Using the Co-Op Creek route (gates closing Nov.1), we dropped down into the valley and my little lady was kind enough to let me have some fun on the beaver ponds before we got to the lake. The scrappy little cutthroat were more than cooperative.
Our first stop at the lake was at the north end, where we watched thousands of whitefish make their annual run to the inlets. Hoping to find some trout in the mix, we fished the immediate area for about an hour without a bite. It seemed time to find another part of the lake to fish.
We drove around to the dam, only to find a stiff breeze blowing directly toward it. This foiled my plans to get in a float on my tube, and it didn't seem conducive to a good time for my family either. Back the way we came and a little farther toward the campground, we settled into a fishy looking bay and got busy.
Happily, we found the trout and they were quick to take a spinner or a minnow. Whenever I hooked one, I let my boy reel it in for me and that kept him in good spirits, despite the chilly wind.
Momma got herself a few fish and that made everyone happy.
A couple that James and I caught:
The catching was pretty good for awhile and many smaller fish were released. There was a bigger fish that felt pretty good, but it slipped away before I could pull it in. Probably a good tiger, but we'll never know for certain.
Before we knew it, the sun crept behind the hill we were by and the wind got a bit colder. It was time to move along.
Of course, on the way down (we took the mostly-paved route back), the beaver ponds on the lower creek were too much to drive by and I just had to check on them.
As nice as they looked, most were rather shallow; on the rebuilding stage after this year's blowout spring runoff. Finding a decent hole was tricky and it was frustrating to cast into what looked to be a perfect pool, only to reel in some weeds.
Finally, I found a good run between ponds and missed a couple of bites before connecting with a surprising catch for the creek:
It isn't hard to believe that a few tigers could have washed down the spillway this year. A little brown also made my acquaintance and we hit the road.
It isn't hard to believe that a few tigers could have washed down the spillway this year. A little brown also made my acquaintance and we hit the road.
The fishing was really good on the creeks above the lake. The lake was alright, although I really wish I could've seen the bigger one. The creek below showed promise and we all had a great time spending the day together.
Happy Fishing, Humans.
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