5/30 Big changes,

[bkbying89]

I don't know how many of you fish the fly fishing only section at Montauk. It is a mess, The rest of the park looked good. Fish were running small but eager to bite.

[NoLuck]

Exactly what makes it a mess??

 

[bkbying89]

9 minutes ago, NoLuck said:

Exactly what makes it a mess??

 

I guess the mess is in the eye of the beholder. I saw the fly fishing only area and a lot of it was un-wadeable ate the time and the bank erosion was extensive. Holes were filled in. I also talked to other fisherman and they agreed. Right now the spring is running high and some areas may be fishable later when it comes down. Like I said the park crews were working on one access site that had been washed away. We will see how things look after the spring settles down. 

[NoLuck]

I get that much. The stream is a living thing. I'm sure that it wasn't going to be the same as before the flood.  But, after the water goes back down to an average level people will get a better idea of how bad things really are.  I was down a couple years ago after some real bad flooding and while it was still high, I also thought that it was going to be a total mess. Turned out that it just filled in some places and washed out others. Not really as bad of a deal than I originally thought it was going to be.  

I thought that it made for somewhat of a challenge to find new pockets and seams that held fish.  I guess some people like fishing the usual places and prefer things that way.  I like the changes as long as it's not dangerous for people to fish.  But, i'm sure there'll be some work that gets done to remove sand and gravel as well as erosion repairs. 

[Johnsfolly]

2 hours ago, NoLuck said:

 I guess some people like fishing the usual places and prefer things that way.  I like the changes as long as it's not dangerous for people to fish.

I also appreciate finding those new holes and seams. What is sad to me is when a traditional big fish hole like a deep bluff hole gets filled in with sand and becomes as barren as a desert.

[bkbying89]

3 hours ago, NoLuck said:

I get that much. The stream is a living thing. I'm sure that it wasn't going to be the same as before the flood.  But, after the water goes back down to an average level people will get a better idea of how bad things really are.  I was down a couple years ago after some real bad flooding and while it was still high, I also thought that it was going to be a total mess. Turned out that it just filled in some places and washed out others. Not really as bad of a deal than I originally thought it was going to be.  

I thought that it made for somewhat of a challenge to find new pockets and seams that held fish.  I guess some people like fishing the usual places and prefer things that way.  I like the changes as long as it's not dangerous for people to fish.  But, i'm sure there'll be some work that gets done to remove sand and gravel as well as erosion repairs. 

I understand your point and believe me when I say I don't think the fishing is ruined in the park it does mean some areas may be off limits during high water periods but I already see the positive. One area in particular will, I believe will make for some really good holding water. Most of the mess I was referring to is access points. And as I said in my earlier post they seem to be working on this. 

The fishing was good. Lots of smaller fish, that suits me fine I am there for the experience and a mental reset. I never keep any fish and so smash or tie barbless. One fisherman said he thought they weren't stocking as they normally would have because of all the hatchery escapees. I saw a lot of smaller fish and they did not seem to be easier to catch than normal. If they wise up we may see some truly large fish in a few years.

[stlfisher]

Made it down for a few days. I like the changes, but it is quite different. Some very deep sections that will make wading impossible.  Some new riffles which is great IMO. Lots of work left for park staff, but really incredible how much clean up has already been done. That was a pretty catostrophic event and debris still very visable.  Tons of little guys in the spring branch....my kids had a blast catching those. Fish numbers in fly fishing area are low in the upper half, much better down stream. Did well in the river.

[Greasy B]

Let's  hope management doesn't try to improve the stream bed. 

[brittsnbirds]

I will take it any way it is if I can just get down there!!  BSSP is much closer but Montauk is the stream of preference for us.  Problem is getting down there in time to get the preferred camp site.  Too many locals "hogging" them up.

[stlfisher]

First time down during the week for me. Tuesday and wednesday. Gonna do that more often....lots of room to breath. Think some are still scared off, but really kudos to the park staff...they are working really hard.