FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My CoastOutdoors

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Our weather is flat beautiful and with that comes the beginning of the melt.  So one lake I wondered about turned out to be open so I started getting the fishing stuff back together so I could hit the lake yesterday.  Turned out to be a good decision as the fishing was pretty good.

Who does not enjoy this view when fishing?

The wind was flat calm, and the water was clear but only 40 degrees when starting.  While this lake is the only local with bass and crappie besides trout, other than a spot or two I checked for bass the plan was to stick with the trout.  It was a good place for a shakedown cruise and the slow troll turned out to be the ticket though I caught some casting.  But the best thing, everything on the boat was working properly after sitting all winter.

The Pearl Knockin Tail was putting some nice trout in the boat.

It was a steady bite all day, but when the moon came up around noon it was on.  One thing I wanted to try today was trolling the 4″ pearl Knockin Tail and turned out the better fish loved it.  It was rigged with a 3/8th swimming jig head about 75′ behind the boat at 2 mph.  And of course, on fluorocarbon line, which on the clear water of these lakes is important.

Along with the Knockin Tail the brown trout colored Rapala did its usual damage.

But whether lake or river the Rapala is hard to beat.  One of the benefits of the Rapala is it comes in plenty of sizes so if you need it to run really shallow in the river or deeper in the lakes they have the bait.  And the color choices are plenty.  The original Rapala and the Rapala Shad Rap may be the most versatile baits ever made for all species of fish.

They cannot resist that Rapala.

It would be hard to guess how many crossed the gunnel today but it was a bunch.  And I kept a good limit for the smoker.  One more trip and I will have enough for a good smoke and with them being so pink should be tasty.  And one thing I have learned since being here is the lakes are better fishing before they stock.  The fish have had time to rest and grow over the winter and are solid.  And speaking of stocking…….

I wondered why I just could not get the Kokanee going on our local lake and it turned out to be because there are just not any to speak of in the lake after the last stocking matured.  But when I was at the Game and Fish office I asked about the stocking history and found out they put 20,000 1 – 2″ fingerlings in the lake last year to we should have a fishable population soon.  Will be interesting to see how they matures over the next 3 years.

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With the nice weather the big animals are starting to spread out and head back up in the high mountains.  But there are still plenty of elk around and we love seeing them.

We saw these girls in a valley where we have not seen them before.

With this weather there will be some roads that are passable soon and we are ready to start chasing them again.  And the bears will be out soon, so we expect to see them cruising by the house again.  It is our good fortune to have a house in a living zoo, you never know what you will see.

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Feathered Friends

It has been interesting watching the turkeys the last couple of years.  They fight and squabble, some are real bullies, and sometimes they just cannot help themselves and they get into random display battles.  And they have been showing off a ton behind the house the last week as the weather warms.

Strutting.

You can’t see me.

This is a big boy.

It would be hard to guess how many traverse the yard in a day.  Back and forth groups of hens and toms, though they still are not hanging together much.  But the boys are getting ready, hard not to push it when it feels like spring.  They are entertaining and rarely do you look out the window and there are not some there.

Sandhills

The Monte Vista Refuge has thousands of Sandhill Cranes come through every spring and the festival is next weekend.   We thought we would take a pass and see what had come in and suffice to say they are coming in mass.

Hard to get them all in the frame but you get the picture.

Unfortunately, we were there a little afternoon and everyone was either feeding or napping.  Usually the sky is full of tornadoes of birds, guess will have to had back this week nearer to either daylight or dusk to get those shots.

Big birds.

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The above is a good representation of how the week went.  The local ice is softening, and the creeks are already opening up.  The problem on the creeks is there is not much flow which does not bode well for the rest of the year.  The lakes are starting to thaw near the bank but there is still plenty of ice, at least according to the folks we saw ice fishing today.  I had to head over the mountain for open water and plan on making the trip again Monday.  So spring is shaping up nicely andit won’t be long before time to get out the Tenkara and the fly rods.  It has been a long hard winter but spring brings renewal and I am going to take advantage of every minute.  So kee stopping by and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My CoastOutdoors

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The reason I have not posted in a while is I had another hitch in my git-along.  Right after the new year I started feeling like crap and it got worse and worse.  What we did not know was a medication change ended up giving me diabetes.  Don’t ask me how but by time I got to the hospital my blood sugar was 860, which is nuts.

So, it was another stay in ICU to get that sorted out.  Suffice to say it has taken me this long to recover.  Actually, it was a tougher job recovering from this than from the MG crisis.  But I am just about back to my old self.  One thing I am learning is getting old is not for the weak.  Now it will be back to posting and the spring fishing is coming to Colorado soon.

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Great Day for a Ride

We finally got a good snow after almost nothing all winter.  Over a couple of days we got over a foot at the house and at Wolf Creek Pass they got almost 70″ this week so our area has made a good comeback.

Finally!

With the new snow and the passing front with clear sunny skies it was a no brainer that we should chase some animals.  We saw a couple of ewe Bighorns before we saw this bunch of elk.

Look for them on sunny mountain sides.

The rest of them did not like us watching them and took off.

A couple of little bulls but not a good rack in sight.  The last bulls we saw were all together in a tight bunch.  But at least we get to see more elk, at least until the weather clears up.  And then the sheep made an appearance.

Momma might be pregnant. 

This bunch of sheep had just crossed the road.

The only ram with them.

They can jump a pretty good fence.

It was a jump O’Rama!

Not a bad drive this morning.   We went up to a lake on a road that had not been plowed but there was a fresh set of tracks to why not?  I figured it was ice fishermen and that turned out to be the case.

A little close together you think.

The ice fishing season is actually a big deal here.  This lake has some nice rainbows but that is about it, and I have caught them there on fly rod.   A few of the lakes in Colorado are famous for big trout, lake trout, pike and muskies through the ice and the hard core ice fishermen wear them out.  Hopefully I will have a better winter and get to give it a go next year.  The ice is getting softer and with the high winds we have had open water is right around the corner and I am sure ready for it.

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Neighborhood Bucks

There are a few nice bucks still in the neighborhood.

Everybody is getting along just fine now that the rut is over.

Things have settled down around the house, the deer still feed on our hillside and the turkeys just keep on being weird.  In spite of this snow, it looks like we are headed right back into the 50’s.  And with that will come the softening of the ice and then open water.  I am just kind of hanging out watching assorted weathers deciding where I am going for a little fishing trip.

And a word to the wildlife.  We are so thankful to share the woods with you.  To be able to just take a drive and see some of the great North American big game is an honor and a privilege.   And to get to see them in some of the most majestic country in America just adds to it.

It has been to many doctors and hospitals this winter, but things have settled down and I am ready to fish.  There are 2 possibilities both weather dependent but one thing about being retired I can leave on a moment’s notice.  So, keep stopping in and thanks for sticking with me.  It has been a hassle, but better days are coming.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My CoastOutdoors

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Bobcats

Last month while walking around the neighborhood the Boss spotted a mama bobcat and her 2 kittens.  She has made that same walk several times checking but has not seen them since, until today.  I happened to look out the front window and there they were crossing the yard and up they jumped on the neighbor’s porch. Here are 3 pics I managed to get.

Long shots but they sure are cool animals you don’t get to see that often.

Mom and kitten snooping around.

Bringing up the rear.

We are so lucky to live in a living zoo.  Open 24/7/365 it has no visiting hours and the encounters can happen at any time.  You just never know but stay alert and keep watching and how knows what you can see.  This was definitely my closest sighting of bobcats that keeps us watching.

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The Bucks are Playing Nice

They may have a broken tine or two but they are now hanging with their brohs and playing nice.

The rut has finally come to a halt, and it never got as rowdy as years past but the weather may have played a big part in that. Bucks and does are hanging with each other and in the evening, there are big groups getting together and it is not uncommon to see them feeding and bedding together.

Playing nice at feeding time.

The end is near and they will disappear for the summer soon if it does not cool off.  We barely shoveled once and have only started the snow blower.  To all you scientists in your own mind if you think there is not a big climate change better go back to school and get a degree because the changes out West are real.

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Coyotes

On the other hand, the coyote breeding season is in full swing.  It usually lasts into January, and we are sill seeing them regularly.

There were 4 together way out in a field.

This old guy was bringing up the rear.

They are quite a bit scared right now and take of running as soon as they know we are here.  Maybe comes from living with ranchers shooting them whenever, wherever out of the truck.  But we love seeing them and there sure are lots of them around.

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Sheep

There is a pretty good herd heading over the ridge.

This weather and lack of snow have definitely kept the sheep higher up.  Normally they are down much of the day foraging and rutting but timing is everything.  This was a pretty good herd with a big ram, but I was not fast enough as they headed out at a dead run over the ridge and we just could not find them. But every sighting it gift, and we never take them for granted.

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The Bad News

After a couple of months of doing great it is back.  Myasthenia Gravis is back with a vengeance.  Whatever effects I got from the infusions when on the vent have been slowly declining and my symptoms are at an all-time high.  Little is actually known and the treatment options are not really broad.  Suffice to say this is no way to live.

I am really weak, my gait is reduced to a shuffle, and I should not be picking up anything heavy.  Swallowing at times is tough but at least my shortness of breath that put me on the ventilator last time is more associated with movement, last time it had a life of its own when it almost killed me.  So, there is that.  The generalized weakness is down in my bones, and it is quite disheartening.  While I can still drive that is fast slipping away.  And it has changed my voice to something weird. When I say MG is a despicable disease that it is putting it mildly.

