FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

After trying to get a ton of stuff done the last 2 days, and there was a “do or else” list, I managed to wash the boat and get ready to hit the lake in the morning for a quick simple test run.  Now I will fish some of course but the real reason is to make sure the boat starts and runs.  I got it back from the shop the day before I headed out so had no chance to run it.  And with the salt on the menu before I head back to Colorado to get the truck licensed just want to be sure all is good before heading to the bay.  Nothing like driving to POC and then having boat troubles.

Water Level

Today   94.85   Pool    98.28  (I could not figure out when I was there last but it has been a while, but looks like it was 96.30 msl.  We shall see.)

The lake was clearly down, as low as it has been in a while.  I have to give GBRA a little credit for at least resurfacing some of the road in the park as it was a mess.  After I complained about the increased price of the annual because it affected the elderly and vets, their response was it was needed for improvements, and by golly they did a little, years later.  So I stopped in and gave them the $250 for the annual and off I went.

Fortunately, the boat ran just fine.  It may have 1,370 hours on the engine, but it has been maintained at a minimum annually so no surprise.  Plenty of little things need some easy work, but it runs like the day it was new.  I intend to use it some before it is up for sale, which is coming soon.  Someone will get a good deal as it will be sold simply to get the small boat needed for the Colorado lakes.  Though I fished about an hour or two at most, the rest of the time was making long runs at assorted RPM to be sure no hiccups with the service.

All out of the same mold.

The water temp was 80 degrees or so over most of the lake.  Since I was test driving I got to see the color and take the water temp over most of the lake.  The main arm way up had plenty of color, the area near the dam then up the plant arm is relatively clear.  The weather was cloudy with just a few showers and there was almost now wind.  Sure wish I could have stayed longer.  2 or 3 came on spinnerbait, with 5 or 6 on buzzbait.  The only other things I threw, jerkbait was no bites, and swim jig which produced a couple of bites but no hookups.

If I had to say what might be the start of a pattern, it would be points, deeper banks, and wood.  That was the pattern for the small fish for sure.  I believe that next trip concentration on pitching plastics to deeper wood should be productive, at least for bites.  It is probably a deeper pattern with the lake down and on the fall.  Classic bass reaction to fall and falling water.  There were plenty of shad flipping here and there so those areas would deserve a little attention.  Wish I could have fished a little longer but still plenty to do to catch up but unless the world collapses it will be POC at daylight in the morning.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Have I ever said I love Vermont?  A knucklehead who shot a deer with a crossbow at night from his car was convicted of multiple offenses.  Big fine, 3-year loss of privileges, restitution, surrender of the crossbow, and confiscation of his car!  He fled the scene which I am sure went into taking his car but game violators are thieves, they steal from the rest of us.  If you want to deter stupid behavior in our poachers, make it costly to violate.  (Though the behavior in our parks concerning bears, elk, bison, along with anything else that idiot’s approach might deserve the exact opposite treatment.  Let people do whatever they want and natural selection will take over as the animals get a crack at folks.)  In this case it could not have happened to a better candidate.

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Trout Regs

On your comment “My only real comment is why TPWD is doing this AFTER they returned to the previous limit. It would seem that why not keep it at the 3 fish- 17″ limit and let the public air their opinions?” As a former TPW wildlife guy, it’s complicated. Please go to my friend Shane Bonnot’s article on the CCA website explaining the Emergency Rule on Spotted Seatrout at:
https://ccatexas.org/the-spotted-seatrout-situation/
To read an excellent explanation of the complex rulemaking situation. Kind’a makes lawyering look simple?!

Hope Rusty, Larry, Chef Mike, Brent and I see you on Creek as soon as you make it down! Glad you are safe!

Thanks for the comment and I enjoyed the read.  Guess in my case it is just a real serious case of distrust concerning TPWD.  Starting with the giving of the ShareLunker fry to a really rich guy who charges $3k a weekend to fish, (Then signing that incredibly stupid agreement that they could have them back.) then the failure to hold anyone accountable for the big fish kill when the bridge over the Velano was built.  And now the refusal to ban (At least put on hold for the moment until we know more.) deer breeding in spite of the rising number of CWD which according to them is spreading all make me wary of some of the choices.  Maybe I should give them more of a break at times, but it is what it is.  In this case the reason for the move in trout regulation is easy to understand due to Texas regulations.  It is actually easy lawyering.  Thanks for the information which sets the record straight.

I admit it was just another preconceived judgment on my part and I appreciate the chance to learn.  But as far as I am concerned as long as TPWD remains in bed with the rich their credibility at times will remain questionable.   So, to the rest of you please read the article above and make up your own mind.  But just a reminder ……….here is an abbreviated history of some the commissioners.

