Our summery Spring is approaching actual Summer as we end April and transition to May. I’m still deciding if I’m fishing cold water trout or warm water bass. This weekend, Mother Nature made up my mind for me as the temps turned cooler once again. Waders and a hoody were the uniform as I hit the water.
First target area was under the same bridge I limited out on last trip. I slipped into the water as quietly as possible and set up my rod under the bridge. First cast was a perfect cast and as I drifted the fly past the hole under the rock, sure enough, a rainbow darted out and slammed it. Upon hooking the fish, I instantly realized I’d left my net in the truck. Fortunately, the scrawny thing spit the hook as I grabbed the line and it was back in the water where it belonged.
After a few more casts to the same spot, I could see only 2-3 trout were left in there. Last time, they were an uncountable cloud of motion and strikes. Quite the difference. I didn’t come down to fish Indian Creek anyway, so I hopped in the truck and headed over to Swift Camp to explore downstream. I’ve been wanting to do this stretch of river for over a year now and was glad to finally get the chance.
Sadly, I saw no fish at Swift Camp. Not a single nibble. Also, there was a conspicuous lack of aquatic life in general. Very few minnows, no crawdads, no footprints on the shore other than the bootprints of other anglers. I don’t know if the water is bad or if this area, being so close to the road, is just fished out and highly pressured. Regardless, it was a beautiful day in a beautiful area and I enjoyed myself.
At several points, I stopped and just stood breathing and taking the scenery in. Feeling my shoulders relax and my jaw unclench, I wish I could hold on to that feeling forever. Trying to capture that bliss is part of the reason I take these videos and make these journal posts. Both to preserve and to also share the experience. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.