February Redding trip

I took the family to Redding this weekend for my Nephew's birthday, and was able to get out to a couple of local ponds on Saturday. The first stop was the Kapusta Ponds behind the Jolly Giant Flea Market, and were a total bust. I fished for at least two hours without a bite, swirl, splash, or anything. I think the recent rain really turned the fish off. 

I went to another pond in the evening, and was able to redeem myself. I ended up with three fish in about an hour and a half. Not bad for February.

Olive Simi-Seal bugger

Not a bad bass

Fly fishing for bass under ice?

With a few days of temperatures in the 60's I decided to hit my bass pond after work today. I had pretty low expectations, having never caught a Nevada bass in February before. The pond was about 80% ice, so I went to what must of been the sunny end. There was only open water around the edges, and at the "creek" end. Not really a creek, just Spring run-off.  

I tied on an Olive Balanced Leech, and cast up against the opposite bank. I let it sink slowly with a VERY slow retrieve...BOOM! first bass of the year! I was able to hook one more on the olive leech until I lost it in a tree. I tied on a smaller, slower sinking "Blue Collar Leech in white, and hooked two more. 

I feel like I stole these fish this early in the year, looks like it's going to be a great season!

Bass under ice.

Olive Balanced Leech

White "Blue Collar Leech"

Mostly frozen

A nice Northern Nevada buck

A little scenery

Co-Pilot in the Sammy

First fish of 2016

2-6-2016, a new record for me for sure. Pyramid Lake was sunny and calm pretty much all day Saturday. Not the best conditions for fishing, but at least I didn't get skunked.  After eight hours on the ladder, I got one fish.

The mysterious, and world famous Pyramid Lake beaver.

MRE beef steak, SHITTY!

MRE Mexican Rice. BOMB!

Pyramid anticipation.

I love the anticipation of an upcoming trip. The preparation. I doubt I'll sleep tonight.

A great rabbit hunt at a new spot.

I went shooting with a couple of friends at new spot last week, and noticed a ton of rabbit tracks in the snow. I took the Boy and my daughter's boyfriend there today for a quick hunt. We saw a TON of jacks, and as many cottontails. They were all pretty sketchy and quick to run, but I managed to get two. This spot has a lot of potential, and I can't wait to get back. 

A great hunt.

Had a great cottontail and Jackrabbit hunt the other day. I walked just over five miles, and ended up with two cottontails and a jack. All three head shots, no meat wasted. The rabbits will be stuffed saddles, and the Jack will be hare stew. I can't wait

Scott Rea's stuffed cottontail saddle.

I was able to get a couple of bunnies the other day, and decided to make Scott Rea's stuffed rabbit saddles. They turned out amazing. If you get a chance, watch some of Scott's videos, and give some of his recipes a try! You won't be disappointed.

A beautiful pair of tails

Food in the snow.

Rabbit legs.

The loins.

Mushroom and rabbit meat stuffing.

Wrapped up.

Finished.