FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Hiking near the Continental Divide.  It was way up there.

It was downright cool this morning so we made a drive up a road we had not been on yet.  On the way we saw plenty of elk and deer, though stuff did not seem to be moving like it was yesterday. At the very end of that road, and on the border of the Weminuche Wilderness, was a trail we decided to try.  The wilderness area is around a half a million acres, accessible by foot or horse, and it truly wilderness.  We hiked some of the Poison Trail and it was definite workout, as we hiked we were deeper and deeper in the real woods.  But until we were almost back after 3 hours we did not see or hear another soul.  I can not stress enough how much I like that, makes so much of life seem extraneous.  Good for the soul.  After being in several national parks that are flat crowded, here you have a chance to really get away from it all.

But the trail was great.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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I chased this drumming grouse down and got real close, unfortunately the rest of the pictures were really out of focus due to the undergrowth.

On they way we saw this guy and a chase ensued.  He started out on a big rock drumming to beat the band.  Crazy when they inflate their neck.  I finally got a real shot, but he was not going to let me get any closer.  We have not seen any others this trip, but they may just be starting to drum.  Cool bird.

A limit of trout headed to the pan.

We ended up stopping at Williams Lake and I caught a nice brown trout, but was to lazy to go get the camera out of the truck.  Other than a couple of half hearted bites they were not having it.  So on the way to another lake we stopped at the creek and it was running high and dirty, as everything is right now.  One little brown jumped on, but it was enough to tell me that creeks and rivers are out of the picture.  But the Boss was wanting a fish fry so the easy fix, Echo Canyon, a state lake just south of Pagosa.  It is stocked with trout and they are not all that hard to catch.  Just take a Rooster Tail, toss it as far as you can, and then a steady crank, and the smoke it.  So with 4 for the fish fry in hand we called it a day.

And they tasted even better than they looked.

After cooking tons of shore lunches on the side of the White River I can cook some trout if I do say so myself.  So trout, green beans, and slow roasted sweet potato’s hit the spot.  I do not care if it is catfish, bass, trout, or anything else, from the water into the grease is the key to great fried fish.

Tomorrow we are headed on a drive to a lake about half way to Durango, and to check out the area and a couple of small towns.  When I say this is our happy place I am not kidding.  The people, weather, and endless outdoors seem to fit us.  So we shall see.  But I will keep posting so keep stopping in and  thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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Today was our first day in Colorado, and as usual we had a big time.  We took 2 hikes and made a long drive way up and  saw some great animals.  It was 43 degrees in the mountains at daylight and ended up a nice 66.  So here is today’s great adventure.

The aspen are in bloom.  Cool trees generally found at 6000′ feet and above.

The Boss and our first hike along the Piedra River.

We saw a few elk we were able to get pictures and more we could not.  Seemed that some were already higher up in the mountains.  

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Piedra Falls.  Hard to describe how loud it was, and not a bad hike.

As usual mule deer everywhere.

The find of the day.  This was one big cow elk.

Lots of turkey in the area.  And this is the flow, probably no fly fishing the creeks this trip, but there is tons of lakes and trout will be on the plate tomorrow night.

 Today it was our “sure thing” drive, as long as you are up and gone at daylight there is a great chance of seeing stuff.  Today was the usual suspects, elk, mule deer, turkeys, and one cool coyote.  Along with that we have also seen quite a few Antelope on the way in.  They all are looking a little rough as the winter coat sheds.   We dropped by our friends house in the mountains and it looked all good.  Hard to describe how truly stunning the view of the Continental Divide is from his house.

First we made the creek hike, not a soul in sight or sound, then the falls hike.  We finished off the day heading up to the lake, and then checking out some potential fishing spots, which will get a cast or two after our hike tomorrow.  Whether it will be the fly or or spinning remains to be seen, the runoff is moving right along.  The Boss has a trail she has been wanting to try since we started coming here so that will get marked off the list.

As a side note we are, and have been, kicking around the idea of maybe a little real estate, that will be explored a little more as we expand our search area.  This really is our happy place and we do not get tired of the outdoors.  What makes this area our favorite of all the west we have visited is the sheer amount of public land and fishing opportunities.  There are so many awesome roads.  Access is the key and we make the most of it.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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After I filled out the survey from Mercury imagine my surprise when I actually got a personal response.  It said all the right things except this one – I looked in to it and your part is on the way.  The response basically said what we already know, we will get to it in a couple of weeks give or take.  I appreciate the response but the customer service aspect is still sorely lacking.

