a color that is one in a zillion, and it was an honor to see it.

Now I know better than to leave the house without the good camera and binocs, but we did it and paid the price.  As we were having lunch lake side Ben said there is a bear, and straight across the lake from us was a big black bear.  It was just moseying along like they do, and while it was a long way off I could have got a shot.  A great reminder, bring the stuff!

Then topping the ride home off there was a really big mule deer buck standing in the timber.  Like all of them right now he was in full velvet, but what set him apart was the height and mass.   It was a giant and if I had had the stuff would have turned around to get a pic though really big critters usually do not stick around.  So, with three encounters without the camera the day was saved when our past visitor decided to pay us another visit.

But what made it special, all of a sudden a mule deer buck comes charging across our backyard.  I told everybody to get ready something is coming, maybe a coyote but it was a bear.  Just to cool.

Back again.  The bears are on the move.  This guy is shedding the last of his winter coat.

It is still amazing to me to see these guys in the yard.

My daughter spotted him first and like all “kids” had the iPhone in hand she got a couple of quickc shots and I was able to get a few myself.

There he goes, happens to be behind my bird feeder, which they hate.

If this little guy keeps coming, he is going to get in trouble.  I say it over and over -Do Not Feed the Bears.  Ultimately, they end up the loser.

While he needs to go back to the forest it was special to let the kids get a close-up view of a real live bear.  City kids, they are having a big time and he was icing on the cake.  But likes one of his buddies the other day the cops were happy to give him a bean bag in the rear end.

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Fishing

Mia and Ben were really excited about fishing and then having a fish fry.  I can not tell you how hilarious it was.  As we were trolling they took turns catching and netting the fish, laughing and acting the fool not wanting to touch them.  *

Mia.  That is as close as either of them would get to actually touching one.

Ben’s first fish. It was a hoot fishing with them.

They wanted a fish fry, and we had real fun getting it done.

But the highlight of the fishing was when one flopped off the Rapala and decided to leave his eye on a treble.  Screaming, gagging, and just plain having the time of their life.  Fishing has not been that much fun in a long time.  Remember to never take times like this for granted.  And best of all with my 72cnd birthday Thursday they made my all-time favorite birthday cake – banana pudding which has been my birthday go to for as long as I remember.  Thanks.

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Railbike – Float

We finished off their week with them doing the railbike ride to the bridge about 5 miles up and then a float back.  They were still whining about their horse ride yesterday.  Too bad, man up.

Ready set pedal.

The Boss and Ben leading the way.

Headed down river

Mia and Ben.

Safley back and nobody died.

They had a big time and 5 minutes after getting back were asleep.  So it topped off a good week and it is back to real life.

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They head home in the morning and we head off to northern Colorado for a few days of birthday R&R.  It has been fun but it will be nice to have the peace and quiet back once we get home. Me and house full of commotion can only last so long.  The old company and fish thing. But it will be back to the outdoors in a few days so keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

ISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Just saying!

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Bears

After we saw a bear about 2 weeks ago we apparently have a bear invasion.  The neighbor next door had a cinnamon came down our hill yesterday, and then today a big black bear.  Not sure what is up but that it a lot of bear sightings.  They happened to be sitting on the deck and one came late afternoon, then the one today came at 2:30.   Now we love seeing wild animals, one big reason we moved here but there is a downside.  We do not need lots of bears who obviously are not scared of people roaming around in the daytime with kids and walkers everywhere right now.  The neighbor sent me a video and it was a pretty good sized black bear.

Unfortunately, it goes back to people feeding the critters, leaving garbage cans out, etc.  The downside is folks are calling game and fish and it can only have a bad outcome for the bears.  The one we saw the other day had a tag in one ear, so he might be a prior offender, the results are never a good thing for a repeat offender.  I keep saying that living here you have to just keep looking out the window, you never know.  We would have easily seen them,

UPDATE

The Boss decided to jump in the truck as soon as he sent the video and see if she could find him.  Well, she found a bear alright, but not the one the neighbor caught on camera a couple of minutes before.  So first the big black bear and then who knows when the brown one came down but they are both here right now.  While we never saw the black bear again the brown one walked on the hillside behind the house and I got a great look with the binocs.  It looked like the one from last week but I am sure that one had an ear tag and this one doesn’t.

Just moseying around to see what kind of trouble he can get in.

