DATE: Thursday, August 2, 2012
TIME: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
WEATHER: High 70s to high 90s, sunny, windy
WATER CONDITIONS: 0 Units
LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, Top of the Island below McClellan’s to above Otter Creek
FLIES USED: Olive Wayne’s Fly, Olive Norfork River Scud, #20 red/silver Zebra Midge
ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT JWF
HATCHES: Midges, crane flies
OTHER: Fished with Bill. We walked in at Mill Dam Eddy and waded/walked upstream to the top of the island. Bill waded upstream fishing along the right descending bank while I waded upstream fishing the left descending bank. I managed to take 4 fish in the pool below the riffle, but fished hard. A brief shower occurred just as I reached the riffle. I walked upstream to the left riffle in the plunge pool but didn’t take any fish. I walked just upstream of Otter Creek and fished above the sycamore tree, and took a solo brown, fat and about 14 inches long. Bill fished upstream of the gravel and took a bunch of fish, including 4 over 16 inches. Meanwhile, I waded back downstream, without any success, and ended up fishing the riffle above the island, taking 8 fish on almost as many casts. Bill joined me and we waded downstream, intending to fish Mill Dam Eddy, but unexpected generation—an hour early—ran us off the river. It’s probably a good thing because this piece of water has been pounded to an extent that many of the fish have moved out, seeking sanctuary. In the process of wading out, we observed what a 4-inch rise would do (about what minimum flow will generate) and were surprised at how treacherous wading was, including crossing from the island at Mill Dam Eddy—it was all I could safely handle! This means that when SWPA begins generating, with minimum flow as a base, it will be prohibitively dangerous to wade where I typically wade and cross. Better be careful what you ask for.
NOTE: I have finally lost my desire to fly fish every day; but am hoping it will come back in a few days! Kay and I have had a great summer staying home and investing in family relationships, spending quality time with kids and grandkids. And the fishing has been the best I’ve experienced since moving here in 2004. But the wind, heat, heavy fishing pressure in my home waters, and unreliable generation forecasts has resulted in a need for a break. I hope to be back on the water in a week or so, but who knows! Until then…
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment