Merrill Creek Res and a Fly Rod

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BiggerThomas
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Merrill Creek Res and a Fly Rod

Post by BiggerThomas » Fri Sep 17, 2021 8:14 pm

I had the day off today, so after some errands at home, I packed my inflatable kayak into my trunk along with a 3-wt 7 ft fly rod. There was only one other guy on the reservoir, also in a kayak, but otherwise we had the place to ourselves. I combed the banks and saw tons of spotted lantern flies on the water just sitting like ducks. I was surprised the fish weren't gorging themselves on them; perhaps they are toxic to fish or they just simply don't taste good? I don't know, but when I would cast my Royal Woolf among the spotted lantern flies, the bluegill would come up and smash it. Great top water action for about 2 hours, I must have caught over 100. NJ Angler, eat your heart out!

I did see a couple huge fish break topwater - - they looked like trout, but the kayaker said he thought they were largemouth bass. Overall, a great day to be out.
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"Most anglers spend their lives in making rules for trout, and trout spend theirs in breaking them."

-From Letters to Young Fly-Fishers, (1926) Sir George Aston,

Fishybig
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Re: Merrill Creek Res and a Fly Rod

Post by Fishybig » Sat Sep 18, 2021 12:04 pm

Well done!!! Gr8 report and follow up on the new yak!!
Just remember, a six weight and some streamers and you'll be into both bass species, three trout species, LL salmon and pickerals!!! Git er done and keep us posted

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BiggerThomas
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Re: Merrill Creek Res and a Fly Rod

Post by BiggerThomas » Mon Sep 20, 2021 10:27 am

Fishybig wrote:
Sat Sep 18, 2021 12:04 pm
Well done!!! Gr8 report and follow up on the new yak!!
Just remember, a six weight and some streamers and you'll be into both bass species, three trout species, LL salmon and pickerals!!! Git er done and keep us posted
Thanks for those tips. I'd also anticipate buying a small trolling motor so that I don't end up being pulled around the reservoir at the mercy of a 5-lb pickeral...
"Most anglers spend their lives in making rules for trout, and trout spend theirs in breaking them."

-From Letters to Young Fly-Fishers, (1926) Sir George Aston,

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