The fishing wasn't anything to write home about, but after three weeks of being stuck at work an afternoon spent with my best friend and a flyrod in my hand was a very welcome experience.
With the cooling waters the carp seemed to have moved into a little deeper flats as we didn't see too many tailers. Maybe half a dozen small fish of which I was only able to capitalize on one(and I had to cheat and flip an egg pattern to entice him). No complaints here though...after a long dry spell it was just nice to feel that tug again!
The real reason I chose this specific destination though was the chance at surface feeding white bass and hybrids. With the cooler weather, I knew it was that time of year and I'd heard rumors of surfacing fish early and late.
The rumors were indeed true, unfortunately I couldn't connect with anything of any size. I saw several big groups of fish feeding out on the main lake but just wasn't able to move around fast enough with my oar-power to capitalize like I had hoped. I finally gave up trying to chase surfacing fish and just threw a sinking line with a baitfish pattern around areas where I could spot schools of shad.
I ended up with two small whites and one small hybrid, not nearly the kind of success I was hoping for, but still a fun way to spend an evening. The whites and hybrids are definitely in an active pattern from what I saw and I plan to get back out and chase them again sooner than later.
While we didn't set the world on fire in our afternoon at the lake, it was a nice quick fix to tide me over until I can get away for a real fishing trip. Until next time.....
Looks like a good time. Good to see Joe again.
ReplyDeleteIt's often said I know, but this time it really was just good to get out!!
DeleteIt's Joes favorite time of year, he's not much for the hot Summer weather in his old age.
I'd take a slow day with you chasing white bass any day.
ReplyDeleteI know they're not on most folks list of favorite fly fishing quarries, but for me their aggressive nature and ease with which they can be caught if you find them puts them near the top of the list. I would think there would be some good white bass fishing in some of those prairie lakes in Eastern Colorado. Of course if I lived as close to all of those beautiful trout streams as you do, I'd have a hard time going anywhere else!!
DeleteLooks like a pleasant day. Quality photo's as usual.
ReplyDeleteThank you sir...Most all days on the water are pleasant in their own way.
DeleteLooks like a great time. Good seeing Joe, again. What does he do while you're out floating around?
ReplyDeleteJustin...as long as it's cool enough I just let him sit under a tree in the shade (which is what he did on this day). I don't usually take him with me when Im floating unless the weather is perfect and he can be comfortable. This day it worked out for both of us!
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