Maddening day at Cunningham Falls

[Mmacro]

I made the drive up to Cunningham Falls today armed with worms power bait and rooster tails. The trout were jumping around my yak like tarpon... Got one strike on a yellow/green rooster tail. Couldn't get them to care about anything else.

That teaches me to not bring my fly rod and box with me.

I did manage to catch one 6" or 7" crappie off of some power bait grubs. So at least I didn't get skunked.

[Mark]

What were you casting on your fly rod?

[Mmacro]

That's just it... I didn't bring my fly rod. I will next time.

[tomas]

I've never fished Cunningham Falls, how is it from shore? I'd have three sons in tow, so using the kayak would not be happening.

[HJS]

Mmacro - I thought you'd be tearing them up from a kayak. Did you have a FF on board? Did it show any fish? I was wondering about the fish that were jumping out of the water. Many times fresh stock trout will swirl and jump for quite a while after stocking just for the heck of it. They may not have been feeding unless you actually saw bugs flying around and floating on the surface.

tomas - The entire shoreline is accessible for fishing except the cove where the swimming beaches are located. However, most of the fishing shoreline is heavily wooded. That could be a major problem for young kids new to fishing... been there, done that with my 3 kids. The dam breast is not wooded and might be a good place for your kids to fish.

There is also a small wooden fishing pier located at the boat ramp. But I'm thinking young kids might get board there.

Half the lake is on the pay-to-enter portion of the lake and the other half of the lake that has the boat ramp is free.

[Mark]

There is limited shore space by the dam and on the campground side by the beach. You cannot fish within the designated swimming areas of course.

[Mark]

Mmacro,

I misunderstood your post. I'm sorry.

You might try wooly buggers and/or Clousers on your fly rod.

Stocked trout have an affinity for minnow imitations which I've never understood since they probably were fed only pellets in the hatchery.

I guess those basic instincts are still alive and they learn quickly when introduced into the wild.

[kevinfry]

Mmacro,

I misunderstood your post. I'm sorry.

You might try wooly buggers and/or Clousers on your fly rod.

Stocked trout have an affinity for minnow imitations which I've never understood since they probably were fed only pellets in the hatchery.

I guess those basic instincts are still alive and they learn quickly when introduced into the wild.

yes that love for minnow imitations is odd but certainly evident

That being said, a buddy if mine and I used to tie a "Pellet fly" that worked for fed fish......spun deer, elk or antelope hair trimmed into a squarish shape...it caught some fish.