I had a couple of hours on the lake today. The old hot spot below the island worked great for 12 – 15 casts. After that, takes were rare. I trolled for 30 minutes with my version of a spinner / fly lure. I trolled up to the rockpile and saw a fish working so I tried midge turkey tail nymphs in the pool just below the rockpile.
I had a blast and an education while midge fishing near the rockpile. The fish were larger and I landed 3 sixteen inchers, one 17 incher, and lost 2 similar sized jumpers. However, the lighting was perfect as I was able to observe trout 30 feet away. The trout were cruising, moving a foot or so to the side to pick off a food item, then continued moving at the same depth.
I was able to watch 16 inch fish and smaller swimming near my line. Not a school as much as 3 or 4 fish at a time in sight. I saw several fish move towards my line only to veer off a couple of feet before my line. I didn’t catch a single fish when I could see them. I assumed my boat was a problem but the fish cruised and fed in front of me….just not on my flies.
I had almost more fun watching the fish swimming in front of my boat and line than catching them. The hatch coming off were size 26 or so, but the fish continued to hit my size 16 turkey tail (a PT nymph tied with turkey tail). I couldn’t see what the fish were taking underwater, but it was cool watching them cruise slowly and swerve to pick off food items. Now all I have to do is figure out how to get them to hit my midge when I can see them lol.
Tight Lines.