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sansou
07-27-2008, 12:29 AM
Okay, maybe only one T57 member....but hey, we got to represent however we can!!

So far this summer has been pretty fishy for me. Did a little high Sierras troutin' with the gang, a little deep blue tuna action, some cattin' with the Irviners, and now back to my first love: high country trouting!

Here's a few pics of the "haps" so far out here in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. To date, I've pretty much limited myself to the local lakes (in particular Hatcher lake where out house is located) as my father has me doing all sorts of wacky house projects.

The highlight so far has been watching the old man catch the nice trout, while I can't seem to catch anything really worthy of a T57 photo op. In particular, we went up to a local reservoir, got caught in a nice storm, and as soon as the rain/lightning dies down, we got lucky (I really should say my Dad got lucky) and caught what we joked was a "sampler platter" of trout: 1 koke, 1 bow, and 1 speckled.

Next week, with house projects finished, I promise some better pics, and hopefully a river cuttie or two, a kamloop (God willing) and perhaps a better picture of a koke.

Here's the pics, and some wildlife I've been running across. Until then, see you all at LEGENDS II !!!!

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/HatcherbrownJul2008.jpg

(Note the old school Mepps my Dad still pitches....maybe I should take notes since he's been doing all the noteworthy catching so far!!)

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/SansouSrHatcherbow.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/SansouSrHatcherbrown.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/Hatcherbrownjuly2008.jpg


Irvine & SARL really ought to order some triploided kokes....best tasting fish around!!
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/Kokanee.jpg


This guy lives in the canyon below our house, and this is probbly the first time I've been able to get a somewhat good pic of him (or her??). Really spooky critter, and always on the lookout.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/MartinezCanyonFox.jpg

No lack of these in the neighborhood. Come fall season, they suddenly dissapear until hunting season is over. The mystery of mother nature....
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/ApaloosabuckJul2008.jpg

Troutman65
07-27-2008, 01:51 AM
Nice Rich. Wish I was trout fishing up there. :Wink: Enjoy. Take lessons from your Dad. :ROFL:


Thanks for the report and pics.

BIGRED KILLA
07-27-2008, 04:31 PM
Nice way to go out there Rich thanks for the pics and report looks like your dad can still school you at fishing.lol keep it up out there







Bigred

sansou
07-27-2008, 05:09 PM
Thanks Troutman & Big Red. Yep, the old man will surprise me every once in a while. I think he is just more patient than I am. I'll switch up after a dozen casts or so, but he'll persist and work the lure to death until he's convinced it's no good that day for that particular lure.

Here's a few more pics.

The perch and crappie are from 2 days ago when I was goofing around Village Lake which is a couple miles down the road. There's a ton of these perch around, and they are tasty (if you have the patience to fillet 20 or so). Every winter they have a big "perch-a-thon" when the lakes are frozen over. It's a big deal with the local Pagosa Private Owners Association, and it helps reduce the population.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/PagosaJul2008017.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/PagosaJul2008018.jpg


About an hour or so ago, I was at Hatcher Lake, and C&R'd 3 mid-size rainbow on a beaded black wooly. Nothing of size, until I ran into this bad boy who nailed my black rooster tail, which I had put on to get a little more casting distance. This one is scheduled for dinner as an appetizer.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/PagosaJul2008043.jpg

Here's a slimmer C&R'd one that also hit the black roostertail.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/PagosaJul2008039.jpg

Some views of Hatcher
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/PagosaJul2008041.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/PagosaJul2008040.jpg

I thought I would add this pic I took yesterday of a black cub (born around Jan this year they believe per the animal shelter) that was found around these parts.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/IMG_1877.jpg

Hopefully tomorrow I'll have some true mountain pics, and something a little more interesting than local lake rainbows. The highlands here remind me of the Sierras.....or vice versa!!

tacklejunkie
07-27-2008, 06:49 PM
Great pics Sansou. :Cool:
I think I saw that bear in the creek a few weeks back.

Cangler
07-27-2008, 06:58 PM
Hey ... im going to Fort Collins , CO in the fall and cant wait !
Your report has me drooling

Robert trout hunter
07-27-2008, 07:32 PM
Omg im so jelous i want to go to colerado

Wingnut
07-27-2008, 07:47 PM
Wow, that's awesome Rich... that's some good stuff right there! :Cool: :Big Grin:

SoCalGuy7
07-27-2008, 11:43 PM
Great pics Rich, I know you've got more Mepps than anyone in CO....:LOL:

Nice looking trout!

