# 6

 When some of you see this post and this old log structure you'll know right away where I am.

 But who would think there could be a trout in this little stream?

I hate to move into a pool where someone else is  But I had three little short strikes on one pitch at this pool. The Brown Trout was first introduced into Iowa form Europe in the late 1880's and they thrive in the cool water of the Driftless area. 

 The next pitch he took it,  This is the 6th trout on a different body of water this year.  A nice little Native Brown on a stretch of stream I would guess few if any have fished in the last ten years.

Ok, Maybe Steve O.

Set a Side

 My buddy swears that walking set a side is the way to go when your out shed hunting. 

 a jaw

 I just find it kind of monotonous 

 someone thinks there are bucks in the area.

 In the past would just walk on by but what the heck, just pick it up.

No sheds might as well wet a line.

Presidents Day

 Out early on presidents day and I spotted this pair of Trumpeter Swans 

 I had problems finding my fly box so I went with a little roadrunner.  Then I changed over to a fly on the fly rod.  I dropped it down into a pool and missed a trout on the rise.

 I checked the hive down the road.  Thumbs up!

 So this afternoon I pitched for smallies.  With no luck.  Plus, I lost a small rebel plug.

 What if I didn't roll it and there was a big rack stuck down in the mud?

 I watched several youtube clips on how to tie a fly and thought I had it figured out.

Well, not yet!  But, I will let you know I catch something on this.  Next time I'll try a step by step tutorial. 

Saturday Sappin!

 I LOVE THIS TIME OR YEAR!!!

 I enjoy the time I spend alone down in the timber.  Early in the morning you hear a variety of birds.  A pilliated woodpecker followed by the chatter of a hairy woodpecker, mourning doves, chickadees and a distant crow,

 laying back and stretching for a few minutes.

I also like it when friends stop in.  Pete, I saw the drive by, I was down the line gathering sap.  Oh well,  I'll be at it again next spring,

Busy

 I lit the fire box of the stove down down in the sugar bush today.

 First pan of sap on.

 boiling 

 The bees that I thought were dead were as busy as could be

 We were busy also I took out 3 of the 6 raised garden beds.  I've got 3 to go.

Susie did a little trimming on the hedges.

Record Temps for February

 Fridays record highs of 70* was just what I needed to get out on some new water.  This was a stream I had never caught a trout on and I hadn't fished for close to a year.

 The temps were a little cooler in the shade of the bluffs

 spring rains and high water cut the banks

 washing tons of sediments each year into these cool water streams.

 Did I say cool?  It was down right cold but what else do you do when you forget to pack your fishing boots.

 There was still ice along the northern slopes of the valley but this spot all right.

 Right where he should have been.  The perfect cast and a twitch or two and splash there he was.

Another stream another trout.  Catch and release for another day.

Just Thursday.

New vinyl from A&P Graphics.  Thanks Pete!

River dance

Really bad hop but stuck the landing.

Speaking of landing.

One netted, one off the hook!

SPRING, It's Getting Closer.

Getting things set up in the sugar bush for an early run,

When to tap?  Be sure to wait until the temperature stays consistently below freezing (32 F) at night and above freezing during the day. This is when the sap flows. If you tap too early in the season, the hole will seal up and will need to be drilled again. The best time to tap for most of NE Iowa is usually  early February.

 What tools do I need

• A tap or spile (a spigot used for taking sap from a tree). You can buy or make your tap from anything that fits tight and directs sap into a bucket. I use a short length of copper pipe.
• A drill. I use my grandfathers hand drill and a bit that matches the size of my tap or spile for a tight fit. Drill about 1-1/2 to 2 inches into the xylem (water carrying layer of wood) of the tree. Smaller holes and taps work just as well as larger, and they heal faster.
• Something to catch the sap in.  I've used bags in the past but this year I'm using buckets and jugs.

 Down to the Mill for music and dinner 

 We caught Memphis vocalist and harmonica player Brandon Santini is undeniably a worthy player to keep an eye on.  He is an awesome harmonica player who's respect for traditional blues with a present, colorful style of playing that is often compared to Paul Butterfield.

 If you're looking for something to do Sunday afternoon -We're at the Great River Gallery and making Valentines!! 2-4pm, at the River Ridge Brewery.