The last 14 years, I've devoted much time to exploring water. I rarely ever fish a stretch more than once every two years if they're great, and more often than not, I only fish a beat once. I dabbled a bit about 6 years ago on this more isolated piece of special reg water located on private land, and according to managing agency, the designated portion ends at a certain branch. There is much remote water above said branch, and I suspected this was simply an arbitrary stopping point being there was no public access.
I went up to the branch 6 years ago on a snowy day, and did fairly well given the circumstances, and given I was on the water for just over an hour. Erik and I had discussed going up higher, but the creek glades out at the branch, and turns into a brushy briary tunnel. While the creek clearly does not gorge out further up per topo, I did notice the streambed gradient (fall) wasn't shabby for this part of the world. No clues are anything visible via sat imagery.
Today seemed to be a good day to revisit this stream, and push up a bit. I was hoping the warming temps would trigger a late afternoon munchfest resulting in some tugs and with some grins replacing the permanent scowl.
Arrived about 11 30is, and proceeded to a confluence, but as I neared, there was a posted sign right at the mowed easement. I turned my head and tried to unsee what I just saw, and continued. I worked my way of the smaller stream above the confluence, and worked my way up to the branch. The stream is pretty in the Winter, and prettier than I remembered. More plywood rectangles were observed, but I could not see anything from where I was wading. My soul was cleansed with a dirty sponge, and I continued.
Yay
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Lost a 14 incher not far up after catching this one.
Tried to befriend the deer. It watched me a bit.
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After passing the branch or designation boundary, a bunch of atv trails were seen, and fresh, as well as some rather large fresh coyote tracks. However, the land tightened up a bit , and all signs of human intrusion disappeared for at least a half mile.
The water gradually improved and became ledgy again.
Holy hole, but no Leroy. Damn
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Redd
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What was encountered was almost a mile of really good water. I caught another pune, but I could not believe the fish weren't cooperating. A thick cloud deck to roll in making it dim and cool. I had to bug out early since my wife is under the weather, and there was not sufficient provisions available in the fridge for supper. I stopped at 2400' I suspect the munching fired up around 4 30.
When indulging in forbidden fruit, it is always wise to never go back from where you came. After reviewing the topo app, I found a really great shortcut back to the ride.
When you're worried about rhodo thickets are ending up in someone's backyard, always follow the yellow brick road.
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Crossed the Little Serpent in less than a half an hour, and was outa there. Sure beats backtracking 1.7 miles in the stream.