My wife and I went for a drive last week. The Mountain Maples are turning and we wanted to see them while their color was good. We live is such a beautiful place, and Autumn is my favorite time to enjoy the beauty.
While driving into the mountains we
just so happened* to drive by a beautiful mountain stream. After viewing the leaves I suggested that we park along the stream; she could then read one of her textbooks that she had brought along and I could fish. She just rolled her eyes at me and said OK.
I found a good place, secluded in the trees, parked and got out to check out the water. I had fished this stream before but not this far up. It looked like good water. I geared up.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JDe6ZYL2zqkWnwlRMK4xjjl0FNbfofc8Vd_NFR3hjGFNUgS4LUbvbkoElAtvPK7a90HSD_x7WBs6LAo9wKCnh6wlqN3wwb9d9fpdGygw5QRRv5RnUqmCgQUaFN80VGwsOCAc0eUTGN4e/s1600/GOPR0860.JPG) |
The blue thing in the lower right corner is one of my fingers, contained in a blue nitrile glove. |
I walked a little downstream then entered the water. The water was cold and clear; 52 degrees F as a matter of fact. I tied on a #10 UKB and targeted a likely eddy just across and slightly upstream from me. On my second cast I was into a trout. It was a healthy 10 inch cutthroat. Such a beautiful fish!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrblncmglpnwk8O-eTa6mfORGrf1EUQEU-LkPoOKNCqSm5vlYVFfzwveswJTl7SOwZVL3V_LwoRSLtMlgM5bSfsqGA4aKcc2-yWlyl6rSE_nxV6fvzQ93hs7H3O13YABCGAtVPRhUr-EDR/s1600/GOPR0842.JPG) |
This angle makes him look like a micro! |
The stream has heavy riparian tree growth which makes some stretches impossible to fish. I suppose this is good as these areas are havens allowing the trout to be undisturbed. These areas are interposed with stretches of fairly open water. Because of this pattern I chose to use my Nissin Pro Spec 2-Way 7:3 rod. It proved to be an excellent choice.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3uMwGO-niEPXBsJLmkj3E4F-_vjrunANJum3JWf6nnDVOe_W8RfYeJMDGw6sQLfpnXxIaAmxzfORVKeN6TLA_zceCu9aaZwly1lkNgBqqdp_ABZy6oHXtNd_I60i-PRiDMjybSwKfCFj/s1600/GOPR0854.JPG) |
Am open section. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWezsQMXUhhxdsgcxNc4voliEZZL1oNIyhBpNsz_gMpo5yXLNIIuM5viJxYrNbBNcJt18-SybJUk4q5Q3Q7CkplyZ9CuIk7DbGKF7odZ7pHq5lCQorwrRdf1ZERPk3oCNBpdBahGFpr5m/s1600/GOPR0859.JPG) |
Another. |
I decided not to use my video camera, as I'm trying to force myself to video less and enjoy fishing more. But I did take some still pictures. Earlier in the week I had contrived to cut my fingers off while doing the dishes, so I didn't hold the fish with my right hand; most of the pictures were taken while the trout were in the net. This makes them look foreshortened and funny, but still, you get to see what I took.
I only fished for one hour -- I was feeling guilty that my wife was sitting in the car. Still, in that time I took 12 trout -- two cutthroats and the rest were browns. It was a wonderful, yet brief, get away. I'll definitely be back!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXC9FihtY4S-9eOY_kzwcR7oaEeqMKFYiTS-C2jx9K0x-eprPsTiBsRXOFtFCoDcyv_CW0-ynGLmx6jXDIxUhI6KEtfxwjZO8W9lvamTEmU2MMDjkTRvBK-NCeDurXJfKoYXKfmVaGwVd/s1600/Nissin+Pro+Spec+2way+7_3.JPG) |
Nissin Pro Spec 2-Way 7:3 |
*
my wife knows that us driving by the stream was no haphazard event. She knew I was actually wanting to go for a drive so I could find a place to fish!
Tell me that I misread your comment about cutting your fingers off. If true that is awful and you are an unbelievable gamer to be out there fishing. I am still in shock.
ReplyDeleteI still have all my fingers. Some are cut up pretty significantly though. They'll heal. Thank you for your concern.
DeleteWhat a fun little stream! Great photos, and hope your hand heals up. Did you just cut yourself, or did you really lose some digits?
ReplyDeleteJust cut a few. I'll have scars but the fingers will still work!
DeletePraying your hand heals quickly and that you have full use.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cindy.
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