The Pond

I love trout. I love the places that trout live. I love their eagerness to take a well presented fly. I believe that trout are the perfect fish to pursue with the fly rod. However, I am not above catching any fish on the fly. Lets face it, I do not live in the greatest trout state in the US. So when presented with the opportunity to catch fish, any fish, I am more than happy to oblige.
Today was sort of an end of summer celebration with the family. We gathered at the in-laws to barbecue, swim and of course, fish. The pool was a bit too cool for my bones, so I did the only logical thing I could -I fished. I have well documented my love for this little pond. It is the perfect place to enjoy some summer fishing. It is full of eager blue gill and small bass. There are even a handful of yellow perch, but the pond shines with its population of large catfish.

One of the many small perch in the pond

I was happy to catch any fish, and the day started with several blue gill and a few small bass. They were fun, but I was hoping to find one of the larger bass eager to grab my fly.I had several refusals and even a nip at my bugger, but the three-pound bass wanted nothing to do with my many offerings. Always wanting to challenge myself with the fly rod, I turned to the many catfish that cruise the pond. Most wanted nothing to do with the small bugger, but when I could find a few the were feeding and make a good presentation, they attacked the small bug.

A catfish caught on a bugger

Catching hard fighting fish on a fly rod is always great fun, and sight fishing for catfish proved to be the perfect challenge. I only managed two, but they were well worth the effort. I fished until it was time to leave. However, I know I will be back dragging a small bugger in front of the many catfish that live in the pond here in the Flatland.