Why would I make the effort? Well, shortly later I caught the one above, about 17-18". This was the only picture I could get before he was off the hook (I didn't bring the net). This is likely the same fish I caught this Spring, only an inch or two longer. In a lake this small, this close to Ottawa, there are not likely that many this size. Release a fish and you can catch it again.
On one of my previous trips to this lake, there was a family fishing as well (nice to see: Mom, Dad and teenage daughter). They kept five fish. I tried all suggestions possible to dissuade them: Did you know these fish have tape worms? They taste lousy from all the leaches they eat. Tastier trout in a neighbouring lake.....Who knows, maybe they got the message. I suspect this fish is a bit smarter, not likely to get fooled by spinners and probably hit the dust as soon as the tinny was on the water. Fishing from a tube, I am reminded just how noisy tinnies are!
Best fly was the Muncher which can be seen on the Fly Pattern section of this blog.
I saw only three rises in four hours and only one boatman flying off. It should get good soon. Unfortunately, or rather fortunately I am headed off to Trout Heaven next Thursday. Look for reports of fishing from the Manitoba Parklands soon.