And on that note the LTS should be ready to go when I get back from Pagosa.  I hope so, time to start fishing the bay.  And the trout reports from Grand Isle are off the chain and it is calling my name.  The skiff is fine for a back up, but time to get back to it.

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I see some interesting things in boats for sale and this one is unusual.

engine run but have gas leak by the propeller

Not sure about this, is it even possible?

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And the usual with a twist.

Needs works and have to file for lost title. Doesn’t run but will.

I promise.

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I almost went blind.

What u see is what u get. No titles.

Just don’t look for you own mental health.

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Now this about covers it.

.unknown working condition.

That is a sales pitch.

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At least it looks good from across the street.

mostly shiny outside
bad inside
clear texas title in hand for boat
nothing for trailer

Run away.

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And I should buy this why?

MOTOR BOAT NEEDS A NEW FLOOR BOARD
no papers on any item

Seriously?  Just a floor board.  No one will give you anything, give it away and it might go away.

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Here is perfect example of something that will never sell.  (And there is a joke here somewhere but I will leave that to you.)

boat abandoned 15 yrs ago. Don’t know if the motor runs but the body is in good shape.

No title. Asking $150 obo

One look and the last comment any of us will have  –  Nice body.

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At least this one is realistic, free.

We lost the title but can do a bull of sale or something like that.

TPWD will be fine with “something like that.”

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And last this guy is a real peach.

 (no, it has no motor now; you don’t see one; there isn’t one)

And quit freakin asking!  In fact, never mind don’t even try to buy it.

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As I peruse boat for sale regularly I have noticed a couple of trends.  There is currently a “boat shortage”, both used and new, at least in some brands.  Consequently used high quality bay boats are bringing stupid high prices, which is fine if it is the boat you want and you intend to keep it for a while. But at these prices you will be upside down something awful.  And a trend in bass boats is all the high dollar electronics, with $5000 worth becoming common and twice that not uncommon, adding to the cost of a used boat.  But here is the future rub.  The electronics are improved every year, with this years latest and greatest becoming last years old news.  Fishermen love the latest and greatest, but when it is time to sell it will be dang hard to get the kind of sale price that will recoup some of that cost.  When I see used bass boat bring $60 – 70K it would seem that we are approaching critical mass.  So shop wisely.

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And last from Nicholas.

Hello, amazing article! I have been to Caye Caulker 3 times, but will be there again this June and for the first time I am bringing my fishing gear. I have spooked countless tarpon in my day, but never landed one. I hope to fish the split every night during my stay. Can you elaborate on how to catch these beautiful tarpon around the island? Also, I need to take a look at regulations but was also hoping to do some night time shark fishing if its allowed (always catch and release) if the tarpon bite is slow.

Also, how did you acquire a fishing license?

First the license, never did get one but should have.  (Guide told us don’t worry about it.) There is a municipal office that I believe has them, think they are $50.  As far as tarpon they come most nights to the lights of the Lazy Lizard, which as you know is on the split.  Get several sabiki rigs, you will need them, and some weights depending on the current.  Once the bar closes you could fish off the bulkhead, which is where the sardines were, the edge of the light.  You will need a bucket.  I had the best luck on the old pier at the head of the split for the tarpon, if it is still there, but it was concrete so it should be.  After it calms down seemed to be when the tarpon showed, and you can see them rolling in the lights of the bar.  From there toss the sardines as far as you can with the lightest weight you can and it is usually nothing more than a tic.  I did not use circle hooks, but it might be better.  And the sardines are not that big, 3 or 4 inches so easy on the hook size so they can swim.  Plus the tarpon there are generally residents in the 20 – 40lb range, though the big ones come in the summer so you never know.  From that point on good luck.  If I was headed back there would take a bag of Knockin Tail in the Pearl on a 1/4 – 3/8th jig head and toss that some, they just might inhale it!

And if you want to catch a bonefish the flat right there by the split holds them.   I had the best luck on 4lb fluro land a light brown 1/16th jig head.  Buggs makes a close one.  I think though you can only fish the area after 6 pm for the bones.  Wade out quietly to knee deep and just wait and watch, they are there,  Just a thought.   And one other thought, use a piece of chicken on a string around the docks on the back side and catch a few small crabs, they not only live longer, but the occasional big permit comes to the split and tarpon love them.  Thanks for the comments and good luck, love fishing there.

