Browns, Bows and Bass

[FishOnKV]

Was up early Saturday for a solo trip to Hackelbarney SP. My logic was that the 33 degree temps and decent hike down to the river would keep some crowds away.. Welp I was terribly wrong as the place was packed even before 8am. Fished some pocket waters with no luck as the good holes were shoulder to shoulder. Eventually made my way off the path to Rhinehart Brook, one of the Black River tribs, and caught a few little browns on hair jigs (pinched the barbs down as best I could) Beautiful little stream.

Ended up stopping at a local spot on my way home for a few stockies. Nice looking fish this year, all with full fins and rosy cheeks.

Feeling rather unsatisfied, I made my way to a stocked pond in Morris County later in the day that I'd never fished before. No trout but got this nice largemouth on a 2" keitech easy shiner. My best open water bass so far this year. Very fun on an UL rod and definitely beats any little stocked rainbow in my book.

Hope everyone had a good opening day and can get out next weekend for some nice weather.. Finally!!