The Troutdoorsman

While I agree that it's the experience and not the harvest, it's still nice to get a dove. Which I did not do this morning. It's gotta be the first opening day in 15 years that I didn't get a bird. I've heard similar reports from other area's. I'd be curious as to what kind of luck others are having and any theories on where the birds are.

SOLD Pups are sold now. All went to great homes, some to people on the forum. We had some great conversations about bird hunting too. Thanks to all.

Brittany bird dog pups for sale. They come from hard hunting parents. Dad is an American Brittany and mom is a French Brittany. They are registered and recognized by the AKC. This is their first litter and an intentional pairing. The parents are two of the best bird dogs we've ever seen. They are up-to-date on worming, shots, and have dew claws removed and tails docked. Can send pictures of parents as well if you want see the stock. PM for more information. Whelped on April 3rd and ready to go by May 29th. $200

No doubt wouldn't want to lose the downstream access. Seems like since MDC owns the upstream river, right side and they have a nice big parking lot there a river access would make since. Another bonus would be that it takes the pressure off of the downstream access which can be chaotic at times, to say the least.

MDC is asking for comments on their Patrick Bridge plan. I've spoken with many, and am of the opinion, that an upstream take out would increase upstream availability. Not only that but would also make the river safer, especially in high water.

Great report Phil, Question, What kind of field loads do you use? I think of #5s for pheasant and #7.5 or 8s for quail. But if you never know what you are going to get up. Will the 5s make mince meat out of the quail. Will the 7.5s have the knock down power to take a pheasant out?

What did you catch them on?

The link isn't taking me anywhere. The great thing about quail habitat improvement is it helps all species. This is a large part of why we are seeing so many habitat partnerships now, like Quail Forever and National Wild Turkey Foundation.

Before Dawt breached, when the lake would come up over the dam, it would trap the stripers. The fish had to be caught out. Now the fish can move back out, which I think has less an impact on the trout. The last striper I saw last year was mid June. I think the trout will be fine unless stipers decide to take up permanent residence.

Mine are in the mail.

Come to think of it, they were in yellow canoes. They talked to us. 2 guys 2 gals, all cool. Don't think they would have caught that fish. They were nymphing and it was a meat eater.

Some days big fish just bite. Took my two sons to the "Outdoor Adventure" at Dry Run Creek. This is a fabulous event put on by the Friends of the Norfork Fish Hatchery http://www.norforkhatcheryfriends.org/ . Lots of great things for the kids to do like archery, bb gun shooting and camp fire smore making. The kids even got to fish in the race way of the hatchery. This is my dream. Fish hitting on a bare hook. Well we can't get that close to Dry Run without fishing it. I leave my 8 year old to do his own thing and focus on my 5 year. Big brother starts fishing in another channel directly behind us. Next thing I know I hear "Oh mama, Oh mama" coming from behind me. I turn around and he is standing with his rod bent like a horse shoe. After a great fight he landed a 25" brown by walking backwards and beaching him. That wasn't the only big fish. In 1 hour between my 5 year old and 8 year old, 9 fish were caught including a Cutthroat, a Brown and a Rainbow. The biggest Rainbow was 23", the Cutthroat 18" and the Brown was 25". After all that fun it was off to work. Got a late call to take a hard core streamer addict for a guide trip on the North Fork. We were able to pencil it in for an evening half day after Dry Run. Hit river river at 4 with plans to fish til dark. About 1/2 way through the trip. About 40 yards away from 4 other fly fishers (which is always nice). My fisherman says "I've got a toad on." About that time the water boils and a big Rainbow erupts. Rainbows on the North Fork don't get all that big, but they are super strong and healthy.. A fish over 18 inch's is a trophy and a 15" fish fights like a 25"er. I knew if we got this big boy to the boat it would easily rank on my top ten. We did and it did. On 15 lb test the fight was over almost too fast for such a giant. My fisherman was a veteran steelhead angler and used to bagging trophies. The experience helped him land the big fish fast and fresh. Still this was a memorable fish for both of us. A fitting end to a day of big fish.

Just got a heads up from Lancer and I'm in.

As far as Topaz to Twin the most convenient outfitter would be Twin Bridges. I don't even know if the other outfitters on the river would be interested or have access to take out at Twin. The water is skinny above Indian creek and I've never floated it. Below Hebron it's float-able by canoe until your down below about 500 cfs at Tecumseh. You'll drag some, but no so much it's miserable .On weekends you'll see plenty of people once you pass Hebron. There aren't any trout up that high, but the smallmouth fishing is great.

Sean- There was quite a bit of variety in the sizes and it's hard to be accurate after staring at 3000 wiggling fish, but I'd guess the smallest was around 6" and the biggest around 16". On both ends of the spectrum I thought to myself "I didn't think they stocked them that size. Justin- I've since refined my palette to the sophisticated flavor of Milwaukee's Best.