Had a sunny morning to venture into the high country to explore some musky water. The crisp weather made the mountains seem wild and alive, and the river was as clear and low as ever. I didn’t expect to catch many, but I at least expected to be able to see some of the fish I have been missing during the warmer, stained-water months.
I hauled the boat up a ways, and trolled past huge pods of redhorse, spotted suckers, quillbacks, carp, and occaisional smallmouth. It was like drifting over an aquarium of bait. No doubt, any musky would be in heaven to live in these waters. The only big disappointment was several of the holes I was SURE would hold musky were void of the elusive big toothy fish. The deeper holes in the channel were just too exposed and didn’t offer enough depth and cover. No crappie were spotted...evidently the musky were conosuors of the spiny rayed fishes..thus proving BD's theory
I did manage to get a follow out of a deeper hole. It was a smaller musky, and he didn’t chase too far. I also re-located a fish that I hooked in the past. He just stayed glued to the bottom surrounded by boulders as FIELDS of giant suckers swarmed in over him, spooked by my boat..
After no luck, I decided to venture for a short hike into the gorge. By now the sun was higher, and I figured I could atleast get to the first deep hole before the tangled rocks of the Class III and IV rapids. Trains frequently pass through, so walking the tracks keeps you on your toes around the blind corners. It was beautiful, but rugged and steep to get down the rocky banks. The deeper holes in the river looked promising, and I cast every bait in the box..
Big Critter Country
The Gauntlet...you better be quick, a train passes by about every half hour
When I discovered the smoking embers of a camper’s fire, I was reminded that I need to be carrying a gun the next time I venture back there. Probably just a trail hiker, but I’ve heard a few stories of encounters with shady characters in this area who aren’t so friendly.
The river was beautiful, but once again, no fish. I was able to spot a rouge smallmouth or two lurking around in the clear water, but no ‘skis. The next time I get a chance, I may make the 8 mile RXR hike through this canyon...I just have to find someone crazy enough to come along, and I’ll surely be armed as well. I know these fish are here....but I’ll probably focus my times this winter on more productive water....
Like this:
I fished this stretch a few weeks back, and had a fired up musky come fast at a flashy bucktail. Just my luck...Crystal calls as we try to straighten out a business fax with the bank...as I answer the phone and start talking, As I wind the bait in, a few turns left on the reel, there he is...
“Hold on , I’ve got a follow Oh man he’s HUGE"
The fish comes in hot pursuit, the Flashabou is literally brushing at his face....no strike....DAMN
I circle the rod in a wide figure 8, he turns around and runs the entire length of the boat.
Crystal...”How big is he?”
Me “Freaking Big Hold on babe, he’s still after it ”
I spin the rod in another turn and he runs back up the side of the boat...but submerges and disappears.
I kept the bait swimming around the bow, and by the time I worked it to the channel side of the boat, he comes out from under the boat and chases again....Agggghhhhh Couldn’t get the strike, but this one came so close.
This fish was hot. If I wasn’t fumbling around on the phone, I believe I could have pissed him off enough for the strike. Hell, if I would have just changed direction, the bait would have been in his jaws. That’s musky fishing. I’m not tapped out yet.
Travis
