Frosty Nights and Trout Bites - ??

Date:  May 27th     Temp:  65 High      Time: 9:30a.m.- 12:30a.m.

Strawberries Anybody?????

The forecast for last night was calling for temps in the frost zone.  ?????????????  It is about to be June and we have had temps in the freezing digits for a few nights this week.  I am not quite sure what is up with the weather but you will not hear me complain about it.  No, because I dread 80 degree days here in Wisconsin.  Sometimes it seems as if you are actually breathing water instead of air.  The humidity is killer.  So as long as I don't have to crank up the A.C. you will see a smile on my face.  Now if you were talking about an 80 degree day in Oceanside, CA.  Let's just say goodbye fly rod and hello surf board!:)  I could still fish off a surf board right.  I guess you could call me Shark MaGee maybe.  Hopefully not Sharkbite Magee!:)  For now I will stick with the baby sharks of the spring fed streams here in the Driftless.  Home to the Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout,Tiger Trout, A Cuttbow Species???And Lets not forget some of my favorites when it comes to putting up a fight on a fly rod.

(Salmo trutta)

Most of the streams I fish are made up of about 80% Browns 15% Rainbow and 5% Brook.  Now that is not a scientific fact.  This only my experience with the streams.  I am sure their are more Brook Trout streams around but definitely not as many as there are Brown Trout.  Today the stream I went to is known for some nice Browns.  After waking up my wife and letting her know where I was going just in case she was dying to know, I decided to wait around a little while until the coffee was pressed and ready for sugar.  Ok, that was just what I needed.  Triple check to make sure I have everything and I am out the door.  Noticed frost warming on the strawberry plant's so I decide to stop and take a few pics.  Frost in late May, who da thunk it?

 

With that documented I decided it was finally time to get my duff to the stream.  By now it is past 9:00 and I probably missed the real good bite about 2 hours ago.  Oh well down the road I go.  Finally I arrive at my destination.  Hmmmm the water is super close to the bridge and it seems to be flowing fast and brown.  Not the best sign.  But I was already there and parked.  I decided to throw on something flashy and set off.

Representing  for TAKE ME FISHING.com Reminding everyone out there about National Fishing and Boating Week. June 4 - 12th 2011.  Take some one out fishing.  

Thanks again for the Boat Subaru Flag!!

After fishing for about 10 minutes in what seemed to be muddy water, I decided I was out.  With limited time available I thought it would be a better idea to head upstream away and hope the water was a little nicer.  I guess the heavy rains are still having an effect.  Ok so now its 10 o clock, whatever, the day is shaping up to look like a beauty and I am just glad to be out there hearing the birds chirping. 

There are two holes I was really excited to fish.  Last time I was here I missed a huge one and couldn't get it to take the fly again.  This time I was headed back and I was sure I would catch at least something out of this hole.  The bad thing about fishing some of these small streams on a sunny day is that once you pull out a fish or two, the big ones buckle down and stay put.  The hole is spooked and to the next one you go.  So when I got to the first hole I got everything set up.  Recently I won a flipcam from  the Take Me Fishing contest via the Outdoor Blogger Network.  I figured it is time for me to start getting some video of my mishaps and adventures and what a perfect way to get it started.  Thanks again!!

Kind of looks like War of the Worlds

Well I ended up catching  fish on the second cast in but unfortunately it was not the biggin I was in search of.  But still a wonderful little Brown none the less.  I did actually get footage of it but am unable to load it to the internet yet due to the fact that I am still stuck with Dial Up.  A 1 minute video clip is about 60 MB because of the HD involved.  At an upload speed of about 1kb a second your talking about a 7.5 hr period before it finally uploads.  Trust me I tried it last night and finally had to stop it so I could use the computer.  Man do I have to get some better internet service.  It is brutal.  Painful.  Exhausting.....   For now I will just have to take the laptop into a service area and download my videos then.  Sooner than later I hope.

  I actually lost the Flipcam today and had to retrace my tracks through super long grass.  After searching and searching I finally found it and the feeling of being sick slowly subsided.  While scrunched low to the ground I noticed a lot of activity on the flowers in the pasture.  The bees are definitely busy this time of year.  All thanks to our great friend pollen.  Having to wear contacts during this time of the year can be tough sometimes.  I am surprised any of my pictures turn out to be focused.   At least the bees don't have allergies.  

 

 When I finally found the flipcam,  I was left with about an hour to fish.  Today I had most of my luck with casting from the bottom of the hole up into the rapids.  Instead of stripping the flies,  I would let them sink and form a sort of rainbow in my line.  Letting it sit for about 10 seconds at a time.  Then when you are just about to give up and recast,  BAM, there goes the line.  Over the years of fishing I have realized there is one important thing you must have to be a successful fisherman/women.  Simple as pie.  PATIENCE.  Without this you will just be out there whipping a froth up on the top of the water.  This isn't a competition between two people.  It is merely a competition with yourself.  So instead of getting flustered and rammy about the fish not biting.  Just stop for a minute, take a deep breath,  think " What can I change about my technique to get these fish to bite."  Chances are exercising a little patience will be the key to your success.  Stop and enjoy the scenery.  The fish aren't going anywhere.  Unless you spook them of course:)

Here is a spot that I came across where the sun was shining through into the stream.  It was really peaceful looking and I wished I could shrink down and go swimming in the sun lit water.  

 

This is a natural spring coming from the top of the bluff.  I don't quite understand how but it is.

Well I caught a few fish, took some new pics and was able to find my flip cam.   That's one for fisherman and zero for the cruel mistress of stream thievery.  Now if I could just find all of the different pair of sunglasses I have lost.!  Maybe next time.   Probably not.  I have lost 2 pair of Arnettes, 1 Pair of Anarchy Eyewear, and 1 Pair of Hobie Sunglasses.   Better get off the stream while I still have all of my possessions.  Or do I????  

And I'm Out, Like a Trout

Just wanted to say thanks to Dustin over at Dustins Fly Box for the blog shout out.   Check out his tips and recipes for tying some great flies.   

Until Next Time........Tight Lines to all...!!!!!!!

Brand New Speed Boat!!!! - Hail Storm!!!

Elephant Trunk Rock - Southwest Wisconsin

This weekend was my son Oceans 10th Birthday.  Best son a man could ask for!  YOu Rock!! Rocky Rococo's that is!!!:)

On Sunday we decided to go down to the stream and try out one of his new toys.  A rip roarin speed boat with twin engines...don't put fingers near propellers.  When we arrived at the spot where we decided to test the boat, the water looked like glass.  Here is sort of a picture story of what went down the rest of the day.  

Ready to Rock

 

Water is still looking smooth.

And it's outta here.  Roost anybody.

Finally something to do when Dad won't stop fishing ;)

Uh oh!  Let's hope this thing can bust some waves!!!  Getting choppy out there.

Decided to call it a day due to the creepy sky above.  Better safe than sorry!!

Thank goodness his new speedboat didn't get hit by this bad boy. 

Down came the hail and washed the spider out... NO DOUBT!!

Like it always does in Wisconsin the weather changed yet again.  Sunny skies and misty roads.

As the sun began to set I looked out my window and saw dense fog begging to form.  Had to go check it out.

Just couldn't help but grab the trusty St.Croix.... just in case I see a fish rise..just in case.

Got a little creeped out on the bank when I heard some crazy noise I have never heard before.  Like a cougar choking on a bone..

Flowers at night time...I think I will have to do these more often.  Beautiful even in the dark.

After all it is called the Catching Chronicles...right. :)

Almost got hit by lightning.  Just missed me..phewwwww!!  No seriously just a car passing by in the dark  :)

What a crazy day it was.  I still can't believe that my little boy will be able to drive a car in 6 years.  Better start looking for a mustang now.  He really likes the mustangs..  Although he likes the Subaru's almost as much as I do.  I guess I will worry about that bridge when I cross it.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY OCEAN!! 

Until next time Tight Lines to all..........

Gear Review: COLEMANS - Mini LED Lantern - LED Flashlight - Energy Power Pack - 4.5V Power Cartridge

Recently I was chosen, by the O.B.N. for a chance to review one of the sweet packages from COLEMAN.
 
It included:  one High Powered Mini L.E.D. Lantern, one High Powered L.E.D. Flashlight, one Portable Electronics Charger, and one 4.5V Rechargeable Power Cartridge.

This was a prize package worth over $100.oo.  I was really excited to see the UPS truck in my driveway and couldn't wait to check out all of the sweet gear.  I know Coleman makes a great product and they have been making camping easier for everyone for years now.  So after some different adventures here is what I have concluded about the following products from COLEMAN:

First let's start with the 4.5V Rechargeable CPX Power Cartridge: 

Picture courtesy of Coleman

This is a rechargeable NiMH battery pack for use with CPX 4.5 Compatible products from Coleman.  As you can see from the above picture, this also comes with a wall charger and also a car charger for the battery pack.  This is great because you can keep those lanterns and flashlights glowing bright through the night with a simple plug into your vehicle.  No messing around trying to find a site with electric ran to it.  This is designed to replace 3AAA battery cartridge used in CPX products.  We all know how expensive running things on regular batteries can be.  It can be used in Colemans CPX  Lanterns, Flashlights, Electronics Rechargers, and Headlamps.  I really think this is a great design and idea and can see things heading this way in the future for most companies.  Again Coleman is ahead of the game on this one.

Next I would like to talk about the High Powered L.E.D. Mini Lantern:

Picture Courtesy of Coleman

  This "Mini Lantern" is everything but Mini when it comes to the amount of light put out by its Lifetime L.E.D. bulbs.  It has two different settings. High and Low.  While running lantern on high  it can last up to 10hrs.  When using on low this little bad boy can run up to 26hrs.  Of course this is compatible with the 4.5 CPX rechargeable battery pack.  Just another added bonus.  It also has a hook for hanging lantern upside down when needed.  Maybe in a tent or a tree limb.  This is also water resistant and impact resistant up to 2 meters.  Great for those people who love hiking in the night on a slippery river or stream.  One of the things I thought was handy is the Battery Meter that changes colors letting you know how much battery is left.  Its small size makes it easy to carry anywhere and is less bulky then most lanterns, but without offering less light.  When using in a tent to read, or relax I would suggest using the low light setting.  If you are out hiking in the dark, the high setting would be ideal.  I am very impressed with this lantern. Well built and great design.  Two thumbs up!!

Next on the list for review is this High Powered L.E.D. Flashlight:

Picture Courtesy of Coleman

 This flashlight too is compatible with the CPX 4.5 Rechargeable Battery Pack.   When I first seen the flashlight I was curious as to how well this would be built.  Once in my hand the flashlight felt light but well made.  This flashlight is made of  Machined aerospace-grade aluminum housing.    It also is designed with anti rolling, so when you set it down to fix a marshmallow onto a stick, it stays put and doesn't end up on the ground.  I also like the fact that it is Water Resistant.  I tend to stay out fishing in the dark a lot and seem to get stuck in the rain a lot.  This came in super handy the other night while I was trying to tie a fly on in the dark and it just happen to be raining.  If only my camera were as water resistant as this flashlight.  Plus lets not forget that it is also impact resistant up to 1 meter.  I drop stuff, a lot.  Now about the L.E.D. bulb power in this little guy.  Again super bright light output.  It has a beam distance of 157meters.  I darn near blinded my family when I first tested it out.  Word of caution, do not point at anybodies eyes if possible.  You just may be able to signal aliens from a different planet with this thing.  BRIGHT.  The only thing I could see that it could use was maybe the ability to change the light settings from high to low.  I give it two thumbs up.  Great Product and great quality.

Now Last but not least, lets talk about something everyone can use on any given day:
The CPX 4.5 Energy Power Pack. 

Picture Courtesy of Coleman.

      
 This device from Coleman is a Portable Electronics Charger.  It has a USB port for charging such things as an Ipod, Cell Phone, and other small electronic devices.  It to is also compatible with Colemans CPX 4.5 Rechargeable Battery Pack.  This to me is one of the most handy things I have seen lately.  I love listening to my Ipod when I go to take pictures and time after time I get out there and my Ipod dies without fail.  Well that is now a thing of the past.  I just plug in the USB cable and bickety bang.  Ipod charged.  Different devices means different charging times.  I am sure everybody out there has wished for something like this when the cell phone shuts down and says goodbye.  If you have the car charger with you it can be used to recharge this Power Pack so that you can take it anywhere with you.  Water and Impact resistant means you can toss it in a cargo pocket and head off on your next adventure.  I give this product and all of the above.  TWO THUMBS UP!!!  Great JOb Coleman.

Thank you for this sweet opportunity  both COLEMAN and O.B.N.  I enjoyed reviewing all the items.

Tight Lines to all!!! 

Check them out for yourself.  You won't be disappointed.

 "Disclaimer Below"

This package was offered via the gear review contest from Outdoor Blogger Network free of charge.  I was not paid by Coleman or the OBN for this review.  I have field tested all of the above products and these are only my opinions on them.  I do not claim to know all and see all.  I just call it like I see it.  Hope these reviews are helpful.

All the Beautiful Colors of the Rainbow !!!

Date: May 18th       Weather: 50-60 Rainy      Time: 4:30- 8:30 p.m.

  Once again the sky is gray.  Fine by me.  Trout won't be able to see me coming.  Tied up some new creations and I decided these new prototypes need to taste the wind and the water.    Today I will head to the part of my stream where I live closest to.  I have yet to fish this section this year and figured it would be a great cloudy day for some field testing.  Did I mention yet that it is cold enough out that I have to wear a hoodie and a fleece jacket.  In the middle of MAY!!!  Oh well at least I don't have to use the air conditioning.  Once I arrived at the stream I tied on my set up and grabbed my gear.  Off I go.. downstream from my house.  The first hole I decided to fish was the bridge hole that I parked near.  I have had some luck catching good sized rainbows in this hole, so I decided to throw out a sparkly treat for a deep dwelling bow.  

Used peacock and pheasant feathers with some Maribou twisted then wrapped.

 I decided to just sit for a few minutes and see if there were any fish moving around.  Didn't see anything.  The hole looked like glass.  I cast a few times up under the bridge letting it drift down and deep into the deepest part of the hole.  The key for me when fishing like this is patience.  I have caught most fish from this hole just letting it sit deep, giving a twitch bit by bit.  After about 10 minutes of this with no bites, I did a 180 and decided to fish this log by casting about 4 ft in front of it and letting it sink to where it was about directly under the log.  I slowly retrieved my line letting the nymph rise then sink, then rise then sink.  About a foot up then a foot down.  Next thing you know my line goes tight and the fish is on.  
Here is a pic of the log that looks like a perfect trout hideout.  Hotel Rainbow.

If I were a fish I would live under there.

Here is the product of my new creations and some gray sky conditions, plus one heck of a nice trout hotel.

I set the timer on my camera while still fighting the trout.  Not the smartest technique could have lost it.  Fortunately I was able to land it and get this picture.  I was wearing my new lucky shoes from my younger bro.  Thanks Bone!

This was about an 18"-20" female rainbow.  Caught and carefully released to swim another day.

The beautiful colors of a rainbow.

Apparently the new fly was a big hit.  The fish was happy and so was I.  Well that was a great start to the day.  After splashing around in this hole I figured it would be best to continue on my way.  After all I was mainly fishing this stretch to see how it is looking this year.  So far so good.  Again I fished each hole the "correct way" and then drifted and sank flies into each hole trying to coax out what seemed to be some pretty inactive fish  today.  Again I had a lot of hits drifting down in and missed a ton of fish.  When fishing this way, hooking up with the fish can be extremely difficult because of the way the trout is striking your fly.  I lost a bunch of fish after actually hooking them because of a bent hook.  Those can be killer on a hook set.  It kept sprinkling off and on which made sneaking up on the fish a lot easier.  It also made for some nice pics.

I always make sure to strap the camera around my neck so that way I don't get to caught up in just catching the fish.  There are so many different things in nature that get passed by because the mind is set on just one thing.  Having my Nikon with me forces me to stop and enjoy something as simple as rain drops on a blade grass.  Sometimes I can't decide whether to fish or just take pictures.  I guess I will just have to do both.

 

Just about tried to see how waterproof my camera was. 

By the time I made it down to my predetermined stopping point I had  caught some fish, but missed about twice as many.  I fished the last hole longer than I probably should have, but figured that the holes would be less spooked on the way back upstream to my starting point.  I was determined to go back to some of these holes and get those flashes of gold and acrobatic leaping trout.  This stream is smaller than some and the fish can be quite finicky so I wasn't quite sure of my chances, but I knew a few spots I fished lightly where the fish wouldn't be able to resist a hand tied treat.  It was about  7:00 p.m. and dinner was served.  I just want to take time to thank these next few trout for taking some time out of there busy schedule to pose for my blog post.  They were all caught then released to tell their little trout buddies about their 8 seconds of fame.  

This one was in pure disbelief that I took his dinner back.  Or super stoked to be on Blogger.

Getting Kypie!

This one was probably thinking what everyone thinks when a flash burns your retina!  Where am I?

The Classic Drifter had to represent.  For all the little guys!

This Rainbow was nice because this is the farthest down I have caught a Rainbow in this stream.

The stream was flowing nicely with new deeper holes.  Some of the old holes are gone and some of them shallower.  The fish were looking healthy and in good supply.   This part of the stream is Catch and Release only and also artificial lures only.  It is well pastured and makes for some great fly fishing.  A great place to take your child to learn how to cast a fly rod.  Of course if you do decide to bring the kids along make sure to always keep an eye out for cattle and horses.  Many a time I have been chased by a horse or bull.  But that is a story for a different time.  So today was rainy but I still was able to enjoy it and test out some new flies on some finicky trout.  I think I will be heading back as soon as I get a chance.  

                                                                                                                                                    Follow the Eagle to the fish.

Until Next Time......Tight Lines to all!!!                  ______________________    
                                                                           O---------------------------------\

                                                                                                              /

                                                                                                              \

                                                                                                              /

                                                                                                              \

                                                                                                              J