RIRIE? IS IT WORTH THE CHANCE?

[wiperhunter2]

So I decided for my first time out in over 3 years due to health concerns, I went to Glendale to fish. I knew that the pressure there would not be as bad as what I have been hearing about Ririe for my first time out. Besides, it's a whole lot easier to launch than at Ririe. I have trouble walking due to my Pulmonary Fibrosis and chronic pain syndrome in my left knee/leg.

Fishing was so so there, but felt good to get out. It was interesting that when I was loading up to come back home, couple like me in my late 60's pulled in and started getting ready to launch. While I was talking to them, they had just fished Ririe the day before. That would have been on Wednesday. I asked how it was for them and if they did any good. I wasnt surprised by the answer. They said that no Kokes to be found, a couple trout and a couple bass but all of that was overlaid by the number of wake boarders, skiers, and non-fisher type boats that just didnt have common courtesy to give those fishing some room to just enjoy the time out.

The biggest thing, which everyone is talking about is NO KOKES. Wow folks, what's going on. That seems to be the history the last couple years. Yes, some who really are set up and know what they seem to know what to do are catching a kok here and there but not many limits as we have had in the past. I'd really like to hear from Fish and Game on here as to what is happening with their gill net surveys because a creel count on catch sure wouldnt show many koks from what I've been hearing. But, not many are reporting much of anything fishing wise on here any more. Why? I really dont know but it sure would be great for informational posts to come back just like the kok fishing.

So, in closing, yes, its a bit expensive to run down to the reservoirs in Franklin County, but, not as many crowds and seem to at least be able to catch a good number for the dinner table. As for my catch of the day, yep, I got a good catch to eat, and had one great time landing (and loosing) some really nice large mouth. Largest I boated was about 17" as the keep is nothing under 15". But, I always release my bass for the next one to enjoy. I ended up with 4 total, the one over 17" and the other 3 just under 15. I lost the biggest at the boat when I bent over to try and put it into the boat. I didnt use a net on this one but sure enjoyed the fight using 4lb test and light spin gear I use for pan fish . The $20 bucks to launch for out of County folks stings a bit and having to drive to Franklin to get boat inspected then backtrack to fish takes time, but, to me, it's always been worth the trip.

So, thats my story and i'm sticking to it, LOL

Enjoy and be safe out there.

Thanks for the report, sounds like a fun trip, even with all the hassles, glad you were finally able to get out. How did that rebuilt floor work out for you?