Finally Caught a Break
19 Jan 2019
I saw “on the line” where they were going to raise Boone Lake 2-3’ (not sure which), I guess this was for testing. Warnings came out that some things may be a drift to be careful. Not sure how this would effect Boone, I was unable to go Friday anyhow. Then it hit me, maybe just maybe this will reduce the generating schedule a bit. Sure enough, it looked like a man may be able to do a bit of wading.
So Saturday I wake up to wadeable conditions on the South Holston River. I figured that I was probably not the only one to see this information and that it would be extremely crowded. However, the rain had not come as of yet and I grabbed my waders and “stuff” and headed to the river. As anticipated, the rain began as I arrived. Fortunately I left my rain coat at the house, so I haven’t lost my planning abilities. I finally decided where I would park, upstream was a consideration, but I figured I’d walk down the path a bit, it isn’t like I couldn’t use the exercise.
The grates had a decent crowd present but as I went down, not too many folks were fishing. I saw a feller in the water and asked him if he was headed this way or if I could get in here. He said to go ahead, he’s good. It’s amazing the look that you get when you ask if you’ll intrude on them. I tend to do this because it allows me to gripe and complain about folks that fish right on top of you and not be a hypocrite. I’ve had folks walk through where I was casting, one caught my line with their hook, and if it is a crowded area, I have found that if you catch two in a row, by the time you get the second one off, someone will have placed a fly in your spot. I do tend to ask these folks what they are doing, but when people are oblivious, well, they are just oblivious.
Anyway, let’s not rant, let’s talk about the fishing. I had tied me up a midge that I thought for sure would be deadly. I had it on under a strike indicator, (it’s like a little bobber you can put on your fly line and cast) and was ready for some serious angling. I got a few hits on this midge, but was way too slow to catch any of them, out of practice, so I switched it up. I was a bit disappointed that I did not land an all-time best with my new midge, but apparently I think more highly of it than the trout.
I switched to a glow in the dark pink midge, you may be saying why, well, it has worked in the past. I tied this because I had glow in the dark thread on my bobbin and a hook so why not. Sure enough after missing quite a few, I finally got one. This brown was 12-14” and fought fairly well. The first one on a fly rod in a while and I finally got him wrangled up to me then went for the phone (camera) and he got away. I really should invest in a net (remember to use the word invest, it sounds much better to the spouse than to say I want one). I was pumped a bit as it had been a while and kept on casting.
I missed quite a few, the midge just appears to be difficult for me to hook up with the fish. I had taken off the strike indicator and was going by feel, that may have played a part in the misses. I decided to go a little bit bigger and switched to a fly I think they call trout crack. I had tied this according to the picture and mine looks ever so ugly. I really was not expecting anything from this, but upon the first few cast I got bit. The fight was not intense, however, it was quite the thrill as I am standing knee deep in the river and somewhat secluded. I finally get him in, reach into the water and lift him ever so gently. This was the most photo genic trout that I can remember, he/she was patient and did not flip for removal of hook or photo. Finally a pic to add to the site.
I fished a bit longer, may have missed just one or two more, but the day was complete as far as time on the water. Catching is always icing on the cake, as the fishing is the main thing. I was fortunate enough to be out in the river, enjoying the scenery, and getting away for just a bit, what an awesome day. The to top things off, the Vols played at 2:00 and I got to watch them win another basketball game.
I hope the cabin fever hasn’t started with anyone yet. If so, try to take a trip to a river, lake, or just a walk in the woods. It helps a bit, however a warning, if you do, you’ll crave it again, it can be an addiction. I hope everyone has a great week and God bless.
Missin’ the Fishin’
Sorry to disappoint, that’s right, I have a journal entry, but I was not able to go fishing this weekend. I could start with excuses, but we will skip that, I do not enjoy hearing excuses myself. However, there have been somethings going on recently. So since it has been a while and I haven’t written much this year, I thought I would ramble on aimlessly, enjoy.
I made a weekend discovery with my new fishfinder, it is working great. I did not realize that to perform the task I was asking it to perform, I needed just $600 more to be applied. After discovering this news, I realized that it is working like a champ just as it is, no purchase required.
Watson’s Marine is going to be hosting their Open House, Jan 31-Feb 2 I think. I found out I have to go to Vanderbilt on the 31st, but if it is OK with Watson’s, I should be there Feb 1 and 2. If you get a chance, stop by and say hey. I got to talk to two of the Journal readers last year, I am still looking for the third one, I think they are afraid to admit they read this. I have asked my wife and she has sworn that she doesn’t read it, something about listening to me talk is all she can take.
This year I will have a few additional rods you can take a gander at (isn’t this becoming a great commercial), American Made stuff. Also, I am adding some crappie jigs to the arsenal. I’ve been using these mostly as of the past few months, just testing. I’ve caught a few crappie and a lot of other fish, mostly bass small and largemouth. They’ve been fun to toss but I’ve not found more that a couple of crappie. I haven’t fished for them since I was a kid that much and it will take me a bit to dial in on them, but the jigs are something that I like tying anyway.
As for the fishing, the generators just keep on rolling and with the rain this weekend and week, they will continue to roll. It has really put a damper on the fly fishing and I’ve not tried a creek as I figure they are running fairly full and are probably a bit muddy. The batteries on the boat are charged, but in the 40’s and rain makes me decide to stay home. Yep, I’m getting soft in my old age.
The forecast is for a warm weekend, but rain, we’ll see what happens. If the rain could take a little break, that’d be nice, like maybe weekday rain and weekend none. I sure don’t want to complain cause a bit more rain sure beats a drought. This has to be one of the mildest winters we’ve had so far, but I fully expect the cold to come soon. I hope everyone has had a chance to get out and wet a line. I fully expected to go this weekend, but things did not work out as I had anticipated. If you caught one, post a pic on the facebook page or email, either is great. It give me a chance to try to control my jealousy. I hope you have a great week and God bless.
