It doesn't take much to make a memory when you are blessed with two kids like mine. All you need is time together, and wonderful things happen. Today, we spent time together, and added a river that has been on my list since moving to OR. Memories were made.
The John Day is amazing. I have never seen so many bass in my life, and we only walked a small stretch of river. Bass leapt in the shallows at dragonflies, bass spooked off the shoreline as we walked along, and bass repeatedly, and with utter abandon attacked the jigs my kids threw.
I carried a fly rod, hoping to see a carp or two but I spent most of the day going from kid to kid, helping to unhook a fish, or snapping pictures, or just wanting a close up of a smile. I did see three carp, one solid 15 lb range fish tailing. I made one cast, and the instant my fly hit the water a bass ate it and spooked the carp. I can't really describe the amount of bass in that river. Both of my kids landed at least 30 fish, and were hooking bass on almost every cast. Granted, most of the fish were small, but they weren't small to JJ and Elia.
If you live here in OR and haven't been to the John Day, you are missing out. My kids were all smiles for the couple of hours we spent on the river. We will be back.
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10 comments:
Just awesome. Nothing better than quality time; sharing your passion with you children.
Perhaps I can talk you into heading over there for steelhead this fall... unbelievable. That photo of your daughter is priceless
I would absolutely go for steel in the fall. Great looking river!
Pure awesomeness!!
Awesome! I just took my two year old out fishing on the river for the first time. She has been to the trout farm in preparation for the real deal. We found two Browns and hook a bunch of white bass. Spotted some large carp, between 15-20 lbs. She mostly just played on the bank with her dolly and dragon flies. We had fun! Love the buff on Elia! Love your blog , still creepin' around looking for your posts all the time.
You are always great with your family! My brother, a fisheries biologist in Juneau, took a guided trip for bass on the JD. I asked him how he thought smolts could make it past and he said it must happen in the spring in very high cold water and even then it would be tough. That many small bass. He saw carp, every one followed by a small school of bass.
Gregg
April Vokey took notice and is now coming out with a line of wading-skirts. Ha !!
I have not caught a smallie that big in a while.
April Vokey took notice and is now coming out with a line of wading-skirts. Ha !!
I have not caught a smallie that big in a while.
Cool stuff right there John.
You're kids are adorable. : )
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