11/8/09 Flyfishing Salado at Jame's Park

I really wanted to hit the creek this past weekend and give my 7' Horrocks Ibbotson and fly reel another shot at catching a fish (reel is basically a Medalist clone). This is a nice rod that even though it is short, it can cast to the backing on a good day. I thought that it was a little rough on presentations but I found it was just likely my poor casting that was to blame. Once I relaxed and didn't rush the cast, the fly landed nicely on the water.

Fishing under the Rittimin Road bridge yielded a few small bites, there used to be several Rios and Red Ear perch in this pool but maybe the recent rains had displaced them. Moving downstream I saw a nice foot long bass and decided to get in the creek near that point. Well of course in moving up I spooked a nice 3-4 pound bass and a slightly smaller one, then it started to rain. I guess it just wasn't my day. The creek looked great and the water is at a nice level and was gin clear, I'm hoping I can get another day or 2 of fishing in there before it starts getting cold and I'll turn to fishing for Trout.

11/07/09 Walk at Eisenhower Park

I had reserved a spot on a nature walk at Eisenhower park this past Saturday, it was supposed to start at 9AM. Well no one showed so I went ahead and walked the perimeter trail around the park and an additional trail for about a 3 mile hike that day. I was hoping to maybe learn about a few native plants in the area and some other interesting information but it wasn't to be I guess. Note to self, next time I reserve a spot I'll make sure I call the day before to ensure they are going to have the walk. It was a shame because Saturday morning was such a great day for a flyfishing trip.

The walk was enjoyable and reminded me I'm still out of shape but I'm working on it. There were a few ripe prickly pears so I went ahead and tried one and found it wasn't as sweet as it looked. Eisenhower park is a nice place to go for a hike but is was more crowded then I cared for.