Trout Tails - April 23,2012

NUMBER: 2012-006

DATE:  4-(20-22)-2012

LOCATION:  Penns Creek

Spent a couple days fishing/camping up on Penns.  Water was LOW and a little warm (62) for this time of year.  Fishing was a little slow in the mornings, pretty much nymphed most of the day(s).  Had some good March Brown spinners just before evening on Friday, and for a little while on Saturday evening, but the rain late on Saturday pretty much put an end to that.  Also saw some BWOs, sulphurs, caddis, and a few crane flies around. Ran into a few friends on the water that I haven’t seen for a while, which is always nice.  I also have been wondering what it takes to wear out the pup, 3 full days of fishing seemed to do it. 

TROUT TAILS - April 14, 2012

NUMBER: 2012-005

DATE:  4-14-2012

LOCATION:  Little Bear Creek

Went out on the “first day” to observe the carnage.  We took John’s two daughters out to see if we could put them on a few stockies.  Arrived to find a circus (expected), but we did see quite a few kids which was good.   Although, we did watch a 70 year old guy muscle aside John’s 6 & 8 year old daughters out of muddle puddle of a hole we were trying to fish.  Decided to head downstream, and thankfully found a pod of fish.  They both caught their first trout and a good number of them.  Even got to teach them about catch and release after they had a few on the stringer.  It was a interesting and good couple hours.  The cans of corn and powerbait were out in full force!  Especially liked the guy with the giant fillet knife at the ready (his face as been blocked to protect the innocent).  Amazing to watch grown men fight over space on a stream flowing at about 20cfs for stockies.  

TROUT TAILS - April 9, 2012

NUMBER: 2012-004

DATE:  4-(5-7)-2012

LOCATION:  Little J

A few of us hit the Little J for a couple days to fish what was left of the grannoms.  Hatches were pretty good weds and thurs, but tapered off toward the end of the week.  The main hatch seems to be about done, which isn’t surprising, since we have been seeing them since the 2^nd week of March this year!  Fishing was pretty good for the most part, but some windy days seemed to keep the bugs down at times.  We managed plenty of fish on top and nymphed out even more.  No monsters, but all nice sized plump fish.  They are definitely eating well, but we could use some rain.  This is the first time in a while that I can remember the water being this low this time of year.   It was also nice to just sit around the camp fire with a few beers. 

TROUT TAILS - March 27, 2012

NUMBER: 2012-003

DATE:  3-23-2012

LOCATION:  Little J

With a forecast of an 80 degree day in March, Brad and I drove up to the Little J.  There were a good number of bugs coming off (grannonms, BWOs, black stones, and even Hendricksons!), but the fish were not real active.  There were also a lot of guys on the water, but the slow fishing had most of them off the water shortly after lunch.  We managed a dozen or so fish, all fat!  There is obviously plenty of food swimming around.  Even saw a few fish feed on top and chase emergers 3 feet into the air.  Can’t believe this weather in March.  Seems like all the hatches are going to be about a month early this year if this keeps up.  

On Saturday, Doc Fritchey Trout Unlimited had their annual fundraising banquet.  There was a great turnout of around 130 people and we managed to raise a good bit of money that will be used for some great causes, including our upcoming stream work and disabled veterans’ fishing day.  The cutthroat prints raised several hundred dollars that will be donated to Eastern Yellowstone TU for the annihilation of the Lake Trout in Yellowstone lake.  My presentation for the Ceremonial Order of the Net seemed to be well received as well.  It was a good night, with good people, for a worthy cause, and free beer never hurts either.