Tom
01-27-99, 03:47 PM
Breaking away from a DNR/USFS meeting after looking out the window up here in Rabun County, I hopped in the truck and headed for one our many (in season) small streams in the area. No other human form within sight as I started up this beautiful stream. Although the air was warm, upper 50's, stream temperature middle to upper 40's, there were no hatches. Using a small yarn indicator (read "bobber") with a small prince nymph, I shortly began to pick up small YOTY rainbows. After about an hour I approached a small pool with the main current tumbling over about a foot drop at the head. Again, a four or five inch little guy took the nymph. Laying the rod aside, I stretched out by the pool to eat lunch and have a boxed drink. The more I looked at that pool, the more convinced I was that there must be another fish there. Still in the prone position, I reached across the current with my rod and lowered the nymph right up against the undercut rock ledge where a small eddy was doing its' magic. Immediately the yarn darted straight down. Lifting the rod tip I was on to the trout. Without much fanfare I brought the fish to the surface and into my net. (I was now sitting on the rock I had been reclining on) This rainbow was11' to 12', as colorful as just about any I've caught here, the Midwest, Pennsylvania or out past Hiawassee. Gill plates were bright to ruby red and spots from here to there!
Big? He was a lunker! Holding him in the net while I examined him, it was for sure he had never swam over a concrete bottom nor had his fins clipped for identification. How long had he and his momma and grandmomma been in this stream? I don't know but this I do know. He was huge!
Big? He was a lunker! Holding him in the net while I examined him, it was for sure he had never swam over a concrete bottom nor had his fins clipped for identification. How long had he and his momma and grandmomma been in this stream? I don't know but this I do know. He was huge!