Spring is here!

Normally, in our little mountain town, spring usually waits until the end of May to finally arrive.  This year it started in April, and May has had some wonderful days.  Warm enough to get out and see how fishing may be.

The rivers are still high, but not too high.

My youngest son, Sean, moved back to McCall in December, so I now have a reliable fishing partner.  Sean loves fly fishing, and is very serious about the science and art of the sport.  Having him around is going to make it a great summer.

We went down to the river last week to shoot some fishing photos, and I got some that I really like.  Can't wait to get out to shoot some more.

On Tuesday this week, we actually tried fishing.  First we went to a small pond which has always been a great place to go catch some fish early in the year.  As soon as the ice melts, it has, in the past, had some nice rainbows that made it through the winter.  Fat things that must have had plenty of food under the ice.  Always have caught a few the first time out.  Not this time!  Sean got a strike, but no fish.

Next we drove up Lake Fork Creek.  A great little stream that we fish until the snow comes and closes the road.  We had to break through several patches of snow still on the road.  I got kind of nervous a few times.  No shovel in the truck, so getting stuck would have really sucked.  But Sean did a great job of easing through the snow, no problem.

We stopped at the first hole, but couldn't see any fish.  This stream is so clear, you can see them lying on the bottom.  Sean tried casting a few times, but nothing.  We then drove to the next hole, and the same thing.  Zilch.  Not a big deal.  Getting back up into the mountains in the spring is always a great thing.  That's enjoyable enough.

We then stopped at a small spur road that was closed and walked down to the stream.  I had never been down there so we thought we would check it out.

What a treat!  This part of the creek widened out with great riffles and undercut banks.  It meanders through a meadow, with enough boulders and rocks for the fish, it should be a great place both for fishing and shooting some photos.  Hope to get up there this weekend and see what I can get.

Did check out a couple more spots around the area, and have some more possibilities when the water warms up a little.  I am lucky enough to live a one of the greatest areas in the country.  All these places were no more than thirty minutes from my house, and except for one, are never heavily fished.

It looks like it could be a great summer!