Nothing better than a good back scratch.

Think I will get in the truck with the Boss.

Headed back up the hill for a stroll behind the house.

Where it goes from here who knows.  This is their house and we are just living in it but when bears and folks collide bears lose.  So hopefull they will head back up the mountain and do bear stuff.  There is about a zillion acres of wilderness behind our house and as much as we love to see them we worry for their safety.  But hey it sure is cool!

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Tenkara

Decided to sneak out real early to fish the high mountain stream before we lose the water, and it is going fast.  And the real reason was to beat the crowd.  The area is in full fishing, rafting and floating frenzy.  There are tons of folks here and we are glad for the area businesses.  But if you want a spot on the stream, get out early.

Small but tons of fun.

Has a good morning and ended up catching 6 and losing a couple.  The stream I am fishing will soon be really low and so time to give it a rest.  But it is in such a beautiful place who cares, good for the soul.  With the kids coming this weekend it will be lake fishing to go along with the rest of it.  But it sure is nice to catch them on a new technique with a fly I tied myself.  The Rio is falling fairly fast and as soon as the tourists leave it will be back to wading the big river.

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Hail

The weather has been absolutely wonderful but there is this funny thing that happens occasionally.  The clouds come over the mountain the temp drops, and then it hails.

Small, it is amazing when it comes.

We have been lucky as it has not been all the big and it cools things off.  As much as we need water like so many other places we will take it in whatever form it comes.  But trust me, a little hail and cooling off, beats crazy heat and humidity any day.

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So things are hopping in Colorado.  As I was finishing this up the Boss said the gobblers were out back and a ground squirrel was trying to climb the screen door and get in.  After todays extravaganza guess I will put a hook on the screen door incase BooBoo tries to get in.  One of the benefits of living in the mountains, no AC and so the house is open most of the time.  Going to be a big weekend so please have a great time but be careful out there.  And keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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It is easy to forget how lucky I am to have so much fishing close to the house.  This week I hit 3 that are all different in not only character but in what you catch and how you catch it.  This is a good representation of what fishing the mountains is all about.

This – Away from it all.

There is a really small stream above 10,000 feet that I have fished in the past so with folks here for the holiday I figured I could get away from them and it was a good choice.  There is something about being way up in the mountains with only the sound of the wind and wild things.  Other than the occasional truck headed over the mountain it was just me and the fly rod.

Super shallow and clear as a bell.  But there are fish there, and critters.

The area I fished today was a valley with the creek running through it.  As you can see it is really shallow, and it takes a little work to get at all it has to offer as brush lines most of it.   Not sure who was most surprised when I jumped a mule deer who let me get within 10 feet before she bolted.  And with all the cover I wear my bear spray, especially now as they are roaming in search of food and who knows when you might run across one with cubs.  No cell service and little chance someone would just randomly find you it is important to keep the Boss informed where I am heading.  But all of that works together to make it what it is, amazing and breathtaking.

This is a good one for a small stream.

Casting accuracy is the name of the game, the bite window where they hold is tiny and poor casting = poor results.  But I am getting a little better, but I did learn a lesson or two today.  I took the Tenkara but I think the 7′ 3 weight fly rod would have been a little better choice simply for casting in really close quarters.  When you are fishing in the woods it isn’t exactly easy.  But when you catch one this size out of a small spot it is a thing of beauty.  Adding to it is the reward you get from tying the fly that closed the deal.

A common size in small creeks.

Most of the trout in this size stream resemble the one above. With more experience the occasional good one will show up.  Caught 5 and lost 2 lifting them up with the Tenkara, barbless hooks do that but are so much better for the fish.  The learning curve continues but the bigger thing – where it is taking place.  Air and water as clean as anywhere, the chance to encounter who knows what in the wildlife department, and basicallly just you and the mountains!

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Or That

The Lake

For a complete change of pace there is always the lake.  To say it is full of trout would be an understatement.   My search for the Kokane continues and either I am the worst Kokane fisherman in the world, or there are just not that many in there.  My search for the actual stocking records has not been successful but I will find them sooner or later.a

It was a good day as far as size was concerned.

Since I put the trolling plate on the motor the speed is not an issue, and it seemed that the rainbows were a little bigger.  Now that I am using line counter reels getting accurate depths is improved.  Just like all the fishing here there is a learning curve and I do not mind the process.  Next week when the kids are here I will get a chance to fish Williams above Pagosa where I actually have been able to catch the Kokane, hopefully that will continne.

