Incredible Deal

Super deal right now for a backup rod/reel combo.  If you've ever found yourself with a broken rod 3 hours from home, you know the necessity for having a backup.  At this price, you can even buy 2-3 different combos...

Interlude

The first week of school is always hectic, and most years I don't really have an opportunity to fish until things calm down 2-3 weeks into the school year.  Fortunately, I was prepared enough for the upcoming week to make it out Sunday afternoon for a couple of hours.  The stream was a favorite local stream known for its smallmouth, redeye, and other sunfish.
Fishing slowly down the stream was a great way to relax and recover from a busy week.  I'm already plotting how to sneak off for an evening this week.  Unfortunately that probably won't actually happen but it's still nice to dream a little.

During my time on the water, I saw a multitude of fish and even caught more than my usual share despite the very low water conditions.  While working slowly down the stream, I even scared an otter that was playing in the creek.  It soon vanished under a huge undercut rock.  I was surprised to find that its presence did not really affect the fishing much at all.  The catching still went on uninterrupted...

Long Drive

Smokies Backcountry Fees?

In the midst of the madness otherwise known as the beginning of another school year, I ran across some interesting information about a proposal being considered for the Smoky Mountains.  Apparently the Park Service is considering charging a fee for backcountry campsites.  Personally, if I could afford it, I would have no problem paying for the privilege.  However, as it is my local Park and has never charged a fee, I am strongly against it. 

Currently on a very limited budget, I've resorted to backpacking as a way to still visit my favorite place anywhere on overnight trips.  I enjoy car camping but it is just too expensive to justify or even afford on a regular basis.  By charging for backcountry sites, the Park Service will more or less be pricing a Park experience out of some people's budgets and cutting down on the number of trips others can take.  While some backcountry sites get too crowded, it is my opinion that charging money is NOT the method to cut down on crowds.  If the Park Service would simply get out and ticket backcountry users for staying without reservations they could still generate the revenue they are claiming to be in desperate need of. 

While I'm sure there are good arguments in favor of fees, I am strongly against it.  Anyone who loves hiking overnight in the Park and does not want to be charged for the privilege should contact the Park Service as they are in the process of taking public comments on this proposal.  I've already sent mine in and would encourage everyone else to do the same. 

From Tennessee to Montana...

...and everywhere in between, we just got back from a roadtrip to Yellowstone that included enough fishing to at least maintain my sanity but lots of time taking in the scenery as well.  I spent a considerable amount of time behind my camera taking lots of pictures and will be sharing those and stories from the trip over the upcoming days.  School is starting so I'll be busy.  Please be patient with me as I juggle time on the job with updating the blog...  Here's one picture of the Lower Falls on the Yellowstone to get everything started. 

Checking Out

Despite a long to-do list, including several posts I still need to finish here, I'm checking out for the next couple of weeks.  I'll be travelling to see family as well as spending some time in Yellowstone.  Look for lots of updates when I get back.  Until then, I hope everyone is able to get out and spend a lot of time on the water...

Good Deals

I found a few good deals here again, including some steals if you're looking for boots or fishing pants...check it out! 

On the Last Cast...

...of the evening, a nice brown took my fly.

 Catherine McGrath Photograph

More on this fish and what it ate to come, as well as some area warm water updates and news on my upcoming trip to Yellowstone!