Quick Trip — High Sierra Trout — Balancing Life

[foakes]

Monday morning, July 1st, up at 04:00, made lunch and a thermos of coffee, left home at 05:00 —

Launched boat at Courtright Lake, 06:40, fishing at 06:55.

Penn 9's, Okuma 7' SST Rods, lead core fished at 4 colors, 10' 8lb mono leader, Speedy Shiners in copper with flourescent orange stripe & silver backsides, also rainbow trout pattern with silver backside.  Trolled at 3.5 mph.

Limited out on Rainbows and Browns — nothing big, largest was a 16" rainbow, rest were all 12" range — give or take an inch.  Strong  fighters.

Courtright is at 8400', Road was closed until last Wednesday, wanted to hit it before the July 4th crowd swarmed in today and tomorrow.  There was only one other empty boat trailer close to the launching ramp.

The (3) creeks feeding the North end of the lake with heavy snow-melt are Nelson, Helms, and Ershim.  The lake is full to the brim.  It is about 4 miles long, and a mile wide.

From our house it is a 90 minute drive entirely in the mountains — and we drive through the McKinley Grove of Giant Redwoods to and from.

Enjoyed a couple of Pastrami Sandwiches, Lime Tostida Chips, Banana, Nectarine, 2 bottles of water, and 2
large cups of Starbucks Coffee.  Boat back on the trailer at 11:00 — all gear secured and tight.

Back home at 12:45 — fish cleaned and packaged 2X2 in the freezer with water. boat cleaned and stored, took a shower — and went upstairs to work on reels at 1:45.

Took the wife down to Velasco's for Mexican food at 5:30 — came back home to watch the PBS newshour and Star Trek,, had a small bowl of Ampersand Dark Chocolate Ice Cream with Whipped Cream, 8 hours of good sleep, up at 04:30 today, did a little Bible Study, had breakfast of oatmeal, bran, fruit and coffee.  

Upstairs again to work on reels.

It was a good and balanced 24 hours!

Tonight, I will grill a Rib Eye, Sue will make a Spinich Salad with Garlic 2-Day Sourdough, fresh
peaches and whipped cream for dessert.  Maybe watch a movie on Netflix, Acorn, or APrime.

Best,

Fred

[Crow]

Sounds like a great day !!

[Dominick]

Now that sounds like a contented soul.  Good for you Fred.  Dominick

[mo65]

Fantastic Fred...just fantastic! If I lived on that west coast side I'd be knockin' on many of you folks' doors wanting to go fishing!

[Ron Jones]

I think one of those browns would go great with the rib eye!
The Man

[Bryan Young]

Wonderful!!!  If I were to go, even if I didn't catch any fish, I could likely just float around the lake and enjoy the peace and nature.

[xjchad]

Fred, Can I come live with you???  

[Hardy Boy]

Tasty pan fried trout from a cold lake ............................. nothing better !! Nice work.

Cheers:


Todd

[Shark Hunter]

Living the Dream!

[Benni3]

Very beautiful country,,,,, thanks for taking us along,,,, and a great day fishing too,,,, you just can't beat that,,,,,,

[Alto Mare]

beautiful place to spend some quality time Fred, the fish is only an added bonus.
I'm glad you had a great day.

Sal

[Smols]

Awesome looking place, Fred - and a great report. Thanks for sharing, would love to fish the Sierra lakes sometime.

Smols

[Caranx]

Great post. Enjoyed it!

[smnaguwa]

Amazing! You're a great reel mechanic, fisherman, blogger, husband, cook and likely other skills. And generous to boot!

[Donnyboat]

Nice clear photos Fred, thanks for posting, cheers Don.