spec trip 11/7
 

Thought I would share that the specs are doing just fine up on Sams creek. All the work over the years by the park service and the many volunteers to improve the fishery has paid off.
I hiked up to the confluence of
Sams and Starkey creek yesterday morning. It takes roughly 2 hours to get here from the trailhead. The trail above the 3rd stream crossing can be hard to follow at times with all the overgrown veg. This is the confluence of the 2 streams. Sams on the left with Starkey pouring in on the right

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...n/SD531644.jpg

I stopped and rigged up my little UL 2wt with an olive stimi back down the trail at the old backcountry campsite. Its a good idea to have a walking/wading stick up here. It sure comes in handy.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...n/SD531646.jpg

The water levels are perfect this year and the specs are gorgeous.
lots of fish in all size ranges. I love the marbled backs and blue haloss.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...n/SD531658.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...n/SD531661.jpg

to be continued....

Here are a few more picts from the day...

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...n/SD531655.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...n/SD531666.jpg

my best fish and a new PB for me on these wild specs was this beauty..
It was between 11-12"

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...n/SD531667.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...n/SD531668.jpg

Great day on a great stream! And you guys thought I only fished for Smallmouth!!

Absolutely gorgeous fish. Thanks for sharing some great photos.

John

Awesome report Troutman:biggrin:

Thanks for posting about a great trip. Those fish are just beautiful!

Great report! I love to catch those little jewels. Great pictures!

a little jealous!
 

Man, I had really hoped to go to the mountains and look for some specs this weekend. I had to put my car in the shop this week and they didn't get finished with it, so I had to stay close to home. Glad somebody got to get out after them, just wish I could have done some of the same.
Great report, and really nice fish, even if i am a little jealous. Before I realized that my car wouln't be finished I was trying to decide where to go. I was leaning toward Pretty Hollow, but I've never fished Sam's Creek and may need to add it to the list.
Mike

Beautiful specs, Troutman. Never fished that far up on Sams. Did you start on Defeat Ridge and just keep going up from there?

Awesome report, thanks for sharing the pics I have fished up to Sams but never on it I will have to check it out.

Nice Report.
Those are some beautiful fish there!

Thanks for sharing with us.

Scott