Sometimes a person has to sacrifice the opportunity to catch many fish, for the opportunity to catch some fish, if there are other factors involved. Me... I needed a little solitude and time away from the maddening crowds! Headed for Gissberg this AM, arriving about 7:15, headed for the southern shoreline. Lines in the water by 7:30, 37 degrees at the outset... cloudy. Water at the shoreline, 5' deep, was 45 degrees. Fishing Power Eggs on both rigs, fl. orange on one, chartreuse on the other (3' leaders on both). About 8:00, rod tip began to dance and reeled in my first, a Rainbow of 12 1/2". Another came to the net about 9:30, then nothing until 1:00 when I caught the third, and a half hour later brought in my fourth. Caught two on the orange PE, two on the chartreuse. Fish were 11", 11 1/2", 11 1/2" and 12 1/2". Some rain showers from noon on. Tried a variety of baits (worms, shrimp, Power Dough), tried spin-casting several lures, longer leaders, different presentations throughout the day, nada! Only thing the drew a strike was the PE. Saw a half dozen other fishermen come and go during the day, saw only one other fish landed across the lake from me.
Me?... I got exactly what I came to Gissberg for... a few fish, lots of "quiet-time"... time to think and reflect... time to enjoy a more aesthetically pleasing environment. Particularly enjoyed seeing the work of industrious beavers in the area where I fished. Reminded me of days gone past when I sought out the beaver ponds of the Peninsula and the Snoqualmie Valley to catch resident and searun cutthroat on a fly... great times!! Watched my nemesis, the Cormorants, picking off several of the fish I was trying to catch. They were having a much more successful time here, catching fish that are not as large as those of other plants. WDFW Fall planting schedule was for three plants at Gissberg, only two have been thus far confirmed!? I believe the cooler water temps have lad to more lethargic fish, not feeding as readily as they were. Anyway, left the lake at 3:00, refreshed and grateful for a hugely successful day at the lake. PTL!