• Oil business
• Railroad
• Oil business
• Labor relations/Oil business history
• Industry/automotive
• Oil business
• Oil business
• Capital
• Unsure reading the bio
• Unsure
• Diverse business

First off this is basically a perk as they are appointed by the governor.  (If you want to really delve into it a cross reference with campaign donations might be enlightening.  Though what Texas does as far as appointments is generally how it goes in other states.)  Second not a “regular” person on the board though I do note last time I looked it was even more dominated with oil interests.  Do you honestly think any of them have trouble with a place to fish or hunt?   Really?  Think you can knock on their door and get permission to hunt or fish?  Sure.  Man I would love to be proven wrong.

But in their defense, I am sure they are all fine folks who would be fun at a barbeque.  Nor do I question their motives.  But we all come to the table with our own experiences, friends and notions.  So until I see Bubba from Podunk Texas on the commission, along with a few that have wildlife biology degrees I will remain skeptical.

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Good to be back in Texas.  Random shootings and stabbings here in Victoria continue right along.  You don’t notice the constant violence until you are not here for 5 months and then on return it is in the local news every night.  WTF is wrong with people?

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I am very happy that the boat seems to be ready to go.  Still a little to do on it but to the bay I go.  There are bass, walleye and pike amongst other fish in Colorado so just like here bass will remain on my plate whenever I feel the need.  But there is no bay and I want to catch a “few” trout and reds before finally leaving.  There are great bites in the fishing world and a big trout blowing up on a topwater is one of them, along with a big tailing red thumping a spinnerbait.  Time to get it while the getting is good.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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Rims

When the Boss got her new 4Runner she immediately bought fancy rims.  Consequently, we have a set of 4 brand new 17″ rims off a 4Runner. If you are interested the first $200 takes the whole set of 4.  Hollar if interested.

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Off Topic Rant – And it is a rant!

(Do not read this if no matter what it says it will offend your sensibilities.)

Allahu Akbar – Same tune, same result.

I hope we do not get embroiled in the Israel/Hamas hassle, not our fight.  Those folks have been killing each other for all time and both have legitimate and ugly complaints.  But when Hamas drug that young woman out of Israel and into the West Bank and then paraded her around in her bloody underwear and spit on the body they rose to a new low.  In one small town of 400 only 140 people were left alive.  Going house to house gunning down families, children, grandparents, indiscriminate murder.  So Hamas, you say you enjoy the moral high ground then why this?  Then the complete pieces of shit who paraded that young girl then used her debit card.  Her debit card?  Sick.  Nothing but thieving rapist murderers.  Freedom fighters do not gun down 250 kids doing nothing more than dancing, only monsters do that.  Paraphrasing Curt Russel in Tombstone:  You tell them Israel is coming and hell is coming with them.  Israel is justified in wiping you off the face of the earth.

And a special note to the Palestinian scum who spit on the body of that poor girl.  I hope they find out who you are, cut out your tongue then let you loose in the sex offender wing of the Israel prison where they hold the rest of the animals.  Hope you suffer a lifetime like her family will.  There is no justification.

And now they have discovered over 30 murdered children, some with their heads cut off.  These piece of shit thugs are not brave enough to attack soldiers, now the time for negotiations is over, the time for total destruction is here.   And we need a clear warning if you harm another hair on an American citizen hostages Seal Team 6 will hunt you down no matter where you are and double tap you and anyone with you.  This is insane.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Stunning

My photographic skill could never due justice to the beauty that is Colorado fall.  We took a wonderful hike yesterday afternoon and no words can describe what it looks like right now.

9000 feet on the Lake Fork Trail.

This was the first time we hiked this trail.  Not far from the house it goes through a crazy beautiful canyon and while we just hiked some of it next year we will hike the whole 7 miles round trip.  Today was just wanted to get back to real life.  And as I said there is no way to describe just how amazing it is right now.  The Aspens and Willows are in full fall display and everywhere you look it is stunning.

The small mountain creeks/springs running with our recent rain.

Not sure how to edit it smaller but here is my best freind way up there!

It is read, yellow, green and all coolers in between.

Yesterday, Monday we headed out on a 4Runner search.  We found several that fit the bill and our first and last stop was Pueblo Toyota.  I had specific requirements for the suspension as it will be the mountain truck and it also needs to able to deal with big snows which are coming soon.  While replacing my truck was the last thing on the agenda there is something about new.

White Ice Blackout TRD Offroad Premium.  If you are going to be a bear, be a grizzly.  This thing is a beast.

This 4Runner is now our 5th and this one has all the bells and whistles.  It is top of the line and will last me the rest of my life.  With the Boss also owning one we are now a 2 4Runner family.  The Trail Edition’s response to the wreck just solidified our long term love of the vehicles and in spite of the wreck we feel safe in them, just a hard way to discover they are all that.  The only modification needed is the grille protector which will be added as soon as I get back to Texas in a couple of days.

