Tuesday, June 18, 2013—Caught, Again!

TIME:  8:30 AM to 10:45 AM

WEATHER:  Mid-70s, overcast

WATER CONDITIONS:  0 units increasing to 1 unit

LOCATIONS FISHED:  Norfork River, Mill Dam Eddy to Below McClellan's

FLIES USED:  #14 gray Norfork River scud, #20 black/silver Zebra Midge, #14 pink Cockleburr, #20 Dunn's Dun

ROD USED:  8’ 6” 5-wt Winston JWF

HATCHES:  Midges

OTHER:  I fished solo.  After walking across Mill Dam Eddy, and then upstream to the tailout of the riffle above the island, I began casting the pink Cockleburr.  I missed several fish, which held on the fly only momentarily.  The fellow who crowded Ed on Thursday was fishing the riffle, and I gave hime plenty of space; he told me the fishing would pick up when the caddis started coming off; I nodded, but did not say anything!  The plunge pool below Ace in the Hole did not yield any fish, despite several near hook-ups.  One fish succumbed to the Zebra Midge near the walnut tree.  I waded all the way above Otter Creek towards McClellan's as far as water depth would allow; the usual great fishing did not occur there this morning.  Wading back downstream just above the gravel, I caught several fish, including a nice 16+ inch rainbow.  Across from Otter Creek, I noted the water had a little more velocity as the strike indicator was moving a wee bit faster.  Upon further inspection, the water had risen about 4 inches—with generation beginning an hour earlier than scheduled.  (It sure makes one touchy about taking chances!)  I immediately reeled in and began walking/running downstream, crossing at the bottom of the gravel with water near the top of my waders.  Continuing downstream, I notified the lone fisher who had crowded Ed, despite my wanting him to learn a lesson, and he insisted on following me downstream.  We waded along the right descending bank, with him grabbing hold of my arm unexpectedly; I asked him to grab my belt instead.  He insisted on trespassing to get out, but lost his way and ended up back where he started.  I admonished him about trespassing, made sure he knew I could not grant permission, and shuttled him to the access—you can't fix stupid.  He profusely apologized for crowding Ed and being disrespectful to him; I remained silent as he knew I was thinking I just saved his (explicit language).

I had a slow day, taking only a half dozen fish, most on the gray Norfork River Scud, but had a good time until it was cut short.

Y'all be careful out there.