I did an exploratory fishing drive on Tuesday. All I wanted to do was get one last warm up on trout before heading to Italy today for the World Masters Fly Fishing Championships. But it was 89° and I never put on the waders. It would have been a waste of time. But, I found a cool new spot to get up early for on Wednesday before the heat.
I left the house very early, at 4:30. It wasn’t as cool as I expected it to be but perhaps low 70°s. Turns out the fishing would stink. I landed a 7” brown trout and several chubs. It was great casting practice however because the stream was small and I made some quick fly changes. But honestly, I’ll be going into this competition less tuned than in previous years.
But no trip on the water goes without some sort of memory. Today I parked near a bridge. And like always, before fishing I looked off it. Below me was a 3 foot long lake sturgeon. Wow! Unfortunately, he spooked off before I could think about trying to catch him on a nymph or a Clouser. I’d also see this chunky common snapping turtle on the hunt.
That’s all for now. It’s been a busy first month in Wisconsin with a few fishing excursions and a ton of work on the new house. I’m ready for about ten straight days of trout fishing in Italy. It’s hard to write blogs and post them while fishing my butt off during these competitions, but I’ll do my best. Worst scenario the full reports will post upon my return. Time to head to the Duluth airport. Its show time!
It goes without saying, but good luck to you and the guys! Something tells me this the teams year! Enjoy Italy… what an experience.
Good luck, Jeff! I’m excited to read how it goes. I’ve never fished Italy, but the rivers I drove by had me kicking myself for not having my rod.
HOPE IT GOES WELL!!
CIAO
Thanks everyone! We will most certainly give it our all!
Go get em Jeff! Remember the Wisconsin secret (if they are not biting, open a beer). Usually works well with Leinenkugel but I suspect an Italian lager would work as well. Don’t tell anyone.