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Outdoor gear ready to go, fishing gear packed, along with the rest of it, and off to Pagosa and the mountains we go.  It will be our usual, some fly fishing, chasing animals, a daily hike, and maybe an adult beverage or two with the fish fry.  We burn the candle at both ends, up early, back late.  But putting in the effort gives us a great chance to see wildlife, and after seeing the lion last year maybe we can finally knock off the Colorado bear.  Will post a time or two so keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

This does not do the morning justice.

Weather

78/88. Mainly cloudy and humid with 10% chance of rain.  Wind SE 12 – 20 mph.

Lake Level

Today  95.12 msl.    5 days ago  95.15 msl.

Solunar Times

Minor  6:06 a, to 7:06 am.  Major  12:39 pm to 2:39 pm.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

I started on my buzzbait spot and low and behold it came through.  When getting to the ramp at 6:00 it was fairly calm, the water temp was in the low 80’s over most of the lake, and the color varies depending on where you are.  But one thing remains consistent, throw it in front of a big one before the sun is up and get a smashing, and this one did exactly that.

Sorry for the fuzzy but it was humid as hell this morning.  But the buzzbait came through.

I stuck with the buzzbait until the sun was full up, catching a couple of smalls and losing another pretty good fish.  All of the bigger fish bites are coming on points, and it really helps if there is some cover to go along with it.  But after a while it died like is has so since I was up lake I tossed the blue/blue swim jig, catching a couple of smalls in the off color water.  But I kept going back to the pattern that has not worked but should, a Pearl Silver Jerk Shad in the grass, so time to give it a good go.

And the Controlled Descent Pearl Silver Jerk Shad came on as I found a few more fish in the new grass.  They were eating it.

I was fishing the Pearl Silver Jerk Shad with a 4/0 VMC hook, swimming it in a walk the dog pattern, targeting grass and newly flooded cover.  While they were not on all grassy cover, a few places had some, definitely an improvement.  The ones that were hitting it were eating it.  They wanted it right on the edge of cover, after throwing it over the grass to the bank.  I did miss several off the cover, it was tough to see with the wind, but the point, they were biting.  The one above was back in the stuff and smoked it.  Why this pattern/bite is so late I do not know, but time to hit it hard.  Most were small but with all the cover there is a sweet spot out there somewhere.

As long as the water stays stable there will be more fish moving into the grass.  And along with the Jerk Shad we should have a good frog bite coming.  But right now there is a shad spawn going on in the morning in some places, and there is tons of fry.  Soon the panfish will start spawning, and all of it should move into the grass off and on.  There are lots of areas that have potential, and it should be a good pattern going forth.

Not a bad morning, not great numbers, maybe 10 or so, but at least another good one and a new pattern.  Things are looking up on the lake, it is just late this year for some reason.  How long the really shallow bite will last will be mostly water level dependent.  But for the time being worth getting up for.

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And this from Lacy.

Enjoy reading your adventures & pics and keep them coming so be sure to Test your kill switch to make sure it works, & keep it attached.

Funny you should say that.  I wear the self inflating vest and keep it attached to the kill switch and on the drivers seat no matter the boat and put it on anytime I am going above an idle.  When I load the boat after each trip I disconnect the kill switch from the jacket and run it through the steering wheel so it does not flop all over the place on the road.  One side light to that is when I back the boat in next time and forget to unhook it I find out how well it works when turning the wheel.  Everyone needs to listen to that piece of advice, check your kill switch to be sure it is functioning properly, it may save your life.  As I have said many times, do it for those that love you, it is the least you can do.  Thanks for the comment and should have another photo dump when we get back from Colorado.

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Every once in while folks have a great run tournament fishing whether fresh or salt, and Colton Knipling and his crew are literally taking the salt by storm.  A real credit to their ability to find and catch fish.  Winning regularly is no easy feat and they are on one big roll.  Congratulations.

