Cathey and I in California-----OUT WEST!!

Cathey and I finally arrived at our destination, Smith River California on the Pacific Coast late Saturday evening. We decided to rent a condo on the beach so we could feel the cool breeze, and did we feel the breeze, IT WAS COLD, TO SAY THE LEAST!!

Sunday was a part rest day considering we had driven over 2600 miles to get here.
Why Smith River, well this is the area our son Jason said was the place to discover the Redwoods. He planned this part of the trip, which consisted of hiking for the next 3 days through some of the most beautiful areas Cathey and I have ever seen. He knew his Mom didn’t want to fish on this trip so we hiked through some spectacular mountain scenery while we were here.  

  We couldn't believe that this tree was still alive

 The Park Rangers told us that 80% of the forest floor is covered with clover and fern

 Small stream in Jedediah Park with some small brook trout--Alan's kind of stream

Beach right out our window--cool air off the ocean

 Amazing how large the Redwoods are, the tallest in the world, and some in access of 24 ft. in dia. We are headed to another park tomorrow. 

This tree was the largest tree we found in the park south of Smith River off Redwood Hwy.  I can't believe I drove my SUV through this tree; another thing that astounded me was the tree was still alive and green.

Cathey and I Road Trip out West

Guys just wanted to let you know I will off my blogging schedule for a couple of weeks, Cathey and I decided to take a trip out west---------I will still keep up with what you guys are doing, but it will not be from Jasper Alabama.

South Rim Grand Canyon

Tower platform South Rim

Continuing my Bluegill Quest Against the Odds

All the rain we have received lately has caused heavy generation on the lake, which means no trout fishing below the dam. So the alternative was a trip to Smith today to continue my bluegill quest.
Upon arriving at the lake I noticed there were very few boats that had launched for the morning. This told me that the fishing might be somewhat slow. There was a slight breeze out of the south with a light chill in the air which convinced me to wear a long sleeve shirt while I motored to the area I was going to fish. The lake level was up and the generators were on, which meant falling water. Falling water, wind out of the south, and a slight cool front set the morning up as a challenge; but I was up for the task.

First fish of the morning, a nice 12” spot using the 4 wt. Redington. I started the morning at daylight with no success with the Boggle Bug Popper, so after daylight I changed to the Muddler Minnow. This fly has never let me down when fishing conditions are tough. I tied on a number of nymphs with no success, so the Muddler was the choice and it proved its worth. I fished for an hour and half before I landed this fish; talk about determination.

                                 

Later in the morning I moved from the shallow banks where I was landing numbers of small bluegills and the 12" spot to deeper water. The deeper water allowed me to find some nice bull bluegill near rock ledges in the shade. These were a lot of fun using the my 4 wt. Redington.

I didn’t brother to remove these bluegills from the cooler because you guys have seen this size before for the quest. Trust me these three did qualify which puts me 61 away. After a lot of fishing with bright sunlight and humidity rising I called it a morning knowing I had met my challenge. I dressed 7 from this cooler, all landed on the super Muddler.

As I dressed my catch for the day I soaked up the sweet smell of the Gardenia blooms on one of the many brushes we have in our backyard. Thanks for viewing guys

 

 

 

 

 

Fishing For Bluegill With Bryson

Our daughter brought the grandchildren Bryson and Laelyn down this week for a visit. Bryson was all ready for another trip to the local pond near our house to land some more bluegills. The humidity, gnats, and mosquitoes were just too abundant for an afternoon trip so we opted for an early morning outing, which worked out much better for both of us. I worked on his casting skills on this trip for a little while, until I decided it was too hard for him to master at this time. I don’t want to rush him into doing anything that he is not interested in doing. There are always other trips that will help him with his fishing skills.  

Got to get those red worms dug before we can land any bluegills. Digging for worms is about as much fun as landing the bluegills.

Selecting that just right fat worm. Bryson said it had to be a fat worm so he went through the dirt until he found that fat worm

First fish of the morning on that fat worm, this fish really had to be inspected, we looked at the eyes, gills, and fins

This fishing is hard work, time for a quick snack, with peanut butter and cracker

Got to have that water too

Standing on the soft moss lifting this bluegill from the water's edge

He has learned how to land his own fish now, when that float goes under he knows to retrieve that fish 

Trying not to lose that worm

This fat worm received the name "Oscar"

Sparing Oscar's life; he gets to go home with Bryson, this can is his new home

A fun afternoon fishing with Bryson!

