Chronicles Of A Struggling Creek - Going With The Flow

Sometimes the smallest critters pack the biggest punch.  While on the creek Thursday afternoon something bit me on the hand.  It really didn't hurt or anything like that, but itched like no tomorrow.  Friday morning I awoke to a completely swollen hand and not feeling too chipper at the same time - kind of like a night out on the town that went bad. 

I managed to drag my carcass to the mercantile store, but. by mid-morning this old body was pretty much spent, so I headed to the bunkhouse where I self-medicated - a terrible thing for a lay person to do. 

The critter bite must have been more than I thought because this morning I didn't awake until almost three hours later than I normally do, which is highly unusual.  And, being the sleepy-head I was this morning would put me on the creek much later than I like.

However, I got the most pleasant surprise once arriving to the carp water.  I reported several days ago that the creek had gained a little flow due to a one inch rain.  Somehow that flow has increased and the puzzling thing is we haven't had anymore rain... as of this morning.

Tying a black with red stinger tail Curiosity on the fly went out just a short distance.  The first carp of the morning took note and casually come up and sucked. 

The next fish would be a catfish that was every bit of four pounds and this would be the point I would pull one of my bonehead stunts.  I got the catfish up next to the bank and instead of taking one long step down into the water I decided to try and lift the fish by the tippet.  Of course the tippet gave way and the catfish took the Curiosity I had just tied last night.  Sometimes I do some really stupid stuff. 

On goes one of Charlie's Creek Critters and the search for carp continues.  A short distance down the creek there are wakes in the water so the Critter goes sailing.  The reward comes in the fashion of one of those fascinating Mirror carp. 

Leaving this carp pasture the second carp pasture explored would be Well Springs.  The sky this morning was completely overcast, which is good and bad.  Good for keeping temperatures down and this morning was absolutely beautiful with temperatures in the low 70's.  But, overcast skies can be bad in being able to see the carp. 

Again, keying on a wake the third carp of the morning would come in for the branding.  The Creek Critter has been one of the ruling flies this season.

A little further downstream, the fourth carp of this Saturday morning would be lassoed and also brought in for branding. 

Interruptions have always bothered me, and this morning there was a scheduled one.  Around mid-morning I was forced to leave the creek to meet with the appliance delivery man and claim Miss Carol's new washing machine.  After that was said and done, a second run was made at the creek.

On the second run it wasn't fifteen minutes before dark clouds begin to gather in a great congregation as far as this eye could see.  Then, the saving gifts from above begin to fall.  Hurrying back to the schooner, a cup of coffee was in order.  Walking out of the store with my coffee the rain seemed to have quit so it was back to the creek once more. 

No sooner than had I reached the creek bank, the sky really opened up and delivered a downpour.  It was only 100 yards to the schooner, but before I could get there every thread on me was totally drenched.  I loved it. 

It's my wish that this is the final post in the series "Chronicles Of A Struggling Creek".  Hopefully, after the wonderful rain today this will be finis.  

 





 

Chronicles Of A Struggling Creek - Another Trip

There were drops of hope on my windshield this morning as I made my way to the mercantile store.  A bit of servitude would be given to the store but not much, for other things were on my mind.  The morning shower never developed into a full rain event, but at this point nothing is prettier than the sound of rain - nothing smells better than the scent of rain. 

I made short order of it at the store because unfortunately I own one of those minds that never gets rest.  In short - things bug me.  On my mind once again was the dam and that bush plugged into the outflow pipe. 

Back in the creek the wade begin.  For some reason this is a tiring wade, but this morning it was enjoyable because new carp water was discovered.  Although it was hard seeing the beeves, I did actually see about ten and then from judging all the mud clouds encountered, I'm estimating there are 30 - 40 carp in this stretch of the creek. All the more reason to try and get some flow going.

At the dam, I slid down the steep face of the dam and grab hold of the bush.  With a hefty tug, the bush dislodged.  What followed was the most toxic, nasty looking water I've ever seen.  The flow increased immediately, but that was short lived and soon went back to a trickle.  The sludge that come out of pipe hit the water below and begin to spread like a threatening spectre across pool.

The water immediately above the dam is not deep at all.  The water is resting on basically one large sand bar that has developed overtime.  The dam has acted as a stopping point for the filling sand and taken away the natural distribution process of a creek.  Upstream, a ways, is a stretch of water close to half of a mile in length that has a good amount of water.

Charlie thinks this outlet is what he calls a "low flow outlet", designed to allow water to continue to flow during low flow periods.  Whatever it is, it isn't working properly.  Most likely it's going to take a backhoe or a horizontal bore to unplug this mess. 

