9/22/14 White River Trip Report

[Ham]

I planned an all day trip setting my sights pretty high. I wanted >100 trout, >10 smallies, a sucker, and a sculpin. I got most of that done and then some.

The day started off cooler than I had dressed for really. Sun was really bright with lots of glare all day. I also had a lot more wind than was originally forecast. It blew me upstream at times that sucks. I also had more company than I wanted all day long.

I had the boat in the water a little after 0800 and made a lengthy run up river. I struggled at first and had only caught 13 fish by 1000. Not good

I tweaked location and presentation and started picking fish up more steadily. I was up to 47 sih when I stopped for a quick sandwich.

Switched location and got my smallmouth fix. I caught 11 in the first location. I found a new hotspot and added 4 more later. I also had a very confused Largemouth in the bunch as well. I also caught a big bluegill and a handful of Long Ear Sundish. I lost a huge smallmouth. I'm sure in was >20 inches. I was totally shocked that I stumbled across one that large. I fish my Zig Jigs barbless and it cost me today. I had that fish on for a long time and I was winning, but on one of the fish's last few runs, it ruined it's head just right and the jig came out.

Returned to trout fishing, I dialed in better on the water the trout wanted today and my numbers improved. I headed back downriver when I got to 100 fish. Picking up a few smallies along the way. I had rigged up a live bait rod and quickly picked up a Northern Hog Sucker. I couldn't keep the trout off of it long enough to get any more suckers. The trout kept making a mess of my rigging. Freaking worms get but early and often by trout. Put that stuff away.

Finished my day in one of my favorite stretches. I worked some big boulders with a tiny jig looking for a sculpin. Dis not happen, I gave it about 30 minutes, but nothing. Odd.

Worked 1/16 oz and 1/8 oz jigs through faster water late and put the finishing touches on the day. I had kept three trout for a coworker. So I quit fishing at 1800 to clean those fish and put it on the trailer.

I caught 162 fish on day. No trout >16 inches but lots and lots of > 13 inches fish. Fat and happy

No Brown trout. Zero. One trout caught with a lamprey attached. Several more with lamprey wounds. I also saw a few swimming with a lamprey attached. It will get worse before it gets better.

The trout are biting.

[Ham]

[LittleRedFisherman]

Great report Ham, sure wish I could of made this one with you. I got to haul Milo all day, i'm still itching.. That Smallmouth fight sounds epic, I bet I know where you went... Next time i'm rained out I may holler!

What color jig did they like today? And have you got any of Richards pink and white jigs yet?

[Ham]

I fished with the jigs I had tied on from a few days ago. Olive/Ginger and Brown/Orange.

I did indeed buy some Pinky Bling. I thought about using one today, but I was getting bit as it was.

I would have loved your company today.

[Guest]

Killer day!

[LittleRedFisherman]

Man that trout smallie combo bite is like a dream come true for me, would loved to have been there! I have yet order any of those pink and white, but i'm going to have some, as well as those red and black ones. The weather right now is perfect to,

[Ham]

The deer are out and about. I saw multiple different Bald Eagles. I saw several different mink. Of course, I also saw Great Blue Herons, Fox squirrels, Kingfishers, Crows, turtles, and buzzards.

Most of the day was perfect weather wise. I got chilly running first thing, but that was my bad. I got annoyed at the wind, but it would have been great for bass fishing.

[JamiePatterson]

Awesome. Simply awesome!

[Quillback]

Great day Ham!

[Terrierman]

You had it going did you not? What an awesome day.