Once we made a deal we decided to license it in Colorado, so the real move has started.  Here you pay the dealer the sales tax and they end up forwarding it and the loan agreement to the county seat, in our case Rio Grande.  Once they send it we will be notified and then come in and pay the registration and get plates.  The downside (Sort of!) is the temporary plates are only good until December 1st so I will be returning before that to get it done, and maybe go ahead and take the Colorado DL plunge.  Since I feel like this is home the reality of the impending move is happening.  The only downside is I will not get to fish for 2 full months, but it is what it is and you just have to roll with the punches.   But hey, if the worst thing that ends up coming out of the wreck is I have to suffer in the Rockies so be it!  And there will still be open fishable water.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Spotted Sea Trout – Speak Now Or Forever Hold Your Peace

TPWD Coastal Fisheries staff will host several public scoping meetings on the coast to gather input from stakeholders and constituents concerning spotted seatrout management options.

The public is encouraged to attend and provide comment at the following public meetings:

• Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Bauer Community Center, 2300 Texas Highway 35, Port Lavaca, TX, 77979
• Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Saltwater Pavilion at Rockport Beach Park, 210 Seabreeze Dr., Rockport, TX, 78382
• Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Natural Resources Building, 6300 Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi, TX, 78412
• Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Port Isabel Event and Cultural Center, 309 Railroad St., Port Isabel, TX, 78578
• Thursday, Oct. 19 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Bob Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center, Port Arthur, TX, 77642
• Thursday, Oct. 19 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy Ave., Galveston, TX, 77550

For more information, call or email the TPWD Coastal Fisheries Division at 512-389-8575 or cfish@tpwd.texas.gov

My only real comment is why TPWD is doing this AFTER they returned to the previous limit.  It would seem that why not keep it at the 3 fish- 17″ limit and let the public air their opinions?  But no matter, if you care about the fish speak your peace.  As I continue to say if you do not voice your opinion, you have no complaint. And just as important TWPD will continue to do as it pleases with minimal oversight if fishermen do not participate.

And one last word on TPWD and Chronic Wasting Disease.  They have now created another zone that has CWD and instituted specific requirements when you kill a whitetail.  So be sure to review those zones in case you are hunting in one.  It is important to monitor the spread.  Just remember a couple of years from now I told you so, it is coming, and it is probably to late to stop the spread to the whole herd.  Sad.

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Can You Say the Rut is On?

Saturday we just stayed at the house and digested what happened to us the day before.  The after affects were much more traumatic than I would have suspected.  (I would not exactly be described as a sensitive kind of guy.)  It left us feeling sad, concerned about what could have been, about the future, generally apprehensive, but so happy to be alive.  In my case it was the old maybe I could have done something, which while stupid was very hard to kick.  The instant that doe and buck appeared, and he and the front end exploded, will live in my memory forever.  The world literally just exploded.  Since you can’t buy a truck on Sunday we decided to head over to Durango and hit the casino, not for big bucks, just a complete mindless diversion from thinking about it, and the few aches and pains that appeared today.

Of course when we headed out of the neighborhood there was a big bunch of does with 2 bucks acting a fool.  The biggest was chasing does, running in circles, does crossing the road, it was a mini mayhem of hormones.  Then on the way and back there were more dead deer on the road than I have seen the whole time I have been here.  It actually made us feel some better, the mule deer are flat nuts right now and the roads around here are a little frisky.  But in the end, it is just part of the learning process about living here.  And we sure love it here.  And this says it all…….

I just want to know where I can get the shirt!

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And this comment from a reader.

Glad you’re both ok.. that could have been much worse if he tried to jump. Trucks can be replaced, God smiled on you both….

Thanks for your kind thoughts.  Looking back on it as I lifted the truck about 4″ probably kept him from coming through the windshield.  So yesterday went and bought the new 4Runner and as soon as I get back to Texas I will get a “real” grille guard installed.  It will not only keep us safer but should reduce future damage if it happens again.  The whole thing was one big eye opener.  I hate to imagine if it was an elk or a moose.

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The next couple of months is up in the air but one consideration is the Texas fall deer hunt.  After living in Texas for 15 years I finally got an invite to hunt, from a Texan I met here.  In his words:  Can you come to our ranch and help thin the does?  You bet, they all taste good to me.  I will be fishing next week on the lake and bay and many other days until I head back here.  And thanks to all who come here basically for the fishing for sticking with me.  With the last couple of weeks events I have not been on the water much, but that is about to change.  We shall see if I remember a dam thing about the coast and the lake.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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Off Topic Rant

Poverty doesn’t create criminals, lack of a moral compass, a lack of character, and thinking the world owes you something you haven’t earned does.

