Creek Smallmouth

I fished for steelhead last week and it did not go well so this week I decided to try for smallmouth. They run so much irrigation water through the creek in the summer that it is pretty much unfishable. In the winter they let it get so low the bass migrate to an unknown deep spot and lay low until the spring. In the fall and spring there can be a window where flows are fishable, the water is warm and the bass are around and grabbing. Anyhow, no trophy fish but as long as you don't mind poison oak, rattlesnakes and ticks you get the place to yourself.

https://i.imgur.com/Femh3m3h.jpg
I have trained my dog to spot fish for me.

https://i.imgur.com/SJtX92Th.jpg
My Clouser for the day.

https://i.imgur.com/YoXrmgjh.jpg
The native pike minnow. Not a bad fish. Grabs a fly and sometimes gets a little size.

https://i.imgur.com/4Xbghnmh.jpg
Red eyed smallmouth.

https://i.imgur.com/XjKqOlIh.jpg
A bronze beauty.

https://i.imgur.com/Y2Z4YLnh.jpg
Break time in a cool spot for my trusty dog.

Thanks John

I love that kind of fishing.

What kind of fly line do you use?

That is a fun way to fish - hiking along the creek with your dog looking for good holding spots. I was using a floating line on a two weight rod which is pretty good for those fish but I broke it yesterday. The clouser hit the rod and about five minutes later the rod folded up. I made it from a Sage kit about 30 years ago so no warranty replacement. I did get plenty of use out of it so I don’t feel too bad.

Very cool the different looks one smallie vs the other. Looks like a great time John. Thanks for the pics. I'm glad you got some good fishing out of the rod!

One of my favorite fish to catch in my favorite type of water. Nothing beats a good hike to get away from people.

Thanks John; a truly wonderful fish. Will often come back a second time for a grab.
Love the dog scenes.
Best,
Larry S
Sun Diego

Quote:

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Originally Posted by John H

That is a fun way to fish - hiking along the creek with your dog looking for good holding spots. I was using a floating line on a two weight rod which is pretty good for those fish but I broke it yesterday. The clouser hit the rod and about five minutes later the rod folded up. I made it from a Sage kit about 30 years ago so no warranty replacement. I did get plenty of use out of it so I don’t feel too bad.

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You could check with Sage and they might sell you a blank tip section if they still have any?