All Figured Out
Filed under: Reflections — admin @ 7:15 am
Just when I thought I had it all figured out - I bombed.
THE SPOT
Three weeks ago I was on a small river near home on my kayak and anchored near a well known run. I jumped off the kayak to wade fish. I took two smallies right off the bat on a yellow popper (the fly of the summer, so far) before the really hot ones shut down. I then switched to an olive Clouser and probed the depths finding three more fish to take the more subtle underwater approach.
This is a classic run, very similar to any good trout stream run where a shallow riffle gives way to a sweeping run that is perhaps 4 - 6 feet deep. There’s plenty for everyone in a run like this. A constant supply of shallow dwelling critters swept into the hole and enough depth to offer security from aerial predators.
I figured this is the perfect spot to film some cool on-the-water scenes for our viewers. On two separate occasions over the last two weeks I have returned to this hotspot. Two weeks ago I went in by land on my 4-wheeler only to be completely shut out after setting up a tripod, etc. for filming.
The other night I decided on a water approach and paddled my kayak UP RIVER for nearly 40 minutes straight (full bore) before dragging it that last 100 yards to the heralded spot.
Same result: Not one bite! As I floated down to the take-out spot, I managed three sympathy fish. Yes, the kayaking was invigorating and the summer’s evening beautiful. (But I am still pissed I did so poorly.)
THE HATCH
A week ago I stumbled down to the Mississippi on the head-end of a full moon. Although the water’s high for this time of year, I thought I’d take a look. Near dusk I noticed a robust ephoron leukons hatch commencing. The “Whites” were suddenly everywhere - like a blizzard. A few fish began rising on the duns, especially 2 -4 mayfly clusters which is a common characteristic of this specie.
I noted a large swirl about 20 feet in front of me as darkness descended. I always carry some Light Cahill standard dry fly patterns, just in case. On the second drift a fish took the fly and powered across the shallows like a train. Five minutes later, after a fabulous tussle the 20 inch smallmouth was released. I managed a few nice fish after on the trout-like dry fly scenario.
I returned the next night ready for action. The conditions were similar with two notable exceptions:
- No Whites
- No Fish
Morale: Don’t presuppose anything in this game. Treat every outing as a new adventure and don’t be too disappointed if things don’t work out quite the way you envision.
That’s the beauty of the outdoors!
May our pursuits always remain - unpredictable.
There’s more to a slow moving sandy river than a fishing destination. Yesterday a group decided it was time to float a small river near my home. Four gals and one guy. Normally pretty good odds right?
I arrived at a known hot spot down river and got out of the kayak, attached it to my waist with a rope, and slowly waded my way down the run. I hit a fish on the first cast and then missed a big one on the third. I got him to come up one more time and held him briefly before we parted. That was it for the popper action.