Got on the water about 8:30 a.m., trolling a black leech along the cliffs. The water temperature was 70 degrees on the surface and the air temp was 68 degrees with clear skies. I had one strong fish on for a few seconds until he cleared the water and shook off the fly. Continued down to the aerators with little action. Since the dragon and damsel flies are becoming more active, I put on a green dragon nymph and headed towards the north end of the lake. I was kicking along looking at the newer homes being built on the east shoreline when suddenly my reel started to scream. I looked down at the spool and it was a blur! Looking up sharply I see a rainbow coming out of the water heading for the late morning sun. This guy was a strong fish! In my attempt to reel him in, he took the line out into the backing 3 times. Almost ten minutes later, I was able to land him. Keeping him in the net in the water while I got out my camera, I was worried about fatigue and if he was going to revive after that long fight. With the photo opt over, I set him back in the water and he swam away into the depths like he was just cruising for food.
The fish are healthy this year and have great color and body mass. Why the fishing has been slower this year is a mystery to me.

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