(09-14-2021, 11:31 PM)lovetofish Wrote: I haven't fished Deer Creek in years but have been thinking about giving it a try. I went to Strawberry this morning and decided to take a looksie on the way home of the ramp you launched from. Since we have never met before I watched a gentleman walk up the ramp and he was almost to the top otherwise I would have offered him a ride. Do you by chance have white hair and were wearing a white shirt. He paused for a little bit I guess to catch his breath.First of all, don't call me a gentleman. I'll sue ya fer slander. But otherwise, your description fits me. I paused for a bit about three times...with a lotta wheezing. At least I didn't wake up in the lifeflight helicopter...this time.
Anyways, I think Deer Creek might be my next stop instead of driving all the way to Strawberry. However, it will be a couple of weeks away because I have some surgery scheduled next weeik.
Deer Creek can get good in October. The bigger trout come up in the water column and hit a wide variety of lures. Also, if you can find the perch (usually in at least 25 - 30 feet of water) you can often get some larger ones. If you are a walleye fan you can do some deep jigging or dragging bottom bouncers.
The big problem a lot of us have is the "finless Freddies"...the newly planted "catchable size" rainbows. They hit almost anything. That's great for the tin tub armada that goes after those little tykes, but if you want quality it can make for a frustrating day.
(09-14-2021, 11:45 PM)catdaddygar Wrote: Ever wonder why the fish and game can t wait until after dark to stock lakes with fish. They have been stocking lakes for years during the daylight can t imagine how many fish have gone to the birds. At the cost to bring a minnow up to stocking size I think some of us sportsmen should start talking to some higher ups. Maybe a couple dollars in over time money or start there shift at 6 and plant the fish at 10 just a thought.Reminds me of a poster I used to keep on my wall at a company for which I worked. "AIN'T NO GOOD REASON FOR IT...IT'S JUST COMPANY POLICY."
The community ponds are a good (bad) example of heavy bird predation on new trout plantings. On some ponds, the cormorants and pelicans seem to have read the schedule and are waiting for the trucks to dump and go. Then, as the disoriented new residents swim aimlessly on the surface, a high percentage of them leave the lake inside birds and not with fishing kids.
I really suspect (as you suggest) it is a matter of scheduling and overtime, etc. Would cost more to have night shifts doing the planting. So what if it provides a better return on the investment in hatching and rearing to planting size.