I seem to have misplaced my fishing mojo lately; it's been too long since I've had a day that's left me saying "Now THAT'S why I go fishing!" Sure, it's always nice to get out, but I should maybe do less oddball exploring. Oh well.
Last week I looked down on this lake from a ridge hike, and thought it looked promising. Access was maybe a bit too easy, and the stocking report showed a regular plant of 200 RBT per year which tells me they're needing replenishment. Still, there should be some nice holdovers, no? Yesterday turned into an open day so I gave it a shot.
The approach is 1200', mostly gained in the second half. I was slowed by ripe berries down low, this Spruce Grouse guarding its brood, and a short side trip for views.
The lake seems to have all the requisites; enough depth, good insect habitat, a few logs, and a rocky section, but over six hours on the water I saw no sign of fish other than the one I caught. There were quite a few 'Baetis spinners on the surface, plus a handful of Traveling Sedge and a few of these ET-ish looking bugs (someone here must know what they are), but saw no rises or cruisers; nothing of any size.
Odd; my lake fishing skills may be suspect, but I know I'm at least good at spotting them. The fish I did catch was nice, so I can call this a win, but I could use some real stoke one of these days. All the stocking reports show Tokul hatchery Rainbow plants, but this fish looks like a Cutthroat to me; what gives with that?
Last week I looked down on this lake from a ridge hike, and thought it looked promising. Access was maybe a bit too easy, and the stocking report showed a regular plant of 200 RBT per year which tells me they're needing replenishment. Still, there should be some nice holdovers, no? Yesterday turned into an open day so I gave it a shot.
The approach is 1200', mostly gained in the second half. I was slowed by ripe berries down low, this Spruce Grouse guarding its brood, and a short side trip for views.
The lake seems to have all the requisites; enough depth, good insect habitat, a few logs, and a rocky section, but over six hours on the water I saw no sign of fish other than the one I caught. There were quite a few 'Baetis spinners on the surface, plus a handful of Traveling Sedge and a few of these ET-ish looking bugs (someone here must know what they are), but saw no rises or cruisers; nothing of any size.
Odd; my lake fishing skills may be suspect, but I know I'm at least good at spotting them. The fish I did catch was nice, so I can call this a win, but I could use some real stoke one of these days. All the stocking reports show Tokul hatchery Rainbow plants, but this fish looks like a Cutthroat to me; what gives with that?
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