solopaddler Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 It's been a long winter for me. I've managed to sneak out here and there, but my work schedule and the arrival of a new puppy in early Jan have conspired to keep me mostly house bound. My sanity was salvaged this past weekend when Bill and I managed to sneak away for a couple of days to a favourite river. She had blown out days earlier and was finally wide open to the lake. Definitely off coloured but eminently fishable. Incredibly over the course of two days we fished entirely by ourselves. An amazing occurence since it's a popular river. We weren't complaining though. I think most people believed the river was too dirty. That combined with the fact the access parking lot wasn't plowed kept the hordes away. Getting in was no problem, but ascending the steep windy hill in my Accord was a bit sketchy on the way out. Made it though. Fishing was spectacular, the numbers of fish were ridiculous. I'd throw out a number but it might be hard to believe. 90% weren't big, but they were bright chrome bluebacked fish that fought with fury even in the cold water. Giant chartreuse bags with a tag of pink yarn were the ticket in the first half of the day on Saturday. As the water cleared small pink and white maribou jigs tipped with either maggots or a pinhead shiner destroyed fish. Many of the takes were breathtaking with the float being ripped under lightning fast. I have a huge number of pic's but I'll just post a few, all the fish look the same anyway. Mixed in with the small chromers were a few larger specimens. This clean looking buck smashed my jig and put up a heckuva tussle: Also caught a handful of fat old egg wagons loaded with loose roe. This one wallowed around like an old sow when I stuck her. Yesterday before we left for home we decided to keep a few of the small chromers to eat. There's not much better table fare imo (well, maybe brook tout ). All in all a truly outstanding trip. There's a few board members who should have been there (Brian, Phil, Craig... ) Next time boys. Things will be real interesting from here on in, lots more opportunities in the next month or so. Cheers, Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADB Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 (edited) Great report, Mike. I need to drag myself out for some of those. Edited March 14, 2011 by ADB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Urban Fisherman Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 BUDDY! I walked into my office this morning and opened the window which faces east...enjoyed a wicked sunrise to the first sounds of singing birds.... then topped it off with my first Solo report of the season. That's right...Spring is here for me! :thumbsup_anim: Thanks dude! Light 'em up this season! Cheers, Ryan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillM Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 (edited) An absolute blast Mike, great way to start the season I could only chuckle after hearing a few locals say the river was unfishable, lol. Edited March 14, 2011 by BillM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyb Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 Very impressive....love the shots of the fish with the ice floes in the background. Can I sign up for a centrepin lesson soon? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solopaddler Posted March 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 BUDDY! I walked into my office this morning and opened the window which faces east...enjoyed a wicked sunrise to the first sounds of singing birds.... then topped it off with my first Solo report of the season. That's right...Spring is here for me! :thumbsup_anim: Thanks dude! Light 'em up this season! Cheers, Ryan If you have time this spring and want to get out, just ask. Can I sign up for a centrepin lesson soon? Anytime bud. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigdritchie Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 (edited) Sweet. Nice pics. Should have been there, I know, but in the end I made some major brownie points at home and got ahead on some work. To the point I've just booked an "offsite meeting" for tomorrow with a client named Mr. Steel. Must remember sunscreen. Edited March 14, 2011 by Craig_Ritchie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solopaddler Posted March 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 Sweet. Nice pics. Should have been there, I know, but in the end I made some major brownie points at home and got ahead on some work. To the point I've just booked an "offsite meeting" for tomorrow with a client named Mr. Steel. Must remember sunscreen. Brownie points are always good. I think you picked a good day. The entire week looks fantastic actually with the warm temps. I'm working the Sportsmans Show this week. (Not really complaing, it'll be fun. ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bicephalic Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 Very nice! Always nice to keep a few eaters too - Good job Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EC1 Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 Awesome day out there! I didn't get a single 2010 steelhead, so I am looking to maybe get one this year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troutologist Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 So I was just barely getting through with an extension on the auger yesterday, it was in the -20 to -30 range all weekend. This isn't helping!!! Great fish guys, can't wait for open water! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harrison Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 man, sorry we had to miss this Mike. Great report as usual. I'll send Paul the link to this report...alittle salt for his stab wounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spiel Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishing n autograph Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 impressive fish man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctranter Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 great stuff man, I'm itchin to get out myself. Keep em comin! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misfish Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 (edited) Great report Mike.Have to wait til home to se the pics. Looks like I missed a good time and with all those fish,I would of had lots of practice with the reel. Soon we will get out.Im just waiting for a guy to have a cold one with thats to drop off some supplies.Bill,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Edited March 14, 2011 by Misfish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darsky Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 After a noticeable lack of your Fall reports-it IS nice to read them again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asdve23rveavwa Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 Some really nice chrome, Mike and Bill Nothing like shaking off the cobwebs in March!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victor Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 It's finally this time of the year! It's only Monday but I already can't wait till the weekend for a few drifts. Great way to start off the spring season Mike! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmeh Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 The pic of you guys fishing around the ice is great. Looks like a tasty dinner too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mercman Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 NICE fish ! Just seeing that open water has me counting the days till i get back out on it. Great report, thanks !!! Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ThisPlaceSucks Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 sweet... i just took out the float rod yesterday. unfortunately the rivers i saw on my ride home saturday were more suitable for ice fishing yet... i hope this thread will at least scratch the itch a little. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishin jesus Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 perfect way to start the year...looks like you put a clinic on !!! great looking fish ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corvette1 Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 congrats too you and bill awesome day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tibbs Posted March 14, 2011 Report Share Posted March 14, 2011 Sounds like an awesome few days out on the water! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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