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Of all crazy things the Boss got a survey from Mercury motors last week.  Funny it came right now since the part on order is still not here after over 6 weeks.  It asked for comments and of course how could I refuse.  But what was interesting was the list of all the Mercury motors I have owned, and here it is.  3hp, 10hp, 25hp, 60hp, 50hp,  90hp,  2-115s, 135, and a 150 Black Max.  At least that is all I am able to recall.  And I used the living crap out of the whole bunch of them.

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Watching the weather last night it was a reminder, April winds have not left us yet.  The Dude was  talking 30 to 40mph gusts the next few days.  Maybe later this summer I will be missing it standing waist deep in the Gulf, but for now please go away.  But at least we had some rain and are expecting more.

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Tomorrow the truck goes in for maintenance prior to hitting the road for Colorado so I will be without wheels tomorrow.  I believe in keeping stuff  up, really reduces breakdown chances, especially when we will be in the high mountains for a few days.  Hopefully it will be back on the water Wednesday, it looks like it might rain, and as long as the wind does not blow it should be a Jerk Shad beatdown.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

It is 9:00 Thursday night and I have decided to get up really early and be at the gate when the lake opens at 6:00.  If I am having trouble catching fish later in the day the only answer is go as early as possible.  The weather is going to be a little to nice, but maybe one more big fish, worth getting up for.

Weather

69/85. Periods of clouds and sun with 0% chance of rain.  Wind ESE 10 – 20 mph.

Lake Level

Wednesday  95.18 msl.    Today  95.15 msl.

Solunar Times

Major  10:37 am to 12:37 pm.

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

It was dark when I got to the ramp.  No real change in the lake conditions other than there was not a cloud in the sky.  As I got my stuff together I decided to retie the buzzbait.  Usually I just grab and go and think about it way to late.  Then it was off to the good place.

Not quite what I was looking for.

I made on pass on the point without a bite.  So turned around and refished it and caught a short.  Then the one above.  What makes me happy about this one is the size.  I have caught very few in this mid size, so was good to see one.  Two casts later it happened.  The bait was about half way back and one just literally blasted it.  I went to set the hook and nothing, including no bait.  The line was broken clean, not an untie, and there is no reason in this world that it would break.  Obviously somewhere on the 2 prior fish something happened to the line.  Ouch!  And what made it so weird is I actually retied before starting and since I rarely do it, kind of a reverse karma thing.

From that point on fished way up lake, and caught a couple flipping wood on the watermelon stick worm, but it is still almost muddy the farther up you go.  Then like I have been doing it was a variety of places, some I have not fished, some I have, with the same result.  2 in this cove, 1 on that bank, never any more, no better fish.  Specifically went to the clearest cover I could find and threw the Controlled Descent Pearl Jerk Shad and could not raise a fish.  Actually threw it on a couple of other spots without one even taking a pass at it.  If there are shallow fish they will always take at least a swipe at it.   And so far the new grass does not have them, at least none I have fished.

A couple more fell to the buzzbait, but they were small.  The swim jig continues to put fish in the boat, and if was going to tournament fish would buzzbait 1 or 2 places early, then the swim jig the rest of the day.  But even that is slow.  Just can not figure out a specific pattern.   But no complaints on my part, caught some nice fish this week.  When a big fish blows up on the buzzbait it is a thing of beauty!

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The Lunker Lure

You have heard me rant on folks who say things like this lure is a copy of that lure.  That misses the point, and shows their complete lack of historical lure making.  The Lunker Lure is a perfect example.  I do not know who was the original designer/maker, but it was used the first time by a pro winning a BASS tournament, I believe in 1975.  In fact I had my tackle store at the time so I  ordered a dozen, immediately hit the lake, smoked the bass, and have been hooked ever since.  Since then everybody who makes spinnerbaits makes a buzzbait.  But in my opinion, and I have used many different brands, nothing beats the original Lunker Lure.  They all make different sounds, but none have improved on the original.

A buzzbait is a great big fish bait.  It is by far one of my favorite ways to fish.  What it imitates is open to interpretation, which is exactly what you want the fish to do.  Is it a duck, bird, shad, it really does not matter, you just need to put it in front of one and hold on.  It shines from post spawn  all the way into whatever winter your area has, water temp 65 degrees and above seems to be the ticket.  And the best thing, it really is simple to use.  Cast and reel.  The key is speed, a steady medium retrieve is usually fine, and lure placement.  Good casts make for big fish, and it should be moving when it hits the water.  I generally point the rod straight at the bait, which will increase hooking percentage.  Big bass often hit it way off the bank, and will come quite a way for it at times, so do not give up on it to soon.  And like they are doing right now, they will smash it.  Little fish will pull it under, nip it, but once a big fish commits she is going to eat.

