Most recent fishing outing... been a while since I've posted anything. Last time I was out I had the privilege of catching fish from three different DNR major watersheds: Cannon, Zumbro and Whitewater. I don't think I've ever caught all three trout species in such a short time... not to mention at least one of each greater than or equal to 12 inches.

I saw many, many fish in the stream that was just dubbed "poor" with respect to its index of biological integrity (some of you can put this together)... it is clear that bug diversity may, but does not necessarily correlate to fish density or diversity. Fish can get big gorging themselves on scuds. However, as someone mentioned at the meeting: diversity is important for long term viability of a system. If something were to affect the scuds in that stream it'd be in trouble.

In the early AM I was enveloped in a cloud of midges - pretty amazing. I also saw a few large caddis - see pictures. However, fish were not steadily rising to anything. I saw ~6 rises all morning. I tried a couple dry flies and my buddy's Wilted Spinach, but no dice this time. Every time I tried something like that and failed, I'd go back to nymphs and proceed to pluck them out. It's scary just how deadly nymphing can be... even in the hands of someone like me. Add an indicator and you're looking at a very, very effective approach. Speaking of indicator I do always feel like this group of fly anglers is hovering over me - watching and saying "get rid of the indicator you cheater." I did try some naked nymphing this time out, and got a few fish that way - including largest brown of the day (the fatty - see pic). Overall great outing - wish I'd had more time...

That's probably the biggest brook trout I've caught. If I hadn't taken a picture I'd have said 14 inches, but it is not that big. Probably more like 13" given reference provided by rod in picture. The fish ran all over the place - tore me up pretty well - 4 wt and #18 barbless nymph. The rainbow did some stream walking too - looked live a muskrat running downstream with head above water.