Some Lakes Are Hard!

We do a lot of stillwater fishing for trout in this part of the world. While we have great warm water fisheries in the area, the pressure on trout waters is high and while there is a government commitment to stocking, the scales tip towards scarcity rather than abundance when it comes to trout access. For this reason, quality fishing locations are hard to come by and to the extent possible, success is closely guarded. It is my opinion that attempting to conceal fishing locations is largely a futile exercise and it doesn’t take long for word to get out.

Despite this some lakes continue to thrive and some seem to maintain their stature based on reputation if nothing else. I fished one of those lakes earlier this week. It’s a lovely lake with plenty of structure and good areas of deep water retreat that over the years has produced some fine trout for both fly fishers and others. I know from personal experience. This fine specimen was caught and released on the first of November several years ago.

A superb rainbow trout from a past trip, enticed me to return.

For me, this has been the exception rather than the rule and as a result it has been a couple years since I last fished here. But the memories of past fish and the stories of other’s success (true or imagined - who is to know) drew me back with a few friends.

It was a beautiful day that finally felt like spring had arrived. Maybe too bright for the fish but never mind. We were on a mission - hopefully one that would meet with success.

Sadly, this was not to be.

Despite all efforts and experimentation it was another fine day of fishing without much catching. Entertained by a couple of curious loons and a single trout for our collected efforts.

The trout were scarce but the loons entertained.

Big sigh! Who knows when I’ll be back. But I am sure there are still some bruisers in there somewhere.