I have not been fishing for quite sometime, mainly been working around the house and whitewater kayaking, so this trip was a worthy reminder of why I love combining my sports.

Not often do you have the opportunity to combine several recreational opportunities into a single trip at the very same time, however this last weekend I did just that.

Late Thursday Night I drove out to Salmon La Sac, camped over night and then woke up and headed up the Cooper Lake Road. About halfway to the resevoir are a few gravel pull outs. I graped an Ultra Light spinning rod, a 3/4 wgt switch rod, flys and spinners, My Creek Boat and whitewater kayaking gear for a full day of fun.

I hiked down to the river knowing it would be higher than I wanted but also knowing even if I didn't get a single bite I would be happy with my fix of whitewater fun. So I packed my poles into my kayak and pushed off down the river. After the first several water falls and ledges I found a wonderful pool nestled deep in the cleavage of the lower canyon accessible only by Whitewater kayak. Quietly I presented a Hairy Brown Hopper into several deeper pools, 4th pass by a large boulder bang, a little 14 inch rainbow just smashes it. I bring him in and give him a bonk since I know that I might not get another and I have a Pan back at camp that just can't go empty.

I caught two more in this pool before moving on after I had worn out my welcome.

One ledge later I found myself at another placid pool requesting yet another slaying. This time I retrieved my tiny ultra light, equipped with 4lbs test and a 1/4 oz red vibrac with extra elk hair tied on, It was instantly greeted by a big fat 17" rainbow that had me squeeling like a school girl in pursuit by a stuck pig. Again one more fish and I moved on.

The day continued much like this with catch and release ending at my campsite where I promptly heated up some olive oil and proceeded to fill by belly with the days spoils. I enduldged in a brew kept ice cold by the waters of the cooper and I went to sleep dreaming of what Sat. might hold.

Sat. I woke up early, poached an egg, and ate a Trout Benedict breakfast over a camp biscuit, topped with asiago cheese sauce and a few dashes of Tapito which I brought just in case chance would favor my weekend. Re-Fueled and eager to start my day, I made my way back to the river. An instant replay was in order as I moved through the same stretch fishing in similar fashion with an identical result. Rounding the last bend above the take out I considered going back to squeeze in a 3rd run, or just calling my wife and asking if I could stay for Sunday too. As I sat on the banks drying my gear, snacking on a curry trout sandwich I considered that my 8 month pregnant wife and 1 year old daughter would probably like it if I honored my original plans, so with fufillment and hesitation I packed my rig and headed home.

Waiting in the driveway my wife and daughter were eager to hear how my trip turned out. I killed the loud rumble of my diesel, jumped out and wrestled my daughter in our front yard... My wife exlaimed "for being alone all weekend you sure do seem happy", with a smile I responded... I wasn't alone, I met up with several friends, I only ate a few and the rest I hope to see again some day!

If you are interested in what this river is like enjoy more information and video here:

http://professorpaddle.com/rivers/riverdetails.asp?riverid=405

The Quadfather

7/16/2012 7:30:00 PM

Wow! I really enjoyed your report. I was just up at Cooper lake about 10 days ago. Scouted out the river for some fishing at what I thought would have to wait until it went down, but after reading your report I am very impressed. An absolutely beautiful area, Salmon La Sac. Having bought property near there this last winter, I hope to get to know the area well. You food/menu descriptions were almost too much to bare, before dinner at the moment.
Have you fished Cooper lake very much? Any thoughts? I've always heard it was mostly smaller brookies, but you rewards from the river were impressive.

Gringo Pescador

7/16/2012 8:05:00 PM

Great report! And great video! I think you (or one of your group) has a blog they post up on MountainBuzz once in awhile (I'm Gringo Pescador there also) at least I think I recognize some of the people from his pics. Always enjoy em. Looking forward to more reports!

jumpinjim

7/16/2012 11:29:00 PM

I am super bummed my photos did not upload. If someone can help that would be nice. There does not seem to be a link to edit an uploaded Trip Report. So for those that are interested in the photos of the fish I caught see the links in the next comment. Never fished the actual lake, I don't do much lake fishing, mostly stick to creeks, rivers and the ocean. Yea Gringo, I use Mountain Buzz a bit, the Professorpaddle site is nice to watch river flows with since we pull levels from alot of sources like USBR, DOE sites etc...

jumpinjim

7/16/2012 11:29:00 PM

http://professorpaddle.com/media/photoview.asp?File_Id=7310

jumpinjim

7/16/2012 11:29:00 PM

http://professorpaddle.com/media/photoview.asp?File_Id=7309

Gringo Pescador

7/17/2012 7:54:00 AM

Send the pics vie email to mikecarey@washingtonlakes.com. Give him your username, the River, and the report date and he can post em up for you.

MotoBoat

7/17/2012 12:06:00 PM

One of the best reads. Well written, adventure in a kyak. Big trout that may have most likely seen a lure or fly for the very first time. Eating your friends is a little weird........LOL!

natetreat

7/17/2012 3:55:00 PM

Now I'm hungry! Best camp dinner you could ask for!

The Jigmiester

7/18/2012 12:06:00 AM

Amazing story Jim...Bravo! Felt like I was there with you! Jiggy

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