Rockies and kitties on the 2 wt

 

Went searching for rock bass again today with the 2 wt and managed a few but a lot less than just a few years ago. The meat fishermen have found this location and what was once a phenomenal fishing resource for the catch and release crowd has become just another place to fill up the pail with whatever hits the pickerel rig. I caught a few other species too; some sauger, walleye, carp, pike, drum and channel cat. It was this last species that again caught me unaware. Fishing with a #12 soft hackle, I got a solid hit and about 15 to 20 minutes (more or less) later landed a 28" channel cat. That poor kittie was exhausted and it took a number of minutes to revive her but she eventually gave a strong kick of her tail and swam away. I don't like catching big fish on tiny rods due to the mortality potential but must admit I was grinning after I landed this fish.

Bluegill...a special fish for Manitoba

Went to my favorite river today for some much needed fly fishing time. The dog days usually have me elsewhere and my fishing ends up taking a hit. I loaded up the 2 wt., the theory being to look for some large rock bass but this was one theory that was totally rejected by the river. I had a good warm water day with 6 species caught, including that beautiful little bluegill. Species caught were goldeye, drum, walleye, sauger, crappie and of course bluegill.

Missing from the action were any rock bass...my targeted fish. Despite taking a long look at that walleye, all fish were released. For those not familiar with Manitoba fish, blue gills are at the far northern extent of their range here and only two bodies of water contain them.