FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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It has been raining for a couple of days now and it looks like we have a couple additional inches (or more) on the way.  It is possible the Gaudalupe will hit major flood stage, and with some areas north of here already getting 8″+ and still raining it should do just that.  We can whine all we want about the rain but we need it.  The Boss and I took a little ride to Coleto (Wednesday) and on the way crossed the Guadalupe.  The river was higher and muddy, but not excessively, and the water has come up at the lake.  There are a couple of reasons I bring this up.  Of course the water level and the ramp.

Yesterday  Much better.  We were getting closer to having to watch out for the end of the ramp when backing in.

I decided to hold off posting this report yesterday to for a comparison.  Today.  It came up a ton overnight.

Notice the small point right past the sign on the right, and that the sign was out of the water. 

When I put in the other day if you drew a line from that point across to the campground that is where the water ended and land began.  So the whole backend is now covered with water though it is only a few inches it is a sign of things to come.  It will be a lot higher when I put in tomorrow.

What will make tomorrow interesting is just what will happen with all the new water.  It will not help the sonar/gps are not in yet so I will have no idea what the temp will be other than the rain has been in the 60′ so it should be similar to what it was before the rain.  Nor will I have mapping but at this point but not needed on Coleto.

Over the decades I have seen a huge reservoir come up 29 feet in 24 hours, to absolute mud baths dropping the water temp 25 degrees and everything else between.  So tomorrow will be paying big attention to watercolor first and foremost.  Then 2 stops at newly flooded back ends of defined creeks to be sure they did not move with the rise.  That is something you do not want to miss, especially if the new water is significantly warmer than the lake, because if they come it is in mass and results in epic catching.  Pretty sure that will no be the case, it not quite “late” enough in the pre-spawn.  It is often best when right before the spawn but no matter that is easily checked.  The next check is newly flooded grass near deep water, again easily ruled out but in my dreams that is where they will be because we are about to have lots of it.  And of course, it lends itself to how I like to fish.  If neither of them works out will just seek out the usual wintering spots and go from there.  Over the years there are times when it seems like they disappear, and is often a good bit until things settle down.   When all is said and done you just do not know until you go.

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Today

I actually caught a few.

I decided to head to the lake specifically for the purpose of adding a few more hours to the engine and get it closer to broke in.  After our visit to the lake yesterday just to check it was amazing crossing the Guadalupe as it was full on flooding with more to come.  When I crossed Coleto Creek itself it was flooding so I knew water was going over the spillway and boy was it.  So, once I got to the ramp I was not surprised.  But as you can see from the picture above it came up a good 2 1/2 feet overnight.

I was not really expecting to catch fish so I just headed up lake to see where the mud line was.  Actually the whole lake is off color and there is literally trash everywhere.  As you head above the bridge and round the corner it was completely trashed out.  So to check the plant arm headed back down and just stopped here and there.  The discharge was running full steam and it was cold with a few dead tilapia.  I did stop and ask the only other guy out what the water temp was and he said 57, so not a big drop.

Swim jig was the ticket today, and I caught 4.  Re-fishing the area with other stuff produced not a bite.

Once you head up the plant arm when you get to the houses and the big turn it was muddied out with tons of trash.  In fact almost all the coves had trash floating, and the only place the water color was worth a hoot was the lower end, but I expect that to change as more water comes.  I have not seen the lake this high in years.

The ones I did catch I never felt, it just got mushy.

The plan today was to drive a half hour, stop and check a place real quick and move on.  I was hoping to get several hours in and before it was over I probably checked 6 places, and other than one spot not a bite.  But I stuck to the plan and the place that had a few was what I suspected, flooded buck brush on a point near deep water.  Without a sonar, they will be here tomorrow, I can only guess the water temp there and how deep they were, but it was in the 3′ range.

So after catching 4 I went for my half hour ride and came back and decided to try and feed them something else.  As the afternoon heated up there were small baitfish flicking here and there so I wallowed a spinnerbait through the brush without a bite.  Went for another ride and came back and slow rolled a swimbait through, with success.  So to finish out the afternoon went for another ride and came back, and re-fishing it with a swim jig did not produce a bite.  So I called it a big boat ride and hit the ramp.

This rise had the tilapia not knowing what was up.  Plenty of dead ones floating and others swimming around aimlessly.  If you like to bow fish now is the time.  Not sure what part of the rise and temp change affected them but it was sure evident something did.  Your guess is as good as mine what will happen next but I am thinking if it warms up it could be good soon.  Even though I just found 1 place with fish as soon as it stabilizes just a hair and the sun gets on some of expect to find some fish shallow.  I am heading to Colorado next week so will miss this next bite but they are coming to the bushes soon and it could get ugly.

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90 years and counting!

I got this comment from my number one reader, who has been with me the longest.

Your Amazing Journey continues apace. Give my love to The Boss as you say a year-long Farewell to Texas, her hospital, and your bi-continental lifestyle. Drop in when you’ve time, thanks for being here for my stupendous 90th, take care of two of my most favorite people. I love you both so much. WFC.

Here is the family.  The crowd was much bigger as many folks came to pay their respects.

It was a great time as many of her friends joined the family for my mother’s 90th birthday New Years Eve.  We were also joined by my uncle Norm (front left) who is having his birthday today.  It had been a while since we were all in the same place, it is a new world unlike when folks were often born and stayed in the same area a lifetime.  But it was good to see everyone until next time.  Congrats to my mom, she has lived a long and eventful life and most of us could be that lucky.

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I got a comment with a new addition to this nice site the other day, which I thank them.  Some good reads so stop in and turn a page or two.

The Best Fishing Spots Near Me: Local Hotspots for Reeling in Trophy Fish – Sporting Goods Pros

**************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Rigging

I am having sonar/gps fatigue.  As I continue to rig the boat just the way I want it there are a couple of small things to do and then the 2 majors.  I need to upgrade the trailer tires to a radial one size larger.  Weight is not an issue, so it comes down to the need for high-speed highway towing, and strength for the gravel roads to get into many of the high mountain lakes.

But searching the sonar/gps selection is driving me nuts.  Several riggings ago I made the decision to mount the same manufacturers locators so that they were switchable in case of failure.  And that happened with my last Garmins.  The bigger one on the console went out so was able to take the one off the front and still fish and have GPS.  Of course, the bigger issue is to be sure no matter where I was that should one go out, I would have a GPS available.  Using the Everglades or Lake of the Woods as an example, it would be a real problem if you were way the hell and gone and you lose the GPS with no clue how to get back.

So there lies my current dilemma, should I buy one fancy high dollar unit or continue with the plan that has served me well?  Both options would basically cost the same.  While the majority of the lakes I will fish in Colorado all you have to do is turn around and there is the ramp, almost impossible to get lost, but if the high dollar one fails I am out of luck until it gets repaired.  (My life is littered with broken and out of date locators.  It happens more time than not.) And as I still plan on returning to Canada and other far-off destinations at some point having a backup is just good practice.

After writing the paragraph above my dilemma is over, I am going to buy two with built in basemaps and call it a day.  Done, order made and ship to the house in a couple of days.  And that is it, no more stuff.  But here is what will be done at the end of the week:  Trailer guide on posts, rod holders, step, trolling motor, battery, locators, motor lock, trolling motor supports, and the transom plate for mounting transducers, glad the spending is done!  It has been fun but will sure be glad when I am finished rigging.  At least some entertainment while it rains for the next few days.  First time I have ever got a boat exactly the way I want it out of the gate.  It is going to be a fishing machine.

As a side note just found a lake in the middle of Colorado that pays $20 for every northern pike brought to the dock.  I accept that challenge.

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THE NRA

It appears the group has lost its way and is now nothing more than a flat rip off, full of lies and theft.  If you have been sending them money you have been taken to the cleaners.

In the plaintiffs’ opening arguments on Monday, January 8, attorney Monica Connell said LaPierre embezzled millions. All of which he spent on “lavish perks” for himself. These include personal use of private jets, expensive meals, private security, and trips to the Bahamas.

Of course, LaPierre had notes from doctors that said he is so sick he can not sit for questioning for long periods.  How did that go over with the Judge – He wants certified documents on the “excuse”.  Anyone want to bet that the real certified doctors note do not arrive?  What, next come to court with a walker?

Then Oliver North who was president of the NRA for only year before being pushed out for trying to address the rip offs, testified today and it is becoming clearer that LePierre is nothing more than a scum bag.  But you may be ok with a charity, which the NRA is, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on clothes, millions on travel, extravagant meals at expensive restaurants, gigantic legal fees, much less inflated salaries.  Looks like before it is over the taking may total 10’s of millions of dollars “misappropriated.  (Or as regular folks would say – ripped off.)  From gun safety and education to nothing more than a money printing machine.  You have been hoodwinked, and the reputation of the NRA is in ruins.  Sad because the NRA has a place protecting our 2cnd amendment rights.

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I was going to wait and post this tomorrow after I fished but wanted to post the pictures of the ramp and water level to compare it with tomorrow.  While I hope to catch fish, who doesn’t when you have a rod in your hand, there is another purpose tomorrow.  (Written yesterday.) I need to put 5 1/2 more hours to the break in procedure and want to get most of it done tomorrow so I am good to go.  But today is the last of it as I head back to Colorado for 6 weeks.  And if you are heading to the lake soon, please be careful, it is a “new” lake with tons of floating stuff.  It has been quite a few years since it has been this high and my anticipation for March thru May is high.  When the water is in the bushes Coleto is one great lake.  So, keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Today was a new day, and homage to the past.  Approximately 50 years ago I went to Arkansas to be fishing guide.  Talk about a rebel without a clue that was me, but I digress.  My first boat was a 14 foot Evinrude with a 25hp motor.  I have been through somewhere around 12-14 boats, they all run together.  Big Champs with a mercury Black Max.  Several old cigar style before the pad and then the V.  Big ones little ones I have had my share.   Now here it is all these years later and I have returned to my roots.

A nice fish, she thumped it.  One of two I caught but fish were not the reason I was out there today.

Monday I picked up the new boat.  It has been in the works all last year as I searched high and low for the perfect boat for the high Rockies lakes, a tiller good for trolling and easy to tow.  I saw plenty of Lunds, the standard in aluminum boats and just kept looking.  I saw several 1400 Fury for sale which looked small to me.  But with the big move coming time to finally go to the dealer and take a look.  And I was pleasantly surprised.

The new ride.

I envisioned small but the 1400 is actually 2″ short of 15′, and being a deep V has plenty of freeboard.  The Boss was all in with new once she saw it and who does not love a wife like that?  I had them mount a Merc 25hp 4stroke leaving the rest of the rigging for me so I could pick out what I want, not what they sell.

A lot more amenities than I thought until I looked at them.  Rod storage for 7 footers, bilge pump, aerated live well, and wired for a trolling motor and battery placement.

I started with a hand control TM and bought a 12 volt freshwater which saved serious money, it has been 24 volts for years.  It was a job to mount but I got it just the way I want it.   There is a bunch of stuff to come from Amazon then a trip to Bass Pro to finish the rigging but I was anxious to get on the water and see how it does.  And I am still deciding what GPS/sonar to buy.  This is the last boat I will ever buy or rig and I am going slow and making sure once anything is on there it is exactly what I want.

Since the engine is not broken in, they put 45 minutes on it so that was next up.  If you have ever broke any motors in you know the drill:  10 hours at variable speed, do not exceed 75% of throttle, limited trolling speed.  It can be somewhat a chore so today the purpose was to work on hours, so I spent almost 4 hours up and down the lake.  Went way up the Coleto arm, then all the way to the intake, then back up lake.  Breaking them in is a little boring but I follow it to the letter, why the boat I sold had over 16oo hours and it still runs like a top.  Take care of them and they will take care of you.

When I got back to the ramp 2 real advantages became apparent.  It used a little over 2 gallons, it has been while since I covered that much ground for so little.  But my favorite, just stuck the nose on the trailer and cranked it on like nothing.  Love that!  And you did not have to back in so far to get it off which is nice.  It road well and once I got the throttle and motor tension right it steered like a pro and was easy to use.  It is definitely a new/old adventure but it sure was perfect for Coleto and will fill the bill on the Colorado lakes.  We will be heading out in less than 2 weeks so hopefully will get to fish some more and knock those hours out.

