Another very cold Saturday here in Rochester NY (near historic record lows for the day) as we celebrated Family day at Jim Metcalf’s Lodge on Little Sandy Creek.  Many thanks to Jim and his family for all the work and cooking they do to make for a warm barbeque gathering in spite of the temps which didn’t get above freezing all day.  See photo of ice forming on the submerged log.

There were some special fish landed (for the birthday girl) as well as a few exceptional migratory fish.  I managed to land several nice Brown Trout but the fish of the day for me was a crimson/magenta colored Rainbow.  Jay managed to hook a monster fish that we initially thought was Brownzilla’s significant other but it turned out to be a relatively fresh Chinook Salmon in the 20-pound range.  When he set the hook, the fish created a massive boil on the water’s surface with its broom-like tail.  At that moment, I looked at Jay and the expression on his face was “Holy S_ _ T.”

I ran for the net and after a significant fight, we didn’t get a look at the fish until just before it swam into the net (just about knocking Hip Boy into the river).  The canine teeth on this fish were impressive and we made sure to stay away from the business end of this late migratory beast.  For some reason, it was trying to bite me the entire time I was taking close up portraits.  The word on the river (amongst all species) must be out that I’m here so get even if you have the opportunity.

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Another day today hunting for the elusive monster brown.  The good news is that we will be above freezing all day.

T.O.