An after work quickie

Last evening, while my wife had meetings, I drove up to a small stream near my home. It is only 20 minutes away, through a narrow canyon and over a mountain pass. I had to follow a rancher moving his cattle through the canyon to the summer grazing range , but I passed them about half way up so it didn't take too long to get there.

A beautiful evening in the mountains

I parked the Highlander and walked down into the narrows since the road and stream diverge. The narrows is filled with beaver ponds and then the stream itself. The stream is only about 3-4 feet across and maybe 3-12 inches deep, but there is enough cover and lies to keep a healthy population of wild cutthroats thriving. As I walked I watched the local beaver repairing one of his dams. What I big rodent!

Mr beaver at work; don't drink the water  -- Giardia!

When I got to the section of the stream that I wanted to fish I rigged the 10' 2" Soyokaze with a #3 line and 4X flourocarbon tippet. I once again went with a Soft Hackle Grey kebari, since it has been such a consistent producer. The water is low enough that waders are not required; with careful wading the water did not top my Wellington work boots.

A typical stretch of the stream

Another section, more open

I targeted small pockets of deeper water and riffles. Careful, delicate casts were required so to not scare the fish. Precision was also required since the willows over reach the stream in much of its run. Casting mainly from my knees I took about 15 fish, but who's counting. The largest was 10 inches, but most were 6-8 inches. They either took the kebari right after it hit the water (sometimes before I could straighten the line)  or after a few seconds of drift. When you use the Soft Hackle Grey kebari make sure you are ready for a hit as soon as it touches the water! Basically it was "looks like a fish would hold there", cast and "got ya" fishing. Very relaxing and peaceful.

He did not want his picture taken!

I fished for two hours then drove back and got home before my wife did. Nice!