Today I took a break from our backyard garden & greenhouse projects to head out over the highway and wet a line for the first time this trouting season.

I turned off the highway at Witless Bay Line and just a short distance later turned off onto one of the new transmission line gravel roads. I like this area as it's peppered with small ponds & gullies, and there are virtually no trees to snag your line fly fishing.

I left the truck at home this trip and took our Nissan Murano instead as it's much more fuel efficient and plenty capable for this adventure.

The weather today was cool with just enough of a breeze to keep the flies away. My Sitka Hudson jacket was just perfect for these temperatures while my Patagonia Vest Front Sling pack was loaded up with tackle, water and snacks.

Fishing was great in this little gully, I found a deeper hole which is where the trout were hanging up. I was a little rusty at first hooking and losing at least four dandy trout before successfully landing this perfect pan size-er with my trusty Loop Q series combo.

Heading back out the road I stopped to try this even smaller gully. The larger section was shallow and unsuccessful, however this little run was full of small trout which were a laugh to hook and release.

When I got home I took out a bag of frozen trout to add to my single catch and make a dandy breakfast the following morning.

Most important, you have to remember to share with your buddy!

Cheers, MIKE

Copyright © 2025 Michael Smith