SCG7

TroutOnly
07-28-2008, 07:26 AM
MAN SANSOU, YOU MAKE ME JEALOUS EVRYTIME YOU GO THERE, I LIVED THERE IN THE SEVENTYS FOR A COUPLE YEARS AND I LOVE THE THE FISH UP IN THE RIVERS WHERE BEAUTIFUL,JUST LIKE THE ONES YOU CAUGHT,,,,,bob

City Dad
07-28-2008, 09:07 AM
Those fish are beautiful... except for the weird, pointy tails... is that some kind of disease?

Granny Fish
07-28-2008, 10:05 AM
Nice looking fish.

What type of fish is that silver one in the middle? Is that a baby Kokanee?

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/Kokanee.jpg

lalo56
07-28-2008, 10:06 AM
Nice Trip there sansou!

Fisherman57
07-28-2008, 11:37 PM
Wow dude.... thanks for some very cool fish pics!
Congrats on the Kokee!

That's also a very nice fish your pops has there in that one photo!
Tell him I expect to see him at "Legends III" :Wink:

Now as for that "critter" (Red Fox), you better get yourself a fox hound and a good horse if you expect to keep up with him! TALLY HO!

Keep the reports coming my man!... we dig em!

See ya in a few weeks!


Dana

sansou
07-29-2008, 12:01 AM
Today was supposed to be a fun day targeting native Rio Grande cutties and wild brooks up in the lakes around Wolf Creek Pass. I especially put my nicely permanently stained T57 shirt on, just in case I had a "Wingnut" moment!! Unfortunately, we got off to a late start, and by the time we got up there, we ran into the common afternoon storm (rain, wind, and hail!).
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/ShawLakeIIJul2008.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/ShawLakeJul2008.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/ShawLakeIIIMaddieinrainJul2008.jpg

Rather than chance the weather by hiking into one of my favorite little lakes (Hunter's lake), we opted to do a little fishing at a truck accessible lake called "Shaw" and do some mushroom hunting. As far as fishing is concerned, I only got one strike the 2 hours fishing it in the rain. My daughter toughed it out with me for a while, but once the hail & lightning started up, she ran back to the truck! Ha ha!!


On the upside, just before the nasty weather, my mom and I scouted around Shaw Lake and found baby Chanterelles mushrooms (this particular area is our "go to" place for mushroom hunting :Secret:). In a week's time with some sun or so, they will grow much much larger. On the sunnier side of this mountain face, in the past, we have also found "cepes", a type of mushroom that the Italians call "porcinis". I would rank wild trout stuffed with chanterelles, white wine, shallots & parsley right up there with drunken 2 a.m. Jack-in-the-Box food. Pretty dang good! (I would bet they can be found in the Sierras too)
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/ChanterellesIIJul2008.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/ChanterellesJul2008.jpg

Since the nasty weather made fishing a bust, we headed down the mountain to a little town called South Fork, to see if our favorites spots on the Rio Grande would be fishable. Not today...the normally pristine & gin clear cuthroat infested waters were like chocolate milk.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/RioGrandeatSouthForkIIJul2008.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/RioGrandeatSouthForkJul2008.jpg

Today wasn't a complete bust for me. In search of some munchies, we randomnly stopped at a "supermarket" (Rainbow Supermarket), only to discover that half of the "supermarket" was a rather EXCELLENT tackle shop! I found stuff in there I never ever see elsewhere. I consider myself a wanton & depraved "Trout Tackle Ho", and yet, I never knew Pline made a high end set of swivels....I am most definately testing these suckers out the rest of the trip! By the way, they even sell Lip Ripperz there! Lots of locally made stuff too, which was cool.

I leave you with pics to tease your inner tackle-ho (yes, we all have a little "ho" in us. Some more than others.)

May tomorrow be a more fishy day.....though I am skeptical as I have to go to Durango manana for an errand, and I know for a fact the usually awesome Animas river is currently blown out.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/RainbowSupermarketatSouthLakeVJul20.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/RainbowSupermarketatSouthLakeIIJul2.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/RainbowSupermarketatSouthLakeIIIJul.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/RainbowSupermarketatSouthLakeIVJul2.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/RainbowSupermarketatSouthLakeJul200.jpg



(Tammy: the middle one, it's a kokanee. About average for the one particular lake were we fish for them (Williams Creek Res.)....they do get a bit bigger, but not by much. Usually caught deep jiggin or trollin deep. Soft mouth and not a particularly big fighter. One very tasty fish, especially smoked.)

seahonk
07-29-2008, 01:34 AM
Sansou you shure know your shrooms :EyePop: j/k

troutdog
07-29-2008, 01:58 AM
Looks like you are having an awesome trip Sansou, thanks for the "as you go" updates and reports! Enjoy the rest of your adventure...


