Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Fishing The Seal Leech for Big Bluegills


I was back on Walker Lake
today searching for more big bluegills to add to my grand total so far at ONE!!  Two weeks ago was a slow day because of the water temps, which was in the mid 50’s.  I was hoping for a better trip today with the temps in the high 50’s. So with my fishing ticket in hand I decided to work the back of the lake in the main stream that feeds the lake. I fished this area last year early and found some nice bluegills in the mouth of the creek; but today was a wash, no hits at all in the creek.
I moved from the creek to the east side of the lake because I knew once the wind picked up I would have to fish the nooks. I was fishing the east deep cut banks with no action, so I moved into the first nook of the morning and made a long cast in the vicinity of a brush pile. As I moved the Leech slightly I saw the indicator move forward and I had my first hit of the morning.

The Seal Leech in the top of the mouth
Another female which was in great shape considering she had spent the winter in deep water. This one was taken on the Leech
Just as I entered the next nook I was surprised by these Mallards
My first counter of the morning with the Leech again, shorty after this fish was landed I lost my Seal Leech in a brush pile. What a shame, it was the only one I had; but I knew David at Trout Zone was mailing me a dozen more so no great loss
This Drake and Hen never moved as I approach them for this shot, the Mallard is my favorite Waterfowl.
Another counter with the always trusty Black Gnat. This guy really give the 4 wt a workout. I ended the morning with a total of 6 keepers, four being female "non counters" and the two big bulls. I am now 97 away. Next week is suppose to be in the high 70's and the water temps will be warming up so I expect higher numbers.


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18 comments:

  1. Feather ChuckerApril 3, 2013 at 10:08 AM

    Those are big gills! That would be a blast on a 2 or 3wt.

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  2. Mark KautzApril 3, 2013 at 11:10 AM

    Always nice to have a little "ducky" company when you're fishing. Canadian Goose company...They're much too noisy.

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  3. BillApril 3, 2013 at 12:15 PM

    Beautiful pictures! I think you're going to really start hammering them here shortly as the water warms.

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  4. Trail The OutdoorsApril 3, 2013 at 12:51 PM

    Great post Bill! Surely as the temps warm those bulls will be hungry for your flies. It is only a matter of time till you hit your 100 mark.

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  5. David KnappApril 3, 2013 at 1:38 PM

    Bill, I'm glad you are making progress in your 100 big bull bluegill quest! Also glad that fly is still working, or at least was until it broke off...the others should be there any day.

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  6. Bill TrussellApril 3, 2013 at 2:13 PM

    Kevin
    I always carry two fly rods with me when I am bluegill fishing; one 4wt. and the other a 3 wt. the 3 wt for dries and poppers and the 4 for nymphs. Yes the 3 is a blast with a big gill!! thanks for the comment

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  7. Bill TrussellApril 3, 2013 at 2:15 PM

    Mark
    The Mallards are easy on the eyes, but those American Coots can worry the crap out of you when you are using dries near the banks. thanks for the comment

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  8. Bill TrussellApril 3, 2013 at 2:20 PM

    Bill
    I think next week will be bigger numbers--I have to beat the other fishermen that will show up when the spawn actually begins. After the fish start bedding the crowds clean the beds out in a matter of days. thanks for the comment

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  9. Bill TrussellApril 3, 2013 at 2:28 PM

    Trail
    I have come close every year with this being the 3rd quest; this may be the year, since this is "The Year of the Bluegill"

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  10. Bill TrussellApril 3, 2013 at 2:32 PM

    David
    The Seal Leeches you mailed me will get the test next week. The rest of this week is rain and cold temps. Thanks for the flies

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  11. AnonymousApril 3, 2013 at 4:30 PM

    Three points I would like to make with you, Bill. First, you are off to a significant start on your quest. Those are beautiful, fat gills. Seal Leeches, Baby Buggers, etc. are ideal for some "Bulls" as I call them. Secondly, good camera work on the waterfowl. Signs of Spring! Thirdly, man I want to go Bluegill fishing with you!

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  12. Brk TrtApril 3, 2013 at 7:30 PM

    Bill, those are some hefty gills.
    Well done.

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  13. Bill TrussellApril 3, 2013 at 10:17 PM

    Mel
    All the bluegills I have landed from this lake is healthy. The caretaker takes a lot of pride in keeping the lake in top form for fishing. I am so impressed with the Leech, it has been my go to fly so far this season. Mel if you are ever near Jasper give me a call and I would be glad to take you out for some bluegill fishing. It is a shame all of us guys live so far apart. Thanks for the comment

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  14. Bill TrussellApril 3, 2013 at 10:18 PM

    Alan
    I hope they get bigger in the coming weeks. That would really give the 3 wt. a workout. Thanks for sharing

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  15. JoshApril 3, 2013 at 10:26 PM

    Seems you had a great outing. Hoping I can take the kayak out soon. Are you keeping them?

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  16. cofisherApril 3, 2013 at 10:29 PM

    Hi Bill, sorry I'm late to the party. I just read David's post about the Seal leeches. Really nice flies and I'm happy that they are working for you. I'm looking forward to following your quest another year.

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  17. Bill TrussellApril 3, 2013 at 10:37 PM

    Josh
    Hope it warms up there next week. It is suppose to be in 70's here next week. I seldom release any of the bluegills I catch. They are outstanding baked and served with slaw, fries and hushpuppies. According to the health experts one should eat at least one serving of fish a week. My wife and I try to make good on that recommendation. thanks for sharing

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  18. Bill TrussellApril 3, 2013 at 10:39 PM

    Howard
    I hope you and David hook up for some bluegill fishing out that way this season. I am glad the weather will be changing for you there in the coming weeks. thanks for the comment

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