I took a day off from fishing after the loss of the pen raised big fish. I returned out at 3:00 on the 16th and anchored right into the spot in the Ten Mile area that had been surrounded by working fish for the previous five days. However, there was a big flow moving through the lake and there was no wind. The fish did not stack up in the northern end and I had no hits in the normal area.
Above is an out of focus photo of a size 12 Sheep Creek Special on a 1x long hook. It is an easy pattern: dry fly hackle 2 or 3 wraps in the back; peacock herl wrapped around the thread and wound up to the hook; and a wing of natural mallard feathers over the top. I’ve been tying them this week on a 1x short hook to shorten the body length to match the bugs coming off.
So, I saw some fish working the surface about 50 yards from my spot. I lifted my anchor and moved within casting range. I hooked and landed 3 fish quickly and that was it for the day. Two hours of fish and 3 fish. Not a bad day and fun hooking active fish. However, this day was different on all accounts to the previously successful days of the last week.
I’m still working on the new boat, painting and sealing leaks, building new floors, etc.
Tight Lines All!