Posted on July 31 2024
Was behind schedule before I even got out of bed this morning. Overslept and hadn't even finished breakfast by the time Jean called. Got a half dozen flies tied waiting for the grass to dry, had a nice chat roadside with my Olympic archer friend, mowed the lawn, and presto it was 12:00. Made two sandwiches, put them in the cooler with some Gatorade and water and tardily headed for Deposit. Stopped for ice in Hancock and arrived in Deposit at 1:00, well after the sulfurs should have been hatching. Below Oquaga, they weren't. Moved upstream and found both bugs and fish in good numbers. The problem is, they are now reluctant to eat flies with hooks in 'em.
The afternoon fishing was both peaceful and productive. Hooked and landed a nice 18 inch rainbow right off the bat. Then hooked a big brown that came unstuck downstream a couple of reel turns from the bright yellow backing on my reel. An hour later I landed my second fish, (a 10 inch rainbow). I know that most readers dismiss most of my theories/beliefs but the trout in the Sulfur Zone now know my flies. When I moved upstream, (and downstream on the way back to the car), I caught fish. In the pool where I've fished once a week since the middle of June, there were lots of good fish rising, (like the dinner was free and the drinks were on me), but they somehow avoided eating my flies.
Spent most of the intermission between hatches chatting with river friends. I've asked before and I'm asking again, please introduce yourself by name. You may well know what I hade for breakfast and how often I mow the lawn, but I just don't know or remember names and in many cases, who you are and where I met you before. It's embarrassing to me.
After my ineffectual effort to solve a Saturday crossword puzzle and a short nap, I started the car and drove around until I found an unoccupied pool. I wasn't in the water long before being joined by another senior citizen fly-fisherman. We exchanged courteous conversation, (he was as hard of hearing as I am), and we were both frustrated by the fish's ability to unerringly ignore our flies and select ones without hooks in them. Did manage to fool enough fish, (mostly late), to make it another good day.
Hopefully I'll be allowed to join the Assoc. Eds. at their meeting. I'll even bring flies.
Two questions:
Still no green slime present requiring constant cleaning of your fly?
You never mention ants, Beatles, etc.
Do you use them only when you see them on the water?
Thanks, Jack
Angler 119 – I just recently discovered your blog. I may have been the man you fished with last night. If so, I was impressed. I told my lady friend that I fished with a gentleman who cast effortlessly and made it look so easy. I see a lot of fishermen on the water. You stood out.
Angler119- Sounds like you had an interesting and productive day on the river. And chatting with friends always adds to the enjoyment,I second Dennis’s vote . I’m a yes. Given the contributors busy schedule I didn’t know if he would be available . Looking forward to getting together. Ed
I never doubt the veracity of your reports, Angler 119, but there was a good sulfur hatch below Oquaga on Saturday. Perhaps the mayflies downstream are becoming as aware of you and your fishing schedule as the trout. Who knows?
A119 sounds like a good day on the WB. I am going to try to make it down today. I will report tomorrow.
As far as the meeting goes a majority of assoc. editors must vote on the contributing editors appearance!! My vote is yea!!! ( bringing flies won my vote)