A walk in the river is all I expected. After a few weeks of casting practice in sterile creeks I gave up and hit the Fox River. Levels were abnormally low for spring, perfect wading conditions instead of nearing flood stage.
As I stepped into the river I parted a massive school of bait fish. This told me where to cast when I got around to it. On the opposite side of the river the gravel bars on the upstream side of the islands glowed white. Can’t recall ever seeing that before.
With the winter we had I hear a massive amount of salt was dumped on roads. Along the river it eventually has to wind up in the river. Up close, it sure looked like salt crust. And yes, the next two shots are in color.
I’m used to seeing water lines on rocks with the rock beneath the line a lighter color from being washed by the river. But I’ve never seen this.
If it is salt deposits, I wonder if it will have any affect on the fish. Two fish caught and three fish missed later, I would have to say no so far. They were all hanging around the rocks along with a bunch of jumping carp. Where there’s carp there’s smallies. Maybe they like salt.
Paired up geese were everywhere. The smart ones were already nesting on the islands. Smart move. Fewer ground dwelling predators.
The ones nesting on shore are already regretting that decision.
A mini waterfall was explored. No matter how dry it gets, this always has flowing water. I’ve known of it for 15 years now. I have never looked for it’s source.
The walk was made that much more brutal by the constant rush of wind. I heard later it was over 20 mph with gusts up to 40.
But it’s not so bad inside a duck blind, blocking the wind and a long bench to stretch a back on.
Dan "The Impractical Fishermen"
14 Apr 2014I wonder how big the pond is above that waterfall.
Ken G
15 Apr 2014As much as I like looking at aerial photos Dan, I’ve never even done that. I do know it’s all private property up there, so we may never know.
Gregg Stockey
15 Apr 2014Enjoyed your walk. Any fish this early is a good fish.
Ken G
15 Apr 2014Yes it is Gregg. Saw you got your bass and bat too. We actually had a bird in the house over the weekend. The one little hole I forgot to plug in the attic and of course he finds his way in. Drove the four cats insane.
Jim McClellan
15 Apr 2014Is the fishing better or worse with the low water? Or does it make any difference?
Ken G
15 Apr 2014The low water lets me wade to where I think the fish are hanging out Jim. Worked this time for such a slow start to the fishing season.
Howard Levett
15 Apr 2014I’m just glad that things are reaching a somewhat normal stage. Life goes on. Here in the Rockies we’re still catching snow. First over the weekend and now another predicted for tomorrow. When will it end?
Ken G
15 Apr 2014The ten day for here shows it’s done Howard. But I won’t count on day 11 till it gets here.
Mark
17 Apr 2014You didn’t taste the rocks?
I noticed very light deposits on the rocks as well, but not white like your photos show.
Ken G
18 Apr 2014It was really tempting Mark, at least lick it off my fingers.
But I have this little birdie in my head that sounds a lot like my wife…
You’re such a moron…