Experimenting With The Seal Leech Pattern

Fishing the Trout Derby Saturday on the Sipsey tailrace afforded me the opportunity to experiment with different fly patterns and different fishing techniques. The experimenting came about because of the slow bite while fishing the Derby. There was virtually no hatch, which resulted in limited dry action and slow nymph action. A lot of the fisherman started going through their fly boxes to select a pattern that might get some takes.

I had tried all the usual patterns in the dries and nymphs with no luck, so I tied on what I like to call a mini bugger in the form of a fly called the Seal Leech, David at The Trout Zone tied for me back in the spring.

So with about 20 minutes left before check in I tied on the Leech. I knew I was going to fish the fly dead drifting and swing casting it through some of the runs I fished earlier in the morning with the dries and nymphs. I had lost two trout around 9 AM on nymphs in this run, so back for those two and hopefully more. I waded into position and made my first cast up stream and let the line swing into a curve position and started to strip line when I got my first take. It was no earth shadowing take but I knew I had a trout on immediately. I promptly landed, photographed and measured the trout which measured 10 inches and released it back into the water. I checked my watch for the time, which indicated Charles and I had roughly 10 minutes to make it back to the fly shop to check in at the 12 AM hour. So reluctantly I waded out of the water to where Charles was waiting and we walked back to his truck and LEFT!!

 

So with one cast, one unique pattern and no time left to make additional cast that ended my Derby for this year; but rest assure I will be back next year with this little leech and ready for any eager trout to take it. That one take and one trout proved something to me Saturday to always be innovative and experiment, because you never know when you will tie on that magic pattern.





 

Fishing in the Ragin Cajun Fishing Derby

I normally don’t fish anymore on weekends, now that I am retired; but getting to fish in the Derby Saturday was worth wetting a fly. As mention in Thursday’s post Charles was my fishing partner for the morning. We arrived at the Riverside Fly Shop on the banks of the Sipsey Tailrace around 6 AM. No one could actually go on the water until 7 AM. The 6 AM time was needed to go over the rules and hand out packets including meal tickets and coupons for the drawing of the big trout prize which was the KC kayak. The other prizes were a guided fishing trip, mystic fly Rod combo and cash to be awarded at the conclusion of the event at 2 PM.

There was an excellent turnout with over 45 participates fishing either from a kayak or wading. We were informed at the 6 AM meeting that numbers of trout measuring 16 inches to 20 inches had been released in the tailrace on Thursday, so all the participates perked up when they heard that bit of news. No one landed any that size for the morning. The largest trout recorded for the day was a little over 13 inches which won that individual the Kayak. On the Sipsey Tailrace a trout 12 inches to 16 inches is considered a nice catch.

I can’t say enough about how well the event was planned and organized by Randy and Brandon owners of Riverside Fly shop. Both these guys have done so much to promote fly fishing on the Sipsey and in the state of Alabama. What a pleasure it was to get fish in the Derby this year with my buddy Charles. Both of us agreed we will be back for next year’s Derby.

Early morning arrivals at the front of the fly shop

Some of the first participates signing in

Kyle one of my former students, getting his flies set up for the morning. He is an outstanding fly fisherman, who fishes the Sipsey a couple of times a week. I hope to get to fish with him Tuesday on the Sipsey.

Two retires who love the sport of fly fishing--Charles it was good fishing with you today

We spot one lone fly fisherman in the distance, as we make our way to a couple of runs, which by the way we got to fish

More fishermen going to their favorite spot--it did get a little crowded at times, but there were no complaints from anyone.

My first and only trout of the day; it was tough day for everyone, there were no fish taken at all on dries, the few that was landed were taken either on nymphs or small streamers. I landed my only trout on the Seal Leech tied by David at The Trout Zone. There was no hatch at all during the five hours everyone was allowed to fish, which eliminated the dry action. Everyone was given a ruler to measure their trout and then release the fish. The camera was used for verification of the catch. Ten fisherman scored with landing trout out of 45 participates.

Some of the great eats that was prepared for lunch

The gumbo was outstanding, with the smoked sausage.

Some of the fishermen listening to Bob Shanks, who gave a great presentation on Unconventional Fly Fishing

Mr. Shanks talking about his years fly fishing all over the United States. It was really interesting listening to him talk about his trips out west, especially in Montana. Some of the unconventional ways he fly fishes were intriguing. At 83 he said he still fishes 200 days a year with each trip he makes averaging about 3 hours. He is the author of "Around The Next Bend" Adventures in Fly Fishing. If you are interesting in ordering his book, you may contact him at bshanks29@gmail.com

The KC kayak big prize of the day

Even a wild turkey showed up for the event--thanks guys for viewing  

 

 

 

 

Getting Ready for the Riverside Trout Fishing Derby

 

Ragin Cajun Big Trout Fishing Derby which will be held on the Sipsey Tailrace June 29^th. 2013.  

 

Sign up today for the Big Trout Fishing Derby hosted by Riverside Fly Shop and KC Kayak of Baton Rouge, LA. Early Registration Entry fee is $25 and must be registered and paid by 5:00pm, June 23, 2013. Registration after that time will be $35.00. Derby Entry Fee includes lunch. Prizes include a KC Kayak, guided fishing trips (one in the salt, one on the Sipsey), Mystic Fly Rods, cash, food, plus draw prizes. See the Derby Rules and Regulations for complete details. There is also a BIG FISH pot you may participate in for the largest fish in the pot. Donations and proceeds support our Big Trout project.

Thursday was the practice day for my fishing partner Charles and me to fish the Sipsey Tailrace before the actual Trout Fishing Derby on Saturday.  I was told yesterday by Randy the owner of Riverside Fly Shop that there will be a big turnout for the event. Randy has done an outstanding job of organizing and promoting the Derby. Aside from the prizes and the fishing, there will be some great eats such as the New Orleans style combo which will be served for lunch.

Charles and I assumed we will have plenty of company today with other fly fisherman getting in some practice time too. We left the house at 5 AM hoping we would be first on some of the runs and pockets we normally fish.

As it turned out we were alone as we suited up and made our way to the first access 5 point. Walking from the top banks of the tailrace down to the waters edge we could feel the change in the humidity and temperature. It was like stepping into an air conditioned room, only this room had some rainbow trout awaiting some dries and nymphs to inhale.

I had decided before we left the house that I was going to fish a nymph the entire morning and skip the dry action. I felt I could land a much better trout if I use a nymph as opposed to a dry.

Charles and I managed to land a couple of nice rainbows before the generation took over and ran us off the water. This trout was my contribution, which was taken on a Prince Nymph.  Charles landed his trout the same size on a Mayfly pattern. There was very little dry action, so that is what convinced me to go with the nymph.

We could have fished this stretch if the generation schedule had been in line with their predication for the morning. The schedule showed no generation until 1 PM. That all changed at 8:30 AM when huge waves of water came rushing down the tailrace at break neck speed. With flows that fast it wouldn’t be safe in a canoe or kayak. Charles and I agree that the one trout each was enough to make the morning, and get both of us primed for Saturday’s Derby.

 

Sorry for the limited images but my camera wasted both batteries right after the fast stream shot. I hate I didn’t get an image of Charles’s trout. I will have new batteries in place and be ready for the day Saturday.

 

 

 

 

Fishing the Mystery Nymph with Success

I was back on the Sipsey Tailrace on Tuesday at daylight. There was a slight fog on the surface but I could still see the Bomber dry fly floating effortless through some of the runs. I had the luxury of not being so rushed to fish some of my favorite spots, because I had the upper tailrace to myself. I saw my first fly fisherman about two hours later.

I actually needed the extra time given me to try and present a pattern that the trout would take. It was the Bomber for a short period, but after the dry action stopped I had to go with a nymph pattern.

The one and only on the Bomber for the morning. I missed a number of takes before this bow actually pulled it under. It is so frustrating when the trout are sipping at the fly instead of actually nailing it. When I see this type action I know I have to start nymphing.

  Working my way up the Sip, through the fog and some awesome runs in front of me.

 Nice rainbow on the mystery nymph

 Yes the mystery nymph, this little fly was tied by David at The Trout Zone. It has no name at the moment, so hence the mystery fly. This was the one fly that I fished while nymphing the rest of the morning and landed some really quality trout in the process. I was fishing it under an indicator, but soon discovered that I needed some extra weight to get near the bottom of some of the runs. A tiny shot crimped about 10" above the nymph worked to perfection.

One of the runs on the far bank that produced early, it was kind of difficult determining a take, because of the fast water in the narrow seam, so when in doubt still set the hook; which enable me to land one of the better trout of  the morning in this run.

The better trout was this guy which gave the 9 ft. 3 wt. a real workout, especially against the current.  I discovered the fight was not over after I landed this bow. He wasn't about to pose for a pic in my hand, so an image underwater worked well before he darted off.  

Access 6 walk way right to the waters edge, where I started fishing early.

Some of the Mountain Laurel that line the banks of the tailrace. We are very lucky to have a place that offers some great trout fishing like this in the state of Alabama.