A nice one on the Pro-Troll Kokane Killer.

It is so nice to not really have any competition.  As with many lakes in Colorado it is a no wake lake which keeps the ruckus to a minimum.  It is pleasure to not have folks blowing by you shooting a rooster tail.  The lakes here are summertime sure thing, and makes for a nice few hour trip right by the house.  Can’t wait to get the grandkids on some fish, perfect for new fishermen.

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Or Some of This

The Rio Grande, a brown trout factory.

The river is another animal.  It runs close to the house and is covered up with fly fishermen right now.  It would be nice if the water level was a little higher but the floating is still good and the dry fly season is about to get in full swing.  In my case fall is my river time, fishermen are reduced to a few and the water level is down and the wading is much easier.

One of the most beautiful fish on the planet.

But that is not to say they are not catchable on my old favorites, jigs and small Rapala’s. There is a deep hole close to the house, and it has been my go-to for catching browns on lures.  Their favorites, 1/8th olive feather jig or small Rapalas in a brown trout color.  If one does not work the other usually does, today it was the jig.  The average size is nice and they put up a great struggle in the current.  And one of the things I like about fishing for browns is once you figure out the method it can get really good.  They are aggressive and lots of fun to catch on 4lb test.

Love catching them on my hand tied jig.  They sure like the 1/8th olive.

I tried to fish it yesterday but by 10:00 the river was covered up with fishermen.  With the 4th on Friday the holiday week is in full swing right now.  4 wheelers and drift boats/rafts are everywhere and folks are taking advantage of all Colorado has to offer.  Our neighborhood is full of summer folks and they are all putting money into our small town.  We do not mind the crowds, it won’t be long the rush will be over but until then the businesses will be getting it while they can.  As the weeks results show in spite of the crowds the fishing is fine.

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Bigger than my Head!

Now that is a pork tenderloin.  Will be eating more of it for lunch today.

Our friends that opened a restaurant last month have been telling me about the pork tenderloin sandwich on the menu but was not available yet.  They were having an issue with one of their freezers and as soon as the part came in it would be ready.  Last night we went over to eat, and it was home run.  One of the foods of my youth growing up in Iowa, Ben’s put them all to shame.

The secret is he actually buys the tenderloin, cut and pounds, then puts it in his special seasoning, all his food is good but his fried is exceptional.  Suffice to say no wonder it was so good. Having eaten hundreds growing up I know a good pork tenderloin when I eat one and this was great.  I will be sure to ask him why he put this on the menu; it is not common in many places.  He is a real chef, and Chevy and Stevie the other owners are great folks, and it looks like they are going to be a real success.

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

This guy is wide and will be a good one.

While the animal “traffic” is slow in the yard right now we still have plenty going on.  Just the other day as I looked out the back windows here comes a beautiful coyote.  There is a small “bench” on the side of the mountain that they all use traveling along the edge of town.  The coyote was heading towards the area the turkeys are using and the bear was at the other day. The turkeys saw him coming and headed up the hill and he followed.  We are so blessed to have the constant visits and we are so enjoying watching the mule deer.

The deer have seemed to have split up some from the big herds of early summer.  Now they seem to be hanging with a buddy or two.  Antlers just started to make an apperance lately and now the growth spurt is on.  There is some with the growth going straight up and others with wider growth.  But the splits have started, and it will be fun watching them grow this fall until the rut is on.  Bears, coyotes, turkeys, deer all are regular visitors, you just have to look out the window at the right time.

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That is enough rambling for today.  The kids will be here this weekend and Gramps and the Boss are about to spoil the crap out of them.  Fun every day from fishing to floating, rail biking along with a horse ride to the Continental Divide.  Growing up our family did not have the money to do this cool stuff, to many kids.  Nothing being able to spoil them a little, plus they are city kids and a little taste of the mountains will be good for them.

I hope you have a happy and safe holiday.  It is an unsettling time in the US, but it is still our country right or wrong.  So set it aside for the weekend and have some fun however you define that.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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We got a solid report on an area where the Bighorn ewes were bringing the new lambs down to graze in the morning so we were off at sunrise to see if we could spot them.   Unfortunately, we did not see them going or coming but one of the things we so love about the mountains is you never know.  As we were passing through a big valley where we have encountered a coyote or two the Boss slammed on the brakes and made a quick u turn.

