Marshland Tugs - Cutler

[CoyoteSpinner]

Another day chasing kitties on Cutler for this Coyote. Keep thinking I'll go out in the afternoon, but it keeps turning windy every day, SO - for once I headed out in the morning. Good plan. Few trailers lined up at the Benson launch, saw a feller and his hound setup for some serious carping.

Got out to my spot before 9, and it wasn't long till I had a good tug. And I missed it, only to turn and see my other rod's bobber disappear. Then as I reached for the rod - ziiiiing went the line, then - - - nothing. Grrr - two strikes.

Had some ripened sucker strips and gutsty goo, and the next zinger got a lip piercing, and I pulled in a rough and tumble 21+ inch channel. The next taker was a phat glowing yellow belly.
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I moved farther in, and had a serious tug, went for a hookset, but didn't have my thumb pinned on the line, ended up with a big birdsnest. Oh Carp! Managed to undo the tangle, and found I had either a massive log of a fish, or maybe just a massive log. Acually pulled the boat forward, and in trying to horse up the log - disaster struck! Ack - shoulda brought the Ugly Stick!
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Moved along a bit farther, and between the slurping of the bugelmouths - my line started slipping away, so I buttoned down, and BINGO BENDO - wrastled in a two footer. Another fiesty fighter to net.
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In between a few more mudcats (pesky pests), I then clamped down on something heavy. A good roll later, I knew this was a nice one. Worked hard to avoid the anchor line, and not let the beast run under the boat - it had ALL kinds of other ideas, and took run after run. Finally seemed settled enough, and got it to flip back into the net. This big lady posed for a couple stylish shots, measing in at 28", my best for this year.
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As noon had approached, so did the breeze, which turned into a pretty wicked gale force, so it was time to go. But before I could pack up - I found another 20" had nabbed my bait - seemed pretty happy with itself, so then I was REALLY done, but as I reach for my second rod, so does someone else, bobber takes a dive, and darn it - ANOTHER 20" kitty is messing with me! Now that's enough you kittens! Games over, time to go before it gets ANY windier!
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Back to the launch to load and go. A ski-squad was also returning, as their kids chattering teeth attested - they weren't liking the wind much either.

Good morning on the water, some fun tugs. I love spring catting!

[Laroo]

Nice! Nice! Nice!
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[Envenomation09]

Nice job on the cats! What kind of rig do you use?
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[SkunkedAgain]

Nice job Yote looks like fun. That's bigger than last years mark too. Good mark. Later J
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[Boatloadakids]

Hey, too bad about that broken rod! Probably a small price to pay for a nice day of catin'. With the best time still to come I'm sure you will best that 28 incher before too long.

Nice cats.

BLK
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[CoyoteSpinner]

Thanks folks. Always fun to get on some quality tugs.

I try a few different rigs. Lots of times a few beads, maybe a blade under a bobber. Seems best when there's a little chop to bounce the blade.
On the bottom I like a sliding weight (barrell, or egg style) above a swivel and bead for a bumper. Then a stretch of leader and a hook or two (or three?) - tried using some mesh holding bait, but a simple piece of cut-bait seemed to be working the best. Worms really weren't turning them on today.

Never did get to trying the hot-dog rig. Need to go nab some more suckers. Carp cut-bait, or guts - can work just as well.
I often use shrimp, cuz it doesn't stink like some baits. Had chicken livers too, but didn't pull it out today.

I typically use circle or octopus hooks. Like getting a good lipped hookset.

[lavaman]

very nice John, good work. That's prob the same 28" cat I caught at 'your' spot recently. And caught a 26" kitty there yesterday as well. Good area, no doubt. :-P

[LIL_FISH]

Sounds like you had a blast! I have only went once below the dam and caught three cats one night. My fishing outings have slowed since I have been working down south. Hopefully I will be getting out on Friday night though. Where is a good stream up here in Cache Valley to soak a fly?
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[OutSideFishing]

Good job! Looks like alot of fun. I still need to get out and fish!
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[CoyoteSpinner]

Always a blast to get out fishing. Catching is a bonus! Had some good trips below the dam. Seems like it's always different - water levels, flows, who's "in". Impressed with the variety we've met - from Carp, Cats, Bass - Sunfish, Bluegill, Crappie, even Walleye and Brown trout (not to mention a swarm of Gizzard Shad). Wish there was a launch, and more river access!

I'm probably the wrong person to ask about flies, but that said, Logan river - if you want easy access, you can hit the dams (1st, 2nd, 3rd) for easy casting practice. Farther up you'll find more genuine fly fishing territory. I've always fancied the area up from Rick's spring before you get to the turnoff for Tony's grove. Up from Red Rocks campground before the turn to Beaver mountain also. Check the regs - I know there's a limited season (Cutt spawn?).

I think Right hand fork is still under a "kill" - not sure.

Blacksmith fork up from Hyrum also has some good fishing - but you pretty much have to get up the the Hyrum City Park, above the dam -- and beyond - to get much public access.

The lower Logan too. From the golf course on out to 10th West - has a walking trail, and with some waders - there's some good browns, big carp, and right now the suckers are on the spawn. Not sure what kind of fly a sucker goes for, but I even caught browns on a fly there.

You'd probably get more specifics (patterns and such) on the Fly board.

OSF - I'd be expecting to start bumping into you along the Bear before too long. Bet the bass and crappie are getting active. Weren't you going to Willard?

[LIL_FISH]

I am not much of a fly fisherman at all. I just like to go on the hot days to get wet mostly. I have only hit one stream like religion since I have picked up a fly rod and that is the one up at Gooseberry. Not really big but really fun. Hopefully on Friday I will be getting some fishing in. I am trying to think Newton again but maybe I will go back to the swamp and try for some cats.
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[OutSideFishing]

Yup, hit willard today. Had only 1 bite and missed it. So i went home empty handed.
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