FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

I have been consumed with finishing the garage and it is on its last step, the final inspection of the electric.  Just when I thought it was over the last thing confused the crap out of me, the motion lights on the front of the garage would not work.  But with electric to the lights, along with everything else working, made no sense.  Turned out the sensor on BOTH lights are bad and once that was disconnected, they worked like a charm..  (China, what do you expect.)

I am picking the Boss up today at the airport and can’t wait to show her the work.  The garage was her mandatory and after tons of hurdles, it is ready for her inspection and I can finally get back to the Colorado lifestyle.  It has been a real job but time to put it to bed and have some real fun this week.  The area is full of festivals and activities and she has half the week already planned out.  And of course it will include fresh trout in the pan out of a high mountain lake I plan on taking her to.  Then back to Texas and another kind of trout beatdown.

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As we love to do we were out before daylight cracked for our morning drive.  The plan was to head up to the Rio Grand Reservior and see what we could see and suffice to say it was a home run.  And you all know I love me some Bighorns and they did not dissapoint.  The difference was we encontered 2 groups of rams, which had been missing in action the last month.  So without further ado here you go.

Our first spot of the morning which led to the big bunch of rams.

If that does not get your outdoor juices flowing not sure what will.  What a hoss!

Just a bunch of big boys eating breakfast.

Another big boy.

The Rio Grand Reservior at 10,000 ft on a cool Colorado morning.  And notice the snow pack, still plenty of snow in the high mountains.

Just cute.

And then we scored as I spotted a moose in the brush.  A little guy, he was by himself but moose are just plain cool.

Moose are not exactly rare, they are just quite a bit more solitary than other animals so it is a treat to see one.  We just feel privileged to live here and be able to see all that Colorado has to offer.  The morning was a big success and we will continue to keep it up in our quest for the perfect picture.

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A Knockin Tail Smallie

That is a world class Hog!

Clyde and my brother are up to their usual high jinks in Canada.  He sent this along as it was the biggest of the approximately 150 fish they caught today.  Jerkbait, spinnerbait, you name it they used it and the 3.25 Glass Minnow Knockin Tail produced the monster of the day.  Staying at Muskie Bay Resort on their annual trip it looks like their timing could not be any better.  When you travel that far you never know but Lake of the Woods never seems to disappoint. If you have never visited it is a true bucket list trip on world class water.  Can’t wait to see more pics.

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Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoy chasing them.  I will get some mule deer pics up soon as the bucks are just starting to spout their horns.  It will be interesting to watch the local herd in our block to see as the big boy horns start to show.  The next week will be burning the candle at both ends with the Boss before heading back to Texas.  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

  Inc.

Thanks – Never Forget

As we all prepare for whatever activity the weekend holds never forget.  Often young kids are sent out to defend our freedom and come back grown men and women, or they make the ultimate sacrifice.  That sacrifice had kept us free and continues to do so.  So a big thanks to those men and women for keeping us safe, and to the families of those that made the ultimate sacrifice you have our respect, and we honor your loss.

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This is Beaver Creek that you can normally just walk across.

The rivers and creeks are swollen and muddy.  The runoff has really increased this week with warmer temps.  There is still plenty of snow in the high passes and combined with the little bit of rain we have gotten the runoff is in full swing.  But one of the things I really appreciate about this area is there is multiple lakes that are thawed and getting a few for the table is no big deal.  And of course the ulterior motive:  Old age is coming and the ability to hop in the truck and catch a few without a ton of effort will be nice in years to come.

Supper!  It took 30 minutes to get it done, if that!

These are stockers, which are specifically for folks to catch and eat.  So just after daylight I headed to Beaver Lake and it took all of a half hour to catch my limit.  I have found a nice grass bed in about 10′ of water and it usually holds them.  For entertainment the Super Duper spoon put 2 on the stringer (The 3.25 Knockin Tail is about to get a serious workout.) and then salmon eggs to fill out the limit and it was back to the house.  As I write this I can smell them sizzling in the pan!

