![]() Trolling in this manner is a good way, especially on new water, to scope out the inlets, weed beds, and submerged debris where fish normally seek cover. If there is a prevailing breeze, start from that direction and allow it to propel you down the lake. There is also the option today of lightweight backpacking tubes, designed to fold up extremely small and that come with a compact pump.įor safety’s sake, it is wise to keep to smaller lakes due to the limited mobility one has in a float tube. ![]() Though a bit bulky, attaĬhing them to the outside of packs allows ample room for required gear, such as waders, fins, and tackle. On trails that are wide enough, many of us prefer to hike with our tubes inflated. For those of us who regularly head into the alpine country in search of new fishing opportunities, the belly boat is the perfect answer. There are many variations.Ī company called Outdoor Adventure Products even makes something called the Pow-RTube, a highbred boat/tube that has a motorized rear portion that can be removed when a more conventional float tube is required. Many of the more advanced models even have add-ons that allow the angler to carry a fish finder, an anchor, and even trolling motors. They also come with an array of pockets for storing gear. Today’s belly boats are streamlined, often U-shaped, and are much easier to climb into and much more maneuverable on the water. The modern tube is a far cry from those early versions that cropped up shortly after World War II and consisted of little more than a rubber inner tube with a canvas seat. And, for the fly fisher, it allows us an up-close and personal look at the organisms swimming around us-food for the fish and food for thought as we try to match the hatch.Īs with all types of gear, float tubes have seen many innovations over the years. Being so near the lake, it enables us to experience each ripple of water, every breath of wind. We also love the unique intimacy with the environment that the float tube provides. While there are anglers who simply refuse to suffer the indignities of the belly boat, there are others of us who find it completely relaxing, relish its luxury, reminiscent of a pool toy-the only thing missing is one of those fancy, umbrella-ed drinks. No, the beauty of the float tube, or belly boat, is its portability, the access it allows to lakes you’d never think of hauling a boat to. There is definitely nothing pretty about it. It’s difficult not to be self conscious, nor to chuckle watching your buddy perform the most ungainly pirouette, two-stepping along the lake shore before plopping himself unceremoniously into the shallows. ![]() We quickly wrestle out from under the burden of our packs, and begin to gear up, donning waders, adding swim fins, and preparing for the often humbling task of climbing into our float tubes. Out of the forest and into a land dominated by snow-capped peaks casting a mirror image of themselves across the stillness of an alpine lake, the early morning sunlight just beginning to grace its surface, highlighting the occasional dimple of rainbow trout on the rise. This cartoonish image, however, is quickly displaced by the scene into which we emerge. There’s nothing beautiful about it, just a tangle of legs and arms sticking out from brightly colored rings, bobbing from side to side between the trees in an absurd and uncoordinated display. I have to smile to myself as I watch a line of buddies negotiating the trail in front of me. Sign Up for Auto-Renewal & Sustainer Giving. ![]() The trout rises were plentiful and the bite was nice, with fish caught on 2" swimbaits, HD trout crankbaits, and I got my first fish on the fly of 2022! Caught on a size 18 rainbow warrior midge (pictured below). Luckily, it didn't effect us too much! Water levels still seem pretty low, especially compared to years past. Fairly windy conditions with big gusts here and there but we were tucked over by the dam wall and the wind was blowing over that. I remembered my thermometer this time! About 2 1/2 feet depth from shore was 48 degrees and out in the middle of the lake, the surface temps were 42 degrees. Regardless, the water was still very cold but the evening bite we showed up for was pretty active. As most of us have experienced, it's been REALLY windy so that has also deterred me from trying. Usually I get my first float tube outing in by late February or early March, so it was a little late this year. ![]() Had a nice outing recently with the GF on the Float Tubes. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |