The weather has just been too mild to push many ducks into the area. Word is, though, that the mid-season migrants (green-wing teal, gadwalls and widgeon) are starting to show up. I'll give them a shot maybe tomorrow.Today, I decided to find and fish another put-and-grow trout stream. Below is how the Iowa Department of Natural Resources describes these streams in the Iowa Trout Guide. The images are from Brush Creek Canyon State Park (of which I cannot find a good link for) near Arlington, IA.
"Iowa's put-and-grow streams offer unique trout fishing opportunities. They are particularly suited for those anglers who prefer a solitary fishing experience and the opportunity to catch a few stream-reared trout, with the possibility of catching a real trophy-sized fish. Here are some facts about put-and-grow streams :
Two- to five-inch trout fingerlings are stocked into these streams. Most streams are stocked annually, but some streams maintain self-sustaining wild populations and do not require annual stocking.
The majority of streams are stocked with wild brown trout fingerlings.
These streams are fertile and food organisms are generally quite abundant. Brown trout respond with excellent growth rates - attaining lengths of 12 to 14 inches as soon as three years after stocking!
Three- and four-pound browns (18-20 inches) are not uncommon and occasionally browns of more than six pounds (24 inches) are caught from these streams."
And I caught me a dandy one today! Look at this baby practically fall out of my hand it's that big. A touch over 16 inches! My personal best so far. It was the only one I caught all morning, but it sure was a nice one! Used a Panther Martin-style in-line spinner with silver blade/blue body. I had a couple of follows, but this was the only strike - other than creek chubs.
About the solitary fishing experience? Well, I didn't see any sign of humans here lately, but raccoons use the stream. Saw some mink and deer tracks, also. Good company and a great morning!! Got to find more of these streams!!
Posts
7 comments:
Beautiful brown and looks like it was a nice day to be out.
Nice! If you're only going to catch one, might as well be like that!
Owl - BEAUTIFUL colors on those Fall browns. Congrats on your PB! Even though I've only fished once in NE Iowa trout streams, I was very impressed, and plan to get back You're pictures make me want to move IOWA up on the list of "Things to do"
Wolfy
Two things, Owl. First and foremost, what a beautiful Brown Trout. Your blog header today is an awesome shot worthy of praise. Secondly, I agree with Wolfy about your Iowa outdoor photo's. I think I would love it there.
Hey Owl. Got to love those PM's. Nice to be out and just commune with nature. Thanks for the pictures. NE Iowa looks like a beautiful place.
Bill and Troutrageous - Thank you for stopping by. All in all, it was a great day. And I forgot to mention the stomping contest I had with a whitetail buck when I got there. I tried to keep him interested until I had enough light to get a photo. Didn't work.
Wolfy, Mel, and Shoreman - I am pretty lucky to be living here. But I'm perusing the internet right now for places to vacation next summer and the Rockies are looking awesome!
Beautiful fish. I have been on a fishing kick for the last week too due to the sluggish deer movement. Great post and pictures. That sure is a nice trout.
Post a Comment