Grey Reef is a truly fantastic fishery. It has held it own and managed to fair well as a wild trout river. A large part of it's success depends on clean gravel courtesy of the flushing flows. I would love to be sitting here writing about the success of last weeks fall flush. Obviously at this point we all know that didn't happen. I'm writing the following in hopes of maybe getting some outside opinions and maybe a little perspective.
Being involved in the outfitting business and making a living on this particular fishery, it only makes sense to have a FALL and spring flush. For reasons unknown to the common man the fall flush continues to get derailed, postponed, etc. Why is this??? Is it lack of water? Both Pathfinder and Seminoe Reservoirs sit at 70% of capacity, water levels not seen in nearly a decade and Alcova Reservoir must be rid of 10 ft of water before winter sets in. Well if it's not water, maybe it's because of some negative impact to the fish population? The flushing flows on Grey Reef are designed to clean the substrate of fine sediment/silt to improve spawning productivity...that sounds positive to me. I'm sure there is some minor form of mortality with the drastically fluctuating water. Maybe some poor little rainbow gets pushed into the path of a 10lb. brown trout and we know how that one ends. But seriously, regarding impact of a flush the positives (mainly increased spawning) out weigh the negatives.
I have made numerous phone calls, had various discussions with folks involved in the flushing process in the past week. I have yet to hear anything worthwhile in regards to why it did not happen. Last year it was bridge construction and this time, gate malfunction. Now I'm not calling bull shit but come on, really? I'm pretty sure there's 31 days in the month of October and somewhere around 30 in November. There's no reason it couldn't happen this week or maybe the next... We had a moisture laden year and there is no question as far as the silt buildup this season. We need a fall flush!!
In closing, it has become increasingly apparent that both the fishing and guiding community surrounding Grey Reef doesn't have a voice. Our opinions and feelings towards this fantastic fishery continually get overlooked. What's it going to take?
I hope to get some responses.
Trent
Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Fly Only for Fremont, Let 'em go
The latest poll asked about the use of bait and catch and release practices in Fremont Canyon. This was an issue I hadn't really put much stock in until Ryan and Josh of Wyoming Fly Fishing brought it up at a Wyoming Flycasters meeting. 73% of us agreed that this little gem of a fishery should be a catch and release fishery and the use of bait prohibited.
Over the years I have become much more tolerant of bait fishing and harvesting fish. But, nothing irks me more that a fisher keeping the fish...often time too many fish...just to display their machismo. Knowing full well that these fish will be in the trash way before the dinner table. Bait fishing and catch and release have no business going together based on how trout eat bait...fish swallow bait.
So is this an issue that should be brought the Wyoming Flycasters attention? Should we pursue this regulation? Is bait fishing and harvesting a problem in Fremont? Has anybody actually seen a bait fisher being irresponsible or a fisher harvesting too many trout from Fremont Canyon? Or, do we want this as a feel good fly fishers club scenario?
My take on this one is Fremont would be better off as a catch and release fishery. It would also benefit from artificial lures only BUT only one hook/lure and it must be barb-less. This is a special place that is not only fun but will become, unfortunately, more recognized. Anglers are already traveling to fish this place as their primary destination. The more it gets used the more it will be abused. There is really nothing wrong with making a few small fisheries a true sporting arena, where it is commonplace to be whipped by the fish. A great day would include more defeats than successes. Having your ass handed to you by the fish can be fun while teaching us valuable lessons. This will be a hard pill for some to swallow, but it isn't meant to discriminate against people. Everybody would be welcome, you just have to learn to enjoy the challenge more than conquering.
Give some feedback on this, either side of the coin.
Erik Aune
Over the years I have become much more tolerant of bait fishing and harvesting fish. But, nothing irks me more that a fisher keeping the fish...often time too many fish...just to display their machismo. Knowing full well that these fish will be in the trash way before the dinner table. Bait fishing and catch and release have no business going together based on how trout eat bait...fish swallow bait.
So is this an issue that should be brought the Wyoming Flycasters attention? Should we pursue this regulation? Is bait fishing and harvesting a problem in Fremont? Has anybody actually seen a bait fisher being irresponsible or a fisher harvesting too many trout from Fremont Canyon? Or, do we want this as a feel good fly fishers club scenario?
My take on this one is Fremont would be better off as a catch and release fishery. It would also benefit from artificial lures only BUT only one hook/lure and it must be barb-less. This is a special place that is not only fun but will become, unfortunately, more recognized. Anglers are already traveling to fish this place as their primary destination. The more it gets used the more it will be abused. There is really nothing wrong with making a few small fisheries a true sporting arena, where it is commonplace to be whipped by the fish. A great day would include more defeats than successes. Having your ass handed to you by the fish can be fun while teaching us valuable lessons. This will be a hard pill for some to swallow, but it isn't meant to discriminate against people. Everybody would be welcome, you just have to learn to enjoy the challenge more than conquering.
Give some feedback on this, either side of the coin.
Erik Aune
Friday, September 18, 2009
Grey Reef Hoppers!!!!
Well, the last month has proven to be prime time for hoppers on the North Platte. Grey Reef and Miracle Mile, two fisheries notorious for big fish and a less than average dry fly bite, have turned it up a notch with the addition of late summer "big foam" fishing. Almost any large foam pattern will readily raise a hefty N. Platte fish from almost any drop or riffle producing some incredible takes. To put it best, you have to see it, to believe it!
Trent
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Project Carp Jon
Click the pictures for a bigger view
Project Carp Jon has reached it's temporary end. Below is a list of modifications that have been made this summer:
-Remove live well and weld the boat where live well penetrations were
-Build the live well space into a storage box that houses PFDs, anchor, tools, rope and fire extinguisher.
-Move the battery from the rear of the boat to the front. Eventually there will be a dual battery system, but I will use the existing Optima Yellow Top until it has expired. Then replace with 2 matching AGM batteries.
-Replace the old 6 gallon fuel tank with a 12 gallon unit.
-Added a front aluminum casting platform. Secured with a cam strap to a Kennedy tie down. Kennedy tie downs are nice because you can easily remove the eye bolt so there isn't a tripping hazard on the deck of the boat when you remove the casting platform. Originally, I was going to use a Yeti Cooler as the casting platform but it was tough to see around when under way.
-Added a poling platform. The poling platform can be removed in about 10 seconds so it isn't a permanent fixture. The brackets are easily removable, but I doubt I will have a reason the take them off. They are mounted to the transom and don't interfere with space or function of the boat. Profab in Casper, WY did the poling platform fabrication from my design. Tom Bower Decorative welding powder coated the poling and casting platforms. I chose black because it I liked the look...knowing full well that my toes will probably get cooked on warm days.
-Built a Mangrove carbon fiber pole to move the boat around.
Old modifications include:
-Bow and stern trolling motors. Each is used for a different type of fishing
-Installed a depth finder.
-Pedestal seating.
All of the modifications can be removed and the boat can be reconfigured for different activities. It is a fun project now I just have to use it!
Erik Aune
Project Carp Jon has reached it's temporary end. Below is a list of modifications that have been made this summer:
-Remove live well and weld the boat where live well penetrations were
-Build the live well space into a storage box that houses PFDs, anchor, tools, rope and fire extinguisher.
-Move the battery from the rear of the boat to the front. Eventually there will be a dual battery system, but I will use the existing Optima Yellow Top until it has expired. Then replace with 2 matching AGM batteries.
-Replace the old 6 gallon fuel tank with a 12 gallon unit.
-Added a front aluminum casting platform. Secured with a cam strap to a Kennedy tie down. Kennedy tie downs are nice because you can easily remove the eye bolt so there isn't a tripping hazard on the deck of the boat when you remove the casting platform. Originally, I was going to use a Yeti Cooler as the casting platform but it was tough to see around when under way.
-Added a poling platform. The poling platform can be removed in about 10 seconds so it isn't a permanent fixture. The brackets are easily removable, but I doubt I will have a reason the take them off. They are mounted to the transom and don't interfere with space or function of the boat. Profab in Casper, WY did the poling platform fabrication from my design. Tom Bower Decorative welding powder coated the poling and casting platforms. I chose black because it I liked the look...knowing full well that my toes will probably get cooked on warm days.
-Built a Mangrove carbon fiber pole to move the boat around.
Old modifications include:
-Bow and stern trolling motors. Each is used for a different type of fishing
-Installed a depth finder.
-Pedestal seating.
All of the modifications can be removed and the boat can be reconfigured for different activities. It is a fun project now I just have to use it!
Erik Aune
Monday, September 7, 2009
North Platte- Summer Recap
Here are a collection of photos from this summer. This past summer proved to be one of the best I've seen in my 10 year career on the North Platte. Golden stones on the "Mile", tricos at Grey Reef, and weird weather made it unique to say the least. Enjoy!
Trent
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Louisiana!!!!
Katherine and I traveled to New Orleans last week to visit family. As always I looked at the trip as an opportunity to chase some redfish. I made a quick call to Wes Swank, a client and friend of the North Platte Lodge and we scheduled a trip with Capt. Greg Dini. Capt. Greg Dini, an ex-Tulane University baseball player, grew up in Florida chasing redfish in Mosquito Lagoon. He has since started a guide service pursuing redfish in Louisiana and tarpon in Florida.
We were picked up at our hotel in the morning and we headed south towards Venice and the vast marsh system of southern Louisiana. After a short twenty minute run we were poling our way down a spartina grass island waiting the days first redfish. An extremely high tide made tailing fish a rarity but we still managed to find fish cruising, chasing mullet/shrimp, and/or floating. I know floating seems like an odd word to describe fish behavior but we found numerous fish just floating, not on the bottom, not tailing, floating!!!! These fish were more than happy to assault the sz. 2 tan wiggler pattern or spoon fly making for some exciting fishing.
According to Greg the high tide that day had made conditions more difficult than normal. Despite these strange conditions we still managed to catch some nice redfish. Redfish make for exciting sightfishing without having to cross the globe. If you've never been redfishing, put it on your list! If you've never been redfishing in southern Louisiana, put it on your list! It is without a doubt the most productive redfish fishery in the world! Lots of fish and very few fly fisherman make it a trip worth making. Capt. Greg Dini is great guide with intimate knowledge of this area and an unparalleled passion for his work. Check out his website at www.flywaterexpeditions.com
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Getting Political and Picking Trash
Yesterday we participated in a trash collection day organized by the Wyoming Fly Casters. North Platte Lodge and The Reef Fly Shop had a couple boats floating from Government Bridge to Sechrist, Ugly Bug had a couple from Sechrist to Bessemer and Wyoming Fly Fishing had a couple from Bessemer to Robertson Rd. The Wyoming Fly Casters had a good ground crew that focused on the "camping" areas along the river below Government Bridge to the Gray Cliffs.
It is always frustrating to realize a few dirtbags are responsible for so much damage. 4 wheelers being driven anywhere and everywhere they feel like. Beer and vodka containers were the theme on our stretch while the Wyoming Fly Fishing boys collected beer cans and popped air mattresses from all the party floaters towards town. It is now looking very good and we hope, with all of your help, it will stay that way. It only takes a moment to pull over and net floating debris. Unfortunately, it is up to us to take care of the folks who's mama didn't teach 'em right.
The Wyoming Fly Casters were gracious to grill up some rib eyes and put out a great summer spread. Afterward, the guides were invited to share our views on North Platte River politics. It was reassuring to know that there is a genuine interest in taking advice from the people who spend the most time one the river and, frankly, know it better than anyone.
The guides perspectives really focuses around the spawn. We suggested clear signage closer to the access areas that describe what the spawn looks like, why the spawners should be left alone and to stay clear of spawning beds for a time well beyond the end on the active spawn. The signs would also have very clear "no bait fishing allowed" or "Trophy Waters, Flies and lures only" or ? They would also post the limit which is only 1 trout, over 20" in possession. These signs would be located near the water in clear view...similar to what you might find in Yellowstone.
We also wanted more consideration for the spawn when the BuRec alters water flows in the spring. Often times they increase flows in mid April. The trout move in to the "new" shallow areas to build redds. Then the water flows are decreased due to lack of demand and the redds are now left high and dry...killing the eggs and next years class.
We requested that The Cardwell Access Area be fly fishing only and ALL catch and release.
We requested a continuation of the fall flush program.
We requested that there be NO stocking of hatchery fish on the upper 8 miles...from Grey Reef to Lusby. The Game and Fish has determined that the last several years have had poor recruitment and they may need to supplement. We suggested leaving it alone and trying to fix the problem instead of band aiding it. Primarily it would mean educating fishers and having consistent flows during the spawn.
There was some interest in selectively harvesting some pelicans and cormorants.
We suggested trash receptacles in key North Platte River access areas. And this would likely result in camping fees on BLM. But, a nominal fee would be required to provide some of these services.
One of my main concerns with the recent river development is that it might be short sighted. What I mean is that you can build a bunch of toilets, ramps, paths etc. But, now they must be maintained. The new path along the Cable Hole is already getting overgrown, and the boat ramp at Government Bridge is severely overgrown and has been for three years...even after several request to fix the problem.
Check out the new survey. It will focus on Fremont Canyon AKA Cardwell.
Erik Aune
It is always frustrating to realize a few dirtbags are responsible for so much damage. 4 wheelers being driven anywhere and everywhere they feel like. Beer and vodka containers were the theme on our stretch while the Wyoming Fly Fishing boys collected beer cans and popped air mattresses from all the party floaters towards town. It is now looking very good and we hope, with all of your help, it will stay that way. It only takes a moment to pull over and net floating debris. Unfortunately, it is up to us to take care of the folks who's mama didn't teach 'em right.
The Wyoming Fly Casters were gracious to grill up some rib eyes and put out a great summer spread. Afterward, the guides were invited to share our views on North Platte River politics. It was reassuring to know that there is a genuine interest in taking advice from the people who spend the most time one the river and, frankly, know it better than anyone.
The guides perspectives really focuses around the spawn. We suggested clear signage closer to the access areas that describe what the spawn looks like, why the spawners should be left alone and to stay clear of spawning beds for a time well beyond the end on the active spawn. The signs would also have very clear "no bait fishing allowed" or "Trophy Waters, Flies and lures only" or ? They would also post the limit which is only 1 trout, over 20" in possession. These signs would be located near the water in clear view...similar to what you might find in Yellowstone.
We also wanted more consideration for the spawn when the BuRec alters water flows in the spring. Often times they increase flows in mid April. The trout move in to the "new" shallow areas to build redds. Then the water flows are decreased due to lack of demand and the redds are now left high and dry...killing the eggs and next years class.
We requested that The Cardwell Access Area be fly fishing only and ALL catch and release.
We requested a continuation of the fall flush program.
We requested that there be NO stocking of hatchery fish on the upper 8 miles...from Grey Reef to Lusby. The Game and Fish has determined that the last several years have had poor recruitment and they may need to supplement. We suggested leaving it alone and trying to fix the problem instead of band aiding it. Primarily it would mean educating fishers and having consistent flows during the spawn.
There was some interest in selectively harvesting some pelicans and cormorants.
We suggested trash receptacles in key North Platte River access areas. And this would likely result in camping fees on BLM. But, a nominal fee would be required to provide some of these services.
One of my main concerns with the recent river development is that it might be short sighted. What I mean is that you can build a bunch of toilets, ramps, paths etc. But, now they must be maintained. The new path along the Cable Hole is already getting overgrown, and the boat ramp at Government Bridge is severely overgrown and has been for three years...even after several request to fix the problem.
Check out the new survey. It will focus on Fremont Canyon AKA Cardwell.
Erik Aune
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