4th of July Poppers & Largemouth

7/4/22

This morning we flew back from Jackson Hole Wyoming after celebrating the wedding of Nate and Taylor in Grand Targhee.

The long holiday weekend in the Tetons was great, but provided no fish. I brought a 5 weight, and much of my trout tackle as a carry on, but was skunked the one day I was able to fish. A direct flight from Jackon to O’hare put us back home around 5pm on the 4th. Just in time to load the canoe in the truck and drive out to the local lake. Feeling the skunk from the day before, I took out the 8 weight and went to toss popper and watch the fireworks on the water.

2 bluegill and 2 solid largemouth came to hand before dark set in and the fireworks exploded with a reflection and echo off the water.

It felt great to toss the fly rod from the canoe. Is there anything better than top water popper fishing?

A big bass engulfed the popper and took line before diving straight into the thick weeds and popping me off. Damn.

I kept fishing and finally found the 2 largemouth that made it to net. The first one a good sized fish for the lake. I didn’t measure, but would peg it at 16inches+.

The second slightly smaller but with aerobatic runs and head shakes.

I broke down the rod and packed it away as the light dwindled. Anchor in the water, I leaned back and watched the firework show from the water.

Americas fish, Largemouth & Bluegill, on Americas day.

Happy 4th of July.