TD

Sea Monkey
07-29-2008, 01:43 PM
Wow! Awesome pictures Rich! Thanks for sharing them and the daily commentary. Hope the rest of your trip is great!

Renee

PONTOON
07-29-2008, 07:40 PM
Hey Rich, you need any plumbing work done on the house? I can be up there in no time to help you out on that.:LOL:
Maybe you need some automotive work done too? Trolly could tag along with me and we could git er done for ya.....:Cool:
That is if you could keep us around long enough.:LOL:

Great report and pics. From the pictures you don't need to tell me....you're having a great time aren't you.:Thumbs Up::Thumbs Up:

trollmiester
07-29-2008, 08:36 PM
Thanx for the up to the minute reports by cell phone.You are having a ball with your family.Love the pictures of wildlife and mushrooms.You didnt see timothy leary up there did you? Ching ling is another mushroom that i used to know about.lol

sansou
07-29-2008, 08:47 PM
Thanks to everyone for the kind words.

Today was about running errands in Durango (about an hour west of us)....that is, only after I nailed a fattie bow at Hatcher just before breakfast.

The Animas river runs through Durango, and is a very fishy river when she isn't running high (a little high and cloudy today....but not "blown out" as I was told yesterday by a local). Today I had a one hour window to get a little river fishing done while in downtown Durango, so I gave it my best and got the skunkaroo on spinners. I saw a few bobber-n-eggs guys along the bank and they were doing great on brownies and cutties.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/A[img]

[IMG]http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/AnimasIIIJul2008.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/AnimasIVJul2008.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/AnimasJul2008.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/AnimasVJul2008.jpg

After a quick skunkaroo session, I fisnished the errands and did a quickie stop at a Colorado State Hatchery, located right on the Animas river, about 1/2 miles from "downtown".... ha ha!!

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/DurangoHatcheryIJul2008.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/DurangoHatcheryIIJul2008.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/DurangoHatcheryIIIJul2008.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/DurangoHatcheryIVJul2008.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/DurangoHatcheryVJul2008.jpg


Got back to Pagosa with all the intentions of canoeing Hatcher lake, however, the usual late afternoon rain storm nixed that idea. Waited out the mini storm and decided to take the kid out to catch dinner. I set up Maddie with some Magic Power Eggs, and she hooked up 2 times before being able to land one. I managed a fair brownie on the black rooster tail. Roughly an hour or so later, they hit the frying pan!!

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/MaddieHatcherIVJul2008.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/MaddieHatcherJul2008.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/MaddieHatcherIIIJul2008.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/RichBrownieHatcherIJul2008.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/RichBrownieHatcherIIJul2008.jpg


Here's the three trout of the day....
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/3troutHatcher2008.jpg

I was curious to see what the brownies were feeding on in this lake: snails!
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Pagosa%20Jul%202008/HatcherbrowngutsJul2008.jpg

See you all at LEGENDS II: Trolly Strikes Back!

olfishergal
07-29-2008, 11:04 PM
you could have skipped that stomach pic............ewwwww........glad you are having a great time, am enjoying reading your reports, makes me feel like i am right there......keep having fun......aren't you happy u missed the quake? OFG

BIGRED KILLA
07-29-2008, 11:15 PM
Thanks for the pics and report looks way to cool up there glad you guys are having a blast i like the stomach pic how did you cook it lol.







Bigred

Shock
07-30-2008, 11:36 AM
Nice... Really nice!!!!

I might just have to visit one of my Aunts who live in Colorado!!!

BakoBassin
07-30-2008, 12:38 PM
When I was working in grand Junction I tried to hit up the Animas outside of Delta. Guy at the lodge said they had just let a bunch of water out of the resovoir above there. I did all my fishing on Grand Mesa. Caught bunches of small ones and this one...

http://a273.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/97/l_d76ea2052aa9d14ba38059dd277b8810.jpg

kewlwhip
07-30-2008, 03:38 PM
ohhh man sansou-

you are lucky- CO is a beautiful place, keep on slay'in!

