Hello, from TheCamel

TheCamel · 12-19-2003, 04:02 PM

After being a silent reader for a period of time, I decided to take the plunge and become an active participant. I have lived in Oregon since 1960, but lived out of state between 1974 and 1986. Grew up in Eugene and fished many of the rivers and streams nearby. Upon returning to Oregon in 86, took up fly-fishing and have never regretted it. One of my favorite stories is when a buddy and I fished a "pay to play" lake near Fossil, Oregon. It had been stocked with Kamloops Rainbow Trout. Those are some of the biggest and smartest fish I have experienced. We lost most of the fish hooked before lunch, and they had stolen most of our wollybuggers. I tied up a half dozen at lunchtime, and my friend got onto the water ahead of me. Before I could even get on the water and my line cast, he had hooked and lost two more fish, as well as two flies that I had just tied. I don't consider myself a good fly-fisherman, but what I lack in skills, I try to make up for in opportunities. I also tie my own flies. After my wife, grown children, and grandkids, my passion is seeking "Trophy-trout" in Central Oregon Lakes.

Is that a big pig or what? The fish is pretty large too!

12-19-2003, 06:53 PM

Wow!!!! :shocked: :shocked: :shocked:
Nice fish [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] ...oh and welcome to ifish :grin:

lilnorthfork · 12-19-2003, 09:11 PM

Crikey! :shocked: Welcome.

Gizmo Man · 12-19-2003, 10:02 PM

Camel: welcome aboard. It is customary when someone posts a picture of a fish like that they have to take the head moderator of the ff forum to that lake... :smile:

Want to say when and where and what you used to land that one????

Giz...

Mojo · 12-19-2003, 10:26 PM

I think a little hint(like directions or GPS numbers) are in line here! Also what color Woolybugger, and how deep? Welcome to the forum.

Tugjunkie · 12-19-2003, 11:42 PM

Hello Camel from another newbie, that's a great pic, wanna borrow my salmon net for ur next trip?
[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Keepem tight
Rick

draggin bottom · 12-20-2003, 05:31 AM

Camel,
You look like a man who knows how to have fun. BTW, I think you need to invest in a larger net. Welcome!

DB

Steelie28 · 12-20-2003, 10:34 AM

Camel, I remember seeing that picture in the Scarlet Ibis just after they received the picture (I worked there while attending OSU). I won't spill the beans on where it was caught, that's for you to tell. That's one heck of fish you caught!! Welcome aboard!

Steelie28

TheCamel · 12-20-2003, 04:49 PM

Actually, I don't mind sharing the particulars. After all, sharing information is one of the reasons I decided to participate!
The trout was 33" and by formula weighed 17#. Caught and released Oct. 99 at Davis Lake, Oregon. Fishing in 8' of water and about 150 yards west of the Lava Flow campground boat ramp. Casting and stripping with a Sage 9' 6/7 weight and Mastery Stillwater intermediate line. A brown/tan wollybugger enticed the monster. It came completely out of the water on three occasions before I was able to bring it to net. We matched wits for what seemed like 30 minutes, but it probably was only 15. I remember telling myself over and over, don't horse him and don't "screw the pooch". The first time it came out of the water, my buddy and I both said the exact same words, "holy *****!" Two years later, I caught it's little brother in May 2001, close to the reeds between the boat ramp and the lava flow on a rust and black sealbugger. It was only 30" but every much as wide-bodied. Unfortunately, Davis has deteriorated as a fishery over the past few years, due primarily to low water conditions, and other factors. I camped at Lava Flow this last summer and left for home the day before the big fire started. I am heartsick to even think about what it looks like now, although from pictures I have seen, it appears the Lava Flow area escaped the inferno. I keep thinking what needs to be done in order to maintain the water level is to dump rocks where the main lava tube sucks water out until the flow rate can be reduced. It is located about 25 yards northwest of the Lava Flow campground boat ramp, so if you happen to be in the area, be sure to take some larger rocks and drop them where the bottom shows a 12' deep hole. For the reply's about getting a larger net, I frequently get comments about the large size of the net used in the photo. I just smile and tell them that sometimes it is not big enough.

Mel

alwayslookin · 12-20-2003, 07:57 PM

Wow.....................

greenbuttskunk · 12-21-2003, 08:49 AM

Camel, That fish is down right SCARY!
What a trophy! A fish of a lifetime. I've had the pleasure of hooking some nice bows in Davis also, but nothing close to that bad boy. That's a great fishery at times, and so much fun in a pontoon.
Welcome to the group once again.
GBS

blacktail · 12-22-2003, 09:32 AM

Welcome Mr. Dromedary :grin:

Mike