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And speaking of fishing the boat search goes on.  The LTS will head to the shop when I get back next month for a full work up and then it just might be on the market soon.  (Somebody is going to get a great deal.)  The perfect boat out here is small, light, with a small motor.  The lakes are not big compared to most I have fished in my life, not even a real need to get on plane.  Plus with many on gravel roads aluminum is preferred and the lighter the better.  While fly fishing is going to come to the forefront shortly fishing out of the boat will always be part of the plan.  Not even sure I would know how to act without one.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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After getting approval on my electrical rough in on the garage it is the next to the last step to be finally finished.  Since I got up early, I decided to head up north to check out a lake or two and maybe see a little wildlife.

Stopped to check out the Rio Grand at the Collier Wildlife area and it is running high and off color.  Not much for fishing but a great float.

I will never get tired of the view.

A great morning.

Butts always give them away.

For some reason there was not much moving this morning.  Found these girls on the way home.

After not seeing much that morning a big red coyote crossed the road in front of me on the way home.  No time to grab the camera but it is the second cool looking coyote this week.  I stopped at a new lake for me and met a nice guy and we whacked a few trout.  I did not take any pictures but trust me the fishing was good.  The trout were fat and sassy and I will be heading back there to break out the fly rod.  So much water so little time, but the bank fishing access is everywhere and it will take the rest of my life to cover it all.  And with many of the high roads opening new water and high mountains are waiting.

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Today I finish the final phase of the electric in the garage.  It has been a long road, and a big learning experience.   Once that is done today the last thing is finding someone to add some gutters.  In the final analysis I am proud of the work we did under less than ideal conditions.  From blizzards, frozen ground, delays due to getting what we needed, we had it all.  But final inspection will be next week and then I can get back to enjoying our mountain home.  It has been stressful, it seemed the check writing was never going to end.  But from the reaction of all the neighborhood folks it is a job well done.  (As a side note the folks who are “summer folks” are arriving and our neighbors, all Texans, are great.  Some things are just supposed to be, and our house is one of those things and we could not be happier.  And to tell the truth I might be Texan in the legal sense but ask me where I live – the answer is Colorado.)

The Boss will be arriving next week, so I am very excited for her to see the final result.  She had a list of requirements, and we met each and every one of them.  The final result, it looks like it was built with the original house.  (How good does it look?  Pete our contactor has gotten 4 or 5 jobs just from folks in the neighborhood stopping by to check out the progress and introduce themselves.  It is a tight neighborhood who have made us feel welcome.) We will then spend the week in the outdoors before heading back to Texas.  Plenty of stuff to catch up on in Texas, and there are some fish calling my name on both bay and lake.

Last, please be careful this weekend.  Boat check out?  Saftey equipment all there?  A designated driver on both land and water?  And be nice, no reason to ruin your weekend.  I will be heading up to a high lake or two to catch a few fish and chase animals.  The dream continues so keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

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Here is how I started my day.

I was out first thing this morning for a re-run up to Groundhog Park.  17 miles up one way the last time we tried it the forest service guy was going to close the road further up so we turned around.  Today I made it all the way to the top, and as usual it was a wildlife adventure.  Plus, no waiting on crews or supplies, no painting or yard work so it is a good day.

Not sure what he was eating but he was not leaving it.

I happened to see this guy first thing.  Way out in a field he was muching on something and did not leave when I stopped.  And that he stayed in spite of me watching him told me how committed to eating he was.  So after hoping I could get a shot of him flying time to move on.  Next up was a “yote”.

The coyote was way out there and hit the road the minute I saw him.  Watched in binocs and then took a stab at it.  A really cool color.

If you want to see the Colorado coyotes, you must get up early.  We see them crossing big fields and valleys as they head to the bed after a night of hunting.  Of the tons I have seen in my life this one was one of the biggest and darkest.  When I first spotted him over 100 yards out he was laying down and almost looked like a bear as dark as he was.  If it was Yellowstone my first thought would have been wolf.  Once I stopped he took off and after watching him took this random shot and here it is.  It might be a little blurry but I have always told you they are what they are.  Seeing this one this color was a real treat.

Headed Up!

This particular road has tons of cool vistas and plenty of places to hike.  It ended up raining so the hike will be another day.  Can’t wait for the Boss so she can see how wonderful it is up there.

It is amazing how many mule deer I see every day.

I just took this because I thought it looked cool.  When I left first thing it was just cracking daylight and I almost made the stupid mistake.  The deer were running wild and I slowed down before one turned into a hood ornament.  You just never know when one will jump out, a common occurrence here.

Saw several grouse today.  It seems like they are in the same general altitude and a certain type of woods.

Funny how you see them in very specific places.  After looking at lots of picture I think this is a Dusky Grouse.  Looked a little different than the Blue Grouse but hard to tell for sure.  There is actually multiple grouse in Colorado so will be on the lookout for his relatives.

Getting high now!

Not sure how high this drive is but this will give you some idea.  I was just about above the clouds, something I still can not get over.  Such big wild country where you can get away from most folks.

The Top!

My tracks, not a soul in sight and dead silent.  A fresh snow, there is still lots on the high mountains.  It pays to be prepared for anything this high up.  Maybe someone will come by, and maybe not.  But that is what makes it what it is for me.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Saw this guy on the fence behind the house.  There were lots of birds that morning and this guy was the best of the bunch.  Turns out it is a Western Tanager in breeding plumage.

One beautiful bird.

It was a long way off but it sure is pretty.

Guess we need a bird book, lots of new ones for me.

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A good drive this morning it started raining once I got back down so I headed to the house for breakfast.  It is spotty now so next up will head to Beaver and maybe put supper on the stringer.  Now that the garage is almost finished it will be back to the retired Colorado lifestyle.  Really looking forward to the Boss getting back in 10 days.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

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FINALLY

I know there has been a lull in the pictures and reports but I have been outside, just not where I preferred.  On the other hand here is the result.  The house did not have a garage and the Boss had specific orders – Make it look like it was built at the same time and in the same style.  And in my opinion we got it just right.

Garage for her carport for me.

And the aspens are in full bloom.

It was not easy by any means.  But we are lucky that I found Pete who was able to start.  So how hard is it to find someone to build anything here?  Over the last 2 weeks just in our neighborhood it looks like he got 4 or more jobs just from folks walking by, and the summer folks are not even here yet.  One of jobs he got the folks came to look at his work and told me they had the foundation poured for a big garage – 5 years ago and could not find a framer.  I have heard that repeatedly.  Even one of the guys who has worked with Pete stopped by and Peter offered him work – His response – I am covered up for the next 3 years.

And there were practical issues that spring from building so far from most anything.  It was work but I was happy to participate and actually learned quite a bit.  Yesterday the painters finished, and Pete will be here this morning to pick up the rest of his tools and finish up a small thing or two and it is done.  The last thing is contacting the electrical inspector to do the inspection on the rough in then hopefully the electric can be finished and I can put the job to bed.  It was a real pain in the ass but it looks great and multiple folks have stopped in and introduced themselves and commented on how good it looks.  I have had enough of writing checks, but it is bought and paid for.  Finally, back to the woods I go!

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

These are from a ride up in the mountains to Cathedral Campground which is stunning.  That drive weaves in and out of the forest and private land.  You just have to be careful but there is a world of land out there to use, one of the big reasons we are here.

A bygone era.  Those were some tough folks.

Anywhere there is green grass there is mule deer.  Can’t wait to see some horns start to sprout.  Actually, did see a buck out my kitchen window this morning with small antlers.  Will be cool to watch them as they grow .

And when I say anywhere there is green grass includes my front yard.

These guys are one busy animal.  Fun watching them scurrying around their little towns.

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So today will be a winding down.  After several months of stress time to unwind.  I may vegetate today, read a book, watch TV, take a nap and generally enjoy a real day off.  Then back at it.  Tomorrow out at daybreak looking to see animals, maybe a stop at Beaver Lake and catch some trout for supper, a little hike and polish it all off with happy hour.  And as the month progresses more of the high mountain roads will open along with some spectacular hikes.  The river right now is high and running.  With our weather in the 70’s the serious high mountain runoff is in full swing.  No wading right now but it won’t be long.

The Boss will be here in 2 weeks and then we will head back to Texas.  While I am “constructed out” right now there are things needing doing on the Texas house so when time to sell it is not overwhelming.  Part of the reason I went all out on the Colorado house.  It should be good to go for the rest of my lifetime and we can spend our time traveling and enjoying the outdoors.  Home ownership is a good thing but it has its moments.

And I am mulling over selling the LTS as part of the downsizing plan, a 16′ v aluminum with a 25 hp or so will fit the bill for these lakes. Many of them are on gravel roads and are basically no wake type lakes and it will be nice to downsize after almost 50 years of boat ownership.  N0 tons of batteries, trolling motors that will tow a house, or stops at the gas station that involve having to take out a loan to fill truck and boat.  That part of it was a lifelong adventure and I would not change it for the world.  But it sure will be nice to simplify that part of my life.  Though it will be nice to be back for a month and hit the bay.  it has been a while.  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

  Inc.

You never know what the morning will bring.  Tuesday.  And then all gone.

It sure is interesting building here in Colorado.  It is not like there is a Lowes or Home Depot around the corner and it sure has slowed things some.  As a perfect example I will be headed on a 45 mile one way trip to pick up paint.  But there is an upside, after painting the new garage I decided to have them paint the rest of the house while they are at it, which should happen this weekend.  Then we pour the garage Monday if we can get concrete, they said maybe, and then the building is almost done.  And later in the week they come and re-rock the driveway to make it perfect and just maybe it will be done.

It has been a real learning experience and I have enjoyed helping on most of it.  While initially it was just a garage I decided to go all the way on the project and it looks great.  At least I will not have to paint in the future and the house looks brand new.

But like many of you I have had to vicariously fish through my buddy Clyde as I have been too tired to go most evenings.  This building is tough work.  But here are a few to wet your whistle and mine.  And it sure did not help when a lake the Boss and I visited just last week put out a new state record 62lb lake trout.  Obviously that is on the schedule.

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My buddy Clyde has been beating them up pretty good in Northern Iowa.  He has been trolling small plastics on 4lb line.  As you can see both good fish and fish fry material have been coming over the side.  He even whined about losing a big muskie on 4lb, like that would have a good outcome!

A real tussle on 4lb. line.

This is what he is catching every trip out right now.  Can you say fish fry.

And nothing like a big northern smallmouth.

Next up he will be headed to Canada for his annual trip.  He and his wife (She is a big fisherwoman.) have had a tough go of it lately with both of them having serious medical issues.  But things are really going well and they are both are upbeat.  Please think a positive thought for them, good folks.  And good luck in Canada Pork Rind!

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

I just finished roughing in the electric, hopefully it is good.  After the rough-in inspection, a final one once the electric is connected.  As soon as I finish writing this it is back outside, shovel and wheelbarrow in hand as there is plenty of dirt to move.  It is probably good enough right now but as it has taken a month out of my fishing I am determined to get it right and when the end of the week comes it will look great.  It has been an adventure but one I sure do not want to repeat.

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As I type this there is a show on the history of Zane Grey and his fishing adventures.  He was the greatest pioneer fisherman to ever hold a rod.  They have been able to digitalized his old films and they are stunning.  Huge marlin, sharks, tarpon, tuna to giant trout, he pursued them all.  And to top it off he was the first man to break 1000lb marlin on rod and reel.  He explored the world, and his set of fishing books are an amazing read.  All of us who love the sport owe him a debt of gratitude, he opened up the world.  So, if you really care about the history of the sport look them up.  Derrydale Press published a leather bound set of 10 which I have read and re-read, but they are available by other publishers on Amazon.  A real fireside read.