TRUTH – WE HAVE TO QUIT MAKING EXCUSES.

• Time to make carjacking a 20 year no parole crime.  (Noone is carjacking to feed their family.)
• Time to lower the age of responsibility to 15 y/o with no need to file to transfer to adult court.  (That comes from my brief time in juvenile court and then seeing the same punks in adult court just a short time later.)
• Time to bring back bond conditions that have teeth, violate conditions back in the slammer you go.  I can tell you from experience no bond is the worst idea in the history of criminal law.
• Time to permanently place folks on the no-fly list if they are kicked off an airplane.  If you fly you know the quality of flyers and their behavior is in sad decline.
• Time to ban any idiot “touron” who harasses wildlife or violates the rules in our national parks.
• And last, bring back 3 strikes you’re out if any involve an act of violence or the use of a firearm.

What brought this on, the kidnapping of the 9y/o girl who thankfully was rescued.  That animal needs to be locked up forever and the key thrown away.  Disagree?  Folks do until it is their family.  Having represented the worst of the worst we are kidding ourselves that all can redeemed – that is absolutely nonsense.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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We have been on several hikes the last few days as fall descends on Colorado.  From a high mountain hike on an old closed logging road at 11,000 feet to a nice hike along Big Meadow lake the weather here is stunning.  With the Aspens in full bloom and getting more stunning every day it makes for perfect hiking weather.

Fall is in full bloom in the mountains.

50 minutes on the treadmill or 50 minutes at 10,000+ with my best friend.  This is above the level of the Aspens and you can see the tree line in the background.  That is when you know you are high.

They just started in the last couple days and it is only going to get better.  Our route north to Montana is going to be through the mountains with no interstate.  Should be spectacular.

This particular drive was an extension of my favorite drive and takes us through some stunning terrain.  As bow season comes to a close this weekend there are a lot less hunters in the woods.  This particular drive ends near Beaver Lake so we stopped in so I could catch our supper.  While there I spoke with a couple of hunters doing the same thing, catch supper and then head out for an evening hunt.  They said they had seen a few and heard the occasional bugle but had not gotten one on the ground yet.

Can’t wait to see our Aspens in the front yard when we get back, it should be on.

Nancy was sitting in her lawn chair reading a book when I headed back to the truck with supper.  When I got to the truck she asked if I heard the bull elk bugle, which I didn’t.  To bad but with the elk in full rut in Yellowstone that should be happening regularly.  So the last few days have been not only getting organized for our trip, but planning on closing the house and making sure it is ready to hang out for a couple of months until I get back from Texas.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Our morning hike.  How far back to the truck?

Our last hike before heading out was to Big Meadow.  There was a small fire started by lightning on the mountain which you can see in the picture below.  Luckily it was in an area they could get to and had it under control.  A plane was circling, and a helicopter was on the way to scoop up water out of the lake and drop on the fire.  South Fork may be a small town but it has a really amazing fire department which not only deals with local fires, there have been 3 or 4 this summer, but they also deploy to other areas so it provides a certain level of comfort just in case.  And of course, they work closely with the Forest Service.

The old fire with the new in the background.

It is hard to describe just how beautiful it is right now.

We have been having such a good time enjoying the woods and mountains.  As I have said before it is an honor and privilege to be here and I do not forget just how lucky I am.

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Tourist + Moron = Touron.

As we start to pack and organize for our Yellowstone trip the upsurge of idiots deserves comment.  I am sure by now most of you know the term.  A recent addition to the English language the use has come out of Yellowstone in the last couple of years.  The meaning is simple and all you need to do is Google the term and see what pops up.  A shirtless pinhead chasing a bear, completely clueless fools wanting to pet bison or elk, or the dumbest f’r around using a cow elk call to a rutting big bull only feet away.  And then just this week a photo from Yellowstone of a knucklehead lying on the ground with a bison using his head as a pillow.  I have yet to figure out if it is just a lack of knowledge or have we become a nation of idiots?  Are folks just that stupid?

Part of the issue in the parks is the animals are habituated to traffic and people.  (I hate to use that term, let us just say they tolerate us.)  It has nothing to do with the fact they are “less” wild, it is simply most of the time people and wildlife rarely “closely” interact.  Unfortunately, the inexplicable rise of the touron has changed that interaction.  While the park’s wildlife tolerate us, they are not having anyone getting close.  Part of the problem may be folks think the parks are zoos without a fence.  I hate to say it but you are dumb as a rock if you think you can outrun a bear or pet an animal that weighs 1000lbs with horns.  Bison are not just fuzzy cows and bull elk are not pretty little deer in a petting zoo.

