FISHING REPORT 8/27/2007

[John Berry]

I called the Dam yesterday and to my surprise it was off. I gathered up my gear and my yellow lab, Ellie, and headed to Rim Shoals. When I got there the water was on the bottom and there were three cars in the parking lot. I quickly rigged up and as we headed for the water I saw that every one was pretty spread out. I headed downstream to get away from the other anglers. Ellie has a tendency to help you land your fish, if the fight goes too long.

I started catching fish immediately. I changed flies from time to time as the action slowed. I settled on a copper midge and started to really pound the fish. I must have caught over forty. most were twelve to fourteen but several were fifteen to sixteen inchers. I looked up stream and noted that the top riffle was not too crowded. I headed up and began fishing. I caught several nice fish the largest being an eighteen inch bow.

I noticed a big nose poking up at my strike indicator. That was enough for me. I stripped off my fly, lead and strike indicator. I tied on a fresh 4X tippet and a size ten Dave's hopper. I cast a short line at the spot where the nose had poked up. I was instantly rewarded with a fat sixteen inch bow. He fought like a wildman but I was quickly able to force him in . The heavy tippet and big hook conspired against him and he was soon in my hand. I released him and revived the fly with some dry fly crystals. I cast again and was quickly into another fish. This went on for some time. The action was non stop. It was like a hopper hatch. If I went two casts without a fish I checked my fly. I glanced at my watch . It was five thirty and I knew that Lori would have Dinner ready soon. I started fishing my way out. I took three more in the process. When I got to the access, I realized how tired I was. What a day!

[Phil Lilley]

Man, what a day to remember. How many did Ellie land?

Will miss our fishing trip in October before the conclave. Not coming back from AK till 10/8. But will try to make it later in the fall.

[John Berry]

Ellie fished hard but only landed one. Sorry to hear that you will not be here for conclave. I am going to have a booth and was hoping that we would be neighbors again. I am also disappointed that we won't be able to fish together. The hoppers are red hot this year.