And one thing you hear all the time is it should squeal.  Folks go so far as to put them on the car antenna or console so it will spin on the way to the lake, just to get them to make “that” noise.  Now companies have added clackers and such, which I have found to be of no help.  When you throw one as much as I have you learn that they will wear out fast, usually the spacer at the end of the blade, they only have so many rotations in them.  It needs to spin freely so it makes the perfect sound at slow to medium speed.  Cast, get it up,  and keep with it.  So with the Lunker Lure, take it out of the package, tie it on, and go to fishing.  Do not complicate something as simple as fishing it.  And when they are eating like they are right now it will hook you, and them.

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And this question from SA Joe.

Doug, I wonder if those big ladies are smashing the baits even earlier than when your getting on the lake?…

Believe me that question has crossed my mind a bunch.  The problem?  The gate does not open until 6:00.  And it closes at midnight.  Now you can get out anytime but I would try it around 4:00 if I could get in,  Not sure I want to go at midnight and stay all night.  But who knows, it might be the trip of a lifetime. especially with this moon.

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Get ready all of you with an outboard that has a drinking problem.  Oil has hit over $62 a barrel and is projected to go even higher.  And just today in Victoria gas went up almost .20 depending on where you shop.  Of course the rise in gas prices would not have anything to do with the reopening of the economy and what looks to be big summer travel on the way now would it?  But either way get ready, it is about to get expensive to feed the beast.

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And did I mention that I actually had the net out?  I rarely use one but for the first time in a couple of months there was actually a few fish that could not be boat flipped.  Plus, it really is easier on them if you have the rubber one.  Easier to get the hook out of the net, and it keeps the fish wet.  So here is hoping there is some more of that in my future.

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We all need a little reminding occasionally, the internet is a dangerous place so do not trust anyone, period.  My sister-in-law and her husband are selling their camper.  They put it on an internet selling site and got a quick response.  The guy,  or shall I saw a piece of excrement, set up an appointment, then a little while later texted wanting a copy of the title.  The answer is not only no but f’n no!  Of course they have not heard from him since.  The easiest way to transverse the internet is NEVER provide any information to ANYONE.  End of story,  One thing you learn as a defense attorney is there are lots of criminals out there who want your stuff.  Probably the same guy from Nigeria who is holding her 100 bazzillian $$$$ inheritance.

And on that note saw a picture of a tournament fisherman with his trophy and check, and he had blockked out the amount.  Smart guy.  See way to many guys flashing the check, which, get real, how often is that reported as income?  Okay to brag, but why exposure yourself to thieves or the IRS.

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And on the LTS the mess continues.  Mercury finally sent the parts last week, only problem one of the bushings for the lower motor mount was for a 4 stroke and not the Opti.  They contacted them, so sorry our fault, and we will get the right part out, in 2 weeks.  I have been a Mercury guy for the last 40 years but this is getting ridiculous, we all know if I was somebody the part would be overnighted and my boat would be long fixed.  So talking nice about them is over.  Try getting your crap together, it should not take almost 6 weeks to get the parts from the factory.  Who do they think they are with poor customers sevrice, Bass Pro.  So the skiff party goes on.

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On the travel front back out west we go in a weeks or two.  Headed back to Pagosa Springs, which is one of our happy places.  Last year at this time the elk migration was in full swing, we ran into the grouse doing their thing, and the rivers were to blown out for wading.  So who knows what to expect from this trip.  But we will be covering the miles, doing some hiking, and putting some fresh trout in the pan.  May even do a little real estate looking.  And Chago will go by the house and makes sure it is still standing.  And isn’t it about time for you to get out there yourself?  They say all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, jsut saying.

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Hope you all have a good weekend.  Of course I will leave it to all of you have to work, hope you get out and catch a few fish.  Now unless it is perfect time to do a little bay fishing, hope we get a day or two with light winds, but rain is coming again, so we shall see.  No matter what I will be fishing so keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

All I have to say, I have a  bad case of the big bass.  So tomorrow I will be on the water before the sun is up and looking for that big bite.  Not sure where I will start, figure that out when I leave the ramp cove.  And more grass cover is going to get a work over, maybe with sun they will move in it as the day progresses.  The only way to know is to go, and I will not have any trouble getting up.

