From: 11/02/2017
To: 11/02/2017
Type of Water: Freshwater
Species: Muskie
I had some free time so I headed to one of my favorite Musky spots to see if I could make something happen. I got to the river at daybreak and the water temperature was 52 degrees, with perfect depth and clarity. My expectations were definitely high.
I started fishing a stretch of water where I had caught two fish previously so I made sure to fish the water as thorough as possible. But after a solid half hour of casting and stripping every square inch of the pool I had no takers so I proceeded on.
The next area is a favorite of mine even though I have never connected on a fish in it. I did however have several follows from a 40" fish in it so I'm always excited to fish kit. This spot like a bunch of others in this watershed. are deep pools created thanks in part to the local beaver View more...I had some free time so I headed to one of my favorite Musky spots to see if I could make something happen. I got to the river at daybreak and the water temperature was 52 degrees, with perfect depth and clarity. My expectations were definitely high.
I started fishing a stretch of water where I had caught two fish previously so I made sure to fish the water as thorough as possible. But after a solid half hour of casting and stripping every square inch of the pool I had no takers so I proceeded on.
The next area is a favorite of mine even though I have never connected on a fish in it. I did however have several follows from a 40" fish in it so I'm always excited to fish kit. This spot like a bunch of others in this watershed. are deep pools created thanks in part to the local beaver population. I cast my fly towards any and every downed tree or brush pile before attacking the beaver damn itself. Despite my best efforts I get no action. I keep heading downstream to the next likely holding spot.
The next place is a spot that I have had several follows in the past. It's a bend in the river that has a build up of a fallen tree (thanks beavers) and some tree limbs as well as some other river debris. The fish hold tight against this debris and likely use it to ambush bait fish. With this in mind I start methodically stripping my fly tight against the pile of debris. Cast after cast brings an inexplicable anticipation that is unequal to any freshwater fishing that I know.
After working the outer perimeter for about 20 minutes or so I decide to go for broke and I make a cast several yards upstream and let the current swing my fly into the heart of the tangle. I also let my fly sink a little deeper than before and after reaching the desired depth I made two strips when a huge boil erupted below the surface. I respond with several aggressive strip steps and my game of tug of war has begun.
Musky, like all fish run for cover whenever they feel in danger and this fish was hell bent on getting back to that wooded mess he called home. It took every ounce of power in my 7wt Syndicate Aquos fly rod to keep him from doing just that. After several minutes of back and forth action the big fish was landed.
My third Musky in a week and I was ecstatic. Anyone who fishes for these incredible fish, especially with fly gear know how tough it can be. Over the past few months I have had several big fish hooked and lost them for one reason or another so It's very gratifying when things finally work out.
