DDFS Trials, Round One (Black Earth Creek TR, Too)

Daniel-San typed:
Well, I dragged my lazy butt out of bed at 3:30 this fine A of M to
truck it up to Madison to fish the Black Earth Creek. I hadn't been
up there in a while, as most of my troutin' has been on the PM this
summer.

Anyway, a beautiful drive. If you're at all familiar with the area,
you'll know that as US 14 goes west past Madison, it starts to get
downright pretty. This particular morning was especially nice, as a
pretty good patch of fog was lying in the various valleys of the
driftless area. Entering Cross Plains, the road takes a turn and what
passes for mountains in the midwest come in to view. Very nice, fog
shimmering as the false dawn took hold.

Pulled into the South Valley Road access about 6:30, set up and
wandered to the water. First fly was my humble submission to the
DDFS. Nothing. Today, that fly was as useful as tits on a bull. So,
next up, the Picket Pin, expertly crafted by Stan Gula. Tossed it
around a bit, may have gotten one small hit. Not a good day for that
one, either. Next up was the Madam CDC. Kind of hopper-esque, and
nicely tyed as well. After about ten minutes, I got my first fish of
the day. Nothing too exciting, an 8 inch 'bow, but a fish
nonetheless. Yup, tossed that fly around for a little longer than the
previous two. Round three was the swap-meister's CDC caddis. Wandered
the banks for a bit flickin' and tossin' said fly, but alas, today
was not it's day. Decided to continue down the hopper-like-substance
path that worked well previously, so I tied on Big Dale's Klod
Hopper. Fine Fly. Fine card that it came on. I have learnt that I
need to get a better tagging system for the next swap. But I digress.
Anyway, Mr Klod takes honors for the day with a 10 inch 'bow and a
really fat 14 inch brownie. This fish was La-Z-Boy sittin', NASCAR
watchin', KFC eatin' fat. Really regretted not bringing my camera
along.

Nice report, Dan. BD really does tie some great flies.
--
TL,
Tim
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