Finally, the ice is out in Calabogie. I was out four days ago and three lakes that I fish regularly were still iced. This is the latest starting time in the 21 years I have been living in this area. So much for the warming trend!
I first went to my favorite small brook trout lake. The water was higher than I have ever seen it. I started out with some multiple fly combos including a Phentex Humpy as the indicator (and possible attractor), Muncher Nymph (see fly section) and a green chironomid. Midges start hatching as soon as the ice is out but I did not see anything today except one larger version which might have been something else flying around.
I also was not alone. A head popped up to see who I was and it was an otter. I should have packed it in right then as all the fish head for cover when one of those are around. But I braved on even though the water was a bit chilly (46F) on the legs in the tube. There were no rises which at this lake indicates the fishing will be slow. After a couple of hours I head back to shore. I did see some sign on the scope so there are a few still there. I'm not sure if the lake has been stocked yet, or any of the lakes.
At a nearby Rainbow lake (right by the road....locals will know which one this is!), the ice was also off. I also saw some sign on the scope an managed to catch one 12" rainbow on a combination of a glass bead eyed Damsel and Pheasant Tail Crayfish. It took the crayfish which is a regular food item in this lake. Not big enough to keep. I do keep the odd fish especially from this lake which gets hit hard because of its accessibility. They taste pretty good when there are scuds and crayfish in the lake. It also has a big hatch of zoo plankton which forms a line on the radar. I would have stayed longer than a couple of hours but I forgot to put on long johns and it was pretty uncomfortable.
Anyone wanting some guidance fishing the area should get in touch with me through the website here. For a small fee to cover expenses, I would be happy to show you around with some free flies that will catch fish.
I first went to my favorite small brook trout lake. The water was higher than I have ever seen it. I started out with some multiple fly combos including a Phentex Humpy as the indicator (and possible attractor), Muncher Nymph (see fly section) and a green chironomid. Midges start hatching as soon as the ice is out but I did not see anything today except one larger version which might have been something else flying around.
I also was not alone. A head popped up to see who I was and it was an otter. I should have packed it in right then as all the fish head for cover when one of those are around. But I braved on even though the water was a bit chilly (46F) on the legs in the tube. There were no rises which at this lake indicates the fishing will be slow. After a couple of hours I head back to shore. I did see some sign on the scope so there are a few still there. I'm not sure if the lake has been stocked yet, or any of the lakes.
At a nearby Rainbow lake (right by the road....locals will know which one this is!), the ice was also off. I also saw some sign on the scope an managed to catch one 12" rainbow on a combination of a glass bead eyed Damsel and Pheasant Tail Crayfish. It took the crayfish which is a regular food item in this lake. Not big enough to keep. I do keep the odd fish especially from this lake which gets hit hard because of its accessibility. They taste pretty good when there are scuds and crayfish in the lake. It also has a big hatch of zoo plankton which forms a line on the radar. I would have stayed longer than a couple of hours but I forgot to put on long johns and it was pretty uncomfortable.
Anyone wanting some guidance fishing the area should get in touch with me through the website here. For a small fee to cover expenses, I would be happy to show you around with some free flies that will catch fish.
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