Great New Website: Gink and Gasoline

There are only a few websites I view on a regular basis when it comes to fishing.  I may have just found another:  Gink and Gasoline.  I don't know the guys that are running this site, but one is a great photographer, whose photographs adorn many of my fly fishing books.  The other is a highly respected guide.  Their website is awesome! Check it out:  Gink and Gasoline

August - a bad month for trout fishing in the South

I haven't posted a report since my trip to Alaska.  Truth be told, there has been very little fishing since that time.  I fished the Elk with Doc for about an hour one afternoon in August, catching a few fish, but the fishing was so poor that we packed it in after an hour and hit a local bar to cool off.  I went up to Gee Creek for a few minutes with my son, but other than stream chubs, trout were not to be seen.  And finally, I made another scouting trip to the Jacks with Brown Trout Zilen and my son, only to be told by the land owners located at the headwaters that the water was all private property.  Apparently, at least one of the landowners feeds the fish and considers said fish to be his pets.  That was a little frustrating.  September is now here.  Cooler temps and more rain should equal more enjoyable fishing opportunities.  First on the list is the Toccoa, hopefully tomorrow afternoon.  A trip report to follow.

Coho on the Fly

I woke up at 4 a.m. on the last day of my trip intent on landing a Silver (Coho) Salmon.

The Ultimate Alaskan Rainbow

I'm about half-way through my trip back home to Southeast Alaska, and it's been amazing!  I've fished a couple of lakes, a number of small streams, and one beautiful river.  I've caught plenty of rainbows and cutthroats, including a number in the 14-15 inch range yesterday. One 14 inch bow fought so hard I thought I hooked a salmon.  In fact, I hooked a Coho (Silver) salmon at the mouth of a small creek in George inlet earlier this week and thought I was going to break my rod.  Thankfully, he spit the hook.  I must admit, I've never wanted to catch salmon on the fly, but the thrill of that Coho (12-15 pounds) striking my fly is unlike anything I've ever experienced.  Yesterday, my dad and I caught over 50 rainbows in about two hours.  It didn't matter what we put on our line, the fish everywhere.  No real pigs yet, but maybe we'll get into one before heading backing home. Regardless, these wild Alaskan trout fight like fish twice their size. I've gone barbless on this trip because the fish are so aggressive that they often swallow the hook.  I'm still hoping for a pig and I would like to catch a Dolly or two as well.  I may also test my rod and try to once again hook a Coho salmon, but this time, on purpose!

A few Pics from Southeast Alaska

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Jacks River - Cohutta: Scouting Trip

I hiked in to the Jacks River with my son primarily to enjoy a good hike, but also, to scout out a location for a future camping/fishing trip.  It has been about 3 years since I last hiked the Jacks.  This time, instead of hiking up to the Falls, I took a trail that put me at the river a short distance above the falls.  I think the hike was about 3 miles one-way, and relatively flat.  It was extremely crowded due to 4th of July weekend.  I saw quite a few trout; though none of any size.  The river was crystal clear, and beautiful.  I didn't have time to fish, but I can't wait to come back in the Fall for an overnight trip.  Years ago, the Jacks River held some very large trout, including brown trout over 5 lbs.  Apparently, the last decade has hurt the river substantially, but from my observations, there are still plenty of wild trout, and very little pressure from anglers.