Jones Bridge Report - 12/5

[RSB]

I actually had the opportunity to fish Saturday afternoon for the first time in two months, boy have I missed it. If this weather is really due to the forecasted La Nina weather pattern, I am going to love this winter.

The water was low, mostly clear, but still stained from the Lanier turnover, visibility was around 2 1/2 feet. I had a fairly good day despite my lack of practice (and skill).

I caught 6 browns on a #12 conehead black wooly bugger, with two more on the prince nymph dropper. Most of the fish were in the 3 & 4 foot deep runs. Late in the afternoon there was some surface activity and, THANKS TO THIS BOARD, I knew to try a Griffith's Gnat, size #20. I got six strikes and caught four more browns. The fish on the surface really slammed the gnat, all of them took the flies deep in their mouths. Has anyone else noticed increased surface/feeding activity downstream of feeding geese ? I think I learned something.....

All but one of the fish were nubby finned stockers, I did get one 12" brown that was a real beauty.

Tight Lines & Merry Christmas....RSB

[FlygURL]

Thanks for the report.

[The Drifter]

RSB types,
"Has anyone else noticed increased surface/feeding activity downstream of feeding geese ? I think I learned something....."

Hey RSB,
I've never noticed the "feeding geese phenomena", but you've got me thinking. Probably because I always steer clear of geese. Probably a mistake.

I remember reading somewhere that fly fisherman on the San Juan River would stand at the head of a riffle and "shuffle" their feet on the bottom. This would dislodge vegetation and aquatic insects, which would in turn, drift downstream. The fisherman would then drift a fly downstream to feeding fish. Chumming for trout if you will. "Shuffling" was quickly outlawed by the local DNR to protect the stream bottom.

Perhaps the feeding geese cause the same phenomena.

The Drifter

[Hound]

Hey RSB If you are referring to the area downstream of the island at Jones Bridge, I have always seen great rises close to sundown in that area. It is really awesome action once the sun gets close to setting. I prefer to fish this area at least two hours before the sun sets. Never been let down here.

Hound