Normally I would already have gone to the ER but I have a Dr’s appointment on Tuesday in Pueblo so good timing.  It will be interesting what he thinks but obviously this is bad.  So will pack a suitcase if it ends up I have to go back in the hospital.  There is no give up in me and I will do as told.  I am not one of those folks so full of themselves they think they know better than a professional.  So wish me well and I will keep you filled in.

Plus a kind thought for my mother-in-law who is having a tough time right now.  She is as good a MIL as you could wish for.  As soon as my hassle comes down your daughter will be on a plane.

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GO BEARS!

Sorry for Bo Nix, what a player but they are not out of it by a long shot.  I have been a lifelong Bears fan so still have 2 teams in the hunt.  And Monday Indiana could make history.  Another great year on the gridiron and things are coming to a head, and it has been exciting so far.  So, let’s all go down to the last minute and make it a great game.

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So there you have it, life goes on. God willing mine will to.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My CoastOutdoors

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An Elk or Two

On our travels the last few days we covered about halfway up the state and saw 2 different herds of elk.  But as we were on the way home there was a field by the road that was the mother lode.  Not sure how many were there but this is the view from across the street lens wide open and it did not cover the whole herd.

Not hard to recognize from a mile away.  There was a bunch.

All bedded down together like they do in the wintering grounds.

We spent a good deal of time glassing and watching them.

4 or 5 small bulls but no bigboys.

Hard to imagine how many there were. We just love watching them.

When we added the coyote, antelope and a deer or two it was a good day for wildlife,   The underlying purpose for the trip was taking the boat to the shop for a complete check up in Pueblo.  With the weather like it has been an early spring is a real possibility, and they called and already have it done with no real issues.  (Who does that?)  There was snow in the forecast but it has been downgraded so looks like we will be up at the crack of dawn to go pick it up.

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Happy Hour

We do Happy Hour once or occasionally, rarely twice a week.  Now why in world when there is a nice bar close would we drive 22 miles.  First, we do not get intoxicated, end of story.  Second see below:

The first guy is a big boy broken time or not.  The back dude has some mass.

Our drive to Creede which is spectacular in and of itself, involves a big canyon then valley ranches.  You just never know what you will see.

What a beautiful buck.

These guys were in the woods on the side of the mountain.  The guy below on the other hand was on the big flat on a ranch.  Happens to be in the area we see lots., this guy had the coloration of the pups of the den we watched this summer.

He headed out as soon as we stopped but was able to capture the moment.  Love us some coyotes!

Had his head stuck in a hole when we first saw him.  Amazing how many coyotes there are in Colorado.

Every time we go for a drive in Colorado, we are so lucky to see the wildlife, but you never know what might be lurking around.  We do not always take pics it is our good fortune just to see whatever it is.  We just love it here

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The House

Things have settled down around the house.  There are still tons of mule deer, turkeys and who knows what else lurks in the woods.  But since the rut is on the downside they are tired, though we had a really tiny buck sparring with this guy.

This guy is a tough guy, and we have been watching him for weeks.

And you might remember the doe caught in the fence during the snowstorm about a month ago.  It was quite a struggle to free her, and she went on her merry way.   The other day the Boss was on a walk when there she was.  Nancy said she was moving fine and did not appear any worse for the wear.

Still healing she is one tough cookie.

While it was traumatic freeing her it shows how tough and resilient they are.  It has healed up nicely and she looks good to go.  The Great Outdoors is an unforgiving place where only the strong survive.  Will be looking forward to next summer when she brings her fawns down.  The beat goes on.

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It has been a busy week around here.  Took the boat to Pueblo for annual service and while there headed to Colorado Springs to try a Greek restaurant that looked great and trust me it was as authentic as we ate in Greece and will definitely be back. And since we are foot loose and fancy free headed to Blackhawk the next day and got a comped room for the night. We are just really getting used to no schedule thing.

Once we got home they called and the boat was done.  OMG, done in one day, when the hell does that happen?  Over the years it might be days, weeks, even months, but these folks get it done.  The only problem was the big storm, which turned out to be big depending on where you were.  We ended up getting 1″ which was gone by time we went to Happy Hour. We thought about heading that way to pick up the boat but if we had we will would still be sitting near Leveta Pass which was blocked by an accident.  Travel here in the winter is often a question of making good choices.  But Monday it will be back here, and spring prep will begin.  Not exactly sure where next but it will be somewhere.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My CoastOutdoors

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Gunnison  –  GSO Fishing

Andy with a real one.  (Sorry I borrowed this from their site but wanted folks to see your work.  Could not downsize it but the size says it all!)

The real reason for our visit was to check out GSO Fishing.  With trout streams, the river, and the great Blue Mesa Reservoir, there is plenty of fishing.  But the lake is huge with plenty of lake trout, including some real monsters, a massive perch population which has no limits as they are invasive, kokanee salmon, plus brown and rainbow trout. It was on my fall schedule before the health thing but starting this spring after ice out I will be a regular visitor.  And here are their real resources for anyone who wants to learn and fish the lake,

GSO Fishing – Premium Tackle & Guided Fishing Trips

And Facebook – be sure to check them out and friend them for their excellent shares.

