Wednesday 7/20 - Drove up to toulomne meadows and hiked around. Went to the soda springs and risked the gastrointestinal distress to make soda with the water and Hi-C packets. Tasted great. No issues. Had a picnic by the stream. After a quick sandwich I strung up the rod and fished while dad, daughter, and wife played around. Found some fish that followed everything I threw but wouldn't take. After some time decided to give those fish a break and wandered downstream to find more. Found a deadfall with some fish under them. Caught a brown and a brookie. Fished the riffles and landed another nice brookie. Then I got called in and had to go. Succesful flies were EHC's and a simple wet fly.
Thursday 7/21 - No fishing today. More relatives came to visit. Went to lower Yosemite falls and swam in the pools below the falls. Went to bridalveil falls as well. Both falls were flowing nicely. Kept thinking of where I'd fish if I had my flyrod. Was hoping to hit the merced again but thunderstorms in the high country turned it into chocolate soup. Friday 7/22 - No fishing today either. Went to wawona to see the mariposa grove of giant sequoias. Little ones were tired so we did the tram tour. Beautiful trees. The S. fork of the Merced looked nice especially since the merced was still pretty dirty. Saturday 7/23 - Fished the merced by the hotel again. It was clearer than the previous days but not as clear as the first day. No takers, very little sign of activity. Still, beautiful scenery and the sound of the water was a nice way to start the day considering we had to drive to sacramento that day. Sunday 7/24 - Hit Sacramento airport at 5:20 am PST. Got home to house in Florida at 6:30 pm EST. So a great trip, I got to experience multiple species of trout in very different environments. I was able enter a new environment; observe it; immerse myself in it; and figure out the wonderful puzzle of getting a fish to take a fly! Got to see stunningly beautiful scenery I hadn't seen in years. Also was able to share it all with my wife and daughter. Thanks again to everybody for helping to make this an unforgettable trip. I can't wait to get back!! Ken ps - i will still carry and try olive wooly buggers until i catch a fish on one!