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Weather

75/84. Pleasant, sunny with patchy clouds and 0% chance of rain.  Wind NNE 10 – 16mph.  (Wrong, it was mile high sky and blowing almost 20 at daylight.)

Lake Level

Yesterday  95.18 msl.    Today  95.20 msl.

Solunar Times

Major  9:10 am to 11:10  am.   

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Worth Getting Up For!

I do not know what to say.  It was early as you can see, and when this girl smoked it she hit with some serious bad intentions.  This was one of my top 5 bites bass fishing ever.  It was dead quiet and it sounded like s gunshot, POW.  And then reality set back in.  This is one of the weirdest patterns I have ever encountered.  Smash it at daylight, and then they are gone.

The wind was out of the NE blowing right on the ramp.  It was cool, see sweatshirt, but the water temp remains in the high 70’s and the color seems to be getting a little worse.  With the pounding wind I started on a bank out of the wind with a good point where there has been a shad spawn.  It was a little bit before I got a bite, then wham.  And what came next?  Exactly what I have been seeing, it was another 7 or 8 smalls the rest of the morning.

Half came on the buzzbait, and half on the swim jig.  Try as I might fishing the grassy areas with a Controlled Descent Jerk Shad, they should be blowing up on that thing but they were not having it.  And occasionally the plopper when the cover was not to bad, but no body was interested.  I have a thought on that, the water is still coming up some and the color is working it’s way down lake.  As a side note when I cross the Quad on the way to the lake it is still as high as it has been, muddy, with lots of trash, which is an indication what is coming down lake.

Again today I fished some of my old spring favorites I have not fished in a while, and as usual it was one here, 2 there, all smalls.  In fact did not have another big bite all morning.  But with a cool north wind and mile high sky it was not surprising,  Monday when I got 2, it was cloudy all day and light wind, the next two days as soon as it cleared off in the morning they slowed way down.  In my wildest dreams we will have a day or two coming up with clouds, drizzle, and a light breeze.  Then it will be all day.  The big girls are up, it is all a matter of timing.

Tomorrow will be a honey-do day, which includes mowing the lawn.  This is one of those neighborhoods where once someone mows it turns into a mow-a-rama.  Fishing will be all weather dependent now.  Good light wind day will head to the bay, otherwise it will be back to the lake.  If the wind would give it a rest actually thinking about night fishing,  who knows, that may be the ticket.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Being gone for a week, and then us getting that big rain, had me thinking just maybe it helped the fishing.  I even drove out to see the ramp yesterday.  On the way in stopped a guy leaving with a bass boat to get a report.  Said the water was up and not to off color, though he did not go way up lake.  He reported he caught fish until 9:00 and then it just died.  So I was ready to go this morning.

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Weather

75/88.  Breezy, partly sunny and humid with 0% chance of rain.  SSE 15 – 25 mph.

Lake Level

Today  95.18 msl.    11 days ago  94.01 msl.   (Up over a foot and it shows!)

Solunar Times

Major  7:31 am to 9:31 am.   (And could not have been any more accurate.)

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

The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

I definitely got out to late this morning and did not make a cast until 7:30, which I guarantee cost me a few.  The plan was to throw the Whopper Plopper and I stuck with it until around 11:00 when it definitely quit.  But when they did bite, it was a thing of beauty.  And the grass, there is lots of new in the water, and it looks great.  The water temp was high 70’s every where.

Talk about flushing it, there was no missing her!

The first place had to much wind, I am fishing the small Whopper Plopper.  It was already light white capping so headed to any cover which wasn’t just rolling.  Caught 5 smalls and missed one that looked pretty good.  Next up was my favorite early cove and I tossed it between 2 stumps with the perfect cast and the one above slammed it.  After a good tussle in the net she went.  I rarely use a net unless they deserve it and this girl did, no boat flipping this size.  As usual not a clue what she weighed. it just qualified as big.