Much of it, but clearly not all, would be reduced if folks would get a zoom camera.  It does not have to be fancy or expensive, anything to keep folks further away from the wildlife.  One thing we have learned chasing stuff, sometimes just put down the camera and see what is in front of you.  And it never crossed our mind to get close enough to anything for a stupid selfie.  Do you want memories or clicks?  Your stupid face in the picture is not the real outdoors.

The term itself will soon be applied to other tourists in other places.  How about the touron  caught etching his initials in the Roman Coliseum, how disrespectful is that.   Or the out-of-town visitor telling the local that is “not the way we do it” in Texas, Illinois, Arkansas, just a few of the states I have heard that spouted.  As the world shrinks folks easily or inadvertently offend the people and animals they visit often without a clue they are doing it.  If the same behavior was happening in their front yard they would blow a gasket.  In the end it is common sense, to bad the country seems to be in short supply.

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We are headed out early in the morning for our drive through Colorado into Wyoming and then Montana.  With fall in full bloom the drive will be stunning and we will see some territory we have not seen yet.  The next week will be great, then it will be back to Texas and real life.  But as our permanent move gets closer there are things to do in Texas in preperation for what is coming for us.  And for you fishermen keep stopping in as soon as I get back the fishing will begin and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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The Boss is Back

Miner Creek Road trail, where we took our hike today.

Glad to have my best buddy here.  It has been a while.

We took a great hike today and the weather was stunning.  After I picked her up at the airport on Saturday there was a free town pig roast right down the street.  Last year they buried 3 hogs and ended up running out so this year they cooked 6 with all the fixings.  It was delicious and basically the whole town was there with some music to boot.  One of the things I love about this “small town” atmosphere, when was the last time your town had free food for all, and everybody showed up?

Fall is here and with it the migration of folks back to their homes, most from Texas but they are from all over.  There are plenty of hunters and the hard core fly fishermen still here but that will also change shortly, then it is a quiet mountain town with a few hundred people and a ton of snow.  We have worked hard to get things the way we want them so when I return in January it will be good to go and I can just enjoy the winter, which is spectacular.

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Our Backyard Rocks

Was making the morning coffee and he and his mate were right out my back window.  One beautiful animal.

Dead still as they watched the turkeys down the hill.  To bad the other pics of the mate were just too fuzzy.

The object of their affection.  There are just tons of them passing through the yard every day. 

Turkeys, mule deer, coyotes, and it won’t be long before the bear makes an appearance.  As the Boss said when I sent her the coyote pictures we live in a zoo.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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On the way back from out hide we spotted these guys.  I never get tired of seeing sheep.  And as soon as the big snow comes they will be down in force and I will be chasing them for the perfect pic.

It really helps to have my wingman with me.  I would have missed these.

Watching me watching you.

Junior.

No big rams, but they are getting there.

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One of the 2 big boys who have been migrating up the hill behind the house every morning.

You can just see his buddy’s horns in the center of the picture.  He is a hoss.

The rut is not quite in full swing, but it is coming.  For now, we are still seeing bucks hanging out together in peace, but that is about to change.  We are so privileged to live here due to our love of all things wild.  While the mule deer were not as prevalent this summer they are back.  And the turkeys were flat gone until this month but are now here in force, this morning we saw maybe 50 give or take a wad.  Our backyard makes our breakfast an adventure every morning.

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The Boss worked a couple of long stretches to be able to come out here for the next 2 weeks.  Today we will be doing some responsible stuff, including making a batch of fresh Bighorn chili.  While I was unsure how a 10 1/2 old ram would taste he is great.  Not gamey at all his backstrap was great, we pan fried some yesterday and today chili.  Tomorrow will head to the lake and catch some trout for her required fish fry.

And we have mapped out our route to Yellowstone with a couple of stops on the way it will basically be through the mountains the whole trip.  Past of our original thought process when we were looking was easy access to the west.  And then 4 full days in the park, where it has been snowing and will probably not be above 50 degrees.  Perfect.  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

A Dream Come True

The word epic is often thrown around a little to loosely.  But trips like that do happen, and 2 of my buddy’s both achieved flat epic as my buddy Rusty described his fishing trip.  But first we get to my buddy Randy who I have fished with in the past.  All I have to say is freakin’ awesome, congratulations this is definitely epic.

This is what persistence is all about.

Randy has applied for the Bighorn draw in Montana for 26 years and finally built up enough points and drew.  He is an experienced big game hunter whether deer, antelope, bear, lion, elk he has harvested plenty of trophy animals.  But this hunt was the top of the food chain.  He hunted with an outfitter who he has been hunting with for decades and has put him on trophy elk, mule deer, and lions.

Look at the mass.  It scored 180+ and will make the book.  A ram of a lifetime.

He said by far this is the toughest hunt of his life.  But the guide helped drive him on as they hunted the high mountains.  They saw plenty of sheep including other shooters but were not able to seal the deal.  And then it happened.

What an old warrior.  And the ram was no spring chicken either!

A true trophy for the “book.”

So get out and make your bucket list happen, your dream can come true.

This is what happens when you chase your dream.  Keeping up with the points, planning, and just making the dream happen.  I was a little worried when he got out here as he is very selective in what he harvests.  But in the end it all came together.  Congratulations, and now we are headed to the garage to dress and package some meat.  And tonight – Bighorn backstrap.

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And now Rusty’s trip to the Bighorn River which he so rightly called Epic.  They fished out of Ft. Smith on the Crow Reservation and visited Custer’s Last Stand while they were at it.  So no need for any further comment from me.  If you do not think his trip was epic time to take up knitting.

Rusty with one beautiful Brown. And here is the rest of the story!

It is hard to say much else other than that is flat ridiculous!  They used a double nymph rig below an indicator all week with most of the fish averaging 15-21″.  That is world class fishing anywhere.  There is only one downside, how to figure out how to do that myself.  So thanks for the pictures and congratulations on what was truly and EPIC trip.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Today’s Boat Buying Favorite:  “40 hoarse mercury motor.”  Better take it to the doctor.

While I have decided to not buy the “Colorado boat” yet as I will be in Texas much of the fall and not back here until January.  And with ice out on many of the lakes not until late April/early May I will just wait unless the perfect boat comes along.  But of course, looking at boats is an everyday occurrence, and I am constantly amazed at folk’s feeble attempt to sell theirs.  I found one online that I would definitely look at, it checked all the boxes accept the most important 1:  Title Lost.  For the love of God if you really own it get a copy, it is not rocket science.  Just apply to whatever the agency in your state is and file for a new one.  Basically, it seems lots of folks buy a boat and then either do not register it in their name, or toss the title in a drawer or the trash, or both.

One thing I have learned in my search is my requirements are definitely set in stone.  No longer than 16′, a newer 25hp 4 stroke engine as there will be plenty of trolling, (Electric start.)  and a trailer with no rust.  As many of the lakes have gravel access need to keep the weight down as much as possible. Simple enough.  Not interested in a fancy interior and want easy access to batteries and gas tank.  Trolling motor and GPS are irrelevant and replaceable but would be nice if fairly new.  One thing that is really popular out here is the power drive type trolling motors.  I hate those foot controls and would definitely replace it with a hand controlled which I have been using for over 20 years.  It really does lesson a ton of potential problems and I can operate it in my sleep.  The search goes on.

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CWD

I sure hope their inaction turns out to be correct and not the decimation of our wild deer herd.

Straight from TPWD.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received confirmation of a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a deer-breeding facility in Kimble County, marking the second such detection in a deer-breeding facility located in the county.

CWD has an incubation period that can span years.

I can gripe about this until I am blue in the face but what do I know?  Another positive at a captive breeding facility, the second in this county but there have been more throughout the state.  They admit incubation can take years.  So, why the wait?  Just hang out and let it potentially spread when they cannot guarantee there is no problem letting captive breeding continue.  What else do they need to recognize the real danger to our wild herd.  10 more positives, 100, a thousand?   Oh I forgot, the $$$$.  Guess protection of the common man’s deer is not as important as the rich side of Texas deer hunting.  Nero fiddles while Rome burns.  I just do not get it.

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Guess I will leave it at that today.  As soon as we get the ram processed it will be time for a ride to show him the sights.  And while we are at it maybe I can show him our local sheep.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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Off Topic Rant

PRIME

As a big college football fan, it has been so entertaining being in Colorado.  Love him or hate him it is hard to quantify what he has done.  Not only elevate the program but he is smart enough to recognize the new college football landscape.  While I am not sure that the changes to the rules is a good thing, Prime has turned the college football world on its head and any criticism of his actions is completely unwarranted.  He has played legally within the rules so do not give the player a hard time, it is the rules.  And in the long run it is jealousy.  The NIL may not be good for college football but any coach who does not take advantage of ANY rule that can help his team is a loser.  Welcome to the new world.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Morning Drive

I never get tired of the scenery.  

It has been a little rainy the last few days, mostly coming in the early afternoon.  So with that in mind it was up early and I headed to Pool Table Road for ride first.  Of course, there were hunters in the woods but at least this area is a trophy draw area so there was a good chance that the traffic would be down some.

Pool Table holds a special place in my Colorado experience, it is where I found the first bunch of sheep and saw what will probably remain the biggest Bighorn ram I have seen yet.  Along with that I was also lucky enough to see a real mule deer fight, it was amazing.  Today nothing like that happened.  But it was no surprise, not only are there hunters and campers but it is a local favorite of the ATV crowd.  But it is a beautiful drive as it heads way up in the mountains.  Large areas up top have been clear cut, there are huge bluffs, and for those who don’t mind getting their teeth ratttled out of their head you can always take one of the roughest roads anywhere.  I have made that part of the drive a couple of times but today I just wanted to enjoy the morning.  As soon as the sun was way up time to go see how the water level was in my favorite little creek, then drive a couple of more miles and catch supper.

They were not particularly interested in the small creek this morning.

I was a little surprised to see that the water in the creek was up.  It was plenty clear and looked great.  To make a long story short only one small one followed my dry fly but turned off the minute he saw me.  Other than that, for some reason not only did I not see another brook trout, not one took a pass at it.  But as I learn and have a tough time it has its upside, fishing these small creeks takes place in some of the most beautiful places on earth so no complaints.  Then finishing off the morning’s plan, go get supper.

One great thing about this area, there is always the fallback spot.  Supper!

Today it was Beaver Lake which is not that far from the house, and right down the road from where I was fly fishing.  It still brings back memories of my youth, sitting on the bank, line out on the bottom waiting for a bite.  In those early days it was catfish and bass or bluegills anywhere I could get on my bike or my folks would take me.

As I have said before if I need supper the stockers are there for the taking.  When I initially started fishing these lakes  my plan, fish near the ramp.  Makes sense, when they stock they back the truck up and off they go, a little trick I learned on the White River.  In the past I found a grass bed close to the ramp on Beaver and it is easy pickings.  Just fish salmon eggs on 4lb line and as long as you are close to the fish a limit is not that hard to catch.  It took all of a half hour and their next stop, the grill.  And my timing was perfect as it is thundering as I write this.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Speaking of the old Days.

This may be my favorite part of Colorado.

I just love this little stove.  When I was really young my grandparents in Northern Illinois had a big propane stove in the living room, which warmed about half of the house.  The rest was by Grandma’s wood stove which she fired up after Gramps went to get the cows in the back pasture to milk them, by hand no less.  I always loved to stand right in front of it so that it warmed my clothes, and 60 years later I am doing it again.

It is getting cooler here fast, there has been snow on the big mountains, and nothing beats cranking it on in the mornings.  It easily heats the living room nice and toasty in nothing flat.  There is nothing like direct “real” heat, it feels so good on these old bones.

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The road goes on forever and the party never ends.

I am so privileged to live here.  Go about any direction and there is all the great outdoors a person could ever need.  With only a few weeks to go before we take off out west and then I return to Texas time to make the most of it.  Next I think I will drive north and look for sheep and moose.  And there is a lake I want to stop and fish so it will be off early in the morning.  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

Never Forget the Murders

It was over 20 years ago when radical Islamic Terrorists killed over 3,000 people in the World Trade Center.  We went to ground zero 2 months after it happened, and it was still burning and there were family members walking around in a daze holding their loved one’s pictures.  I will never forget the smell, and the people.  We must stay vigilant and give no quarter to anyone who threatens our country.  So never forget what happened and who did it.  And thanks to the folks in the service standing in the breach.  God Bless America.

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Friday Morning Drive

As I headed out way before sunrise my expectations for seeing wildlife were low, and I was not “disappointed.”  This drive always produces and while I did see a few does and one buck in full run as he crossed the road, there was not much out and about.  But the reason was simple enough, it is bow season in an over-the-counter license area.  The woods were full of camps and the traffic in the middle of nowhere was heavy.

One of the few mule deer this morning but not surprising.  (At least the only one I photographed that was in focus.) 

At first there were few folks around but by 7:00 or so it was on.  Though there were still folks in camp there were a bunch of trucks parked by the road where they were walking in.  There were plenty of out of state plates, and the sound of ATV’s were echoing through the hills.  So any deer in their right mind, especially the big bucks were not moving around.  Just guessing but the big buck running across the road was probably pushed by hunters.

Marmots love rocky places to make their home.

I always wondered if marmots were good to eat so did the usual, Goggle.  There were more comments saying they were good to eat than folks that did not like them.  Apparently, they are hard to skin, like squirrels can be, but other than that they are basically cooked like any wild game.  And they have historically been a food source dating back hundreds of years.  Not sure if I will try them at some point but you never know.  Speaking of getting out of your comfort zone.

Maybe if I stay real still they won’t see me.  They do kind of look like a squirrel, only an obese one. 

It was a cool 34 degrees on the mountain this morning.  Fall is coming fast, this morning before I hit the road I made sure that the furnace was ready to go, I already ran the fireplace.  So happy it cranked right up and started warming the house.  Better to know now in case there is an issue instead of finding out when I wake up and there is snow on the ground.  And speaking of that there is a little snow forecast in the high mountains this weekend, a cold front on the way, so just have to see what that brings.

