First stop was the Espenscheid Memorial Forest Preserve. Upon arrival I quickly scouted out a couple of bends. They looked fishy, but where empty. With the drought going on the river is about 3 feet low. This has certainly driven fish into deeper pools in which there where none on this stretch of river.
Next stop was Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve. This was looking way better than stop one right off the bat. This section was loaded with shade and some deeper pools. I headed toward the bridge to start off. I started swinging my minnow streamer along the bridge piers and stripping 2-3 inches at a time. Second retrieve I felt a tug. Fish on! I knew it wasn't a monster, but it felt great bringing him in on the flyrod.
It was a nice sized smallie that ran about 13inches. Back to swinging I went, and just couldn't seal the deal. I missed 3 more fish over the course of an hour, with one that was 16+ inches. All in all I call this trip a success due to the fact I found some fish, explored a new stretch, and have a nice new smallie spot to frequent. The exploration will continue, and I feel the success rate should climb from here on out.
such a good feeling to get out and try some new spots and to get rewarded is the ultimate pay day, nicely done. hope you continue your success out there on the kish
ReplyDeleteThanks! I could agree more with the pay off. It's just fun and a challenge to get out and test new waters. You never know what you might stumble across
DeleteBrian
ReplyDeleteI really like the looks of that fly pattern. Have you tried a popper in the shaded areas? As fall approaches the top water action will get better. Have you ever fished a pop-r---the reason I am asking is the size 4 Boggle Bug will give the same sort action with that gulping sound that might drive a smallie crazy. I will be using one Monday morning at daylight, going after spots. I have already lost two huge spots this year in excess of 4 to 5 pounds on the size 4 bug. Thanks for sharing
I haven't tried the poper yet, but I am going to give it a whirl. Unfortunately I didn't have any on me when I went out. Thanks for the advice Bill.
DeleteSummer smallie fishing is always a lot of fun. What is the back of the streamer? Zonker?
ReplyDeleteIt is a Zonker strip. Squirrel Zonker in its natural color. It is tied upside down with the flash ontop. I bought this at Cabelas I believe a long time ago and this was the first time I had ever used it
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