When the rivers are all shot to hell with runoff, it’s time to spool your lake lines and think about still waters. Several years ago, I had purchased a float tube that I had never used. Until yesterday. Finally loaded it up and headed to Hyalite.
If you are as clumsy and uncoordinated as I am, trying to walk around in flippers on dry land is just an accident waiting to happen. Fortunately, when I did fall, my bad knee broke my fall before I tumbled over onto my rod. But once in the water, it was all good.
I spent about three hours on the water and hooked three fish, all of which shook the hook before I could land them. True, I was out there midday, which I’m sure is the reason I caught nothing (surely it wasn’t my fishing skill, or lack thereof). I’m also surprised at how busy that lake got, even in the middle of the week.
But even with not catching anything, that was a kick in the pants. Being in a float tube brought an entirely new perspective. I haven’t done much lake fishing, but that which I have done has all been from the shore. It’s great being able to hit the banks, cuts, and structure that you otherwise just can’t reach. And any afternoon where you can sit back and look at this view all day isn’t wasted at all.
Just a reminder for those of you in the neighborhood; Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Citizens Advisory Committee is having their second meeting at the El Western Conference Center in Ennis this afternoon regarding the creation of a recreation management plan for the Madison River. The meeting is set to run from 3 pm until 9, and is probably going to be very interesting on several fronts. Don’t miss it.
