A small but special Musky trout

[Doug Vitale]

Today was too nice of a day not to do some fall troutin'. I hit three spots on the Musky in the Bloomsbury area from 2:00 - 5:30. The conditions were ideal - weather was 59 degrees, the water was clear, 51 degrees, and pretty high for autumn (the river depth today would be considered low in the spring). There were quite a few leaves to contend with but I only hooked one about every 5-6 casts.

The fish either weren't there or they weren't biting. The three spots I visited have usually produced in the past and I was using lures that have always worked: Panther Martin, Mepps XD spinner, Thomas spoons. Finally I was able to get a strike, and this trout made me smile not only because it helped me break a fall "skunk streak", but also because you guys know who was in my thoughts as I reeled him in. You really have to put your time in on the streams to get a pay-off in the fall because of low water conditions and because there are simply far fewer trout living in the streams compared to the spring.

[thmyorke1]

nice brown! good red marks on it

Yes, water is still very clear and on the low side. No good rains in the forecast for this week

[FASTEDDIE29]

Way to stick it out and make it happen Doug! That’s a beautiful fish! I’m thinking someone was watching you while you were out there. Well done and keep on fishing!

[bunker dunker]

you were not alone.great fish!!

[Mikey topaz]

Very nice brownie, I’m sure the old man is giving you a thumbs up on that one!

[Doug Vitale]

Originally Posted by Mikey topaz

Very nice brownie, I’m sure the old man is giving you a thumbs up on that one!

That, and he's yelling at me to fish for trout with butterworms, his favorite bait Thanks guys.

[CMA719]

Originally Posted by Doug Vitale

Today was too nice of a day not to do some fall troutin'. I hit three spots on the Musky in the Bloomsbury area from 2:00 - 5:30. The conditions were ideal - weather was 59 degrees, the water was clear, 51 degrees, and pretty high for autumn (the river depth today would be considered low in the spring). There were quite a few leaves to contend with but I only hooked one about every 5-6 casts.

The fish either weren't there or they weren't biting. The three spots I visited have usually produced in the past and I was using lures that have always worked: Panther Martin, Mepps XD spinner, Thomas spoons. Finally I was able to get a strike, and this trout made me smile not only because it helped me break a fall "skunk streak", but also because you guys know who was in my thoughts as I reeled him in. You really have to put your time in on the streams to get a pay-off in the fall because of low water conditions and because there are simply far fewer trout living in the streams compared to the spring.

That's an awesome fish. Trout are mysterious and elusive to me. We've never really targeted them and I've only caught a few in my lifetime, I have to get out there for them. Your post is inspirational-what a beautiful fish.