Coyote puppies hanging out at the den.

She saw what she thought was a few fox playing on the railroad tracks but it turned out to be coyote pups.  She hopped out to take a few pictures and they took off, but only went a little way to what turned out to be the den.  These pics were taken with the 600 lens and then blown up some more, considering the distance am happy with the result.

The Boss got out of the truck when she saw them playing on the tracks and started taking pictures and it was back to the safety of the den.

Just hanging waiting for mom to bring back breakfast.

Clearly coyote pups, as long as they were around the mouth of the den they felt safe and settled down while we watched them.  What had been a slow morning turned around immediately.  We see plenty of coyotes here, way more than I would have thought, but this was the first pups at a den.  Now that it is marked in our memory it will be annual spring thing.  When I think about it we have seen bear, elk, deer, turkey, coyotes in the last week or so, and this is really off season for wildlife.

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Friends

He is definitely the Boss.  Guess this is what you would call a long beard.

The tons of turkey who inhabit the neighborhood are usually gone most of the summer.  A few stick around and these 2 guys are regulars.  The long beard leads them around as they pass in the back yard most days.

And this is his buddy who follows him everywhere.

Looks like someone is putting out some feed a few doors down and they hit the same area that the bear was in a couple of weeks ago.  Of course it is against the law to feed wild animals in Colorado and it is not a good thing for the animals in the long run.  But hey, we get to reap the rewards all year so no complaint from me.

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Tenkara

I really am getting hooked on fishing the Tenkara rod in really small and at times incredibly shallow waters.  The direct connection between the rod and the fly makes for an interesting dynamic.  It is really something to feel them bite, a change from normal fly fishing.

The learning curve continues.

With about 15′ of line out, 11 is the line from the rod to the tippet, a 4 – 5  foot tippet and no reel it is direct to the fish.  Casting once you get the hang of it, especially in my case, is much more accurate, which you need in small waters.  The location of the fish is very specific and usually really small.

These little guys are a blast to catch.

Once the fly lands the advantage of the Tenkara comes into play.  You lift the long rod so that the fly line is out of the water so there is no drag and no need to mend.  The tippet is near invisible, ask me how invisible when I am trying to tie on a new fly, and you basically follow the fly down stream.  It really is an efficient way to fish a target and occasionally you even feel them hit.  Keep in mind I am using a nymph style bait I tie myself, and fly is the appropriate word, they are 1/10 the size of an actual fly.

There are as many color variations as there is fish.

It really is time for this kind of fishing.  But the runoff is beginning to slow and you can see the water dropping every day.  What that means for the future is it will be back to the river as the flow diminishes and the wading is not so hard.  And of course the lake is calling and I will be spending time at the lake chasing the Kokanee as soon as I get over this Tenkara obsession.  I have never had so much fun catching small fish!

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A little out of focus but the antlers are on the way.

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And this question from Rusty a long-time reader.

Did you get up to Poge Lake yet? It’s where I got my first Kokanee salmon on a fly. I was
fishing for and catching trout and then there it was!!
Beautiful and way up there but worth the journey

Funny you should mention Poge, it happens to be on our way to the high roads we hike.  So now that you mention it, I should definitely stop and give it a go.  The problem right now is I am so into fishing with the Tenkara.  As the water starts to fall, and the runoff is dwindling, fishing small streams is almost perfect. As can be the problem here, too much stuff to do all at once.  I will get there soon but with the grandkids coming this week it will be boat fishing for trout in the lake.   Good to hear from you.

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It is full on summer here in South Fork.  Rafts everywhere as folks are fishing the Rio and floating.  The ATV’s are all over, the trails and lakes are being used with campers all over the woods.  It is tourist time, and we are happy local businesses are getting it while they can.  Plus in a few short weeks it will be back to a quiet little mountain town.  But this week coming up is going to be as busy as it gets.

With that said the grandkids will be here this Friday and they are going to get the full monte of living in the Rockies.  Fishing, hiking, rail biking out with a return raft trip back, and a horseback ride to the Continental Divide.  Things are shaping up for a fun week.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Sunday Morning

Rockie Mountain Marmot – The Boss says they look like little grizzles.  They live in rock piles and come out late spring.

