Quiet Night on the River

[fishin_musician]

I took a ride over the hill to the river near Harding last evening. I have a little spot that has produced a few decent cats for me in the past. Since it is a short ride and an easy walk I thought I'd give it a shot. It would be the first time this season. I was happy to see three groups of anglers along the bank on the Coxton side of the river. From their hoots and yells I guess they had a few good ones on. I caught a few small channels on chicken liver the biggest being about 17". Catch of the night was a 13" bullhead. Something about catching a bullie takes me back to my childhood, sitting on the shore of Lake Carey fishing with a neighboor early summer morings.

[HenryDavid]

How's the river level, is it easily wadable, when do the smallie spawn?

[JMarrs]

ahhh, can't wait until those summer nights chasin the big catties.

[fishin_musician]

How's the river level, is it easily wadable, when do the smallie spawn?

Its at summertime levels right now, definately wadable. the Smallies are probably getting the nests ready now. The have to get it done before June 13th.

[HenryDavid]

So is it not ethical to fish for them between now and then?  I haven't hit the river at all yet this season.

[fishin_musician]

What is ethical? All the bass guys are out C&Ring them all the time by the dozens if their reports are true. Call me old school but I liked it when there were seasons when the fish was in and when the fish was out. I'm no specialist so I can say that. I don't feel like I have to fish for the same species all year long. I would get bored pretty quick if I did.

[jigwiggler]

Its at summertime levels right now, definately wadable. the Smallies are probably getting the nests ready now. The have to get it done before June 13th.

You've got that right!  Since that is one day of the year I am guaranteed to be on the water from sun up to sun down ( fishing is my birthday present to myself ).  It happens to be the bass opener as well.

HD, like said the river is definately wadable.  I saw a lot of smallies near spawning grounds over a week ago.  I didn't get out this past weekend but I would imagine you will find both prespawn fish and some on beds at this time.  I'm itching to get out for some eyes myself.

, nice job on the bullie!  Was it a yellow belly?

[fishin_musician]

No a nice fat brown bullhead. Kind of mottled coloration. I like them they are sort of like the bumbling cousin to the big cats we get.

[Colonol Angus]

Water temps are up in the 60's and I have seen a few bedding now down in the Harrisburg area.

[Jigginjohnson]

Thats a nice spot your fihsing there , one of my favorites for sure. Thanks for the story and pics!-JJ