Today was a day to remember and one that makes waiting until the next chance we get to go fishing worth the wait.
We started our day in the fog as usual and decided to slowly make our way to another “new to us” spot we have named Ruby’s corner. She did not disappoint us and we caught at least a dozen fish before it was time to move to our next location.
As we entered the south end of the lake, the fog magically lifted as if showing us the way to another location that produced multiple 4lb rainbows and a thick 5lb rainbow that hit like a freight train.
After about an hour the fishing slowed down and we were off to scout new spots for the future. We found a few other spots worth exploring next time we go fishing too. What always amazes me is the magnitude of possibilities that are out there. It never fails. Just when it feels like we are fishing the same spots, we find two or three new spots that become our new favorites. The best part about exploring a lake you are used to is the surprises it keeps throwing at you. New weed bed structure is always making an appearance every year and the productive locations are constantly changing, in a good way.
As the sun started moving above our heads, we decided it was time to start heading back to the launch. We put all our camera gear away and started slowly moving across a shoal. There! Over there! Ethan spotted a fish darting away from the boat and we had to make “one last cast.”
One cast turned into two, then three and then who knows how many more. We found a location where the marl bottom was exposed from the weeds due to boat props crossing over the bottom.
We lost count on how many fish we spotted cruising in 4 to 5ft of water. We caught quite a few rainbows while sight fishing for them. What an experience!
The water temperatures are definitely dropping compared to a week ago. Today we needed our gloves to keep our fingers warm when “hole hopping,” but later in the day we needed to de-layer to a T-shirt and I found myself scrambling to find my sun glasses (which I left in the truck).
Today was another reminder of how dangerous fishing can be. Sun glasses not only protect us from the sun, but from flying objects like fish hooks. Thankfully, I’ve only had two close calls this fall, but is two too many? While I find it hard to wear sunglasses, I really should force myself before it’s too late.
Will this sunny weather last forever? Time will tell. At first, I thought it was putting the fish off the bite, but it seems the opposite. As the clear skies allow warm temperatures to escape, the water is cooling and the fish are biting later into the day. Until next time, I’ll be thinking about finding Walter before the water freezes.
Here’s a video from last year before the lake froze. If you haven’t done so already, please subscribe to our YouTube channel, youtube.com/@FougereFamilyAdventures