I was sweating on my last cast Thursday down Louisiana. Not today. Holly crap did winter come quick to the Yellowstone Country! With Jenny Lake season coming to a close tomorrow, Boots Allen, Tim Brune and I had to go fish Jenny regardless of the snow.
It’s actually beautiful when you’re dressed for it. And if you like having a fishery to yourselves, days like today are the ones. After the short hike to my lake trout spot we geared up and went to work.
Normally we can see the lake trout cruising the shelf in October. But with thick clouds and white reflecting light we couldn’t see anything. We waded out and cast our chartreus streamers off the drop-off.
Casting off the drop-off is good for a chance at a big laker from the deep. But after a while I wanted to catch one. I wanted a nice 18 incher for tonight’s dinner. If you just want a fish then the best approach is to cast parallel with the drop-off where usually the smaller lakers patrol.
Though there’s always a chance for a big laker, I use my 6-weight Winston and the Scientific Anglers Intermediate Sinking line, the Sonar Stillwater. I like a straight 10 foot long piece of 0X fluorocarbon for a leader. Hands down, the best color streamers for lake trout are either chartreus, yellow or white in color.
It didn’t take long. I got that first fish of the day and swiftly conked him over the head. I’m 99.9% catch and release but when it comes to a fresh lake trout from cold waters on a snowy day . . . that’s a different story. I even whacked another for my neighbors who supply Granny and I with vegetables all summer long. Between the three of us we landed four small lakers. A very slow day on Jenny Lake.
Winter has started in my neck of the woods. The weather looks sketchy for the next week. I’ll definitely get out somewhere again soon but the rest of this week will be for catching up on stuff. In ten days however, it will be off to Turneffe Flats Lodge in Belize!
Jeff, recovering from back surgery last week and for the first time I was content sitting in my recliner enjoying your beautiful,simple blog. Having fished Jenny Lake in warmer weather, Suzanne and I use to canoe along the left bank and then tie up at the north end, get out and wade and fly fish. Great memories, thank you Jeff. Our love to Granny. Jack & Suzanne
Jeff, recovering from back surgery last week and for the first time I was content sitting in my recliner enjoying your beautiful,simple blog. Having fished Jenny Lake in warmer weather, Suzanne and I use to canoe along the left bank and then tie up at the north end, get out and wade and fly fish. Great memories, thank you Jeff. Our love to Granny. Jack & Suzanne
That is a good day of fishing!
Tad