Right now our goals are (1) Locate someone that has knowledge of the construction and functioning of this dam, (2) encourage the owner or caretakers to fix the problem, and (3) establish a maintenance schedule to keep this outflow free of obstructions.

Besides these things we need some good heavy rain and this is where there might be good news. 

This afternoon this parcel of the prairie ocean is under a severe weather warning.  Usually with severe weather there is rain and hopefully the rain will be substantial.  Just a three or four inch rain could turns things around for this little creek.

Then there is next week and within next week rests a lot of hope. 



Chronicles Of A Struggling Creek - The Dam

This morning I went in search of an answer to a question that has been heavy on my mind here of late.  With the creek struggling as much as it is and with the flow having ceased in the upper sections of the creek the question, for me, became was something restricting the upstream flow?

For years, I have heard of a private dam upstream but never have I seen it up close.  Using Google I located the dam on satellite imaging.  From the google map it looked to be a nicely done construction.  However what couldn't be determined was whether the builder had included some kind of water release in the structure besides overflow from the top of the dam.

Right after sunrise I entered the creek a quarter of a mile downstream from the dam.  Less than 25 yards upstream, the place this part of the creek ceased to flow was encountered.

Not far upstream the creek suddenly widen to 25 or 30 feet and this run was probably a good 100 yards or better of standing water two feet or so deep.  The water was simply trapped and couldn't flow downstream.

At the end of this long and wide run, the creek skinned down to a stream of two or three foot water and I knew then the dam was just ahead.  As I made a bend, there in front of me stood the concrete testament of a man's work for whatever reason he had in mind.

With my first glance of the dam the question I had in mind was answered.  About half way down from the top of the dam is an eight or ten inch pipe.  This morning there was only a trickle of water coming out of the pipe.  Upstream from the dam the water is stagnant and looks to be a couple of feet below the top of the dam.  This pipe goes through the dam where I imagine there is an elbow with a standpipe. 

So, the builder of this dam deserves credit for incorporating some kind of release.  There does appear to be a rather hefty restriction in the pipe by way of some kind of shrub or small tree that has apparently taken root.  This morning I had no solution as to how to free this obstruction and upon inquiring I have learned the owner of this dam lives in Florida and I have no contact information. 

I don't know exactly how I feel about dams.  On one hand I know they have created a lot of wonderful tailwater fisheries.  On the other hand though I also believe they have changed or altered the natural course of things... and fish and their habitats. 

With answer in hand it was time for me to leave.  Instead of wading back downstream I cut across a pasture and pick up the road for a quicker return to the prairie schooner.  Saving time was important this morning because I hoped to battle just one carp.

Traveling to Charlie's Pasture, where there is still inflow from a confluence, a rust colored Creek Critter of Charlie's hand went out across the flat water to the far bank.  A carp absolutely slammed the fly on the blind and we began a chin-chin.

I'll have to say that for a small young carp this was the toughest fighting fish I've had on the rod in a long, long time.  This little common carp simply would not quit.  Finally I decided to walk-the-dog and took him downstream where he could be gently beached in three of four inches of water.

The thought of staying longer was on my mind, but breakfast with Miss Carol sounded good too.  Miss Carol won out. 









Chronicles Of A Struggling Creek

Hope Dissipates

Clouds began to build out of the north this afternoon.  Were they clouds of promise?  Clouds of possibility?  Or would they become clouds of disappointment?

Within half of an hour later the wind grew strong, trees begin to sway, and the thunder rolled.  There seemed to be a faint scent of rain.

Not a single drop fell here on this parcel of the prairie ocean.  Hope faded... quickly evaporating into the bone-dry air.

Now, the clouds are building once again and there is more promise... more potential.  Tomorrow looks even better.  We are so desperate for rain.

Saucering the coffee after taking supper I quickly leave to check on the carp in Rock Creek.  Not just carp I should say - all aquatic life.  Charlie and I have begun to make daily checks on the conditions of the creek and the life that exists within and along. 

Things are happening quickly on Rock Creek.  My first spot was the small falls I documented recently showing the creek has ceased to flow.  Today, I was amazed at how much the creek has regressed from this falls.  The water has receded at least six feet in the last couple of days.

Looking upstream I can see that the carp pasture Honey Hole is quickly becoming choked with leaves.  It's 45 days until autumn, but it's so hot and dry the trees are letting go of their once green, now gold, orange, and brown hands.

