Managed to catch and release nine Little Kern River Golden Trout last Saturday, including one that went eleven inches -- my biggest ever from a stream. I left the fly rod at home and caught them all on a little black and red Panther Martin on spinning gear.

By Sunday the breeze had shifted to a north wind, bringing smoke and ash from a small lightening-caused wildfire at the confluence of the Little Kern and Shotgun Creek, so I hiked out without fishing again. My lungs felt as if I had smoked about four packs of Winstons. Still, the dog and I had a great time. Next weekend I'm off to Utah's High Uintas for brookies and cutthroats. Wish me luck!
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My blog on politics, the environment and the outdoors: Haiwee.blogspot.com