Patience pays off

Tom Butler

Tom Butler

Grandpa, Small Stream Fanatic
Forum Supporter
So I was checking in with a landowner that lets me fish before I got going this morning, and an upstream neighbor stopped to visit. I have been working on getting permission from him for several years, otherwise it's a looong wade. I've also always been leery, as ya see, about 30 years ago his uncle ran me off the mountain at gunpoint when we were running survey line.
Anyway, without even asking, out of the blue, he offers permission, and a lock code! Over a mile I've never fished, could be more. So grateful to get to fish this little mountain blueline. My feet even got cold.
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Found some colorful little fish.
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And a surprising number of silvery hued fish.
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Just a super morning outside in nature.
 
It’s always nice to get permission from the owner to fish private property.
Nice job Tom!
SF
 
Well done! It's great to know you're back in your element and read of your outing.
 
A few years ago, I summoned up the courage to ask for permission to fish a stretch of river and was graciously given permission to fish it any time. Only the farmer's family fishes it, as he told me that the only other people who have asked to fish there were guides, which he was not overly fond of. It's not even listed as a "trout stream" by the Wisconsin DNR, but I catch plenty, not only browns but brookies and occasionally, a smallmouth bass. I'll be fishing there tomorrow, can't wait!
 
Hey Tom. Hope your doing well. We just returned to Washington for the summer. Always look forward to reading your posts. Would love to get down your way and fish with you again. Love the small streams in that area!
 
Driftless Dan said:
A few years ago, I summoned up the courage to ask for permission to fish a stretch of river and was graciously given permission to fish it any time. Only the farmer's family fishes it, as he told me that the only other people who have asked to fish there were guides, which he was not overly fond of. It's not even listed as a "trout stream" by the Wisconsin DNR, but I catch plenty, not only browns but brookies and occasionally, a smallmouth bass. I'll be fishing there tomorrow, can't wait!
Click to expand...

I was in MT. and asked the rancher if I could fish his river front property, clearly marked as No Trespassing. He graciously said yes, as long as I brought a fish for his family. Fishing was great. Brought him 20" brown. He said I could come back anytime. He had several nice fish dinners over the next several years too.
 
Tom Butler said:
So I was checking in with a landowner that lets me fish before I got going this morning, and an upstream neighbor stopped to visit. I have been working on getting permission from him for several years, otherwise it's a looong wade. I've also always been leery, as ya see, about 30 years ago his uncle ran me off the mountain at gunpoint when we were running survey line.
Anyway, without even asking, out of the blue, he offers permission, and a lock code! Over a mile I've never fished, could be more. So grateful to get to fish this little mountain blueline. My feet even got cold.
View attachment 157628
Found some colorful little fish.
View attachment 157629
And a surprising number of silvery hued fish.
View attachment 157630
Just a super morning outside in nature.
Click to expand...
Good on you!
 
Way to stick to it! And sounds like your good reputation got you an invite. (y)
Great reminder to ask for permission and respect private land.

I grew up in a valley that was 95% private. I fished all over that valley because I asked permission. Of course, farmers and ranchers are probably nicer to a kid. Especially if he convinces them that he grew up on a farm so knows how to act around animals and make sure gates are locked. And it was 40 friggin years ago. Ugh...
There were some that said no, but more than you would think said yes. You'll never know unless you ask.
 
skyriver said:
Way to stick to it! And sounds like your good reputation got you an invite. (y)
Great reminder to ask for permission and respect private land.

I grew up in a valley that was 95% private. I fished all over that valley because I asked permission. Of course, farmers and ranchers are probably nicer to a kid. Especially if he convinces them that he grew up on a farm so knows how to act around animals and make sure gates are locked. And it was 40 friggin years ago. Ugh...
There were some that said no, but more than you would think said yes. You'll never know unless you ask.
Click to expand...
Can confirm kids do better. My fat 35 year old ass gets no access to good water. My adorable 8 year old tho? She gets pointed to the tot of the tater in the run while I stand just off the porch.
 
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