And by the way the 2 I caught were on the swim jig and 1 of the 2 I missed chased it to the boat and blew up on it.  Obviously the weather the last few days knocked them for a loop.  As I have not mounted a locator yet not sure how cold the water was but talked to a guy at the ramp and it was 51 at the discharge.  That is cold.

**************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

Iowa

Since we bought the house in Colorado we get plenty of questions about winter.  Colorado folks wanted to know if we are going to spend our winters there, which is a big yes, part of the reason we are moving there.  Folks in Texas ask us about the cold and wonder why we would do that.  So, I point you to the current weather in Iowa.  The Boss and I while not knowing each other grew up in Iowa.  As I tell folks when the wind is blowing 30 across the flat lands and it is 0 degrees it gives a new meaning to cold.  Where we are in Colorado it is more of a snow issue.  The great thing about retirement, turn on the stove, grab a blanket, a hot toddy and a good book, or get out the snowshoes, it does not get any better than that.

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It has been an interesting past few weeks since I returned from Colorado.  My mom’s 90th in Arkansas, then I got sick with the Covid for 2 weeks, bought a new boat, sold a boat,  went to San Antonio for service and cross bars on the truck which turned out to be broken so I have to head back next week, boat rigging, the last few weeks have had it all.  I thought this retirement thing was supposed to be easy and suffice to say it has cut into the fishing time.  But hopefull the next couple of weeks before I head back out I can remedy some of the no fishing thing.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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Insanity Knows no Boundaries.

AOC is now agreeing with some Republicans, as is other Democrats, that they need a raise from $176,000.   Are you freakin kidding me!  First this is not supposed to be a career, serve a term or two for the good of the country and back to real life.  Hell we have folks in Congress and several presidents current and past that almost need embalming!  Second that amount is 3x what the average American makes.  Third until both parties start doing their job and acting civilly the most they deserve is a pay cut.  Last, they take more time off than I do.  We need term limits.  I used to debate that point with my brother-in-law and he said we should not have them for the need of institutional memory.  Bullshit, there is no part of their actions that deserve anything other than condemnation and a ticket home.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Unfortunately it has been a while since I wrote.  While still in Colorado my charging cord on the laptop went out and did not get replaced until the other day.  Then a stop in Arkansas for my mom’s 90th and then the kicker – Covid.  We get home and I get sick.  9 days later and I finally feel better than roadkill.  At least no fever for days so not contagious, just feel like crap.  Getting old is not all it is cracked up to be, but sure beats the alternative.

That is the reason the only time I got on the water was Monday afternoon for a couple of hours.  I finally could not take it as the white bass were calling me.  I have fished the spring run all over for 50 years and looking back on Coleto reports the time is now.   And with the Boss wanting a fish fry I headed up lake, out came the crankbaits and I put 6 in the boat.  They are actually pretty good ones for Coleto where they have a tendency to run small.  I had a couple of cooler pics to share but as my luck has been running could not get them downloaded.  Suffice to say it is Wednesday and tomorrow morning let the killing begin.  Will have the report up in a day or two.

But the real big news – I sold my LTS.  After 13 years of great service it just does not make the Colorado grade.  And it is going to a good home, he bought it basically for his 12 y/o grandson who has the fishing bug and wants to learn to fish for the high school tournaments.  I know how excited the young man will be when he hears the news.  I know if my grandpa pulled up with a boat when I was 12 I would have cried and pooped my pants.  Good luck young man.

And the buyer was kind enough to let me use it for a few days to smack the white bass.  But I am going to miss her, she has been all over and in the grander scheme never let me down, but time for a boat more suited to the small Colorado lakes and gravel road access.  Made an offer today on a totally different boat, so waiting to get a response.  This will be like number 14+ and will be the last of the boat buying.  (Note: Thanks Boss.  I am one spoiled little guy.) Off on a new adventure.

**************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

MONDAY

The ones I caught the other day.  Fish fry.

I caught a total of around a dozen, counting small bass and kept just enough of the better whites for a fish fry and then left them biting.  Half came on jerk bait and half on crankbait.  I was trolling in the 2-3mph range running them about 50′ behind the boat and most came out of 6′ of water.  Since I was not feeling all that hot it was simply a quick meat run for the Boss.  When she wants a fish fry she gets a fish fry, and this time of year white bass is usually on the menu.  So, after that quick trip I was hoping for a big day today, but alas it was not to be.

THURSDAY

They were just not in there like last strip.

Not sure why they would not hit a crankbait today, so fed them small jerk baits.

This was the size of it today.

I headed back up lake where I got them Monday with high hopes.  The water temp was 61 degrees and the color is not all that bad.  (Note: The water temp is in the mid 60’s down lake.)  The wind was blowing out of the SW at around 15mph when I started, ended up a good 20mph.  As a side not there was a good dozen trucks at the ramp at 9:00.

The only thing they seemed to want today was the small jerk bait, but you could hardly call 2 “they”.  I did manage 6 small bass, half on crankbait and one on a Pearl Knocking Tail on a 1/4oz jig head.  Keeping the speed from 2-3 mph ended up covering tons of water where they normally are but it was just not happening.  The main difference, and one that often does make a real difference is the sun did not come out.  Often when the sun comes out it pulls the shad up and here comes the whites.  Not sure if the bite is just starting or heading towards done, only time on the water will answer that one.

After spending way to long it was time to do a little bass fishing as the other was sure not working.  That ended up producing 3 smalls on swim jig, one on spinnerbait, and missed a couple on plastics.  By time I gave it up it was blowing like crazy and there was only 3 trucks left when I got to the ramp.  Unfortunately, high winds is the exact forecast for tomorrow.  So, with the weather going to crap here in Texas not sure when I will get out next.  The wind is supposed to really blow out of the North so will at least get up in the morning and check it out.  Who knows, just might get a little fishing in before the big front on Monday.