Poxy Boggards
07-30-2008, 03:50 PM
Awesome pictures and reporting Sansou! Looking forward to hearing all the awesome details at Legends!

Wes
Poxy Boggards

steve092
07-30-2008, 05:19 PM
Great report man!

Fisherman57
07-30-2008, 11:21 PM
Man......... every report is better and better!

I remember being in Broomfield, Colorado years ago and fishing some local lake I can't even remember the name of...... BUT I do remember it being beautiful.

Thanks for sharing all this Rich...... KEEP EM' COMING!



Dana

sansou
07-30-2008, 11:28 PM
Thanks to all for the kind words.

Well, in horticulturist terms, today I put on another ring on the old tree trunk. To mark this depressing occasion, I decided to do a quick A.M. solo trip up the road (about 20 miles from the house on a dirt road) to Williams Creek Res.

On the way up, I just had to hit up one of my favorite spots in the area, and so I stopped at this little tailwater. While I brought one of the fly setups, it was the spinnning rod that I grabbed out of the back of the truck to fish the stream.....subconsciously I wanted to be assured I wouldn't get skunked (an honest but sad statement about my paltry fly-fishing skills!)
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008011.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008009.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008010.jpg

As always with this little spot, there's always a trout waiting for me. While I'm not complaining that it was a bow, truth be told, I was a little bummed it wasn't a cuttie.

Onward bound, I arrive at Williams. The water was way off color, as this place is normally gin clear. I suspect it is the afternoon showers this time of the year that is putting a slight stain to the water.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008012.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008013.jpg

I finally made my way to the part of the reservoir I like to fish, and setup the fly rod with a 5x knotless system, on the sinking line with a nice mini-Hopper and size 18 nymph combo. About 2 billion crappylicious casts and about 5 good ones, I finally strike gold and land yet another stinkin' bow that swallowed the whole hopper. Needless to say, the little guy got it good (my fault for not mending my line and not using a strike indicator) and bled over my brand spankin' new $1.89 hopper.....no amount of gink was gonna save that little piece of art. I ended up having to keep the fish as it was a floater. A little frustrated at the fact it wasn't the usual brookie we catch there, I kinda sat on a rock and vegetated, taking in the whole landscape...until I decided to head back home for lunch.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008017.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008016.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008019.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008020.jpg

A side pond....fishless of course.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008014.jpg

On the way back, it got cloudy, and I figured it might make things fishier. So once again, I stopped at my little spot and discovered a fellow fly-fisherman working the water. I sat and talked to the guy trying to pick up some helpful hints. As we talked, he was working a San Juan Worm and got nailed by a little cuttie.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008021.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008022.jpg

Later today, after the usual rainstorm, the old man and I took the canoe out to "our" lake. We must have C&R'd about 5 a piece, and finally kept one solid rainbow to take home. No brownies this time, all rainbows ranging from 12'' to roughly 16'', with the one fattie around 19''. I brought the fly -rod as well as spin rod, and actually got a nice hit on a Pistol Pete (brown/rust colored one)....but otherwise, no love on the flies (cause I suck). We do well on this lake in the summer with either black woolies, gold spoons, or any spin-fly that sinks deep. I obviously have no clue what flies work well here.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008023.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008001.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008002.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008003.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008004.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008005.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008006.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008007.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res/WilliamsCreekResJul2008008.jpg


Tomorrow, weather permitting, we take the battleship out for some trolling. Another kokanee would be nice.... (jinx?)

trollmiester
07-31-2008, 06:42 AM
I am drueling,keep the reports comeing. love the pictures and stories.

City Dad
07-31-2008, 10:11 AM
Nice work! (I've found that what gets fish blood off of flies is more fish blood!)

sansou
07-31-2008, 03:05 PM
Nice work! (I've found that what gets fish blood off of flies is more fish blood!)

Ha ha!!

Dude! I just got back from Williams Res not 20 minutes ago. We opened up a can a whoop on the fish, with a few on the fly! I'll try posting pics tonight cause we're heading out to the county fair....it's like a big big deal apparently around these parts. Ha ha!!

PONTOON
07-31-2008, 05:18 PM
Rich, okay, stop with the torture you've got to come home!