The weather is stunning so we hit the road for our big loop drive and then a hike way up, and it was a good day.  We still find it hard to take in we live here, for 2 kids from Iowa this is so far from our youth and we do not take it for granted.  You never know what you will see and today was no different.

When we came around a corner these 2 elk were drinking out of a roadside puddle and took off like a bat out of hell.  Love how they run with their heads up.

Until we checked the pictures we did not know they were young bulls.  Hard to tell from way out there at a dead run.

These 2 have a ways to go to achieve real “Bull” status.

Elk drop their antlers late and then start growing them at a rate of up to 1″ a day.  So these 2 have a ways to go but we love seeing elk, one cool animal.  And this time of year they are scattered and way up the mountains.  With the rain we have had lately there is plenty of good green stuff to eat and with the runoff plenty of water up high.

A new to us closed forest road at 11,00 feet with the tree line and snow in the background.

Our area has tons of marked trails from easy to hard.  Once I discovered that the forest service was closing some of the old logging roads they have become my favorite hike.  Almost void of people, many are way out in the woods and rarely do we see anyone else.  The goal is to let them return to nature and you can see depending on how long they have been open how it is going.  And the chance to see wildlife up close is a lot higher with no foot traffic.

We look for tracks, bones, and anything else worth seeing.  Today it was fireweed, which Nancy got schooled on in Alaska.  They call it that because when it catches fire it blows away and spreads the fire.

Really pretty

We also see plenty of wild shrooms, some are edible and some will kill you.  So we will be taking a foraging class in August and look forward to learning all we can.  Every walk is an adventure, and to do it without a sound or people makes it so wonderful.

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Resist

I will never stop advocating for our public lands.  An area up the mountain from the house is called Summitville.  It has been mined from the early 1800’s until the 50’s I believe.  The last miners were a Canadian firm.  They used the cyanide method to extract the gold and as soon as the gold played out they hit the road.  The creek was/is polluted for miles and miles and the land the same.  It is now a Superfund site.  There are over 1,300 designated in the US which are contaminated with hazardous substances that are a threat to people or the land that will cost billions and take decades to fix, if ever.

$250 million and decades to go.

This is my point and the basis of my opinion.  So, a corporation takes the resource and leaves a mess with the taxpayers footing the bill.  In the background used to be a beautiful mountain. We cannot let corporations mine, log, or drill unless we are willing to hold them responsible for the damage.  This is at the top of our 50 mile loop into the really high country and is an eyesore in the middle of some of the most awesome woods this country has to offer.  They can never be trusted, the land belongs to you and me not them.

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Friday Hike

The Boss at 11,000 feet.  The road goes on forever and the party never ends.  There are at least a dozen like this close to us, they go on just as far as you want to hike.  And not a motorized vehicle in sight.

Spring is here and the high mountain Aspens are in full bloom.

Get up high and see forever.

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Time to Call it Quits

I will always be proud of going back to school, then law school and passing the BAR.  The Boss and I worked hard to get it done and we paid for every cent and got through without any debt.  Though I could have kept my license it is finally time to call it a day.  It has been 20 years since I set foot in a courtroom and there is no way I will ever do it again.  I called them to find out if resigning was by motion to the court or what, turned out it was simply filling out one form and that was it.   I had a good run but do not miss it in the least.  And here is their response.

STATE BAR OF TEXAS
Membership Department
June 11, 2025

Douglas Ray Coppernoll – 24052960

Dear Mr. Coppernoll,
This will confirm the voluntary resignation from the State Bar of Texas for Douglas Ray
Coppernoll effective 6/11/2025. If this was processed in error, please contact me immediately at

Membership Department

Thanks, but no error here.  It was fun but I will never say it was REAL fun.  So if you whack someone don’t call me.

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Tenkara

Been out a couple of times with the Tenkara rod with mixed results.  Last trip it was a totally new area and I struck out.  So this morning headed back to the place I first tried it and did just fine.  The best place had already been fished so I gave it a rest and tried the other side of the road.

Brown Trout.  Looke closely, see that black thing in his upper jaw, super tiny fly.

It is hard to describe what it is like fishing the Tenkara.  A combination of cane pole fishing for bluegill, and a really technical method.  My area that of course needs work is identifying bugs.  Trout can be pretty particular as to what they are feeding on and consequently the fly you need.  They were feeding up a storm for a while but I obviously did not have the specific fly but that will come with experience.  But I have learned, just go small someone will eat it.