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And speaking of Monday will be taking the truck to San Antonio for the first checkup, and on the way back will be picking up my new boat.  I am really excited as it is the “Colorado” boat.  So until it is in the driveway will just leave it at that.  But it is start of a whole new fishing adventure.  Having multiple lakes within an hour with trout, kokanee and even lake trout it is going to be fun.

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In a little over 2 weeks it will be back to Colorado for a little over a month to check on stuff and have some snow time.  I will only be there about 6 weeks then back here for some fishing and the ongoing process of getting ready for the move.  It is amazing how much stuff you accumulate and we are really downsizing.  The only question in that department is how big the final garage sale will be.  As we are happy with the other house little of what we have here will be going.  And the Chandelier trip is looming in early May so not sure I want to make the drive back out until that is done.  And will want to use the new boat some, and I will rig the locators and trolling motor as soon as I decide what I need when I get back.  So plenty going on around here so keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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The Off Topic Zone –  Caution 

The Houthis terrorists were warned and now they get to reap just a little of the whirlwind.  Besides attacking commercial shipping, they have attacked our troops.  Hope it left a big mark. Thanks to the US military and stay safe.

Trump’s attorney Habba “BOOB” a Doo says that “I love Beer” Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court will rule in Trump’s favor because he “owes” him.  I hope that is not true because if it is the fix was in.  Where do they get these attorneys?  Oh, I know, parking lots.

It was good to see the Harvard President resign.  She might have weathered the storm until a historian reviewed all her published work and apparently found 50 incidents of plagiarism.  (I read some of them and she stole the works of others, end of story.  Some of it was blatant.)  One example could get you booted from law school, 50 is a pattern.  She blamed her resignation on race, but plagiarism knows no color or orientation.  The past can come back to haunt anyone anytime and if you are caught, you are caught.  Best to fess up instead of making excuses.

It is good to be back in Victoria for a while.  I miss high speed chases, officer involved shootings, drive by shootings and car break ins in the neighborhood.  Never a dull moment.

And “How about those Cowboys!!!”

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

This is not the usual way I did the yearly review in the past but this year is just plain different.  As we spend more and more time in Colorado in anticipation of the permanent move at the end of the years the face of the blog and our life is changing.  So here is just a little of the last year.

This says it all about our year when we closed on our dream house at 8,500 feet in the Rockies.

There is a whole world of public land out there for all to use.

We never get tired of the views.

Snow comes with the territory.

While I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time the Boss came when she could and we spent every minute in the woods hiking and chasing animals.

Sheep

My favorite shot of the year.  They are so majestic.

And just how did you get there.

Love it when they are standing on the top of a ridge.

Fall, when everything with hooves is in the rut. 

These guys thought they were tough guys when they slammed heads, I was close enough to hear it.  Looks like the guy in the front won.

The Fishing

It is great to have the Rio Grande right down the street, and it is full of brown trout.

One colored up rainbow.

But if you want some stockers for the pan just head to one of the several local lakes close to the house

Of course, I put in my bass time and managed some nice ones.

While I did not fish the salt as much this year it always produced.

I could not be any prouder of these little guys from really small mountain streams on a flyrod.  A fun addition to my fishing habit.

*************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

We sure have some big mule deer bucks in Colorado.

They look so cool in velvet.

These 2 are an example of the day 9 this size came through the back yard together.  It was nothing short of amazing.

We saw plenty on our mountain drives.  Always worth getting up for.

Big bucks rub big trees.  The rut was in full swing all fall.

This guy was a stud.

Our resident Boss.  Fun to watch his rutting antics, no question who ran the show during the rut.

But the mule dear did get a little revenge.  We were on our way to Yellowstone before daylight when 5 miles out of town we hit a big buck at 65mph.  Tough way to get a new truck.

The Rest

I love this picture.  Kind of the blind hog finding the acorn.

Suffice to say we are overrun with turkeys.

Plenty of cow elk but did not see a big one this fall.

And I was surprised to find antelope near the house but east of here there are tons.

I love these guys

This little guy was close to the road.  1 of several we saw this year.

Would not want to hit one of these with the truck!

Monte Vista is known for the annual migration of Sandhill Cranes festival.  There are thousands of them.

This guy was about 15 feet behind the house.  He has been by a couple of times and we see quite a few on our drives.

And last is the best picture we could get of a big bear.  It was on the run, but the Boss got a shot when it was way up the mountain.  The happenings we live for.

Hope you liked a little of the last year.  From building a garage, totaling the truck, making lots of new friends in Colorado along with plenty of time on the road it has been a different year.  I usually make some plans or goals for the year as far as fishing goes, this year I do not have a clue what is to come.  The Chandeliers Islands is the big trip in May, and I plan on fishing the salt more as that will be coming to a close when we move.  But as you know I will have a rod in my hand somewhere.

The blog is now on approaching 14 years and this is the 1,491st post.  I hope to keep up and I can never thank all of you who have stuck with me.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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The weather has been pretty nice the last 2 weeks.  We have had a slight dusting or two after the big one, and from the forecast it looks like we are in for a white Christmas.  They are talking everywhere from 15 – 20″ of new snow this weekend.  It will be so welcome here as the skiers and snowmobilers are starting to show up, add a foot or two and winter sports will be in full swing in South Fork.  For me, the Alpine club just groomed the road to Big Meadow Reservoir and if we get the snow promised I will be taking a snowshoe hike on Christmas Day.  Nothing like dead silent,

Sheep Madness

After putting the garage project to bed, at least until I get back, it was time to go check on the sheep and see if there were any elk down in the area they wintered last year.  While no elk were out I got some great Bighorn shots.  They are such a majestic animal and no better time to see them than now.

A nice mature ram.

The fence is no big deal.

I like this shot.  They were doing a little pushing.  The rut is over for the ewes but the rams are still strutting their stuff.

While no big guy this is one cool looking ram.

What?  A 2 headed Bighorn?  No but is sure looks like it.

Scratching out supper.

Wish I could have gotten this from the side, but you just cannot make them do what and where you want.