(2) Facebook

Tackle, guides, eBooks, seminars, just to name a few of their resources.  They share real information you can use, including on the water teaching. In my years of fishing, they are one of the best resources I have found. Extensive truthful reports, they could not lay it out any better for anyone who wants to fish the lake.  And after meeting the family at the store in Gunnison it confirmed what I suspected, just a good family doing it the right way.  I could not recommend them any higher.

If you ever wanted to try for a giant lake trout, they have them, but like all big fish of any species they are not guaranteed but for the fisherman who is willing to have a go at it Andy and his guides will do their best.   But that is not all, the pup lakers are everywhere, trout are a common catch, and perch catches into the hundreds are not uncommon.  Whether an experienced fisherman or just want to take the kids out for a fish catching good time give them a call, you will not be disappointed.

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Black Canyon

Though the park is mostly closed for the winter, much less still dealing with the aftermath of the big fire this fall we wanted to take a look at the canyon while we were in the area.  Suffice to say it is something.

Black Canyon National Park.

The history is varied and the one exploratory expedition in the 1800’s ended when the party gave it up as to dangerous and walked out.  It is one deep canyon.

Hard to capture how big it is.

There is plenty more to see and we will be back this summer to get a full picture of just how amazing it is.

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Wildlife

The wildlife viewing has been spotty at best, and the weather has not been helping.  It got to the high 50’s while we were up and back and we saw very little.  As I write this it is in the high 50’s and partly cloudy at the house.  The snow is almost completely gone, and the real big game animals have no real incentive to come all the way down to winter grounds.  But with some snow possible this weekend there is always hope.  But we keep our eyes open with the binos and camera handy just in case.

This guy was hanging with a bunch of does.

These were the only elk we saw on the way home.  They were way out on a ridge.

These guys are a perfect example of this years difference.  They should have long been ganged up with the rest of their local herd and at their winter grounds.  But as you can see not a flake in sight.  Love the climate deniers, this is not supposed to be Colorado at the end of December.

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Elk Elk and More Elk

We made a little drive yesterday down to Navajo Lake up to Durango and back. One of the big elk herds in this area is outside of Pagosa Springs.  Of course, during our multiple visits to that area before locating to South Fork we saw elk on our drives but just never connected with the herd on their winter migration.  But when we got outside of Pagosa on the way back there was the herd.

They were everywhere.  It was an easy 100+.

They stretched for at least a half a mile with a bunch on the other side of the highway.

Other than one scraggly bull with spike antlers, it was all cows.

Nice and fat ready for winter.

It is such a pleasure to watch them.  You can tell there is safety in numbers.

Suffice to say they drew a crowd and slowed the highway to a standstill.

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I happened to glance out the window in the kitchen to the backyard and thought that looked a little suspicious, and it was.

Can you see him?

Out came the binos and suspicion confirmed.  It is a good one.

A big 6.  Why it is hard to walk anywhere near a window in our house without looking out, you never know.

The bucks are resting now all over the neighborhood.  It has been an extended rut and they are getting tired of fighting and chasing. I first saw this big boy at around 2:00 and after we were out of the house for 3 hours he was still bedded down there.  Hard work being a big guy.

And speaking of the backyard while I was finishing this the turkeys were running wild; 2 big bucks crossed outside the windows and a bunch of does are feeding on the hillside.  Looking out the front windows there are deer and turkeys everywhere.  The mountain got 4 or 5 inches of snow with more to come tonight, hopefully.  When they get active like they are right now you can bet something is coming.

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Hope everyone had a great Christmas.  After literally decades we spent Christmas together at the house doing nothing.  The Boss worked her rear end off for the benefit of others and her hard work paid off as we settled into full-fledged retirement.

We are starting to plan our travel for the year and there has been one change; Patagonia has not worked out due to plane issues that could not be resolved.  The current plan, the Boss is going to Portugal in April for a 8 day hike while I will be headed to Arkansas for 2 weeks of striper and other stuff on Lake Norfork, my old stomping grounds.  Then in September it is Minnesota and the Red River.  Home of the giant channel catfish it has always intrigued me so reservations made.  Those are just the highlights and since I have been given a second chance at life this is just a start.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Be sure to check out Michael’s website.  There are some great new baits in the TPE Titan Series KTL which is producing some big fish right now, along with the new popping cork and rattling shrimp.  If you fish the salt, you cannot go wrong.

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They’re Back

We have been wondering where some of the bigger bucks have been, and that was answered today.  While not the full complement of last year there are a few good ones around and they are playing nice, at least for the time being.  So, without further ado….

Nice and tall.

A little mass on this guy.

These 3 were with a bunch of does, doing a little chasing and some sparring.

This is right where these 2 hung last year.

