Previous Next

Wow...Wow...Wow...This IS extreme fishing! Showed up at Green Lake at 7:00 AM... Pete met me and we got gear ready and were at the lake and fishing by 7:20. Air temp was 47 degrees at the outset, wind was strong out of the southeast, spitting rain. Water temp at shoreline was 52 degrees, a drop in the last week, and getting in the range of good fishing for the German Browns. Actually, it was the German Browns that I was targeting this AM. I set up one rod with Nightcrawlers, another with Cluster salmon eggs. Pete went with marshmallows and worms and Power Eggs (red & chartreuse). Wind never let up, only got stronger through the day. At about 8:00, Pete landed the first Rainbow, a 16"er (at least we know the universe is still in sync... He ALWAYS catches the first!). Twenty minutes later, another Rainbow for Pete, a 14"er, both of these on marshmallows and worms. Then, nothing for quite a while. The wind was really wreaking havoc with our lines... rain was pelting us, coming in sideways. About 9:30, Pete reeled in another 14"er, now on Power Eggs... I remained resolute, making my offerings toward the Browns, not the Rainbow. At about 10:00, my rod tip dove toward the ground, and I had a fish on... BIG fish! With rod in hand, the line peeled off the reel, at least 50' before I got the fish under control. Monster head shakes and run after run, but finally got the fish to shore... a huge German Brown. I was utterly amazed that such a huge fish was to be found in my Green Lake! By now the wind was really humming, blowing huge waves shoreward and washing over the rocks we were fishing off of. As the fish tired and turned on it's side, a huge wave washed up on top of a large flat boulder, then another wave washed the fish into a crevice created by another huge boulder. I hesitated for a moment, considering how to best handle the situation... actually, it was in that moment that I decided that I would release this magnificent fish... then, my great friend Pete came to the rescue, scrambled down over the boulders to help me, pulled up on the leader to get some tension on the fish, and the hook popped out of the fish's jaw. It laid there for a couple seconds, not realizing it was free, then Pete made a grab for it and it slowly swam back into the depths of the lake. I was nearly overwhelmed by the moment... not at all disappointed that the fish was gone, just in awe at what had transpired. The only disappointment I felt, was at myself for not getting my camera ready to document this extraordinary fish. Both Pete and I noticed that the fish bore a large wound of some sort on it's shoulder area, and another back by it's tail. Later I measured the flat rock on which the fish had laid for a few moments, it was 28" wide... the fish had covered nearly all the rock, so I am confident in saying that the fish was at least 24" long. It had a mouth the looked like a Tyrannosaurus... all teeth and wide open. Pete was distraught, thinking he had caused the loss of the fish, but in reality, he had nothing to do with the fish getting away... it's something we call "fishing". This time the fish won..., but nothing can take away an awesome memory.
After that excitement, Pete caught his fourth and fifth Rainbows, the last, a beautiful 16"er... all in glorious spawning colors, a sexually mature buck, obviously not a sterile Triploid... a truly beautiful fish... can be seen in the last picture. Note the much larger head, probably a 4 or 5 year fish.
I finally changed over to Power Eggs myself, Pete left at about noon, and I caught my first Rainbow about fifteen minutes later (coincidence!!??). I had two more Rainbows on during the afternoon, but both came unbuttoned at the shoreline. The wind, by now gusting at 30 to 35mph made every simple task, an enormous chore. Trying to get a feisty Rainbow to the net was almost impossible. At about 3:00 the heavens opened up and the rain got serious. I left the lake about 3:30, a man so much richer for the memories of one incredible day.
These late season fish are really, really incredible. I know that Spring fishing after the plants is so much easier, you can catch your limit in only an hour... but the effort expended and the rewards in catching only a couple of these magnificent Rainbows is what true fishing is all about. Plus, as table fare, these 15" and 16" Rainbows are unrivaled. Whether on the grill, pan-fried (you better have a big pan!), or my new favorite, trout chowder... they simply can't be beat!
Hope you are all making lots of quality memories. PTL!

N E 1 FISSION

12/2/2012 10:23:00 PM

Nice going Stan!! I wish I went there Saturday also, but if you see my report just before yours, I went what I thought was going to be "Trips" at Ballinger. Never caught a Brown, tried last year, will do again this year. Are you fishing NE side of the lake again? 1/2 mile south of 65th street dock? Anyways, congrats to you!!

Stansjoy

12/2/2012 11:11:00 PM

NE1... Thank you very much. We are fishing NE side, just north of the boat rental building... maybe 1/4 mile north of the big "T" dock... off the shoreline. The shallows in that area, all way around to Duck Island, I understand, are the best area for the Browns. I love Ballinger, a favorite... plan to hit it Monday if I get off work early. Hadn't heard of Trips at Ballinger, but always a chance at a nice Cutthroat there! Always enjoy your reports... yeah, the weather was a challenge on Saturday! PTL!

N E 1 FISSION

12/3/2012 2:47:00 PM

I can't seem to find the article, (duh, guilty!!) so maybe I am wrong, bummer!! I will make it a point to meet you 1 day!! Good luck to you,...

fishingbear

12/3/2012 4:14:00 PM

If I read your report right and also see that there are 6 fish in the picture you posted I think you were over your limit for the day. All Trout caught on bait count towards your daily limit even if they are released. Just because you have a 2 pole endorsement doesn't mean you can catch 2 limits.

Bryne Chum

12/3/2012 6:44:00 PM

man I was there all day sat with no luck at all, its been so long since I cought a fish i forgot what a fish on feels like

Stansjoy

12/3/2012 9:39:00 PM

Fishingbear, I always take the fish home when Pete and I fish together, so I can clean them and record them in the reports. Five of the fish were Pete's, one for me (two if I count the big Brown!).

TBear_fishin

12/8/2012 5:55:00 PM

I really loved reading your most exciting fishing venture. I have only fished Green lake once, about 2 weeks ago on the dock at 65th. The action was dismal. Your report gives me more fodder for returning. The holidays kinda slow my opportunities, especially now that our niece and her husband are now at the hospital awaiting their first baby. Next time I will be sure to fish the areas you so vividly described in your report. Thank you!

Leave a Comment:

Login

Flag

×

Why is this comment inappropriate?

Close Submit

Delete this comment? Provide reason.

No Yes

Edit

×

Cancel Save