Brown with a nymph I tied.  

It is so interesting how you can control the line a little easier due to the small diameter of the fly line, which is really not like fly line.  As it is easier to manipulate you can maneveur the fly much easier, which works with the cast.  Kind of hard to describe but suffice to say it is fun.  Interesting bite and way to fish.

I try to get them unhooked and back as quick as possible.

I am really loving this “few minutes” from the house fishing.  There are plenty of areas I have not explored and with the crowd here now and the river running the small streams will be the place of choice for the time being.  Plus, the come and go as you please sure makes it nice.

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We have been watching the NCAA softball and baseball and the Hogs are still in it. We are Clark fans as both of us grew up in Iowa and the NBA finals have been good.  In fact I would still be fishing but time to root on the Hogs.  Everything else is good here in the Mountains.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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We got the car transferred in OKC so on the way back we decided to stop a night in Ruidoso.  It sure is nice not to have to be anywhere.  We used to stay there some and a room on the lake at the Inn of the Mountain Gods is one great way to wake up.  We saw plenty of game on the trip and are always happy to take the mountain route home.  It was good to get the car thing settled and get back to the outdoors.  And speaking of the outdoors South Fork is in full summer mode.  The floaters, fishermen, 4 wheelers and hikers have converged on our small town.  The bears have also joined the crowd and there have been plenty of reports and sightings.  This is the Rockies.

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TENKARA

Last time I mentioned the Tenkara fly rod and finally got a chance to use it.  A Tenkara fly rod is one interesting fishing pole.  Basically, it is a long rod without the need for a reel.  It then has a length of “fly line” and you attach a leader then a fly.

Brook Trout are one beautiful fish.

The one I got is 10′ long and the line and leader are also that length but time will tell on how that all works together.  The flies that came with it are a little different than others but in the 3 hours I fished they bit some of the “regular” stuff along with the Tenkara flies.  The method has plenty of small streams advocates and that is exactly why I decided to try it.

The first one almost as soon as I started.   The best Rainbow of the morning.

For the first trial I wanted a open area where I could learn to cast and get the hang of it.  So it was below the dam at Big Meadow with a nice pool right beside the road.  Little did I know it would be 3 hours of catching.

Brown trout.  It was a mixed bag.

Part of the learning curve is getting used to raising the rod after the cast and then following the fly letting it drift naturally.  The Tenkara style fly took me a strike or two to get the hang of hooking them but with everything happening so close it did not take long.

With the bite on I tied on a dry fly to get the hang of drifting so I could watch it.  That turned out to be fun as several hooked up.  It also let me see exactly what the fly was doing and how to handle the current.  At this point it was 3 different flies so before quitting I tied on the smallest fly in the box.  (With this eye thing tying a size 24 on a 5x was no small feat.)  And they liked that to.

The first attempt with the Tenkara was a real success.  And being able to catch an easy dozen plus on an assortment of fly styles really shortened my learning curve.  I have really begun to love fishing small places out of the way.  The size of the fish is not an issue, it is just plain cool to be on a small mountain stream with not a soul in sight.  It really was fun this morning and it will have a permanent place in the arsenal.

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MLF Boat Crash

Things are heating up in the crash that killed the guide and a couple of customers during an MLF tournament.  Of course, everybody is suing everybody and now MLF is suing Flint Davis their angler who hit the striper guide’s boat.  It is about to get ugly, but it tells you all you need to know about bass fishing today.  While the facts of course are in dispute the time has come to hold the MLF and other organizations responsible for what seems to be an uptick in accidents involving tournaments. (There was actually another one in a big tournament the same day.) Bass fishermen and the organizations seem to think they own the water and take priority over the rest of us, just fish on your local lake when a big one is being held.  I am sorry but the speed and horsepower thing is out of hand.  Then once one of their participants does something like this, they cut them lose in a minute.  There need to major changes to the whole sport and limiting speed would be a good start.  So the final resolution probably years from now will be interesting.

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Hope everything is good with you all.  It is lovely here, mid 70’s with cool mornings.  We do not have or need AC and our electric bill reflects that.  We are headed out to the high mountains for a hike this morning.  It is way to nice to stay inside.  And the planning for a car/boat port starts Friday with the removal of 3 trees, 2 in the way and one that needs to go.  Still waiting on bids but as they say this is Colorado.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines