Today I provided my services to guide Ed and Dave on a couple driftless gems. We met up at Kwick Trip (where else!) before taking a short drive to one of my favorite little spots. We rigged up with nymphs while hoping for some dry fly action. Temps hovered in the mid 60's and slowly grew cooler as a front came through. Skies were overcast and a gentle breeze became progressively more bothersome as the day went on.
After a few smaller fish came to hand Ed took this deep bodied brook trout. Things were slower than I expected and we never really found one fly that got 'em going. They ate various nymphs and slashed at a wolley bugger and quill mayfly. Fish rose infrequently yet skies were clear of bugs. A steady breeze didn't help either. But Dave didn't care...
He landed this above average brown trout with Ed and I looking on! This stream was way weedier than usual and some of the pools that usually fish well were void of trout. Pictured below is Ed launching casts through the wind with precision.
After a few fish to hand a piece we decided to head to another area stream that the guys hadn't fished. Ed landed a few tiny browns out of that stream but fishing was slow there too. Overall it was nice to spend the morning out of doors and with fellow fly fishing fanatics. Fish were not as aggressive as typical for this time of year. I've been hearing the same from the last few fisherman I've spoken with. I suspect fish are still recovering from the last two cold fronts and heavy rains the area has seen over the last few weeks. Get out there and fish if you can. The late c&r season ends October 15th. After that the trout fishing season becomes restricted to a few State Parks and handful of streams located within city limits.
Thank you, Clayton, for a memorable fishing trip this week---that includes the photos, introduction to new streams, excellent presentation techniques, and lively conversation throughout. We must do it again! Ed
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed our trip. Fun was had by all!
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