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Sorry about the dearth of posts but that is about to change.  One more week of being responsible then back to the fishing, plus the high mountains roads will start to open and it will be back to hiking and chasing animals..  Then in a couple of weeks the Boss will be back for another week.  Toward the first of June we will head back and I will spend a month in Texas.  Watching the weather I sure hope the bay does not get inundated with freshwater, never a good thing as far as the fishing goes but an important part of bay health.  But as in all fishing far and wide, the weather rules and we take what we can get.  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

  Inc.

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Good Morning!  Out our front door.

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Colorado Lesson 

With the boys here they plugged the compressor in the metal shed which also kept it out of the rain and snow, we just had 3″ a couple of nights ago.  So I pulled the trash can out and left it behind the house.  In the back of my mind I am thinking go put it away, the bears are out.  But hey it only had to make it 2 days until Monday morning.  And you know the rest.

He or she crawled over a 4 foot wire fence which the prior owners had to keep the dogs in.  It then had a big old time.  The bear did not like green beans, asparagus, basically any vegetable but loved any fruit and old chicken.  So lesson learned, like I did not know better.

The Boss on her first trip way up the mountain behind the house.  Note that is town straight ahead down the mountain,

Later that morning we headed up the mountain to see what we could find.  Of course scattered bones, showed her both the lion kill sites, and of course the bear left some “evidence.”  The day was stunning, and stuff is about to really start blooming.

Spring is really on the way to 8.600 feet, and with the weather slated to be in the high 60’s – 70’s it is about to get pretty.

We finished off the day checking out the water in a couple of places and I intend to go catch supper tomorrow.  The weather is nothing but stunning and will stay that way all week so we will be out taking advantage of it.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

The garage has taken up lots of time the last couple of weeks but it is coming to a big conclusion this weekend.  Basically, setting windows and doors, wiring and then paint.  It has not been easy by any means, and sure is not cheap but welcome to the nearest Lowe’s or Home Depot 100 miles from here.  Just a small trade off to live here.  With the Boss headed back home shortly we were up and gone before daylight.

Headed up to the big mountains above 10,000 feet.  North of Del Norte.

We headed to the top of the world in the La Garita mountains.  On the way we literally saw hundreds of mule deer.  From a couple to herds of 20+ they were on the move.  We ended up going up to Groundhog campground, or at least we tried to make it all the way.  It is about 20 miles one way with no outlet, so you turn around and drive back down.  We hoped to see some elk and as we crossed through some cool old forest we spooked three who crossed right in front of us.  But since they were hauling booty no pictures but it made our morning, besides just being alive and out there.

We easily saw over a 100 mule deer this morning.  Great drive.

A lot of the high mountain roads are still closed and it was a fluke this one was open.  As we got close to the top a forest service guy came up behind so we talked to him.  I learned a couple of days ago one of the reasons they open some of the great roads late is they want them fairly dry so folks don’t wreck, and they do not rut the roads up.  Of all things that was what he was doing there, he said he was going to close the road right above where we were chatting so we headed back down.

Turns out he lives in South Fork and is an elk hunter.  He told me the elk winter in the area, which was easy to see with huge meadows at the base of the big hills, giving them easy access to the low country but just a short hop back up the mountain.  And we learned that folks do a lot of shed hunting in the area, again easy to understand why.  We also had a big grouse flush right in front of us, which is the first we have seen on this side of the pass.  Not growing up with these kinds of critters in Iowa we are always amazed at the wildlife in the west.

As far as the eye can see is the lands that belong to you and me.  They must be protected from any scumbag politician that wants to sell even one foot.

On the way back to town we saw some antelope but just a hair too far out, so those pictures were just too fuzzy.  But we keep taking them and occasionally one comes out great.  But as my buddy Ro told me about this camera before we bought it, real still due to the 600mm lens.  We have always loved the search and there is enough in this area to last us a lifetime.  A 4wheel drive and common sense opens up one of the great areas in the west.  As more roads open this spring the locals are telling us of the great drives, one I learned about today is a day trip, can’t wait.

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Now that is a Walleye!

This one came fishing off the bank on a local lake in Iowa where my buddy Clyde lives.  Next up he is fishing a walleye tournament then off to Canada.  So we should be getting some great photos in the coming weeks.  Clyde is really a multi-species angler, no one trick pony on his part.  The boy can catch them.

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Also got this interesting comment.

Your fisherman knowhows section has become my favorite read. It’s amazing to learn tips and tricks from experienced anglers. Thanks for sharing your expertise with.

I rarely look at the source of many of the comments I get but this one turned out to be not the usual nonsense spam.  Thanks for the comment, it just might be time to add a few more before I get too old to remember.

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The Boss heads home Sunday and the garage should be completely finished middle of next week as I want a little more work done on the driveway etc.  Then finally things will be back to normal around here and the fishing will begin.  It has been interesting building in this environment, we have had everything from high winds, snow, and frozen ground.  But it looks great.  So the adventure continues.  Keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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Off Topic

And one last comment on crime.  Over the last month with the boys here every night when done they have left their stuff, table saws, ladders, tools, the works.  Most of it is outside on the site and guess what?  Not a thing has gone missing.  Noone has come on my property and robbed me of the stuff in my garage while I was home like they did in Victoria.  I wake up every day not worrying and having to look outside and see if I have been robbed.  Ask yourself if you live in Victoria, if they left anything out not would it get stolen, but simply how quick would you be robbed?

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc.

What a day!

As we have been busy doing “stuff’ the last few days we got up and headed out at daylight.  We have driven a lot over the years visiting the area in search of wildlife.  When it comes down to it the day was simply a home run.  We went up and over the divide to Lake City, then up to Gunnison, then the round trip back east along one of the great drives in this country.  We crossed the divide again, finishing in Del Norte, then home.

It started with sheep close to the house and went from there.  Tons of elk, mule deer, antelope and we finally saw a moose.  Stuff was up and moving on a beautiful day, plus our timing could not have been better.  So instead of running my mouth here you go.  Many of these shots are really long distances and often not the focus I hope for, but that is not the point, it is in the doing.  And of course, getting them to do what I want, in the right light is impossible.  But the hunt continues, the perfect shot is out there.

I literally said I don’t think antelope like it this high, the first of many we saw on the day.

I could not possibly over estimate the number of deer today.

It was the best day for elk, we saw them all over.  Getting out early is the key, along with the right place at the right time.

These guys nesting at the lake.  Love ospreys.

Crossing the divide.

Our first moose here.  He was way down in a valley as far as the lens would reach.  Amazing how big they really are.

No way to get closer to these but this is how it went today.  That is some elk!

Sorry for more sheep pictures but I can’t help it.  To live where I can see them regularly is a dream come true.  Can’t wait until they open the high roads.

They were crawling all over but the rams are hard to find.

“We see you.”

Nothing says Colorado than wooden fence, an old shack and elk. 

Always looking for big white butts.  Hard to guess how many we saw but it was an all around wildlife day.  One of the big reasons we came here.

Love these little guys.

Only got to the river a couple of times but I can sure catch the browns.  Wanted to eat a couple but the problem, they must be under 12″ and I sure have had a hard time catching that.  But the lakes are opening and supper is no big deal.

And a side benefit but one of the reasons we made the loop was to check out the fishing access.  There is some really great water and I am looking forward to fall.  There are some cool places in both Lake City and Gunnison to stay and a plan is starting to germinate.  But the fishing is taking a little back seat for now, there is plenty of time for that.  We are still stunned we live here.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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

A couple of days prior on our trip to Durango, then a back country drive between here and Del Norte.  We are exploring it all, and there is plenty of it.

Looking down from Wolf Creek Pass.

We first saw her on the edge of Wolf Creek Pass.

After she crossed the road she headed up the hill.  I will never get tired of seeing sheep.  

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After hanging with the guys as they worked we decided to take a trip over to Del Norte, which is close.  Taking the back way we were surprised to see so many Antelope as they are not exactly common, but they were right where you would expect to find them, wide open plain.  They were definitely spookier than their cousins who live in the fields along the highway.

This second bunch we saw today.  

It was a great drive when we came on the sign for the arch so we turned off and headed back in the hills and were surprised at how cool it was.  Hate to say it Utah but Arches park may have lots but few even come close to how cool this one is.

The Boss in front of the La Garita Natural Arch.

A sacred site to the Apache and Ute tribes.  In a really wild part of the area North of Del Norte.

The Arch, really an awesome sight.

A great spot by the Boss.  These were way out and a longer lens would sure have helped but at least we are able to get some pics as they raced across the plains.

To many cool rock formations to count.  It is a beautiful area and we will be returning there soon.  Some great hikes.

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Suffice to say we have been out and about and with the Boss staying another week that won’t stop.  Tomorrow we head up the hill behind the house.  It is no small trek but worth the climb.  Then a road that has been closed that heads up into the mountains to an old mining town.  Monday back to the garage and hopefully getting close to done by the end of the week.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc

The Boss joined me yesterday and this morning we headed out for both a drive and a hike.  The weather is cool but sunny and got into the high 50’s today.  The higher up in the mountains the more snow there is, consequently the runoff is in full swing.  I did not fish any the last few days as I hung out and watched my garage make a few steps forward then picked the Boss up at the airport.  Building in Colorado can be challenging when  trying to get it done in early spring.  And though it is 32 degrees at this moment it is snowing pretty good.  With temps to reach the high 50’s it should be no big deal unless it really dumps on us, but it is not really sticking yet.

But our day yesterday was perfect, and a few animals cooperated for the Boss.  While I am becoming a South Fork “resident” somewhat acclimated she is still just taking it all in.  As she is here for 2 weeks there will be more adventures.  It takes a little time to acclimate to 8600 feet so out hikes will get more aggressive as we go.  So “man” up old lady, we have some miles to cover.

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Until yesterday the marmots were not really out but spring has sprung in spite of the show showers we are having.  Today we found a pod of marmots running wild and having a big time.  And the rest of our hike and drive was just as productive.  We both have a love of wild animals so here is are a few.

It was wacky Marmot day!  They are actually the Yellow-bellied Marmot who are found in the west.

They hibernate most of the winter and are active in the summer.  There was a bunch of them today on a couple of rock piles, which the Yellow-bellied prefer for their hibernation.

Today was the first time we saw both Bighorns and Mule deer in the same field that had emerging green grass.

Some of the younger sheep had their fill and were taking a short nap.

The big Rams have deserted the real low country.  We tried several high mountain roads for our hike but they are not open yet, but most should be open by the 1st.

We found another bunch but later but no big rams.  While we have gotten a few really good pictures the chase for the perfect picture of the big ram continues.

These are the Mule deer the sheep were hanging out with.  It was in one of the greener patches of grass around.

So a great first day for the Boss with more to come.  And while the elk were way the hell off it checked all the boxes.  It is one of the prime reasons we came here and it rarely fails to make our day.

The dead giveaway when looking for elk – Big White Butts!  That is about as far out as our 600 lens will reach.

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I had hoped to make Arkansas this spring, but the building project became the priority.  I got these from my buddy Clyde and my old friend Randy.  Clyde said the fishing was a little tough but anytime you can catch huge crappie it is a great day.

My old buddy Randy.  Those are real Bull Shoals crappies.

Clyde with a couple more examples.  Hey man, remember that time we ate 19 in one sitting?  Those were the days.

Back when I was guiding my customers caught lots of them this size.  Being deep and clear highland lakes Bull Shoals and Norfork produced some real monsters and we often caught them from brush as deep as 30 feet.  Nothing like feeling the thump of a big one.

This is what makes big Bull Shoals what it is.  How about crappie, walleye, and Kentucky’s for the evening fish fry?

And while there were a few walleyes in my time we never really considered them a species to target, but it sure is not that way now.  Both lakes have a healthy population of them and nothing like catching a mixed bag like the one above.  And notice on the stringer they only kept the Kentucky.  There are lots of them so keeping them to eat is a good thing.

Our old adherence to catch and release was really needed in the early 70’s but now a healthy balance is only achieved with some put and take.  We have come a long way from the old 10 bass no length limit.  Whether it is sea trout, bass, or any other fish, once the states set their limits it is just fine to eat a few.  But it is still nonsense to pack the freezer, it is best to catch them and eat them, a 6 month stay in the freezer sure does not improve the taste.  So congrats to the boys, looks like it was a good trip, sorry I missed it.

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The plan for the rest of the day is up in the air.  The snow has slacked off some in South Fork but it is starting to accumulate at the pass a few miles above us.  It just goes with my new life plan, do not sweat the small stuff, be content to sit by the fire and read a book, or head out to hike, it does not matter either way.  My only hope for today is the boys get some hammering done.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc

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Five Bears Outfitters

“Who knew that first buck that you helped me harvest would eventually lead to this! I never would have imagined doing this 37 years ago.”

Many years ago, in fact well over 35, I met a family in Arkansas that were big fishermen and hunters.  In fact I fished against his grandfather many times.  David at the time was a high schooler that I helped bag his first deer.  (Had forgotten that.) Since then we have gone our separate ways but kept in touch via Facebook.  We both ended up in the west, small world and you just never know.  I have really enjoyed his photos and adventures over the years from Montana, they have wandered the mountains in search of game, fish, and just flat loving the outdoors.   My favorite was the photo of the giant grizzly footprint, it was one big bear!  There are still great wild places, and he and his son are running an outfitter service to exactly such a place.  And as you can see below they can get it done.

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

  Inc

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I had a free day and it turned out great.  Caught fish, had a cool hike, watched sheep and elk and just generally enjoyed all the mountains have to offer.  No real reason for big commentary, the pictures speak for themselves.

My hike today.  And since it is close to another band of sheep stopped in on them today.

All I can say about this is I love Bighorn sheep.

Momma is giving me the hairy eyeball.

Been a while since I have seen elk.  No matter how far away as you can see I am busted.

Even the ducks were looking cool.

This what a grown man did all day, and how could it be any better!

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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(Here is the fishing stuff I wrote yesterday.)  It has been a little busy with construction but the weather is holding until tomorrow evening so hopefully some concrete will get poured.  Not sure if we can beat the current weather but once poured the hammering can begin.  But it has not stopped me from fishing a little.

The good ones are on the chew.

Yesterday I tried a small creek I have wanted to fish for a while.  It is definitely fly rod water so I decided to give it a go.  Much of it is in a big canyon but there is a closed campground that has good access so that is where I fished.  Unfortunately it was high and moving, which is out of my skill set at the current time.

The water fell some and it will be time to do some fly fishing soon.

It has small brook trout but being so small I was unsure with the ice just going out whether they were that far up or still wintering down river waiting for the water.  But after an hour without a bite time to head to the Rio Grande and smack on the browns.

That is a solid Rio Grande brown trout.

I have not fly fished it yet because it has been to much fun catching them on small minnow baits.  I pinch the barbs down making them easy to get off and try not to take them out of the water.  The fish are quite a bit bigger than I have caught on the river in the past, though most of my experience is in late fall.

They are in their usual haunts and making the right cast gets bit.  And using a light action rod with 4lb fluro I can toss it most of the way across the river.  It seems they either hit right when it is reeled past the big rock, small shoot, or whatever else looks good.  One trick that has produced is not reeling it to fast so that it sweeps down river and then letting it wiggle with the current.  Some slam it, others just get on, but either way the fishing is good.

This is just an example of what I am catching right now..

They will still eat the jig but it has been fun to figure out how to catch them consistently on the minnow bait.  The best color has been a shallow running Rapala in brown trout and about half of them smoke it.  But as fun as that has been I am waiting for the road to open which tracks the fishing area and allows for easy in and out to multiple wades.

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The next few days will be garage, and if the weather holds a little framing on the structure will start.  A project I will be glad to have off my plate.  Cuts into the fun stuff.  But no complaints on my part, it is all good.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines