April-May Flyfishing in Iowa

We've had some cool, wet, and windy weather over the past month, much like the rest of the U.S. Still, fishing has been decent.
Did well on trout and crappies. A recent trip netted some beautiful Pumpkinseed Sunfish. The trout took a variety of wet flies/streamers, while the warmwater fish have nearly all been caught on a microjig @ 18" beneath an indicator.
On to the pictures:
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...psp3kadqne.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...psh8a9ajzb.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...psprfdzwzj.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...pshbhxx1ou.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...pszdcljoy6.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...psy4yxyglg.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...psz5e7de3o.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...ps94a6710b.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...ps47xbn4nv.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...pswwcfd9zr.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...psrgchcxkc.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...psiw1scrz5.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...ps00xrlcb6.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...psb5wfq8kg.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...psulpo3yw1.jpg

I have been doing fairly well on the ponds.
Have been to two ponds where had three figure days.
One was the first pond I took you and Dale to.

Rick

That's excellent, Rick! :)
You're "average-sized" fish are pretty big. Have you caught any abnormally large fish so far this year? I haven't caught any crappies over 13" yet.

I have got 3 crappie that went over 14". Two gills that were just over 12".
One bass that was about 25" long. Did not take out of the water as she was full off eggs.

Rick

As Jethro would say, "That's a heap of good eatin.'

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rick Z

I have got 3 crappie that went over 14". Two gills that were just over 12".
One bass that was about 25" long. Did not take out of the water as she was full off eggs.

Rick

---

Rick!!! That bass could have been the new State Record, which I believe is currently a fish that measured 23.5"! I caught one that was 24", but it was in the Fall, so didn't weigh near what the record weighed.
And the State Record Bluegill was 12 7/8". You might want to have some of those weighed to see if you're close! Wow...I have never seen an 11" Bluegill personally. I'd LOVE to see one 12"!!! :)
Rick....darn you...you're getting me all fired up to come down and visit you again! :)

You probably get a good chuckle out of seeing the pictures of my cute little minnows!

Yeah wow. A 12" gill would be something! Though if I caught a state record gill I would definitely NOT report it.

Dave, Nice report and good fish porn. Size is cool, but just getting on the water is too. Catching is a bonus. Jim

Still getting after 'em! :)
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...ps3grf2hiz.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...psbjxn5zjw.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...ps94a41c67.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...psavuog0cy.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...pshw8vxcu8.jpg

I don't worry about records. Rather leave the genetics in the pond.
Tried to post a photobucket picture that did not make it.

Rick

Here's the picture Rick wanted to post:
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...ps2a093cd5.jpg

I know...records schmecords...maybe. I'd turn one in if I could. It raises the bar another notch, and gives everyone else a higher mark to try and beat. :) Besides, done in a thoughtful way, a new State Record fish could be verified alive, and wouldn't necessarily have to die.
Records can also be used as a reference point to draw attention to the fact that fish the size that Rick catches are HIGHLY unusual in Iowa. I fish a LOT, and I catch a substantial number of fish each year...and yet I may NEVER catch bluegills and bass that big! That's what gets me so excited about Rick's fish! :)