Brookie Weekend

I decided to spend my time this week in pursuit of the ever-lovable brook trout.  Two days were devoted to its pursuit.  I think the work paid off.

*LONG POST* Reader beware  

Friday

I found myself at a lake that has a lot of potential.  

It's a little off the beaten path, but does receive a healthy dose of anglers.  The hard part for me was not being able to float it.  You see it is a water supply lake for a city.  In other words no boating, no floating, no wading.  This really is a pity for a guy who enjoys the float tube.

The lake was swarming with brookies.  They were very visible in the crystal clear water.  No wonder this lake has a tendency to stunt.  No toads, but some fat little guys.

There were plenty of places that looked fishy.

Fallen trees scream brookie lair...and it was.

I was having the hardest time photographing fish.  They were spunky and plenty went back in the drink without getting their mugshot taken.  This lake has a lot of potential.  There very well may be some hogs hanging out, but one would have to weed through a lot of fish to find them...plus you're limited to shore here.

Pretty things though...  

Pretty place too...

On the drive home I stopped at creek not far off the road.

There's fish all over this area. Gave this one a nose piercing...

Saturday

I set my sights on a lake that required a hike, and has a history of some pigs.  The hike was a little over a mile but wasn't bad at all.  I recently picked up some backpack straps for my float tube.  I may look funny walking down the trail with a big ol' tube on my back, but man is it comfortable.  The hike provided some cool scenery.

I arrived at the lake to stormy skies and looming thunder.  I stuck myself on shore for a while until the weather cleared.  Except for a family camping further down shore, I had the lake to myself.

I was getting no love from shore, but as soon as I ventured out in the tube it was fish on.

The fish all seemed pretty healthy.

This lake is fairly large.  I'm sure some bigger fish dwell here, but I found none today.  The beauty of the fish I did catch was worth it though.  Not to mention the beauty of the lake.  I love being absolutely alone on a great lake...on a Saturday nonetheless.

The sun even started shining for a while.

Jigs won out again today.  Worms would work when needed, but the fishing was quicker with jigs.

I'll try to just let the pictures do the talking.

I love brook trout...

purty

The storms soon returned to cut my float trip short.

I quickly made my way back to shore.  The temperature was dropping fast.  I captured a few shots on my way out, but then the rain began.  Halfway through the hike back it actually tried to start snowing on me.

Even though I was cold and wet, my heart was warm and a smile was on my face.  Those little brookies sure can be addicting.

Life is short, live it well