This guy was just a little bit bigger.

These are all he would stand for but if you like mass and character this guy has it.   Hope to get a few more of him later.

It is still unseasonably warm, in the mid 50’s today and will be that way for a while.  There is a chance for some snow coming on Christmas for a day or two, whether we will get a bunch or a dusting remains to be seen.  It does looks like the mountain and ski area will get several days’ worth and with that more bucks should make an appearance.  These were just a quick trip around the circle so hopefully there will be more to come.

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Fishing

We need snow so bad, the longer it goes without the worse it will be for next year, and right now.  I headed back to the creek where I caught a couple the day before and there was even less water than before.   2 bites resulted in a couple of fish sticks.  So, unless something changes, will check out the river again in a couple of days and see if the icebergs are still coming down.  If they are open water fishing is done until spring.  But I do have a buddy who is going to take me ice fishing so hopefully that will happen.

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Football

Before the Raiders and Chiefs, before face masks and TV money there was the Bears and Packers.  For over 100 years they have battled on the frozen grounds of Green Bay and Chicago.  And yesterday was one for the ages.  In one of the greatest finishes in that storied rivalry the Bears got an onside kick and before it was over a 50-yard bomb in overtime and they beat the Packers.  I grew up on them, and football was a Sunday staple.  Yesterday was one of the all-time great finishes.  Da Bears!

On the other hand, there is Texas A&M.  Their record got them into the college playoffs, but they were exposed last week against Texas and then yesterday against Miami.  A look back revealed they did not beat one team in the SEC with a winning record and their play sure showed it.  They did everything in their power to lose and lose they did.  They were pretenders plain and simple.

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Tomorrow we are off for a drive to Gunnison which is a couple of hours away.  There is a fishing company and tackle store I want to visit.  They are great folks who share information so everyone can catch fish on Blue Mesa along with guide trips.  In the early spring they catch huge lake trout and the lake will be on my list quite a bit next year.  Really sharing information on the net is rare and they deserve the support they get.  We will also visit Black Canyon which we have been wanting to visit.  It was closed last year for quite a while due to a big fire but is finally reopening.  Plus, last time we made the drive to Gunnison up and back we saw literally hundreds of wildlife as it goes through some great country.

Christmas week begins and hope whatever you have planned works out and you have a safe and fun holiday.  Our week will be determined by the snow and the passes.  So, keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

  Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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A Great Drive

It looked like it was going to be a beautiful day and boy did it turn out that way.

If this is not a great way to start your day, I do not know what is.

And we did not get that far out of town when we spotted a couple of nice elk bulls on a hillside.  It was a harbinger of things to come.

A little damage on one side.  It has been a long rut, but things are quieting down now.

Hanging with his bro.  With the rut basically over the boys will be hanging with the boys and the girls with the girls for the rest of the winter.

Sorry for the quality but they were way the heck out there.  There were 3 bulls together.  A changing of the season.

Then we hit the jackpot.  The elk have begun to gather and head to their wintering grounds.  With this crazy weather they are just starting to come down but in this case, there were at least a 100 scattered on a high hillside.

Without the 600 lens we could not get these.  They may not be the best, but you get what you get.  We just love seeing them.  There was one small bull, the rest were cows.

Bedded down and still watching us even though we were a long way from them.  Still a little touchy as the season just closed.

And the day would not be complete without a nice Bighorn Ram.

He was with his buddy.

His buddy was no slouch.  They are so much bigger than they look far away.  Up close they are solid.

One majestic creature.

This smaller guy crossed the road right in front of us as we watched the others stopping 10 foot in front of the truck and acted surprised when he saw us.

The girls were just napping in the sun.

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And To Top The Day Off

The lakes are frozen, and the ice fishing is beginning, the river is nothing but icebergs so the only place that has any open water is a small creek close to the house.  It runs fairly fast and though shallow it has a few fish, so I decided to take a quick look.

A beautiful rainbow.

I took the Tenkara, which I love to fish in small streams and a couple of nymphs, with a 2lb fluorocarbon leader.  There is barely a foot if that in most places so stealth and invisibility is key.  I can tell I am a little out of practice as I missed one, had another chase which I am not sure if he hit or not, and caught 2.  The only problem with that is the other one was really small and when I flipped it out it jumped off the hook and nose-dived into a snow drift never to be seen again.  Oops.

So for a quick trip it gave me hope for tomorrow.  It was late when starting and it got cold fast and then I lost the only other nymph I had with me.  Tomorrow morning will tie some and get organized as it has been while since fishing the Tenkara.  But when it was all said and done what a cool way to end the day, high mountain stream, snow, and not a soul in sight.  It does not get any better than a day in the Rockies.

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Bass –  FFS

You all know how I feel about forward-facing sonar (FFS) and tournament fishing.  Sitting on your couch watching TV some kid watching his TV with head down is just plain stupid and boring.  So, I just turn it off immediately.  Do not get me wrong I have no problem with guides or pleasure anglers using it, but it has taken away the “find them and figure it out” aspect of tournament fishing.  (As I have said for years this nonsense you have to have a $100k boat, $20K in electronics, $500 rods and reels is not only bullshit it gives kids coming up a false idea that is what a fisherman is.  That is not conducive to growth of the sport and in the end it leads to nothing more a sport full of “entitled rich kids.”  It is why some high school clubs have banned it to make if fair.”

There are folks who feel like me, including some of the old hands on the trail.  So in response BASS has limited FFS to 5 of the 9 tournaments on the Elite series.   What will be interesting is what affect it has on some of the guys who spend their time staring at a screen, instead of actually having to “figure” it out.  But it is not the only change coming.

A number of tournaments in Alabama have now been cancelled due to the accident when an MLF boat collided with a striper guide resulting in the death of 3 folks.  Over the years the tournament crowd has come to think they own the water to the detriment of the guys who live there and fish it regularly.   Speeding, cutting people off, blocking ramps, it happens every tournament.  And sponsors are finally realizing their potential for liability.  Boats running 70 mph+ is not safe, end of story.  If you are a sponsor or put on a tournament you better have a ton of liability insurance, or you are gambling with your financial well-being.  More changes are coming; we will just have to wait and see what comes of it.

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What a day.  The temp hit 62 degrees and according to the forecast we might see a few flurries on Christmas day but other than that it will remain warm.  The jet stream is above us and there is no real winter in sight.  It is great for the Boss and her hiking club but we desperately need the snow.  The economy is based on snow, the skiing, hiking, ATV, snowmobiling then the fish and floating from the runoff each summer.  We attended a fund raiser for one of our new friends who is ill and the owner of the bar says the local business folks are getting worried.  But there is plenty of winter to come so not time to panic yet.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

We finally got some snow, and it put the animals on the move.  For a couple of days, they were really moving around.  In fact besides the ones below the Boss even saw a bobcat and her 2 kittens harassing a doe right down the street.  But most of it is gone now and we are going to be in the 50’s the next few days.  So as usual Colorado weather is wonderful and we are taking advantage of every extra day I have been given.came out of the Boss’s mouth and there were 8 or 10, actually not the far out of town.  We went up to Creede for a quick happy hour and while there it started snowing pretty good.  Not only has it turned on the rut, but the elk and sheep are coming down as our temps drop into the high 20’s.  These pics are the best we could get due to the snow and unlike they will be as it settles down here, they were really skittish and not interested in cooperating with us.  Guess folks trying to kill them might have something to do with it.

Cool creatures.  We never forget it is a privilege every time we get to see them.

It was snowing to beat the band.

Not the only cool thing we saw on the drive home.

You have to be so careful on the roads right now as the mule deer are in full rut and acting like fools at girls night out.  The deer were everywhere, and we went a couple of more miles and there were 2 bucks locked in mortal combat in the ditch right beside the road.  When they are like that, or chasing does as is their full-time job right now they lose their minds, and you never know when they are going to jump out.  But this is our favorite time of year for chasing stuff and the next few months will be fun.

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Winter Fun Continues

As the snow continues to fall, I headed to my last rehab and got released.  Another one knocked off the list.  The Boss was at Ti Chi and was behind me when I got back to the house.  She called and was right down the road watching a bobcat harass a mule deer doe.  When she stopped the truck and got out her phone momma saw her and took off, then her 2 kittens ran away with her before she could get a shot.  Never a dull moment around here in the winter, then this happened a half hour later.

When I say the rut is on and the deer are acting all crazy here is a perfect example.

I looked out the window and saw this doe struggling in the neighbor’s fence.  The buck had chased her and when she tried to jump the fence she got trapped between 2 posts.  Of course until we got there that did not deter him.  Boys will be boys.

He kept trying to mount her and she was fighting him and the fence.

A lady driving by called the PD and the chief showed up along with a city guy plowing the road.  Together they were able to free her.

After a pretty good struggle she took off, hopefully no worse for the wear.

Like I said after seeing the first elk close to town yesterday once the real snow starts it is as whole new world as far as the wildlife is concerned.  When I say the deer are going nuts you just cannot tell what they might do.  Even right down the street on my way back I let a bunch cross the road and was only going at idle when one just jumped right in front of the truck by 2 feet.  But we asked for it and are getting it.  It is an adventure living here and we love every minute of it.

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Broncos in Vegas

After seeing the Raiders building their new stadium a few years ago we wanted to take a look inside and see a game.  So no better time than the Broncos playing so we drove out and had a good time at the game.  It always helps when your team wins and the Broncos are on a real roll.

The Dark Star – Allegiant Stadium – Home of the Raiders

The pre-game party had plenty of crazy fans.

The pre-game party was fun as it was attended by some interesting characters and plenty of fans.  Kind of hard to stomach 18.00 beers but that is the going rate in much of Vegas.