This is 2 small rams that were fighting, just doing what the big boys do.   They were close enough I could hear them clash heads.  If you look closely the guy in back got literally stood up and lost that confrontation.  But while they were sparring whenever a big boy came around it was another story.  It is nice when they are where I can stop the truck and just watch, the pictures are just a bonus.

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My Favorite Friend on My Walks.

 A really nice buck.

I see this guy along with a couple of others regularly on my walks.  Though I cannot find an older shot than this he had his full rack early, but a little sparing broke a section of his main beam.  He is always curious when I stop and take his picture but with the long lens I am no big threat.  Hope he would be kind enough to shed in the back yard.  Great rack.

*************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

And speaking of wading for trout this is your chance.  There were tons of chatter when TWPD went back to the previous speckled trout rules and they heard you and are now taking public comment on a new proposal.  To reduce the limit to 3 fish, reducing the length to 15-20″ with one over 25″.  As I am a short timer it is up to you to make your voice heard.  There are multiple times and ways to get it done so speak now or don’t bitch.  I personally like it but after catching tons of fish over the last 60 years I am happy with quality over quantity.

News Release: Dec. 15, 2023: TPWD Seeks Input on Proposed Changes to Spotted Seatrout Bag, Size Limits – TPWD (texas.gov)

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Big Ass Rattlesnake

The Boss sent me this from a friend of hers.

From a pasture in Victoria Texas.  That is one big diamondback.  

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My computer is malfunctioning so thought I better post this as it will next week before I can deal with it. So have a great holiday no matter what you do. So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

WINTER

The weather seems to have settled into the pattern that makes this area what it is.  Cold at night but often sunny and warm during the day.  Today was a perfect example as it was 16 this morning and as I write this stuff is melting and should hit 40+.  And the results of finally getting good snow on Wolf Creek and in the woods is the arrival of the skiers and snowmobilers.

I never get tired of seeing nice mule deer bucks.  See them everyday on my walk.

While the all-out rut is over, some of the bucks just cannot resist.  They tear through the backyard chasing but it seems the ladies have had enough.  But every day is an adventure and I cannot get enough of all the stuff.

This is the area out my kitchen window where the former owners fed them.  I don’t but there are lots of folks doing it so no shortage of wildlife.

And plenty of small ones working hard for their dinner.

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Death of an Icon

During the blizzard the other night Two Rivers Tavern started on fire right after it closed for the evening.  The second oldest building in South Fork, at one time the post office and then a grocery store it has been around for decades.  The restaurant was doing well and the folks running it were hopeful things were going to keep going.  Then this……….

Thanks to South Fork Fire Rescue for this picture.

Of all things the 3 folks who run it, who I know and like, went right down the street to the Gaslamp Tavern which is the locals Happy Hour Place when the call came in.  It is a real shame for South Fork and them.  One less place to eat and socialize, it has been there forever.  I ate and stayed next door several times and am sad to see it go.  Thankfully no one was hurt and they are able to rescue the dog, all in a blizzard.

On a side note, visitors and those of us who live here are really fortunate to have the high level fire and rescue guys in this small town.  Not only residential, they are extremely proficient in forest fires, local and nationwide, and assorted rescue operations of all shapes and sizes that come with dealing with folks in the high mountains.  Comforting to know they are right down the street.  The Boss and I during our paramedic time always loved the fire guys and really appreciate what they do.  Funny but when we were the “help” often it was the fire guys who were our “help”.

*************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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The other night had a friend from down the street say did you see the bobcat in your backyard?  NO!  He had just left his parents house and saw the cat walking between the houses and he stopped and watched as she eased along the trail right behind the house.  Then her kitten came jumping along behind in the deep snow.  Like I have said in the past every time I get up and move I look out the front and the back.  I keep 2 cameras and binocs ready but dang they slipped by me.  It is great to live in a zoo without fences.

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And speaking of a zoo without fences here is the ultimate zoo without fences.  While not totally to blame for our love of animals in the outdoors I did want to give a shout out to our wildlife guru.  Our 4 day adventure in Yellowstone with her was nothing short of spectacular.

Taylor Rabe in the backcountry of Yellowstone on a month-long wolf study.  What a view.

We met her on our Wolf Tracker trip to Yellowstone where at the time she was a guide.  That trip, even in her world, was labeled a smashing success and we were so lucky with what we got to experience.  She has since moved on and is now one of the leading wolf experts in the country.  This month she spent glassing up to 11 hours a day with a study group in Yellowstone and some of her video of the wolves is stunning.  She is well traveled and her love and dedication to wild animals is infectious, it is my pleasure to have spent time with her in the outdoors.

I wanted to let you know a little bit about her as she will be in Aspen in January giving a speech on the Yellowstone wolves.  As the introduction of wolves in Colorado looms, unless halted with some kind of last-ditch effort to stop it, it is a hot topic in Colorado.  Taylor is engaging and knowledgeable about wolves and it will be an interesting evening.  Unfortunately, I will be in Texas but no matter where you stand on the re-introduction of wolves you should attend.  I promise you will learn a ton, she knows her stuff.

Naturalist Nights in Aspen: Yellowstone Wolves: A Quarter Century of Research and Observations | Facebook

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Iowa Whitetail

A big corn-fed Iowa whitetail.

My buddy Clyde and my brother took their annual trip to Iowa to hunt those corn-fed bucks.  Clyde put this guy on the ground and if you notice he is missing a few tines from fighting during the rut.  And don’t let anyone tell you these bucks are not good to eat.  Nonsense it is some of the best meat on the planet.  They live on the “feedlot” of soybeans and corn that is Iowa.  Congrats on the nice buck.

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Less than 2 weeks before I head to Arkansas and then back to Texas.  It should be a good time in Arkansas as we celebrate my mom’s 90th birthday.  Always good to see some folks you haven’t seen in a while.  Then off to Texas to catch some fish.  Really considering selling the Mako on my next trip home and getting serious about finding a boat for these waters.  Smaller and light for easy towing in both the mountains and the inevitable gravel roads that lead to our local lakes.  Then back here for ice fishing so keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Sorry for the dearth of posts but if you know what the Headline means you know where I have spent my week.  My ongoing garage project led to finally getting around to insulating to make it useable in the winter.  First time for me, and probably the last as far as insulating anything goes.

Man what an ugly job.  Hell I just might be the guy on TV whining about my mesothelioma after all that. (“You get the book and so much more”.  Like what?  A free car?) But at least I prepared with gloves, mask, suit, anything to keep the fibers off me and that part was basically successful.  With the height of the garage it was a job by myself, and I probably spent entirely to much time standing on the top step, but nothing broke including me, so job well done.  Next up will be covering the whole thing but will let that one slide for a while.  It is just nice to have it off my plate.

*************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

We are getting snow right now and the forecast is for potentially up to 18″.  I have no opinion on that, but the skiers are getting all worked up.  When it snows like this I can always hunker down by the fire with a book then when it is over time for some hikes and snowshoeing.  The snow has been just a little later this year and the local businesses are feeling the pinch.  But this should put plenty of snow on the mountain and things will pick up.

The rut is still on, at least the bucks think so.  While I see them chasing every day the does are just not having it.  And as soon as this snow settles down it will be time for another run to see how many sheep are down, and the elk should come down to the lower valleys to get away from the deep snow.  And with-it time for some more camera work.

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I got the following comment from a reader.

Back in ‘71 ,When I was 18 yrs old I took my first out of state trip to Soap Creek campground north of Blue Mesa. I need to get back there and the Taylor river.
Happy Trails

You are talking about the Gunnison area north of here.  We actually drove that area last year and it was a great drive.  And as far as hiking you could walk the rest of 5 lifetimes and never scratch the trails Colorado has to offer.  And the Taylor River is one of the stunning rivers in a beautiful forest that needs fishing.  There is a big world out there and your comment shows how being outdoors in a beautiful place makes memories that last a lifetime.   So thanks for your comment.  (And I was a senior in high school in 71′ and 18 y/o so looks like we are both doing ok.)

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And this comment made my day.

This blog is a daily reminder to stay positive and keep moving forward.

I admit there are times when I should be more positive, but I try.  As I just said:  Keep movin” keep livin’, quit movin’ start dying.  It does not take a hike at 10,000 feet in a foot of snow, or running a marathon, it is a simple statement with a positive result.  Just do something.  Thanks for you comment.

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TPWD NOTES

TPWD was considering using eminent domain on Fairfield Lake State Park and will let it revert to private ownership.  Now I am not fully informed on all the issues but any loss of land in Texas to private ownership is a big loss.  So please do a little reading and see what you think.  But this comment is interesting.

“TPWD recognizes the importance of conserving our state’s natural resources and providing recreational opportunities for Texans,” said TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. “However, TPWD must also responsibly manage the state’s fiscal resources in order to maximize the benefit of our parks for all Texans. The citizens of Texas have always shown strong support for expanded access to state parks, and I believe there is a promising future for outdoor recreation in our great state.”

Huh?  Not sure what that means.  We love our parks, we need more, but not this time due to money.  Ok, so are they crying poor?  Review the figures below and make your own determination.  But please do your own reading and see what you think about this choice.

Top 10 States for Number of Paid Fishing Licenses Issued

Top 10 States for Number of Paid Hunting Licenses Issued

News Release: Dec. 5, 2023: TPWD Announcement on Fairfield Lake State Park – TPWD (texas.gov)

Thanks to the Realtree Business Blog for the numbers above.  And thanks to SAJOE for the heads up.

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And I try not to flog a dead horse, but TPWD has found a couple of new cases of CWD, in captive deer and one in a wild whitetail.  But hey no worries, I guess.

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It is only a couple of weeks before I head back to Texas.  The reports I am seeing from the salt have me itching for a big trout blowing up on a topwater and maybe a bass or two.  And then when I get back here in February my buddy Joe has the snowmobiles and we will be doing some ice fishing, which brings back memories of growing up in Iowa.  And let me apologies for the disjointed post but will do better in the future.  But no matter what keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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OFF TOPICS

CRIME

As a former defense attorney this nonsense of “restorative justice”, including no bail, early out if given life, and other current proposals in the criminal justice field are a danger to you and your family.  Noone does a carjack because they are hungry, or rips off a shoe store because they needed to feed their children with an Xtra Large Nike jersey, much less the spate of random attacks on folks just walking down the street.  For some reason folks think everyone can be saved, got a clue for you, that is just plain stupid.  Unless you dealt with the folks I did you do not have a clue so good luck with all that.

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KARMA – Look Out What You Wish For

Sometimes things have way of working out.  As Turkey slips farther into radical Islam a minister got up on the floor of their legislature and said the following in reference to Israel: “You will not escape the wrath of Allah.” as he defended Hamas.  At that point Allah assisted him as he fell over from a heart attack and is critical condition.  Guess the wrath of your God had a different plan.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Sheep Madness

When I say the rut is on I am not kidding.  I watched the Bighorns for over an hour this morning and still get just as excited as the first time I saw some.  It finally made it above freezing today though the wind is blowing over 40mph.  But since they were down the other day it was a sure thing to head up and see them, and they did not disappoint.

This guy spent his time harassing the ewes.

He did not jump the fence to get away from me, he had other things on his mind.  Amazing how high a fence they can jump.

There was a big bunch on the highway licking up whatever they put on the road when I cam around the cornet..  When I slowed down to start taking pictures I saw the real action high up on a bluff.  They were all a little animated as the rut is in full swing.  These were taking as far out as the 600mm will reach.  And as I have done since day 1 starting the blog the only manipulation I ever do is to crop some, but to me they will always be a memory of what I saw and not some work of art that any 10 y/o with an I phone can do.

Meanwhile this guy thought he found a girlfriend.

Not sure she was all that happy with his bedside manner.

This little guy thought he was tough and stuck his nose in it but found out otherwise.

It is so awesome to get this close.

Magnificent creatures.

The only thing that could be better is if they were on public land.  Then I could park the truck, get out the tripod and wait them out but there is just nowhere to do that.  But not complaining, when you have been mesmerized by them like I am since I was little it is still a pleasure and honor just to be lucky enough to spend time watching them.  The pictures are just a bonus.

