Fishing the Ditches

Had to travel to Spokane three times this week with Carlynn. I'd been doing some research on a wasteway (ditch) between here and there, and found a government report from 1977 that indicated there was a stretch that had rainbow trout, but also infestations of carp and that it wasn't managed for fishery anymore. Google Earthed it and saw what looked like moving water, so Monday on the way back I paid it an exploratory visit. We were in a hurry that morning and I forgot the rod, but peering down into the water there were a couple moving shapes, and some tailing - carp. Up a little farther, a pretty moving stretch, and carp below a culvert sucking in whatever they eat. So Tuesday on the way home, I stopped with the fly rod to see if any descendants of the rainbows from years ago were still around, and if not, try to hook a carp. 

The wind was blowing, so it was difficult to see fish. Tried some likely water, but nothing. A few deeper shots as I was walking down, but it appears to be troutless. The bottom is all large, broken basalt, so I don't think there is any way for trout to naturally reproduce. I did find some tailing carp as it was getting dark, but couldn't interest them in anything I threw at them.

So today, I planned to visit a ditch where I knew there were trout, where Tom and I had a great day last Black Friday. Got there with the sun low on the horizon. Fished swinging the small black bugger straight downstream. Found fish again, but didn't go far from the road as Carlynn was waiting in the car. 

Nice little rainbow

About a half dozen to hand, 6" to 9". Missed a lot with the downstream presentation. Looking down into the deep, slow water between runs you could see dozens of trout this size, with one or two 16"+ big boys keeping watch over them. Skittish fish!

Pretty colors!

As the light was fading, I tried upstream casts with a small fly to rising fish, but no luck. Once the line hit the water, they went down. Next time I have to remember to bring dries and emergers! Carlynn was very accommodating, resting in the car and reading, while I lived my motto - "Every trip is an excuse to fish..."

End of another good day! (as any day fishing is)