SUMMER VISITORS and THE LAKE

                                                 They came to have fun.....and they did

                                                          Friends ( considered family ) from PA.

                                                        

As I have stated before I am a "river man".  That is, I love to fish in the river.  However, the lake has a lot to offer as well.  Especially when family and friends arrive to have fun in the mountains.  So I think that the next few blogs will be about the lake and the experiences and follies one would encounter on the outing, whether it be with the family or with a couple of fishing buddies.

Just about every lake I have been to in the mountains is nestled in a spectacular view.  A camera should be on the top of the list of things to pack before you set off on your adventure.  Once you find the spot where you want to fish, sit back and enjoy the show. 

Most likely, when fishing in the lake you will use live bait at some point.  Fresh live bait can make the difference between success and failure.  If you are using minnows they should be kept in a minnow bucket or a live well; crickets should be kept in a cricket cage; nightcrawlers (my favorite for fishing in the lake while sitting down and enjoying a beer and waiting for a strike) should be kept cool in a styrofoam container.  Do not put pieces of nightcrawlers back into the container with live ones.  This will spoil your bait. What fish can resist this juicy piece of "meat".  And definitely make sure to bring plenty of cleansing towlettes to wipe the goo off your hands.

Power bait is also very popular and has proven itself effective for the trout enthusiast at the lake.  It comes in a variety of colors which all seem to work.  My daughter is fond of the rainbow colored while my son leans toward the red, white and blue "Captain America" bait.  Decisions....Decisions.

Last but not least are the salmon eggs.  I have never had much luck with these but many seem to think it is the only real bait to use in a lake while trout fishing.  It has to be the red color.  But they sure have an odor to them.

Don't forget to always carry a small spinnerbait with your tackle. When things slow down and no one is biting, try a spinner to liven up things.  Also set yourself up with a bubble and fly.  This is a real kick and you can catch a few nice fish as a change of pace.  We will review how to set this up in another chapter.

So choose you bait carefully and have fun!!




                                                                      Randy landing a fish


                                                                                      



                                          
Try it you'll like it





'Til next time

Nice fish Randy



SUMMER DESTINATION

Well, my wife and I have arrived at our summer's destination. We will be meeting friends and fellow fisher people from all over the U.S.  Our closet neighbors come in from North Carolina, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and, of course, Colorado.  Also a summer is planned with many family and friends scheduling us into their itineraries for a visit.  In fact, as I am now blogging, we are awaiting friends from Pennsylvania and their children.  Can't wait!!!   It should be a blast.

And, of course, plenty of fishing on the docket. 

There is one major problem currently- the rivers are running higher than we have seen in over 20 years.  Due to the record setting snow fall and wet spring, the rivers are out of the banks and creating lakes where swift rivers used to flow.  To compound the problem, the rivers that run through the fields have swelled so it will be impossible to find the rivers edge. AND, now the farmers are shutting down the irrigation ditches so all that water will now be detoured to the rivers.  Sigh.  But, as the saying goes, "it is what it is" so we will make the best of it.

Just the other day someone asked me why I like to fish the rivers and streams so much more than a lake.  Now, remember I love to fish the lakes with the family.  What a great way to spend time with love ones.  But I think the river is the ultimate place to fish.  The rivers offer a constantly changing scenario each time you fish.  You have the excitement of walking the river and the challenging circumstances that are presented while stalking a fish.  But perhaps the best reason to fish the river is that you can also see Mother Nature at the top of Her game.  All types of birds and waterfowl abound.  Larger animals such as elk, deer, and moose can surprise you at anytime.  Don't count out a bear sighting.  Or a Rocky Mountain Goat. (Our daughter took a picture of one just the other day as she was driving up the canyon and now has the whole area  trying to get a glimpse.  First one most folks have seen around here!!)

The ever present fox, coyote, beavers (love to fish those beaver dams), marmots, sage hens, and many other critters too numerous to mention, will always be around to entertain you. Two of my favorites: the majestic Bald Eagles soaring overhead and the sight of the little ducklings scurrying behind the mother.

Let's not forget the flora.  Wild flowers to entice even the most enthusiastic gardener.  I really have not been good at names but that does not stop me from enjoying the sight of the wild Iris or the Columbines.  (See, I did know a couple names. The Columbine
is the Colorado State Flower, so I had to know that).  But there are so many more that catch the eye. 

This is all going on and you still have to fish!  It is not easy.

One last thing is that I fish farm and ranch properties. Lots of time you will be finding your way to the river through a herd of 200 head of cattle or more. You have to watch where you step if you know what I mean.  But it is fun this time of year because of all the little calves calling for the moms throughout the herd.  Good stuff.

Well folks....  I hope that answers some of the questions as to why I like to fish in the lake.

Try it!

'Till next time

P.S.  I also have to add fishing with your "buds" is a kick!