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Meanwhile the mule deer.

This is my first attempt at downloading video off the good camera.  I still have a lot to learn but will get plenty of practice with the rut being in full swing.  This is going on all day in our yard.  So please excuse the buffering, I will get better at it in the future.  Hint: replay it after the first view.

This guy was peeking in the bedroom window.  That is 2 feet from the house.

This is going on all day in the yard.  I have seen some great confrontations and cool chases.  It has been a morning thing but is now in full swing all day.

Then the Big Boy comes and runs everybody off.

It has become a game looking out either the front or the back windows because you never know.  And when I came home today there was a nice buck and doe in the yard.  It seems right now that the mule deer have split from all does or bucks and seem to be in little bunches some with a buck.  And the poor girls are not getting a moment of rest.

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Snowshoeing by the river.

It warmed up to 30 today, which at this elevation is “warm.”  When it is sunny like this it makes for a nice day.  And this is a really early cold front.  So I took advantage of it and headed to the river for a hike.  Though I wore the snowshoes it is not quit that deep right now. But with the forecast for 10 more in a couple of days that will change.  (None has come since.)

Here is the rule:  Keep movin’, keep livin’, quit moving, start dying.  Just get off the couch and do something.

Hiking along the ridge that parallels the river there were plenty of tracks, tons of mule deer, rabbits, and what might have been coyotes.  There was not quite as much snow there as at the house, but it was a beautiful day and a great hike.

*************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

My buddy Rusty is putting the hurt on them on Fayette County.  No surprise.

A toad.  That is the kind of solid that Fayette is famous for.

When Rusty speaks you need to listen if you fish Fayette.  Hint: a bunch on swim jig.  If you can’t figure it out from there I got nothing for you.  And there have been some other good reports.  Thanks as usual for your reports.

And speaking of good reports my buddy Aaron is in town and absolutely smashing the redfish.  While a really accomplished fisherman both fresh and salt he has been doing some learning.  He had not fished a corky in the past and I was telling him how Colton instructed me on using braid and a heavy fluro leader.  Aaron has learned his lesson as he had redfish take 3 corkies away in the same day, I told you he was on them.  And nothing like a $40 lesson to get the point across.

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Winter is in full swing and while it has been cold it is beautiful out.  The critters are out and about making wildlife viewing amazing.  And with the cooler weather comes ice on the lake and as soon as I get back here in early February it will be ice fishing with my buddy Joe.  I did a lot of that as a kid and am looking forward to some good trout through the ice.  And next year I hope to make it up to the Gunnison area for some ice fishing on Mesa which has some huge lake trout.

Watching the Texans as I finish this and notice folks without coats. not quite the situation here.  The weather is what you make of it and time to put this to bed and take a walk.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines  

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Santos

Noone can dispute that George Santos is nothing more than a bottom feeding lying scumbag.  I was watching the argument to keep or expel him but had to stop after a completely insane man blathered on.  A representative from Louisiana had the gall to say he should not be expelled because we have always kept these findings by the ethics committee secret and do not release them.  And that we hide them and let folks off the hook who spent campaign money on vacations, cosmetic surgery and every kind of sexual escapade you can think of (His words.) and none of them have been expelled.  There you have it, just what I have been saying, they all protect their own and withhold findings from the American public who pay their salary.  What a self-serving jerk wad.  Nothing but a POS hypocrite.   We are so getting screwed by both sides of the aisle.

OMG

And then the House actually did something that smells of integrity.  Santo was expelled and rightly so.  Just maybe our senior leadership realizes that most folks in this country do not trust them or think they are doing a good job.  Just maybe there might be a small return to leadership and maybe even some ethics.  Now maybe they will quiet the extremes on both parties and get back to what we pay them for, working for us.  Currently they are flat ripping us off but just maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  (No I am not smoking crack!  I just love this country and hope for the best.)

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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The mule deer are in full rut and thrashing trees and bushes.

This morning there was a smaller buck chasing a doe in the back yard and three more promptly showed up.  Plenty of posturing and some fighting it was a joy to watch.  One of the smaller ones got run off by a big boy who took over and he promptly went to a small bush and thrashed the stuffing out of it.  Not to frustrated.

Then on the way home today this boy was right on a doe and proceeded to rub the heck out of a big Aspen.  I know with whitetails it is often the size of the tree that gets rubbed, in this case it was a big buck and a big tree.  Sure is a pleasure to watch all this craziness going on right now.  And with the weather about to return more to normal I can get out in the woods and do a little snow shoeing and check tracks.  With the fishing off the plate until the ice is on, the river froze the last couple of days, it will be chasing animals until back in Texas in January.

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Winter Has Finally Arrived!

The weather report on Thanksgiving Day was all over the place.  First it was possibly a foot, then a couple of inches but no matter what we were going to get some snow.  My forecast was spot on using the best indicators.

A good 5″ plus when I took this and it was still coming down.

Yesterday the couple of times I was out including my walk the deer and turkeys were in full on eating mode.  I easily saw a minimum of 50 deer, and everybody was getting their feed bag on.  So, my guess:  How about the upper end of the forecast and it turned out to be spot on.  The critters don’t lie.

Before heading out to have Thanksgiving dinner with friends I spent the day doing a complete maintenance job on the snow blower.  As it is supposed to keep snowing until after midnight that just might turn out to be a wise decision.  Will find out in the morning.

This is what I woke up too.  I completely cleaned the railing and the truck so looks like a good 8″ last night.

Thank goodness the snow blower is ready to go and as soon as it gets above 20 degrees will get out there and go to work.  But it is 10 degrees as I write this so time to watch a little fishing and keep looking outside as the turkeys are still out and about, it is up to their belly.  Have not seen a deer yet but they will be coming soon.  Plus it is a balmy 12 right now!

But nothing that beast of a snow blower couldn’t handle.  Sure am glad we bought that!

Until last winter I had no experience with a snowblower but the one that came with the house is a self-propelled beast.  It really is a matter of just following it around and it did not take long to do the job.  Then I took a quick trip through town, the road were still slick as was the neighborhood.

