The one that got away!

[crappiecripplerjigs]

View attachment 2Tried my hand at catching the elusive trophy rainbow yesterday. I spotted him from a bluff and carefully made my way to the waters edge pausing for a few moments as not to spook this guy. 2nd cast fooled him and he hit with authority! I managed to play him for about 5-7 minutes before my tippet gave out. Guessing 20"+?? What a fighter!!

 

[ScottV]

Good Lord Man! He's a doosie! Sorry he got off but you did have some fun with him. I wish we had trout in our part of the country. Thanks for sharing!

 

[AtticaFish]

You got a very cool picture, good fight/play time and the adreniline (sp?) of the stalking.... can't ask for much more. MAN! Love that picture!

What was your fly?

 

[JUNGLEJIM1]

It looks like a male with that snoot. Where were you fishing at ? Fly or jig ?

 

[StumpHunter]

Good report and nice pic of the fish. We don't often get to see the one that got away, thanks!

 

[Hawnjigs]

Football time, nice pic! Indeed, an odd head shape.

 

[slipbobber]

sorta the salmon look in the head,,,may just be the ripples in the water

 

[crappiecripplerjigs]

This was at Crane Creek not too far from Table Rock lake. I was using a poor example of a Renegade fly (tied by me), on a #14 hook. These are about the only flies I can tie. Fairly simple with a peacock herl body, light hackle at the head and a few dark wraps of hackle at the rear. They're also loved by bluegill and goggle eye in the streams. I will continue stalking this fish... Very uncommon for a fish this size to be in Crane Creek. At least the parts that you don't have to hike over a mile to reach. This section is well off the beaten path and the ticks say hello!

 

[ScottV]

I wish we had trout in our part of the country. That's ok I guess, the crappie and bluegill keep me satified. Good luck with that big one. Keep us posted.

 

[crappiecripplerjigs]

I would rather catch the gills and crappie anyday for eating. I don't eat the trout. Fun to catch those persnickety things once in awhile though. Kind of at a crossroads with a big trout. A fish this size has been in the creek and grown old for a few years now. Wonder if it had been caught and released before? If I had landed it, I'm thinking a picture or two and return it to the creek, or show it off and keep it????