Took a drive to the Upper Mokelumne (water temperature 53 degrees) to give it a try with my fly rod. I started at the spot where you can park by the first outhouse. Walking down to the water, I picked up a golf tee laying on the side of the road. What is it with me, golf balls, golf tees, and fishing? I was able to wade knee deep and reach across the river. On the 5th or 6th swing of a Thin Mint, I got a bump. That was it for that area. I did change to a black WB and then an olive WB, but no more interest.
Standing downstream of a log, I noticed something shiny on the back side and found this Rapala that someone lost. Normally I would put this on my window sill with the other "found" stuff, but I think I'll put this one in my tackle box. It was not lost very long ago.
Rapala something |
Then I moved to the day use area at what I call the top. Last year, if you will recall, I tried this spot when the fish were surface feeding and I couldn't get a bite to save my life. This time I went in with my waders on so I could get all the way across the river. Guess what? Still couldn't get a bite to save my life.
I packed up and headed back downstream in search of a hole to fish. I found a nice one and swung a Thin Mint, WB in black and olive, and two of the flies I got from David Swart, but to no avail.
At the truck, when I was moving to the next hole, I snapped a picture of the California Poppy (California State Flower), a sure sign of summer.
California Poppies |
Poison Oak |
On the way back into town I decided to take a look at the Middle Bar Bridge and see what was going on. Remember, I was there in January and watch the deer run across the river. Not today, a good 6 to 8 foot deep at the bridge. I parked in the lot and tried to get a shot of a pair of Swallows (you know the kind that return to San Juan Capistrano each year), but they wouldn't sit still long enough. The picture below is their nest they are building. In the little dip in the middle is where they will lay the eggs. The Swallow is a protected species in California.
Not crap on the outhouse |
Fish On |
Fish on the bridge |
That's a limit |
That's it for today. Till next time.
Mark
Mark
ReplyDeleteRest a sure that Rapala had hook a few fish, that has to be one of the best top water lures on the market. Let me know when the book is ready.
That river is a good trout stream.... maybe next time try a Muddler, its been working.
ReplyDeleteThose are some crazy good pictures up there. Looks mountainous. Where exactly is this river that tuu fished?
ReplyDeleteLast post, tuu was error, should have been you. Likewise followed!
ReplyDeleteHi Anthony. Welcome aboard. The area is just outside Jackson, California at an elevation of about 1200 ft. What we consider the foothills.
DeleteMark
Hey Mark....I have one of those lures and have some nice hits on it.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you explained that bird nest picture because it sure looked like something else.
Anything for you Bud.
DeleteMark
How many Rapalas do I still have after all these years. They are the dependable lures built to last. I can't wait to get the book. I'm excited for you.
ReplyDeleteWhat time of the year can you Trout fish in the Mokelumne River?
ReplyDeleteFrom the Middle Bar bridge, all year. North of Highway 49, during the general trout season (last Saturday in April until November 15th.
DeleteMark
Thanks Mark, I Live near Galt and was not sure what time of the year it was ok to fish, fishing season and when and when not to use barbless hooks has always confused me a little. Great forum here! Thanks again. See you all out there:-)
ReplyDelete