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A Chili Kind of Day

It never got above 27 today after our big snowstorm.  A great day for a fire, some football and chili.  This was as good as it looks.

Big Horn chili.  It will cure what ails ya on a winter day!

When all said and done my buddy figured this cost about $100K if he was lucky.  As far as I am concerned it was worth every penny.

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Today, Monday, it was 6 degrees when I got up and when it barely cracked dawn it was -1, which is cold for this time of year in Colorado.  But with that comes the opportunity to see sheep and elk who come down from on high and hit the valleys and field.  So since I was not going to snowshoe today time to head up north of Creede and see what might be out and about.

The roads are basically clear but there are some serious patches of ice here and there as not all of the road gets sun.  Of course, it did not help that it was 14 degrees in Creede at 1:00.  But the sun was out and I was pretty confident that a few sheep would be down and that turned out to be the case.

Just a small part of the sheep that were out.

Sorry they are backlight but that was the only shots I could get on this bunch.  There was no way to get in better position as the road was only plowed to the edge, there was no good place to park and still see them, and no way to get around them.  So basically, stopped on the highway with flashers on, good thing traffic was light.  But it limited how long I could watch.

He chased this poor girl all over the field.

The rams were in rut and the chase was on.

The rams were doing some banging and hassling and it was a little irritating that I could not get in the proper position and wait out the great shot.  If there was a good side at least I ended up just watching their antics.

I am sure she was getting all the attention she wanted!

After a couple of cars came time to head back to town.  Once I got not that far out of South Fork there was a bunch on the road licking up the salt or whatever they use on the ice.

At least the sun was right but the traffic keep running them back off the road.

Nothing massive but some nice young rams.

So the early afternoon drive was a success.  With the weather finally acting like winter, and the hunting season coming to a close, the elk should start showing up at the lower elevations.  There was not quite as mush snow north of here which may slow the migration down some but it will happen.  Haven’t seen a good elk in a while but will keep on looking.

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Hope everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving.  I spent the day with friends, though there was 2 places serving free dinner.  Folks have been so nice, it really is a calm small town vibe and not one person got shot or carjacked.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Winter is coming.

The weather has been stunning but that is about to change some.  No more 70’s and it looks like the first snow “down here” (8,500 feet) will be here sometime this weekend but the bulk should be up at Wolf Creek Pass.  And then winter really begins.  I took the one above out the front door yesterday morning.  One thing about being in the mountains the air is clear and the colors are awesome.

A dusting the last few nights, coming to us this weekend.

This morning I took the first ride since being back looking for sheep.  There is a little more snow above Creede, and it was 26 degrees at 8:00, which is a good time as the sun hits the exposed mountains and out come the sheep.  The first bunch I saw did not have a big ram with them, but it was good to see that some are down where I can get some photos and it gave me confidence that I would see more.  Then about 10 miles down the road finally got lucky and found a big one.

A big boy!  My winter search for the sheep is on.

He was with a bunch of ewes and was obviously in full rut.  He was unconcerned about me as he had his hands full herding the girls around.

He was with the girls and randy as all get out.

The first bunch I saw but no big boys with them.

So it begins.  As soon as the snow comes, and it will come, the rest of the folks will come down off the high cliffs.  And since it has not snowed a ton on the mountains the elk have yet to make an appearance down low.  But with the hunters still roaming the woods they will stay up as long as they can.  As an old hunter told me:  The big boys will be down as soon as their “parts” are in the snow.  Can’t wait for all of that.

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The Rut is On!

Yesterday morning I got up to get another cup of coffee, looked out the window and there was a couple of fork horns fighting in the front yard.  I grabbed the camera but before I could get outside they both took off following a doe.  It definitely answered the question concerning mule deer and whether they would respond to rattling.  The answer is yes.

Here he came.  What a stud!  30 feet from our front door.

It only took a minute when this guy showed up.  And then another and before the little guys disappeared 4 bucks showed up looking to see what the commotion was, another was as big as this guy.  I was hoping they would get into it, but they kept their distance from each other.  Cool how they stand absolutely still watching and listening.  Like I have said before it is hard to get anywhere in the house without looking out the windows, it continues to amaze.

He and a couple more came following the same doe.  Getting a little crowded around here.

Then as I got ready to hit the road this morning a doe looked in the window and here came several bucks.  It really has been surprising that they all seem to be fairly civil other than the fork horns who duked it out in the yard.

He stuck his head in this bush and went to town.

This guy was all worked up and proceeded to tear that bush up.  And I wondered if they rubbed trees and then this morning I noticed an Aspen in the front yard somebody worked over.  And during my walks in the evening there are bucks everywhere.  Of all shapes and sizes, it is such an honor and pleasure to get to observe them so close.

Can’t a guy just hang out in peace?

They are such majestic animals.

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Steller’s Jay.

As we slowly transition to Colorado obviously the blog will take on a new character.  Of course there will be fishing, but things will change.  But there is so many things here and around every corner a new adventure, a cooler animal, a view to die for.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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I just hardly know what to say.  The dude in California that was attacked by a couple of gang bangers as he arrived home to his house where his wife and baby were has had his concealed carry license revoked after he defended his home and family.  Both of the criminals had guns and when he returned fire they took off.  Afterwards he criticized law enforcement for a shitty investigation, as in 3 days before they really showed up.  The responding officers did not even bother to pick up shell casings (Fingerprints, they are probably felons with DNA on file.)  much less do a real investigation.

Next thing the local sheriff calls him and tells him his concealed carry is revoked.  Apparently, no particular offense other than the cops were butt hurt from his complaints.  Instead of giving him a commendation for protecting his wife and child they retaliated because they did not like his very legitimate complaints about the investigation.  How has the country got to the point it is 3 days before a real investigation into a home invasion and shooting takes place?  And that law enforcement can retaliate like a 2 y/o because their little feelings were hurt?  So the man who did nothing wrong on his own property legally protecting his family is retaliated by the police who it seems did nothing.  Meanwhile the POS who did this are out there to prey on other folks.  And law enforcement wonders why the public is losing faith.  Protect yourself and your family, no one else will.

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