I woke up at 3:45 a.m. to the sound of whimpering. A western low pressure system brought us some very intense wind and torrential rains and Lucy, our German shorthaired pointer, did not like it one bit.
Our local trout, however, are loving the stormy weather.
While a lot of people head over to the Salmon River in central Idaho this time of year in search of steelhead, I've been staying close to home to target some nice, healthy inland 'bows.
It's hard to justify the long drive over to the Salmon right now, with the high cost of gas and the lackluster fish counts this year.
Around here, there is a direct correlation between temperature and fishing pressure.
As the temperatures drop, so do the numbers of fishermen on the river.
This trend will continue and I expect the fishing to get better as the pressure abates.
Catching large fish on small flies and light tippet is always rewarding. Streamers are great fun, but they are big and bulky - and photographing a fish with a face full of marabou detracts from the whole aesthetic.
I was not expecting to find carp actively feeding in 34 degree weather, but it was a nice surprise when my black wooly bugger was inhaled by this guy.
The South Fork
Later in the week, I got out on the South Fork with Shane. The fishing was a bit disappointing, but exploring remote feeder channels with good company made for a nice day overall. Here are a few snapshots from our South Fork outing.
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DIY Dirtbag Fly Box: A Three-Step Tutorial
If you are a cheap dirtbag like me, you may appreciate Oscar Meyer's new semi-waterproof lunch meat containers.
Photo Gallery by QuickGallery.com
DIY Dirtbag Fly Box: A Three-Step Tutorial
If you are a cheap dirtbag like me, you may appreciate Oscar Meyer's new semi-waterproof lunch meat containers.
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"To give thanks in solitude is enough.
Thanksgiving has wings and goes where it must go."
Victor Hugo
Have a great holiday.
Carp will surprise you for sure. My middle boy caught a nice fish from a local pond Jan.1 while still a young teen on a full sink line and PT stripped quickly, ice surrounded the open water ducks created. Lucky kid. Yes, good Thanksgiving to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteGregg
Thanks Gregg. Have a great Thanksgiving!
DeleteI spent yesterday fishing in solitude as well..... Well, I did have Deke to keep me company. Makes for some great days. That bonus carp looks like a bowling ball. Great post as always!
ReplyDeleteThanks Richard. Hope you and Deke have a great Thanksgiving!
DeleteNice. I like the kype on that second fish. Great stuff man.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ty. Hope you got into some good carp and stripers this weekend.
DeleteHave a great turkey day.
Brent
Yeah, that carp certainly doesn't look like he is hungry. Nice thought on the meat locker. Gonna be a run on processed critter.
ReplyDeleteYep, we've still got carp jumping around and frolicking in the shallows. Hard to believe. Must be due be the presence of warm springs in the area.
DeleteHave a good Thanksgiving, McTage.
Some thick fish you've got there. This will be an interesting winter if it is indeed warm and wet. It will make for some amazing fishing, though maybe not the best ice fishing.
ReplyDeleteShane and I were discussing the fact it was a shame you haven't been able to join us on the last couple of outings. We need to get together on the river after the holiday - I'll be in Ohio until Saturday night.
DeleteBTW, what you guys did the other day on the feeder canal was a very good thing. I didn't realize so many fish were impacted and I want to make that an annual tradition moving forward on multiple canals.
Fantastic piece. Fantastic Hugo quote.
ReplyDeleteAnd I hope you have a great holiday!
Thank you Erin. I hope you, Jay, Banjo and the rest of your clan have a great holiday.
DeleteBrent
"To give thanks in solitude is enough..."
ReplyDeleteIt is more than enough.
Jim, have a great holiday.
Delete