I calmed down and made a cast.  Reeled it in, then made the perfect cast in a small pocket and it happened again, 2 cast later.  It was another absolute smash, and she proceeded to get wrapped up in some wood.  But guess I am living right because I was able to get to it and get her untangled.  Cool, but scary, to see them jump on the other side of the snag.  Slipped her in the net, admired her a second, and back in she went.  Like the one above no clue what she weighed, could care less, it was big.

It happens occasionally and today it did.

I think maybe one more small jumped on, and I missed another on the swim jig, and that was the  size of it the rest of the morning.  In fact, after about 11:00 not a touch.  So a little past noon I called it a morning.  I probably missed a good hour of the morning bite, will not make that mistake tomorrow morning.

The lake is looking seriously good.  It is clearing, there is a ton of new grass in the water, along with other cover.  It has not looked this good in a couple of years.  So the question – Is the fishing that much better?  To early to tell, but I did put 2 big fish in the boat today, on the other hand, only caught 7 or 8 and when it quit, it stopped.  But for me, and the way I like to fish, it is gong to be fun.  Whopper Plopper, buzzbait, trick worm, Jerk Shad, and what I will be throwing a lot the next few days, frog.  There is now lots of water for these style baits.  And since neither of the fish were spawned out, their placement indicates they were on the bed or going there.  There is also a mass tilapia spawn, they are bedding everywhere.  If you are a bow hunter get out now, easy pickens.

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Still no word on the LTS, and not sure when it might appear.  So until then unless there is a calm day it will be the lake for the time being.  But with the lake fishing like it is would be there anyway.  With the the activity today it might be a rush to the bank with a round of spawning.  So for the next little bit I will be chasing the bass, it was a couple of awesome bites.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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I could have/should have done a little better keeping up with the photos this trip but it did not happen.  It was all about seeing the wildlife and burning the candles at both ends.  Up and gone before daylight, then 10 hours of searching.  And when it happened it was a thing of beauty.  So instead of some story I have decided on letting the photos tell the story.  The earth will give it up if you try, and this trip was a solid.

As you look at the photos be aware that these are taken with a hand held camera, and most are from a distance.  I do not edit or modify in any way.  They are what they are, no manipulated I Phone pictures, they are what they are, the real thing.   When it comes down to it the focus or the composition is what it is.  I do not take them for that reason.  I take them for the memory, and every time I see them it triggers the real picture in my mind, the reason I do it.  My mind goes back and I see it in my mind perfectly.  So instead of spending tons of time on choosing only the best here is our trip.

Our second grizzly.  The king of his domain.  The coat color was amazing. What an animal.

The park is full of things with hooves, and it was especially good for moose.

They were out and about.

And lots of cool things with wings.  Osprey and Trumpeter Swan.

And my personal favorite, the Rocky Mountain  Big Horn.

There were a few left on the winter range.  Just had to go where they were.  Would love to go there in the late winter.  Thousands of Bighorns come out of the hills and the opportunity to watch the rams fight is a bucket list thing for me.

We had a good day that day.

Decided to pass on this hike.  Sounded like a grizzly encounter on the trail!

On the nest.  Had to look up this one – I believe it was a Sandhill Crane.

And do not forget to pause and take it all in.  Good for the soul.

Molting Blue Heron and mallards on the nest.

Now before we go on a word from out sponsor.  To the folks in the park driving like you are in the city, what is the point?  Here is how our trip went, what did you see?  Crazy.  We work at spotting stuff, it is a learned skill, and it takes time but when it comes together it is so exciting.  So slow down and enjoy, you just might be surprised.

We see you.

Want to become an excellent elk watcher one word says it all – Butts, as in big white ones!

Get up and gone in the morning, and you might get lucky.  It looked like fire!

Stunning.

Then it happened.  Here she came with her cubs.  And for an hour we saw them come from the woods, swim the river twice, and just generally act like bears.  Made the trip!

This happened the morning I was to meet the guide.  I can not tell you how cool it was to watch them.  Little do the cubs know they are about to be pushed out, time to grow up.  And what made it all the better – I knew that fishing later was going to be off the chain.  Before the day was over I was so thankful that I am lucky enough to get to experience this.

This may not be the best but we were just like him, busy as a beaver, and this is the result.  Words do not adequately the parks in the west.  It never fails to move us at some point.  And spending the time to search out the great animals of the west has become a real love for both of us.  We have learned, do not keep your eye in the view finder, the pictures will take care of themselves.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

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The Snake River  –  Never forget to  appreciate the beauty.  Stop fishing, look around, it might be your last day on this earth.

When heading out on a great trip where fishing might play a part I do my research.  From great companies like Captain Experiences,  game and fish websites, fishing reports, guide services, always trying to maximize my chances, especially when only fishing one day.  As you all know, one day could be a bust, or a great trip, it can be a crap shoot.  This time I hit a home run for a couple of reasons.

A native wild 18″ cutthroat.  My PB on a flyrod and it made the trip!

I choose to fish with Grand Fishing Adventures who describe themselves as the Premier Fly Fishing Outfitter in the Jackson area.  Now I don’t know about all that, and definitely not the reason I chose them.  Everyone in the fishing world is “all that.”  In this case they definitely were.

My choice came down to one question:  Water levels on the Snake at this time of year, which could be fine, or might be blown out with melting snow.  One thing they offered was other choices, from private small stream wading to lakes, so that should part being messed up, there would be options to save the trip.  And all I have to say is thanks to them for hooking me up with, Ian Leinbach!  So check them out, if you love trout it will get your blood going.

Jackson Hole & Grand Teton National Park Fly Fishing Guides | GFA (grandfishing.com)

My first 2, then the smack down began and only a couple of pictures after that.  A dozen at least of these and a few really nice ones. Time to forget the camera and fish!

I met Ian at 10:30 at the Wilson bridge just outside Jackson, and we trailed up to a private access ramp and put in.  Being situated as it was it reduced the traffic on that stretch of water, which is a perfect day float with little pressure.  Luckily the water level was perfect with just a hint of color.  We got situated, put in, and he filled me in on the day.  The plan was to first up fish nymphs on droppers, then dry flies depending on the fish, and maybe little dose of streamers.  The first hole I was a native whitefish slayer on the nymphs.  And then it happened, a hatch.  From that point on it was a beatdown, at least as far as I was concerned.

Did the damage.

You could see the hatch, and with it the trout started rising to beat the band.  They were in the “usual” trout places, but riprap was best, where the current pushed the hatch on to the bank.  On almost every stretch with rising bugs it was multiple bites.  I would catch one or two and Ian would row back up and drift it again.  He definitely manned up to put me in position.  Some were barely slurping it, others blasted it.  As a real neophyte with the noodle rod I missed a bunch, but still managed to end the day with double digit numbers of wild native Cutthroats making the net.  Not sure how many fish it was, but it was nonstop action for about 6 hours, and in spite of my beginning  casting skills they were happy to help me out.

A couple of the better ones.  A day to remember.

Ian was a great guy to spend a day with in the boat.  And not only that, he is a teacher.  All day long instructing, teaching, sharing, which I guarantee you has made me a much better fly fisherman going forward.  It is a journey learning a new skill and one way you can cut the learning curve is to fish with a pro no matter your target fish, and this trip was an A+.

Now a small rant as I am want to do at times.  No matter what guide you hire to catch what fish, listen to him and do what the heck he tells you.  Of course over the years I have hired some real losers, but most of have been great.  Ian was one of the best and by listening to him, and applying what he was telling me, I had an epic day.  If you “know it all” then pass on the guide and do it yourself.  But if you want to learn a skill, fish new places, guides are the way to go.  Plus, don’t listen and try to apply, then don’t bitch when it goes bad.

Once it got going the pictures became irrelevant, it was one of those take advantage of it while it lasted.   So no pictures of Ian, but he ain’t that pretty anyway.  (Just kidding.)  He has extensive fly fishing experience in the West and was happy share his knowledge.  The company was top notch, and I appreciated their life jacket rules.  The old attorney side of me have always wondered why any guide with a even a couple of working brain cells in his head would not require life jackets on anyone in their boat.  Not only for client safety but for their own financial good.

The weather was great, the water lovely, and the fish were willing to go, all you can ever ask for a day on the water.  And to do it in such a great place, on famous water only added to the trip.  Do not know if I will ever get back there,  but some of the rivers and creeks sure looked inviting, and would love to spend a day wading some of them, and Ian would be my guy.  So if you ever get out that way ask for him, and tell him I said hey.

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We got home late last night and I am still recovering.  Next up will be a big photo dump of wildlife and a few comments on the Jackson area, which I should get up tomorrow. Occasionally a trip comes together and this one was great.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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