Awesome pictures and reports!:Thumbs Up::Thumbs Up:

sansou
07-31-2008, 10:07 PM
Okay, let me cut to the chase and just say I didn't jinx myself, cause I did in fact catch a kokanee today. Not a big one, but it is a kokanee. I can't let the old man totally school me every outing! :Big Grin:

Today we took the boat to Williams Res. Got there, and found out someone forgot the trolling equipment, and our main trolling battery was dead. Oh well. We decided we would hit the area where a stream feeds the lake, and just target brookies. (trolling is usually your best bet for kokanees, at least in this lake)

In a nutshell, we must have C&R'd a dozen a piece, and kept 5 non-survivors. We primarily used different color and size woolies. The key was to not split shot them, and barely twitch them on a slow retrieve. We got a little giddy, and did what no fisherman should do: leave fish to find other fish. In our case, out of sheer luck it paid off cause we headed to 70 foot water, where I jigged up a little kokanee on a spoon. We ended up fishing the top water column on the fly rod using nymphs for small rainbows. I've managed to get nearly all the big trout species here, except that I'm still cuttie-less. I hope to squish that blight soon, as the rivers are starting to clear up.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008021.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008022.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008023.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008024.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008025.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008027.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008028.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008032.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008033.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008041.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008043.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008057.jpg


This guy kept an eye on us. I think he works for Homeland Security.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008035.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008037.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008040.jpg




Got back and went and checked out the Archuleta County Fair, which is held in Pagosa Springs. I have come to observe that these people are very much serious about their cattle. I get the feeling that some of these ranchers are held in very high esteem in the community. The rodeo was cool.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008054.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Williams%20Creek%20Res%20II/WilliamsCreekIIJul2008055.jpg

Tomorrow is a new day, and a new challenge. We are headed to Lake Vallecito, with a quest to chase some trout deep down. In years past we have scored some huge rainbows, and that is the hope for tomorrow as well. Take care.

City Dad
08-01-2008, 09:13 AM
Nince, nice pics, man. What were you using? I'm guessing something in peacock herl... or perhaps pheasant tail?

It's been my experience Ranchers are the last of the true bad-*sses, dude (but get on their good side and they might let you fish their on their property.:Wink:)

More pics, more pics!

tacklejunkie
08-01-2008, 02:10 PM
Lovin' the pics Sansou. Lucky man!
Some nice area and beautiful fish!
I don't see any other boats on those waters with you.

sansou
08-01-2008, 10:51 PM
City Dad: I totally agree with your observation. After the rodeo, we wandered over to a huge tent where livestock was being judged. We happened to see the part where the "Grand Champion" bull was being evaluated. It was the scene of much uproar and commotion among what appeared to be "established" ranching families. The local press was there, and they went into "paparazzi" trying to interview the rancher with the 1st place bull. Tomorrow night is the auctioning of the animals, and there apparently is a direct correlation between how well your animal scored and the price. Funny stuff, coming from a total outsider to the "scene".

Tackle Junkie: At Williams, you do see boats from time to time, but more so kayakers. It's really never "crowded" at the high up lakes, and I think that is attributable to the fact there are so many lakes to fish/boat. Today on the other hand, we had to deal with a few lake-lice, and this was due to the fact we fished a huge reservoir that has mountain lodges around it. I wouldn't say it was "Perris on a saturday in the summer", but we did have to change trolling course at least once.

Sorry for the lack of pics today, I will try to post manana.

Fished Lake Vallecito (about an hour away from us, towards Durango) for a few hours (mid-morning to 1ish) and packed up as the fishing was slow, and, we wanted to drive by another reservoir on the way back to do a little recon.

In sum, our game plan was to chase pike in the reeds, but we never hooked up, though we saw some cruising in 6 foot water (father's friend who chases them says early early in the morning before boats show up is best shot).

Moved to deeper water, C&R'd a couple rat rainbows casting towards the shore with spoons and spinners. Trolled points flatlining in 30 foot water for nothing though we metered fish. Frustrated, we hit the gas for a 20 minute open throttle to ge to the dam to jig deep deep water and had one really serious hookup at 70 feet with a spoon on my usual 2 lb test setup(stupid choice for this type of fishing), got the fish up to color after minutes of back and forth tug-o-war and chasing with the trolling motor, saw it was possibly a lake trout (we make the assumption cause it was silvery as heck and broad, and maybe somewhere over 20 inches, but we'll never know as it could also just have been a beasty very silvery rainbow) and eventually lost it went the fish dove one last time (that was a $8 lure dangit!).

On the way back to the marina, we stopped at a mini-island in the middle of the lake and worked the reeds, with my dad doing the "OG" style for one nice smallie on a split shotted nightcrawler. Pleasant surprise for our lackluster fishing. 4 fish, one farmed, and no pike or macks (our targets).

Tomorrow morning, quickie solo mission.

I will try to redeem myself and get a cuttie (jinx?) on the Piedra River. It's gonna be tough as it is artificial barbless in the section I'll be fishing (this section is closest to home, which is why I'm going there....not by choice), and the easy way would be to float a bug or salmon egg.

Take care, and see you all at LEGENDS II !! (have you guys seen the prizes being raffled out this year??!?!? There's some very nice stuff!)

sansou
08-06-2008, 09:49 PM
Still in CO, but had to slow down the fishing trips as my newlywed sister and husband (along with mother-in-law?!?!?!) came to town. The result, as we have all suffered a form of this: no "good" fishing, or reduced fishing time.

My new brother in law is not a fisherman. I guess some people aren't as fortunate as others....

Here's some pics and commentary of the quickie getaway trips my dad and I have been able to do despite visiting company....

Lake Vallecito: we searched for pike up in the reeds in the morning, no love. Big and deep lake, I was driving and my dad got one huge hookup, took drag and all, was down maybe 60 foot, chopped the spoon off. We'll never know if it was a Mackinaw or not. Rest of the day was a waste with dink rainbows and some rough fish.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008036.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008038.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008040.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008042.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008043.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008045.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008046.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008047.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008048.jpg
Earlier in the day we dragged some worms in 20ft water and caught a couple of these....
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008044.jpg

The next day, still on my quest for a San Juan Cutthroat, I did a solo morning trip and hiked in to the a lower section of the Piedra River. Unfortunately it was still silty from the rainstorms higher up. Nice morning hike though (1/2 mile up & down), and caught some frisky 12'' or so rainbows and browns. Did catch one long one though (pic below).
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008050.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008051.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008052.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008054.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008056.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008058.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008059.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008060.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008061.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008062.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008063.jpg

The subsequent morning was a waste. I ended up getting a couple hours at the home lake and managed a few, most notably this FAT boy (the fish, not the fisherman). Fell for a sloppily presented hopper that should have had some gink on it, but I was too lazy, so it kept sinking and that's when my indicator went plunging!
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008065.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008064.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008066.jpg

Here's a collection of fish getting ready for cleaning. The long one below the tape measure is from the Piedra the day before. The one right above it is the fatboy from Hatcher lake, the others are from the two other lakes right by the house.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008072.jpg
Insides to the fatboy....
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008073.jpg

This takes us to Monday (I think?). My father and I conned the whole family in to going up to Williams Reservoir to do a picnic and some boating. We all got up there, and due to the fact I couldn't deal with boating all day my sister's mother-in-law, I asked to be dropped off from the boat at the far end of the lake. I grabbed a bottle of water and went up the mouth of this creek that fed in to the reservoir. Would this finally lead me to my cutthroat? Hmmmm.....
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008075.jpg
Along the way I flushed this bedded monster buck.....we both got startled.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008076.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008077.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008078.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008079.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008080.jpg
and back out on the other side of the creek from whence I came. I was along trek that afternoon, and no sizable fish at all. I was never picked back up by the boat, so I had to hoof it all the way back to the ranger station.

On another day, by the house we have a little creek. Took the brother-in-law there to goof aorund and see if I could get him interested in this thing we call "fishing".... There he is in the distance tangling my fly rod, while I spin fished in the middle of the creek.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008086.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008087.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008088.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008089.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008090.jpg
Look who's been hanging around....
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Last%20few%20days%20in%20CO/LastFewDaysfishingColorado2008098.jpg

Will post the last couple days once downloaded. Today is my last day here, and as usual I will miss the high country trouting.

Looking forward to seeing you all at the LEGENDS event!!!

Troutman65
08-06-2008, 10:40 PM
Rich, Just Awsome!!!!

Thanks for the great daily reports and pics. have a safe trip home

paDDy
08-09-2008, 11:44 PM
Nice going Rich, I hope we can get up to the sierras and kill some browns together really soon. I have been looking into new ways to get the bigger breeders ;)

City Dad
08-11-2008, 12:42 PM
Nice pics, man. So, you're fishing a grasshoper pattern with an indicator? Is the grasshopper wet?

Beautiful, healthy fish. Gorgeous smallie.

Ronira
08-17-2008, 07:00 PM
Sweet pics Sansou, makes me want to do a road trip. Thanks