Stream Stalker

Stubborness leads to a skunking

Tue, February 21, 2012

Was able to get over to the Vermilion River on Sunday.  Got out around mid-morning with air temps in the mid 30’s with lots of sun.  The weather man had predicted 40 for the high, but Livingston County never saw that temp.  Winds out of the east….................WHICH I HATE!!  I decided to first hit the spot that produced two nice fish back on Super Bowl Sunday.  When I arrived I was pleasantly surprised how low the water was and how clear it was as well.  Only problem was that the spot that produced a few weeks ago when the water was high, was now quite shallow.  I guess the fish were there a few weeks ago as it provided them a safe haven from the heavy current when the river was twice as high.

So, I had a decision to make.  I could jump in the truck and hit a few tried and true, deep-water eddies, or take off downstream and do some exploring.  I chose to walk downstream and check out some “new” water.  My hope was that I would find a great, slow-water, deep eddy that my beloved Vermilion River smallies might call home.  I did find some depth, but each deep water spot just had too much current for winter smallies. 

I jumped in the truck and decided to do some exploring via the vehicle.  As I drove around the back roads thinking of areas that might be good at the present water level, I had a brainstorm.  I knew of an outside bend that is quite deep and I had never fished it during the winter (though I had fished it numerous times during the summer)..............it should be prime.  In order to access the bend, I would have to ask permission from a landowner that has a house sitting right on the bend.  No problem as I pulled into the driveway and saw three vehicles parked.  I knocked on the door and rang the doorbell, but no answer…..............rats!!  I will definitely be back soon to see if I can catch the landowner at home and hope and pray they will let me walk down their steep bank - they even have installed a set of wooden steps to allow for easy access.

By now, it was getting late, as I had promised the boss I would stop and get groceries and be home by 2:30.  So, with my tail between my legs, I took my skunking like a man, got groceries, and headed for home.

I knew my tying vise would be waiting as I am replenishing my stock of Scout swim jigs for the Elmwood show.

AS ALWAYS…................HAIL TO THE SMALLIE

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