Downstream Hwy D

[Arofishing]

I fly-fished the upper James for about 3 hours this morning. Water was fairly dirty, and fishing started off reeeeeaaaaal slow with top water (gurggler). I finally put on a bluegill bug just to catch something. Once catching something got old I tied on one of my imitation Circus Peanuts in Chartreuse (thanks Brian). I was having a hell of a time trying to fling that thing around on my 5 wt, and the sun never really peaked through the clouds to warm me up, so I was about to call it a day. Just when I was thinking about trying some top water again, I felt my streamer get stuck on a log about 6 feet in front of me. Much to my surprise the log started swimming, and I started getting excited!

Turns out it was my biggest bass, a smallie, measuring my rod later it turned out to be 14.5 inches and FAT.

Having caught a second wind I decided to keep heading downstream, shivering the whole time. I caught a couple good size rock bass and another panfish before almost stepping on a snapping turtle. I then decided to walk the bank, but almost stepped on a snake. That meant my day was done.

[Jack Jones]

Awesome on the personal record. And remember......it's not paranoia if those critters really are out to get you!

[smallmouthjoe]

Nice fish. I tied up a couple of circus peanuts and variations for my next trip. I've seen folks parking on the highway right of way by D bridge. I may have to try it out sometime after finals. Thanks for the post.