Going downstream, there is even more despair.  Here there is no inflow at all and this long and narrow section of the creek is even more choked.  Struggling hard to see any signs of carp, nary a swirl, back, or riffle can be found.

At risk here on this creek is more than fish.  All forms of aquatic life are in jeopardy.  Then there are the creatures that water from this creek such as deer, raccoon, possum, squirrel, and there is even beaver on this creek.  The fowl such as the heron depend on this water also.  I saw no death on the creek today and was delighted to see life still in hope of better times to come.

With today's check of the creek, my spirit lifted upon traveling back upstream to the upper shallows.  In a pool of standing water that has no inflow, there are five carp gingerly feeding in water no more than eight inches deep.  They looked to still be strong today.  But, as the bacteria and algae blooms continue to build and the oxygen declines they will lose strength. 

There is still hope.  It's not too late for the carp, perch, bass, beaver, mayfly, the occasional caddis, and all the creatures along the banks.  It's not too late, if just the rain will come. 





 

Conversations With Carp - Said And Done

With a crestfallen spirit this morning, I kept looking at the dry falls, and bed downstream, on upper Rock Creek. I questioned god once when my wife died, but I'll never do that again - it's not my place.  Still, however, I often wonder why some things have to take place. 

Last Saturday I posted a picture of the minimal flow on upper Rock Creek and have posted the picture again.

This morning I took this picture below that shows what can happen in one short week when we are absent of rain.

There is a tremendous community of fish and other water life in this area of Rock Creek and now all this life is at risk.  The carp that Charlie and I so love may very well become stranded and begin to perish.  If it comes to that I'll begin to rescue the carp and take them downstream to where there is a confluence.  Some will say that is interfering with natural selection, but I no longer believe in natural selection because the activity of humankind has terribly altered and affected that pure process.  The pale horse is at the fringe of this creek.

As far as continued conversations with carp in this part of the creek - all is said and done. 

Conversations With Carp - Double Talk

After the coffee was saucered and blowed, and shortly before sunrise this morning, I was standing on the shore of nearby Arbuckle Lake.  Arbuckle is 2400 acres of water supplied by three feeder streams - Rock Creek, Guy Sandy, and Buckhorn.  There are a lot of carp in Arbuckle, but neither Charlie or me have figured out a way to get to these creatures. 

Knowing the lake would be down considerably due to lack of significant rainfall, I guess I was hoping there would be a way to wade out to where the carp were congregating.  But, in front of me was a thick weave of a marsh-like bog with a very soft bottom.  Being by myself I deemed it as risky to try and wade out into the mush. 

There wasn't a boat or another soul on Arbuckle this morning.  The peace and quietness of the morning was ever so pleasurable.  However, I like to hunt for carp - not stand in one spot hoping the carp will come my way.  I leave the serenity of this place and head back to town proper.

Coming through town the thermometer at the bank read 87 degrees and the humidity had already grown thick.  Even though it was already sticky, the prairie schooner is turned into a familiar spot alongside the creek for a thirty minute outing.

With a black Curiosity with red stinger, two carp come in for the branding while fishing the skinny water.  This double gift from the god of fishing was enough to appease my hunger for talks, and the line is spooled to leave the creek.  Looking upstream as I get ready to leave I see evidence of a spawn taking place.  Lots of crashing and trashing up against the bank and backs and tails swirling in the frenzy. 

SAD NEWS FOR CARP FANS

In this morning's Daily Oklahoman, Ryan Shelton writes an article about a sad situation for fish and angler alike.  At the Great Salt Plains Lake, another fish kill has taken place.  There have been a number of fish kills at Great Salt Plains, but with this latest kill (that involve many carp and drum) there is now concern as if the carp will be able to rebound.

Photo by Ryan Shelton

Drought is the culprit behind the kill and this is the second year this lake along with others have had to endure exceptional drought. 

For full story visit Ryan's article. Great Salt Plains Fish Kill. 

Blue River - Princess Of The Prairie

In spite of the exceptional drought the prairie ocean is experiencing, Blue River is holding up well with good flow and a rare beauty.  This morning's trip to Blue revealed she is as pretty as a porcelain-skin redheaded young lass.

Early morning on Blue.

 

Early morning catfish anglers with lines in water.

The current flow of Blue is remarkable.

Panfish were active this morning.

Placid pools.

Tremedous insect activity this morning.

Riffling water making music.

So many wonerful falls on Blue.

Contrast - arid associated cactus borders lush river.

Downstream from Hughes Crossing.

Nearby stock ponds not faring as well as Blue River.

Carp Redux 2011 - A Discouraging Word

Drought - that's the discouraging word. 