More turkey making an appearance and these were on a dead run.

And when I took a break from writing this looked out the back window and here came more turkeys.  It happened to be 3 again but definitely not the same as the other day.  So the gathering of the turkeys has begun, and it won’t be long before they overrun the neighborhood.

So glad we took the fence out, before this winter is over there will be some great shots.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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I got this comment from a reader and after thinking about it I love it.

Every time I read your blog, I’m reminded of the beauty that exists outside of my comfort zone. Thank you…

While that is not the original reason for the blog it actually is a part of it.  I always say get up and get out.  Believe me at times I am outside my own comfort zone but in the end that makes it what it is.  It is in the doing, and as the Boss often says; “We all have a tendency to stay rooted in our warm and fuzzy spot.”   If you would have told me years ago we would be walking across a ramshackle bridge in the jungle between Costa Rica and Panama, that I would balloon across Cappadocia in Turkey, or that I would snowshoe at 10,000 feet in the middle of winter in the Rockies I would not have believed it.  So folks – Go do something out of your comfort zone you just might like it.  Thanks for the comment.

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It has been very normal around here and I have kept busy, retirement is supposed to be a time to rest but there is always something to do.  Now the weather has really improved with highs in the high 60’s and rain off and on.  And I must say that I have heard more thunder in the time we have been here than I heard the last 15 years in Texas.  And as insane the lightning that accompanies the rain it is no surprise wild fires are started that way.  And there was even a few inches of snow on Pikes Peak and other areas above 13,000 feet.

Tomorrow I hope to get in some fishing weather dependent, nice thing about it being right down the road.  And while I was cleaning up a minute ago a couple of turkeys strolled by.  And looking forward to the Boss getting here in less than 2 weeks.  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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I feel like Otis Redding – Sittin’ On The Dock of The Bay.    Shaw Lake is way up there.  And maybe a couple of people there, it is quiet.

I hate to bring this up to you Texans who are still boiling but things are about to change here.  There is a leaf or two on the Aspens in the yard looking suspicious.  The nights are getting cooler, and the wind has a touch of fall to it.  Then this morning I actually turned the gas fireplace on for a few minutes to warm the front room up.  Guess it is time to start closing the windows at night, maybe.  And an hour later looked out the window and lo and behold, 3 turkeys.

The first of fall.

It has been a couple of months since we saw any.

As soon as spring was sliding into summer the turkeys flat disappeared.  I assume they went on the nest and we had not seen a one for almost 4 months.  Then here came 3 toms/Jakes on their usual route.  So even the turkeys feel it and I look forward to the return of everything that walks or flies in the forest.  I cannot tell you how often I look out the back window.  There are cool birds, Aberts squirrels much less the big stuff.  One great backyard.  So time to hit the early morning woods and see what is stirring about.  Not sure as there are hunters out and about but you don’t know until you go.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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The last few days I did exactly what I do in Texas during the holiday weekend, stayed home and out of the fray.  Other than a trip to the store I did not leave the property but suffice to say when I was on the highway it was really busy.  After the holiday next up is what is referred to as the second wave.  An older crowd it will be intersting to see how busy it is.

So this morning I decided to head to the river and see how it looked, and maybe catch a couple.  To say I was amazed is an understatement.  The river is past low it is knee deep in most places.  There were folks fishing, the wading is not too bad, and it is sure the end of the floating season.

An average Rio Grande brown.

A dry will catch them.

My knowledge of fly fishing is still definitely in the beginner stage.  It is not easy, when combined with the water level changes and their feeding patterns it is constantly changing and it seems tough at times.  But I could care less, it is so nice to just go close, and stay as long or as short as I please.  And I still remember to just look around and remember where I am.

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Stockers

Unlike the browns above these Rainbows make the pan.

These are the rainbow stockers from the lake the other day.  While I do not have a smoker here yet, the grill on low for and hour and a half and they were perfect.  And just like specks, if you are going to keep them put them on ice asap.  Nothing like out of the water and on the plate.

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I am patiently waiting to hear from my buddy Randy.  On his bucket list Bighorn hunt in Southern Wyoming and will be passing through when he is done.  So nothing yet, but this is no easy hunt and Randy has high standards.  Hoping for the best.

The Boss is coming in 17 days and we are both looking forward to spending some time together on our Western swing.  Then back to Texas and hopefully some fishing, and if the weather will calm down some work on the property in anticipation of sale next year.  Got to get stuff done so I can haul back here.  But the river, the creek, and the lake are all going to take the forefront.  I look forward to the creek every hear and the time is coming.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines