Tuesday and Thursday are my fishing days either on Smith Lake or the Sipsey. I was surprised when I pulled into the parking lot and saw only 4 vehicles. The last time I witnessed this amount of traffic on the Sipsey was back before the virus hit.
I always rig my fly rod the night before with the flies I think the trout will take. After 30 minutes with no takes on a tandem nymph set-up I tied on one of Alans Soft Hackles.
The first trout of the morning to get things started on a slow day fishing clear blue skies.
I've landed trout with damaged gill plates before here, could be biting each other in the small tank they are transferred in to reach the tailrace.
My last trout for the trip, fishing the fast deep waters around the numerous sunken logs between access five and access six. This trout had numerous scars on its sides. It looks like a Stripped Bass went after it for a meal. All the trout taken today were Dale Hollow hatchery trout in the 10--11-inch range.
I hope all you guys have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Hi Bill. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Yeh, your trout did look a little beat up. Even on a 4wt those stockers should be fun. How's Jason doing. If he's still in California, I imagine they are working him as hard as they can. It is crazy out here.
ReplyDeleteStay safe.
Bill it looks like a sweet day on the Sipsey.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your wonderful family.
Hi Mark
ReplyDeleteStripped Bass love to eat that size trout and I think that one barely escaped.
Jason is still working for Kaisar in Sacramento. He said that they are overflowing with Covid patience. In fact, some are being sent to other hospitals that will take them. He has seen a lot of death, which wears on him. He and all the employees he works with got the vaccine last week with very few side effects. He will get the second shot on Jan. 9th. Kaisar has told all the nurses that it will get much worse before it gets better. Hopefully, he will make it through the next surge without getting the virus.
You guys take care of yourselves and stay safe and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
It's good to get out there at this special time of year. Merry Christmas & a healthy New Year to you, Bill.
ReplyDeleteAlan
ReplyDeleteFinally, a little success mainly because the place wasn't covered with other fishermen. 580 yards is what we have to wade and fish for trout on the Sipsey. The soft hackle worked well in the fast water using weight to get it down. Thanks for the comment
Walt
ReplyDeleteGlad I was able to land a few stocker trout that gave my 3 wt. a bend. I am looking forward to March when another hatchery will take over the stocking and release bigger trout. Thanks for the comment
Merry Christmas, Bill! Hope everyone is well and staying safe!
ReplyDeleteEmily
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family as well. I'm looking forward to some of your outings in 2021. Take care and thanks for the comment
Nice to see the trout again in your posts, Bill. Happy new year.
ReplyDelete