November 8, 2010

Gone Fishin'

We drove to Little Hole for a walk upstream along the Green River toward Flaming Gorge Dam.  This tailwater fishery is known as Section A by those who raft and fish there. 
Ten years ago, we would see hundreds of trout in the clear water as we walked this section of the river. Steve caught and released trout, more or less non-stop, until his casting arm was tired.  In recent years, the fish have been smaller and fewer in number, the mayfly hatches have been less prolific, and algae grows thick on the cobblerock bottom that was once free of  this growth.  Perhaps lower water flow from Flaming Gorge Dam is responsible for the changes, or maybe more fertilizer is being used on fields upstream and is increasing the nitrogen in the water.  I've looked for online information, but I haven't found an explanation.
Still, the Green River provides a beautiful walk any time of year.
Daisy likes to fetch:
And fish. From the moment she sees a fish on the line, she's riveted: 
She likes to see her fish up close and watch them wiggle.  This one was a rainbow trout.  She gave it a good sniff:
When the trout was back in the water, Daisy wished it would hang around and play for awhile, but it rudely swam away.
 All of us were content with our six mile walk along the water.

22 comments:

  1. Interesting about the increase in algae. There must be a reason, whether its watershed related or somehow related to a cyclical pattern in play. Maybe they should decommission the dam?

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  2. daisy sure enjoyed her time there but for the rude fish!!

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  3. What a beautiful place to walk, complete with boardwalk. And fishing too. That Daisy, she's just such fun.

    The Colorado River runs green, most of the time, and when I googled that found there is a micro-phytoplankton.

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  4. It would be interesting to know the reasons for the changes you've noted in the river, but I'm glad it is still a great place for a walk. I didn't realize Daisy was so interested in fishing!

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  5. It's funny how fisheries wax & wane. I guess algae is related to some combination of : nutrients, temperature, and flow.

    What a blessing a GOOD fishing dog is--and I like DD's excellent trout inspection technique. Been around a few dogs that were tangled up in your line whenever they weren't romping through the pool.

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  6. Beautiful location! It's very worrying to learn of the changes that are taking place - I hope a solution can be found.

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  7. This has got to be one of the prettiest fishing spots!

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  8. How beautiful.
    It is sad how it has changed over the last 10 years....wonder what the next 10 years will bring.

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  9. I think Daisy should get to keep her catch. :)

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  10. Whenever I visit here, I feel like I'm looking a page full of picture postcards. BEAUTIFUL!! I was meant to live in a place like that, I just know it. ♥

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  11. I'm pretty sure the algae wasn't there last time I walked there, that's too bad the stream is getting harder for the fish to live in.

    Funny sequence of pics of Daisy, I like the last one where she's wishing the fish would stay to "play".

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  12. It is beautifully clear water. My husband and I always wanted to dive in the river. We did dive in the lake. It is remarkably clear too. The best lake in Utah for a dive.

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  13. You are some of the most fit people ever! Six mile walk...nice! That looks like fishing in Heaven.

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  14. I am content, too, after viewing your photos, Janie. I like the ones with Daisy supervising Steve. But, the one of Daisy watching the escaping trout is just wonderful!

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  15. Hi Janie, It's sad to read about the changes in the past 10 yrs... I hope you find out what is going on. Makes me wonder what will have in the next 10 yrs.

    Love seeing Daisy's reaction to the trout.... Cute!!!!!

    Great post... Neat area!!!!
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  16. Janie, you always brighten my day with these amazing landscape photos.
    What an fantastic underwater clarity on the next-to last photo, with the fish and Daisy, disappointed.

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  17. Beautiful countryside! Your photos are great. I love the one of Daisy watching her fish swim away. And the photo below that with the water just as still as a mirror.

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  18. what a cool shot of the fish underwater and your pup - great one!

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  19. What a beautiful fishing hole. Its just a little to far for my hubby to go. But we enjoyed your wonderful photos, Janie.. Thanks.

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  20. Truly wonderful pictures. I like so much your adventures in this beautiful and unique region. Hugs.

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  21. oh Janie...what a beautiful place...Daisy is a great fisherdog...

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  22. Not sure who's having more fun - Daisy or Steve? What a beautiful place to fish and hike! Love that reflection in the last photo.

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