Saturday, October 27, 2012

Colours

For several years now, the chase for migratories starts with salmon, then lake-run brown trout before settling in on steelhead. Five weeks ago, I took the first trip for salmon and was rewarded with sore arms and a book of memories. Since then, I have been bounded by a demanding work/home schedule, left to  only cheer on my fellow fishing buddies to “represent ” as they capitalized on early pushes .  Although I did get out once a few weeks back, there was little to write about. I lost two magnificent chrome fish fresh in from Lake Huron. Add to that, I was asleep at the wheel for a few more.
Finally, yesterday, I cleared the e-pile at work to book the day off for some much needed time on the water. The usuals could not make the day which in hindsight, was not all that terrible.  For the most part, like my fellow bloggers Brian and Gene, I prefer not to fish in amongst crowds. The very sight of another on any of my favorite drifts sends my hair into a tingled frenzy.  However, the course is to chase lake-run browns. Unfortunately, it means going to places where there are can be a circus of anglers. Suspect methods of angling was quite present. The trade-off is that there is a ridiculous amount of fish and in a shallow, selfish moment, numbers seem to be the want and somewhat of importance.
It was a long drive. One that saw two stops for breaks and refueling with coffee and sweet baked goods. When I reached the access or in this case, the gravel parking area, I started to second guess my decision. There were a lot of others that beat me to first light. Oh well, here now! I geared up and into the battle I went. I stopped at the river's edge to scan the scattered presence of other eager anglers. Not wishing to mix and mingle, I chose a tailout that is rarely fished whenever I do come here. Turned out, the colours where fantastic there.  The day was exactly what I need in terms of catching up with myself and also to pad the numbers, making me feel worthy to the game. I am already looking forward to the next trip




10 comments:

  1. Nicely done bro, those are seem real beauties. I'm hoping to get out soon as well....clearing the schedule is proving to be very difficult so far this fall.

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    1. Brent, we may need to wait out this "Frankenstorm".....

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  2. GT,

    Welcome back! Glad to read you got out there. Awesome head shot of that Brown. I have mixed feelings about my memories of those trips. The drives I do not miss nor the river clientelle but there was always moments of grandeur in the mix. Those fish certainly are pretty to look at and the numbers are always a guilty pleasure. Disneyland fisheries...
    Sounds like there is a conspiracy in the works...I too am currently consumed by work. I am on the hook for another 4-5-6 weeks of a Reactor Rebuild outage with little chance of escape aside from the odd local outing and Sundays. With any luck I may escape to the cabin to tend to some leaf cleanup and river adventures. Time will tell. I will be on a River somewhere tomorrow before the super storm shuts everything down for a while. The tribs will certainly appreciate the boost this storm is forecasted to dump.
    Take care and get back out there.

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    1. Thanks Brian. Disney it is. Not my favorite but yes, it serves a purpose I suppose. (LOL). I have a good leaf blower.... ;)

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  3. As usual Gil great recap of your trip to zenquility. Fabulous colours on those browns too. Maybe next time I can clear my schedule too.
    Jack

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    1. Cheers Jack. The only zenquility is the stereo on 10 for the drive there and back.... and the moments immediately after releasing fish.

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  4. We've all been there Gil and the memories I have of those trips are fond ones....regardless of some of the bizarre behaviors.

    Those Browns are really something. I have always thought that there must some less pressured flows over there hiding...known only to the guys on the inside but I just don't have the time to really become imbedded...and thats a shame really.

    Great pics..

    Hopefully this storm won't mess things up too badly.

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  5. Thanks Gene! I have a soft spot for them much like their little cousins I target in the early summer months.

    We ( I ) treat trips to the two " Dam Tribs" as fun, non-serious outings. Its about long drives with stimulating conversations, (hopes)of everyone getting into a good number of fish, dining at local establishments and non-stop laughing and joking about.

    I have looked at some other tribs that are not mentioned, or rarely so. The ones I have come across are quite small and I don't think it would be fair to battle them in sections where the banks are maybe a sidewalk width and not very deep.

    Our tribs will survive. Sadly, you know every 'shiterat' will be out once they recede. My concerns are not of whom I may see at a secluded spot I hiked into, but the car behind me that notices my stop and follows me in. ( yes it has happened to me in the past!)
    We may just share a drift this year. ;)...its only been what, 8-9 years since we last saw each other? (LOL)

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    1. Call it brother.. I am in.

      Keeping an eye on the graph and may go on Sunday...maybe.

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    2. Damn, sorry for this delayed reply. I have totally lost it!!!

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