Spring may be a couple weeks away, but when you get 65 degree weather and add an hour of daylight, it's Spring in my book! Cooper and I started the day with some training, getting a few retrieves under his belt and doing a fine job on his steadiness and marking. We have a lot of work to do in the off season, but it's going to be fun!
Afterwards, we hit the good 'ol Loyalhanna a few miles away to see if we could bring a trout to net. There was a decent stonefly hatch going off which made me smile even before I wet a line. I took a few fish in a couple hours and all on my Black&Gold Prince Steeler Nymph. I am convinced these were all holdovers or previous stockies, because the fish were keying on the black nymph. I threw a smorgasbord of San Juans, Green Weenies, and Eggs too, but didn't get a take. Apparently, they just stocked the stream, but I dont think these new fish were feeding yet or even knew what a stonefly was (at least that is what I am telling myself.)
One benefit of Cooper's training is he'll sit steady as a rock while I fish a section of stream and not budge until he's called. But he does give quite the warning bark to anyone that approaches our vicinity. I will admit, this is sometimes pretty nice for keeping the space invaders away that love to crowd you after you land a couple fish (maybe I should take him to Erie steelheading?!)
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| Cooper swimming up to the next section of stream we fished. |
I don't make it out to the Loyalhanna much anymore, but I have some great memories fishing there, Laurel Hill, and 4 Mile Run years ago with my Dad and brother. It was great to return to my old stomping grounds on a sunny March day. I'm counting down the days until I get to chase the ultimate wild fish in Oregon next week.
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