Another dry fall is upon us, is it just me or is this deja vu? Its like some sick and twisted dream I can't wake up from. Plenty of rivers that support lake run fish to choose from but not enough water to push them up the river. I've been fly fishing them for just over 3 years now and the most recent year and a half has been under low flow conditions. I now look back and feel I was a tad bit ungrateful for the ideal conditions I experienced when I was a salmon and steelhead rookie, but I didn't know any better.
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| a very dry but colorful milwaukee river |
Very few fish have made it upriver and the number of anglers fishing them is multiplied by 10 fold. The fishing forecast is dismal for the near future and for any chance of improvement we will need a blessing in the form of some rain. King season is slowly passing us by but some miracle precipitation could just save the coho and trout runs in the later fall and early winter.
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| salmon eye |
Despite the adverse water flows we were still able to hook up on a few fish this weekend. For even the slightest chance of fish, stay on the downstream sections of river. If we don't see rain soon I might just have to re-think my annual fall trip for this year and fish for something completely outside my comfort zone. This kinda uncertainty is one of the things that will always keep fishing interesting for me. Adapt, adapt, adapt or be passed over.
The IN creeks are in the same situation. All these staging fish just waiting for the creeks to fill up. I don't see any hope though in the forecast.
ReplyDeleteim keeping my fingers crossed either way. last year was great in mid November through December when we actually did get the precipitation the browns and steelhead came in pretty thick
DeleteIt is going to be a tough year. On the flip side, low and clear gives you an opportunity to spot new or subtle holding lies that would otherwise be difficult to find.
ReplyDeletei said that same thing last spring and fall, its getting old, I want fish!
Deleteim still optimistic for late October and November, check out Anthony's most recent post on Trouterspace, still some great fishing to be had
http://trouterspace.com/2012/10/02/lakerun-trout-93012/
Thanks for the shout out blake! Did you take the pic of the salmon eye? It's awesome!
DeleteThanks for the shout out blake! Did you take the pic of the salmon eye? It's awesome!
DeleteNo problem, that is an awesome report. Got me fired up bro. Yeah, my pic and thanks!
DeleteBeautiful fall colors!
ReplyDeletethere's a lot more reds this year, me and a co-worker were just talking about that this morning. We thought it could have been from the crazy weather patterns and dry summer we had.
DeleteI feel the same way about some of the water out here...and it's true, it takes years like this to make us appreciate the good.
ReplyDeletethe salmon eye is incredibly cool!
the novice may just choose to sit this one out, others just adapt and keep on fishing, thanks
DeleteWe're dealing with similar river conditions on the north shore of L. Ontario. Ironic thing is that mid August thunderstorms had all the tribs full of kings and me holed up with a fractured ankle.
ReplyDeleteBeen wondering where you've been. Hope you have a speedy recovery!
DeleteI love this photo of the salmon eye, just wanted to pop in and say kudos for the great shot.
ReplyDelete