The Broncos warming up on their way to be beating the Raiders.

The Broncos and Nix played one of their best all around games of the year.  It was a masterful performance by Nix as he picked them apart.

The Bronco Fans showed up big time.

It was amazing how many Bronco fans were in attendance.  By time the game was out of reach for the Raiders there were more Bronco fans than Raider fans.  The Raider fans we talked to were pretty disgusted with their season.  Not so for Bronco fans.

Stone Temple Pilot half time show.  

There was plenty to keep you entertained at the game.  So worth the tip and big fun.  The Broncos are looking pretty tough and just maybe have a chance to do something real this year.  No matter what it will be a fun rest of the season.

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Las Vegas

They are bitching out there as there has been a 20% decline in visitors and we sure know why.  Having visited occasionally over the last 40 years boy has times changed.  It is so freakin expensive, $12 -18 beers, $25 hamburgers, self-parking at $10 a day, and on and on.  We stayed at Harrah’s, my advice is stay somewhere else.  But it is no wonder visitation is down.  Not sure we will be going back, there is lots better places to spend your money but the game sure was fun.  So word to the wise, they are f’n nuts and we will be spending our travel money elsewhere.

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That will catch up for the time being.  Today it will warm and will be taking the batteries out of the boat to charge and keep inside the next few months.  Bass Pro had a 10″ Lowrance on big time sale so that will need mounting soon.  I bought it as it has 25,000 on the lake map, which would have cost $400 for the same coverage.  Now that I likes like I might survive a few more years, and my vision has totally cleared I am planning multiple traveling fishing trips this year, mostly to new places so the mapping will be handy.  Other than that things are same old same old here, great.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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The big boys have arrived in the neighborhood, and the chase is on.

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Bighorns  –  The Rut Begins.

The sheep are finally showing and so are the bigger bucks in the neighborhood and the first of the chasing has begun.  And with our forecast projecting a bunch of show things will really heat up.  Plus it will push the elk down to their winter haunts and we will be chasing the lot of them.  So it was great to show the Grandkids the greatest game animal on North America.  When combined with the big bull elk battle on LaVeta Pass they got a good taste of Colorado wildlife.

On our drive to cut our Christmas Tree we made sure to check out the sheep and it looks like the rut is on.

They were way up there.

No big rams were done but it is about to get interesting.+

How about a little smooch?

Ram or Ewe they are one majestic animal.

We knew it was going to be a sheep day when we started seeing a few scattered here and there on the way.   Once we got to the good area they were everywhere.  We spent plenty of time watching them and it is apparent the rut is beginning.  After the next big snow, hopefully tomorrow, we will head back up and observe the fighting to come.  Cool to watch them bang heads.

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Never Saw That Coming

There is a lot of things your Grandkids could ask but when mine, city kids, asked to shoot some guns I was amazed.  So we headed to the forest for a first lesson.

Mia shoots the .380, actually a good shot for her first time.

Ben with the revolver.

If you have firearms in your home, it is never too early to teach them gun safety.  We had a quick lesson and when they come back this summer it will be some serious range time where I can teach them so much more.  Then we can fire the shotgun, 30-06, the handguns and learn about semiautos, bolt actions, pumps, and revolvers.  There is no such thing as too much knowledge.  No matter how you feel about guns they are here to stay, and while there will always be changes and different rulings the basic right to bear arms is enshrined in the Constitution and there it will stay.

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A Real Christmas

For the first time in literally 3 decades we have a Christmas tree.  We got our permit from the Forest Service and took the kids to cut a tree.  With the Boss finally retired she is not working Christmas.  I cannot tell you how many years she worked most of it so others with kids could have off and I would go fishing.

Ben and the Boss decorating the new tree.

Heading into the mountains and cutting your own makes it special.

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Speaking of the Rut

Fun in the neighborhood.

You are not getting away from me.

Look at the mass and the spread on this big boy.  From the front or the rear this is a good one.  As the does have really concentrated in town the bigger bucks have arrived and it is common to see them chasing.  The real fighting is starting and the rut is on.  No better time to get outdoors and see what is happening.

This morning got a text from my daughter as they headed back to OKC.  They were stopped outside Alamosa where they watched 2 coyotes harass a small buck.  She said he finally ran them off.

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One Great Patient

Me on the ventilator and for some unknown reason I was not happy.

I just got this, and it says it all.  It was really tough, the fight of my life and it still brings some bad memories and a little PTSD.  But things are good now and I am so appreciative of this second chance, I will make the most of it.  Basically, one more rehab Wednesday, then the neurologist in January and that is hopefully the size of it.  And remember I was out of my mind much of the time.  So, excuse the finger but I was not a happy camper.

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Speaking of Medical

Congratulations to my buddy Clyde. Cancer free after 5 years.

Clyde just got his last pathology report back and he is cancer free.  There is still a couple of hills to climb but like me he gets more years to fish and enjoy his family.  So happy for you it could not happen to a more deserving person.  And if you are dealing with some serious issues Clyde and I are proof that it can happen for you so keep fighting.

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Thought I would get this up as we will be headed out for a quick weekend trip to Las Vegas.  We are excited to be going to the Las Vegas Raider stadium to watch them play the Denver Broncos.  The Broncos have been winning but living on the edge the last few games to it should be exciting.  It has been years since we visited and from reports it has gotten so expensive they are driving folks away.  Looks like their greed has cut off their nose in spite of their face. So it will be interesting to say the least but just hope it is a good game.

We have been getting small snows off and on and the river and lakes are beginning the serious freeze. We are still hiking and moving around and enjoying our time in the living zoo.  Hope you had a good thanksgiving we did.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines.

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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It Does Not Get Any Better Than This

It was a beautiful day here in South Fork, one of the reasons we moved here.  We finally got a few inches of snow and more on the mountain as the ski slope opens tomorrow.  The Boss wanted 2 things, to hike the lake and a fish fry.  It worked for me as I wondered how this particular lake was doing as far as ice goes, and it was about 1/3 frozen and it was game on.

Beautiful day in the Rockies.  Ice is on the way so getting it while I can.

I had a Rapala tied on and caught one on my first cast.  Instead of staying with that it was time to toss the 3″ Knockin Tail.  As it cools off they want a little slower presentation and the 3″ on a 1/16 ig head fit the bill.  Casting it out and letting it hit the bottom then slowly working it back in with subtle jerks made them eat it.

Talk about fresh firm and delicious!

Feeding them the 3″ Knockin Tail.

It is so fun to catch them on light rods and 4lb line.  They put up a good tussle in this cold water, and they taste even better.   Nothing like into fresh snow to cool them down immediately making them firm and tasty.  And what could be better than having a lake full of fish to myself.  Just might head to my regular lake and put a few on the smoker.   There is no better time here is South Fork, and I never take it for granted how lucky I am.

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The Rut

Things have been quiet around here as far as the mule deer rut, but that seems to have just changed.  As we were down the street from the house doing about 10mph on our crap road a doe in full flight with a buck on her rear end ran right in front of the truck.  It was a close one but that is the first activity we have seen.

A couple of stickers on this guy.

The does returned in mass a month ago, but this year it seems the only bucks around are little guys.  But again, our weather has been so nice and when combined with the last of the hunting season it is no surprise the big boys are not exactly showing themselves.  As soon as “real” winter gets here it will be on.  We love to watch them fight.

The turkeys under their favorite tree right out the kitchen window.

All the turkeys are here now, and they spend the day running all over the place.  Of course, a little feeding by some of the neighbors doesn’t hurt anything.  And thanks to this snow the sheep will finally come down, and the rut will begin.  Animals are us and we will be chasing as snow and leaves gone makes them so much easier to spot.  So let the winter begin.

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Snow Finally Comes to South Fork

About 5″ last night.

We finally got some real snow.  It had snowed on the mountain the last couple of days, and we joined the party, though it is over 18″ up the hill.  Not sure how long this will last as it is projected to be 50 degrees Wednesday.  But every inch counts for the winter business and then spring runoff.

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Broncos

We have enjoyed watching the Denver Broncos play football this year.  They are on here every week, so we have watched.  In 2 weeks, we head to Las Vegas to watch them play the Raiders.  The new stadium in Las Vegas looks cool, and plus seeing those crazy members of Raider Nation, we excited to make a long weekend of it.  One thing we love about living in Colorado is it is a day’s drive to lots of great places.

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Not Quite Yet

With the new snow we headed to the Big Horn sheep area to see if it had moved them down from the high country, but it was just not enough snow.  We saw a couple of ewes but that was the size of it.

Need about another foot of snow.  Lunch is way too easy to get to right now.

Watching us as they head back up the mountain.

Our weather continues to be unseasonably warm, maybe hitting 50 degrees the next couple of days.  But looks like there is a chance for some serious snow this weekend and with it the sheep and elk will come down.  Hunting season is still on so when it ends and the real snow comes our animal chasing will seriously ramp up.  But if you want to score you have to keep after it, and when it happens it makes all the dry drives worth it.

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Our daughter and grandkids will be here tomorrow for the weekend.  We have plenty to do, cooking, eating, attending local stuff, and actually heading to the woods to cut our own Christmas tree.  The Boss and I over the last 4 decades have rarely had Thanksgiving or Christmas as she often worked to let folks with kids have the holidays off.  So we are looking forward to what most folks would call a normal holiday.

Whatever you do have a safe weekend.  And try to control your Black Friday spending.  Somehow, we have morphed into measuring our Christmas by the size and quality of the presents.  Think outside the box, there are plenty of ways to spend Christmas without breaking the bank.  So have a great weekend and keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines