As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop dramatically, so do the opportunities to wet a line. When you factor in the attempt to balance work, family and home responsibilities, you find that your only real fishing option is to spend a few minutes on a local stream or pond. Today was a perfect example.
Finding a free hour in my schedule, I made my first visit to the local mill pond, which lies along a dirt road less than a mile from my house. Small, tree lined with limited parking, it doesn’t exactly lend itself to fly fishing from the bank, but holds promise for a return trip with the kayak.
I took a 9′ 5 wt along with my Wind River reel. The pond was surrounded by forest and brush, so no real opportunity for a full backcast. I found myself frequently roll casting, so the length came in handy. For the first few casts I tied on a green and yellow frog popper. Having no luck, I switched back to the same mustard colored popper that I used a few weeks ago to catch bass in a NJ river.
After finding a spot closer to the lilly pads, I picked up this nice thick bream. He put up a good fight. At one point I thought he broke off in the weeds, but I brought him to hand shortly after.
I only stayed for a few more casts. The sun was quickly setting and the temperatures dropped noticeably. That said, it was still good to get out, even for a few minutes.
Hope you’re taking advantage of those last few opportunities as well. Happy Thanksgiving to All! Enjoy!
Leave a Reply