10-20-2010, 05:42 PM
Hunting season is upon us, but I haven't bought a tag in quite awhile. I've been hunting more little creeks lately. Some prospects have not worked out at all, some are OK, and some are so brushy you are worn out 20 minutes after you started. Then you find one that is a joy, and suddenly it is worth all the extra hiking, cow patty dodging, and brush beating. I even think I was giggling part of the time. Scary!!
I am sorry that I can't share the name of this creek with you even if you PM me. It is so small, fragile, and it already has problems from irrigation, silting, and some other grazing issues. I know that seems kind of rude to post and not tell, but it isn't my intent to be. My intent is to encourage you to go out and explore, as I don't think this is the only good find out there.
Maybe you will find a creek worth saving or helping to make more fishable through working with Fish and Game and land owners. It will probably take a group effort. I intend on trying to get the irrigation screened on this one. It will be worth the effort to save more of these fish.
This isn't a super creek or anything. It was just a fun find for me. I think it is mostly because I have struck out on so many other creek prospects lately. Access is hard; the creek is small, shallow, parts are brushy, and the fish are somewhat sparse in numbers. They are mostly in the 6 to 8 inch range, but I caught a few of the 10 to 14 inchers. Of course it is the larger ones that I took pictures of!
The upper area is really pretty with all of the fall colors and being up in the trees. The weather was a great big plus!
The fish seemed to be fewer and smaller in this area, but the scenery made up for it! Here is a wide spot in the creek, and a "large" one or two from the upper area.
[inline BUpper1.jpg]
[inline BUpper3.jpg]
[inline BUpper2.jpg]
As the creek comes out of the trees it wanders through some grazing areas before it all flows into irrigation. It is surrounded by willows and sagebrush, but there seemed to be a few more larger fish. The creek itself has a little more water, but is wider and shallower in spots with less shade and fewer good pockets or holding areas.
[inline BMiddle1.jpg]
[inline BMiddle4.jpg]
[inline BMiddle6.jpg]
[inline BMiddle3.jpg]
[inline BMiddle2.jpg]
[inline BMiddle5.jpg]
The strange orange reflection that you sometimes see on the fish, or as in the last picture - right under my hand, is from my hunting vest. Since I was out hiking around the hills in the middle of deer season it seemed a good idea, but I think it really made it harder for me to keep from spooking the fish. I had to stay way back and low. I don't think I blended into the background very well!
Good hunting!
[signature]
I am sorry that I can't share the name of this creek with you even if you PM me. It is so small, fragile, and it already has problems from irrigation, silting, and some other grazing issues. I know that seems kind of rude to post and not tell, but it isn't my intent to be. My intent is to encourage you to go out and explore, as I don't think this is the only good find out there.
Maybe you will find a creek worth saving or helping to make more fishable through working with Fish and Game and land owners. It will probably take a group effort. I intend on trying to get the irrigation screened on this one. It will be worth the effort to save more of these fish.
This isn't a super creek or anything. It was just a fun find for me. I think it is mostly because I have struck out on so many other creek prospects lately. Access is hard; the creek is small, shallow, parts are brushy, and the fish are somewhat sparse in numbers. They are mostly in the 6 to 8 inch range, but I caught a few of the 10 to 14 inchers. Of course it is the larger ones that I took pictures of!
The upper area is really pretty with all of the fall colors and being up in the trees. The weather was a great big plus!
The fish seemed to be fewer and smaller in this area, but the scenery made up for it! Here is a wide spot in the creek, and a "large" one or two from the upper area.
[inline BUpper1.jpg]
[inline BUpper3.jpg]
[inline BUpper2.jpg]
As the creek comes out of the trees it wanders through some grazing areas before it all flows into irrigation. It is surrounded by willows and sagebrush, but there seemed to be a few more larger fish. The creek itself has a little more water, but is wider and shallower in spots with less shade and fewer good pockets or holding areas.
[inline BMiddle1.jpg]
[inline BMiddle4.jpg]
[inline BMiddle6.jpg]
[inline BMiddle3.jpg]
[inline BMiddle2.jpg]
[inline BMiddle5.jpg]
The strange orange reflection that you sometimes see on the fish, or as in the last picture - right under my hand, is from my hunting vest. Since I was out hiking around the hills in the middle of deer season it seemed a good idea, but I think it really made it harder for me to keep from spooking the fish. I had to stay way back and low. I don't think I blended into the background very well!
Good hunting!
[signature]