"STICK WITH WHAT YOU KNOW"
I've been hearing about what a GREAT brook trout haven the "E C" is, and how even a blind man could catch a Brook trout in this river . Well consider my vision worse than Ray Charles, because Mr. Jones and me (Counting Crows reference) got our Arses handed to us in a MAJOR way. I don't know if I was fishing a bad stretch, if someone had just gone through before us, or if I'm just a terrible fisherman. What I CAN tell you is that it is an EXTREMELY narrow, weed choked river, that is loaded with chubs, mosquito's, and a 3 inch brook trout.
After about an hour of throwing streamers and wet flies, we had simply had enough. We were somewhat close to a road, so we tucked our tails between our legs and started our trek back to the vehicle that brought us to this Godforsaken stream. Upon arrival to the SUV which singlehandedly sparks a steep upturn in Exxon stock every time a turn over the ignition, we had a realization.
Neither of us had awoken at 5 am to fish for an hour, so we went to the OLD muddy.What it lacks in wade-a-bility, it makes up for in cast-a-bility, and trout. Being a Saturday, all of the usual put ins were occupied, so we chose a less likely and "off the beaten path" entrance. This stretch of water is usually WAY to deep to wade, but our current drought made it it perfect. We caught many brookies, including this colored gem that resembled a char, from its brilliant white under fins.
While today certainly wasn't "hammertime" which has been described so brilliantly by Mr. Paite, we always had enough action to keep it interesting. We took fish on beetles, adams, stimulators, and streamers, but nothing of substantial size.
Sometimes the best water isn't the furthest from home.
I love discovering and learning new water, but sometimes you have to wade through a few duds to get there.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very true statement, and great picture
ReplyDeleteJames
Come on Jackson, sticking with what you know is boring. Haha. I feel ya' man, it's tough going to new water when your expectations are (whether we admit it or not) probably higher than they should be. You think trout streams are tough, try exploring new steelhead waters. That can make a guy feel defeated. Thousands of fish per mile with trout....sometimes zero per mile with steelhead. Either way, like DS said, you have to take the bad with the good. All of us have found a "gem" or two that were more or less accidental. Even if it was after several rounds in the ring with mosquitoes, waist-deep muck, empty fuel tanks, sweat-soaked clothing and the obligatory curse words. Hey, it's still easier than golf...
ReplyDeleteSip
Sounds about right and a lot like my Morning yesterday. I decided this year that along with fishing for newly prospected brookie water, I'd fish every stretch of my closest home water. Something I've neglected to do in seasons past. A close to home river that kids swim in doesn't hold the same allure.
ReplyDeleteSome stretches like small fish. Some don't.
wade through a few duds to get there?
ReplyDeletesound like what my wife had to go through before she met me! HHAHAHAHAHA just kidding!
SIP: you're 100% correct,
parker: It's good to know some others experience misery from time to time!
Yea, well--I try to get all philosophical about it, but the reality is that sometimes you come off the water like something was left undone. Either way--boom or bust--we keep coming back to what we love to do. Being on the water and the feel of cork.
ReplyDeleteOnly places Ive been more than unproductive water are empty grouse coverts. Always forget about those ones though. Choosing to be both a grouse and trout widow, thats respectable and does require some wading. :)
ReplyDeleteDual you need to come to Wisconsin , where there are ALWAYS grouse, and wolves, hahahahahaha
ReplyDeleteAlways Grouse, sounds like heaven.
ReplyDelete