Here on the prairie ocean, along with the south and southwest part of our country, we are experiencing what is known as "exceptional drought". 

Now, we're not exactly a stranger to drought.  Probably, most people when thinking of Oklahoma, automatically draw pictures of tumbleweeds and the stark images of the Great Dust Bowl era.  Although, we have been associated with being an arid land, a large part of Oklahoma is truly an oasis.  Even though drought is nothing new here, this year is particularly discouraging for this fly fisher along with my fellow carp by fly friend Charlie.

Our precious creek has grown threadbare with virtually no flow.  Day by day, the situation seems to worsen and the creek seems to diminish.  Last year, we didn't hit 100 degrees until July 31st.  This year, we hit 100 degrees in a row the last thirteen days of June.  There is no rain, and no relief from the tormenting heat in sight.

What is most disturbing to Charlie and me is not the effect the drought is having on our carp by fly activity.  The discouraging part of this years weather is what effect it is going to have on the dramatic comeback of the bass and pan-fish population.  For years, five, six, or maybe seven years, the pan-fish and bass communities were seemingly non-existent, but, this year they have bounced back in what would seem record numbers.  But now, with the drought, low flow, diminishing water, these fish are in a battle to stay healthy.  It saddens both Charlie and me. 

As far as carp by fly, yes, it has had an effect on our efforts.  Charlie feels like he's in a slump, but, I would argue he's not in a slump at all.  It's simply the situation - the conditions.  There are a half-a- dozen places on the creek we found carp regularly last year and this year we have found none.  The beeves have migrated to the wider, deeper and shaded water.  When the beeves go on the feed, they muddy the water as they graze.  Since there is little streamflow the pastures become muddy and cloudy and turn into constant darkness.  Here, the carp are beyond the sight of the angler and leaves the angler to blind fishing, which, is nowhere near as effective, or fun, as sight-fishing.

Saturday on the creek, the locust were in concert performing their raspy music for the inhabitants of the creek.  Normally, the locust don't make music until mid or late July.  Two prolific springs appear to be near stopping their flow.  One appears to have already done so, the other is discharging at three gallons a second.  Three gallons a second is scarce in itself and then there is the processes of evaporation and absorption.  Three gallons a second discharge into a struggling creek during drought is like fighting a three alarm fire with a single fire hose.  Things here on our creek are not looking good.

Fish are a lot like us - they feel stress.  Even the durable carp has a point that conditions will start to take a toll on the creature. 

Think I'll take a summer sabbatical of sorts and let the carp be until the rain comes.

Some branches have ceased to flow.

Creek running thin during drought.

Despite the absence of rain, shaded areas remain green and wildflowers are battling to stay bright.

Carpin' Can Wait - Praying For Rain

There are two new Elk Hair Caddis patterns patiently resting in the fly box dedicated to the pursuit of carp by fly.  I say patiently resting, but, I could very well be wrong. 

Several times this past weekend I opened that fly box to have just one more look at the flies and it almost seemed like, each time, the Elk Hair's were screaming, "Put me in coach... just put me in!" 

Alas, they will have to wait.  An early springtime cold front pushed across the prairie ocean last Friday sending temperatures plummeting thirty to forty degrees lower than the days of the week prior. 

Springtime promises.

Spring on a carp creek.

The sudden change in weather comes at a time when there was warming signs of spring and a time that the carpin' seem to be really picking up steam. 

For sure, the cooler weather is most unpleasant to this carp by fly angler,  after being so delightfully teased by warming rays and fresh scents of new life.  Today, the temperature struggled to reach fifty degrees; the sky was a thick, heavy, dull pewter color.  Perfect trout weather... but, for carp... it's not so good. 

However, there could very well be a wonderful blessing with this cold snap.  Cold fronts in spring usually mean rain - oh, how we need the rain.

Currently the prairie ocean is running about three inches below normal in rainfall.   The streams, creeks, and rivers that act as the seafaring currents are in great need of some fresh inflow. 

The local creek that Charlie and I fly fish for carp is currently running at ten cubic feet per second compared to a normal stream flow of thirty cubic feet per second for this time of year.  Nearby, the river Blue is running at forty cubic feet per second compared to the normal seventy. 

Yes, we need the rain and hopefully it will come soon.  As much as I love carpin' by fly... I much rather have the rain right now.

There are a lot of good things we offer prayer for - rain, oftentimes, is a good thing.

If only Burt Lancaster could come back for an encore performance of The Rainmaker, on this drought prone prairie ocean.

Image via Wikipedia