Lake Estes has been through a lot recently. The flood filled many of the old channels near the inlet with sediment. The excavations this winter removed these sediments and re-channeled the flow from the Big Thompson River as it enters the lake. The power plant flows have been disrupted to keep the water in the canyon at a low level for the recovery effort there. Lake Estes, like many of the canyon rivers has evolved into an unfamiliar place worthy of exploring. So, we have been stalking trout around the inlet since our return to the Estes Park area.

Clear water is getting easier to find, particularly around the power plant and the inlet. The muddy flow coming in from the Fish Creek arm continues to discolor the rest of the lake. Though the evenings have been abnormally cool, there are a few rising fish along the shore feeding primarily on ants and midges. An olive wooly bugger will take larger rainbows and perch in the area where the flow slows after entering the lake. Wading out on the west peninsula will put you on a sand bar next to this deeper flow. Our friend Chris says the larger browns are feeding along the rocky shoreline east of Fisherman’s Nook though he was vague about his choice of flies there.

We all look forward to the melting snow and receding ice in the high lakes we love in Rocky Mountain National Park. Check out our detailed waterproof guide: “Angler’s Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park”. It is your guide to the best fishing in Colorado. If you order from the website we will make sure you get a signed copy from our second printing available now. Visit https://www.anglerpocketguides.com/ and take a look at our other new book “Angler’s Guide to Shore Fishing Southwest Florida-Longboat Key to Boca Grande”. Both books are now available from Amazon and as e-books for Kindle or Nook readers.

Here’s an image of a perch from Lake Estes on an olive wooly bugger.

Even after the cold snap here in Southwest Florida, the bass in this area continue to feast on frogs…even artificial ones. We usually rig these lures weedless with a wide gap 5/0 hook and fish these baits as surface lures by casting them onto the shoreline… [Yes, right up onto dry land] and then gently hop them off into the water. There are usually bass waiting for a frog to do something stupid like that. I retrieve them just under or on the surface with a twitch and glide motion like a frog actually swims. Try it you’ll like it!!

With the cooler temperatures though, we also find good action by casting out to deeper water and allowing the frog to sink all the way to the bottom. A small bullet weight ahead of the hook helps make this diving action more realistic. Once on the bottom, just give it really small twitches so it pokes along the bottom. Retrieve the frog like you are fishing for flounder.

Bass Love Frogs

Whether on top or on the bottom, give the bass a chance to get the frog in their mouth…usually a two count will get the job done. Then set the hook and hold on. Here’s an image of a nice one from a local pond.

We share more special riggings and tactics in our waterproof Florida fishing books that guide you to the best southwest Florida fishing spots. All are available at many fine outlets in this area and on Amazon, Kindle and on our website at: http://www.estesleather.com/

Last Sunday 1/25/14, we launched our kayaks at the bridge in Placida. This is a pretty good launch but requires about 50 yards of carry or dolly transport. There are few rocks and a little mud but mostly sand on the shore. Getting the kayaks down the hill fully loaded was OK but we unloaded them for the return trip up the hill to the parking lot. This lot is small and the launch is heavily used so either get there early or plan on using your wheels from a more distant parking site.

From this launch, you can either fish your way up Coral Creek to the north or out towards Gasparilla Sound to the southwest. We chose to go southeast and fish the shoreline and grass flats at the entrance to Coral Creek. It was an overcast day which made visibility into the water challenging even with Polaroid glasses. There was a slight breeze from the south but the bay waters were nearly flat. We used 1/16 ounce chartreuse jig heads with gold tails to catch and release numerous trout. It was definitely “Kimball’s” day as she caught and released a nice snook on the way back to the launch. We found the best action just west of the two small islands visible as you head out towards Gasparilla Sound.

The surprise of the day was when Kimball hooked up a big pompano which she finally landed after a ride around the flats behind this hard fighting fish. Of course, pompano being one of our favorite fish, this one was invited home for dinner.  I took a video of the fun but had to stop and resume the recording while I caught up to her after she was pulled out of camera range.

We always cook our pompano whole, on the grill. Just remove the head, clean out the  body cavity, score the sides deeply and rub in some Cajun spice. An occasional spray of oil keeps it from drying out on the surface while the thicker parts cook.  Cook them slowly over a low fire on the top rack for about 40 minutes or so. I also put an aluminum foil pan with a few wet alder chips under the fish for a smoky finish.

Check back for the low down on Coral Creek kayak fishing coming soon. We are continuing our research for the upcoming book, “Angler’s Guide to Kayak Fishing Southwest Florida-Sarasota Bay to Charlotte Harbor”.  This third book in our series should be available in the fall of 2014.  Keep up with our adventures on our website, https://www.anglerpocketguides.com/  and on Facebook.  Get your copy of “Angler’s Guide to Shore Fishing Southwest Florida-Longboat Key to Boca Grande” on our website or from many fine stores in this area.