10-28-2014, 08:20 PM
After much deliberating, I decided to hit Rockport for what would most likely be my last hurrah for fishing this season. I was anxious that my son and I have a productive day and looking forward to a lot of tugs and more than a few catches. We made good time, taking only 45 minutes to get from 54th and Redwood to Rockport Dam; and we began fishing before sunrise, around 7:50. Based upon reports at BFT, and some chatter in the parking lot with some other anglers, I was expecting at least a couple of fish.
After two hours of nary a nibble (not even so much as a whiff), I was feeling a bit frustrated. I had tried just about everything I could think of, based upon what I have read and what I had in my tackle bag. Countless numbers of flies, spinners, some jigs, worms, and cast some plastics a bit for some bass. The thing I realized that I need to learn is how to fish off the bottom. All my presentations for trout were within the top 5 feet of the water; and I’m guessing all the fish were at the bottom. It was really windy. I didn’t see a single fish caught from the bank or from the boats fishing near the dam. Didn’t see a single fish the entire time I was there.
Through all this, my 12 year-old son wasn’t discouraged. He patiently tried different things, and suggested strategies for this outing and future outings. After about 3 hours of nothing, we ended up walking along the dam searching for tackle. It felt like a treasure hunt, and I allowed myself a change in my attitude. We really had a blast. The one that got away was a 5” rapala that was wedged in between two huge boulders. It was within our reach, but we couldn’t pry the boulders away and we finally had to concede the fight.
I don’t know why, but I chose to pick up an interesting contraption that looked like it may have been part of a boat at one time. Anyone know what that is?
On our way home, I decided to hit the North side of Jordanelle. I had never been there and wanted to see what access points existed. There is a spot called Ross Creek, where you can park (for free) at about a 10-minute walk from shore. We fished for a bit (I guess the skunk at Rockport wasn’t enough for us) but felt nothing. We did find some more tackle.
No fish, but I had a really fun time with my son: time well-spent.
PS. Last night, my 6 year old unwrapped his very own fishing pole during his birthday party. He was happy and we all can’t wait for a trip where he can try it out.
Pics:
6997 - Hyrum at Rockport
6999 - Hyrum at Rockport
7001 - Hyrum at Jordanelle
7003 - One man's loss is another man's treasure!
7004 - What's this?
[signature]
After two hours of nary a nibble (not even so much as a whiff), I was feeling a bit frustrated. I had tried just about everything I could think of, based upon what I have read and what I had in my tackle bag. Countless numbers of flies, spinners, some jigs, worms, and cast some plastics a bit for some bass. The thing I realized that I need to learn is how to fish off the bottom. All my presentations for trout were within the top 5 feet of the water; and I’m guessing all the fish were at the bottom. It was really windy. I didn’t see a single fish caught from the bank or from the boats fishing near the dam. Didn’t see a single fish the entire time I was there.
Through all this, my 12 year-old son wasn’t discouraged. He patiently tried different things, and suggested strategies for this outing and future outings. After about 3 hours of nothing, we ended up walking along the dam searching for tackle. It felt like a treasure hunt, and I allowed myself a change in my attitude. We really had a blast. The one that got away was a 5” rapala that was wedged in between two huge boulders. It was within our reach, but we couldn’t pry the boulders away and we finally had to concede the fight.
I don’t know why, but I chose to pick up an interesting contraption that looked like it may have been part of a boat at one time. Anyone know what that is?
On our way home, I decided to hit the North side of Jordanelle. I had never been there and wanted to see what access points existed. There is a spot called Ross Creek, where you can park (for free) at about a 10-minute walk from shore. We fished for a bit (I guess the skunk at Rockport wasn’t enough for us) but felt nothing. We did find some more tackle.
No fish, but I had a really fun time with my son: time well-spent.
PS. Last night, my 6 year old unwrapped his very own fishing pole during his birthday party. He was happy and we all can’t wait for a trip where he can try it out.
Pics:
6997 - Hyrum at Rockport
6999 - Hyrum at Rockport
7001 - Hyrum at Jordanelle
7003 - One man's loss is another man's treasure!
7004 - What's this?
[signature]