It had been a long time since my last visit to Lake Ballinger, but thought I'd like to try for some late Fall Cutthroat. My wife, Boni, and I arrived at the lake about 8:00 AM and headed for the pier. Lines in the water by 8:15... a chilly 37 degrees at the start, fog covering the surface of the lake. Water temp off the pier, at 10' was 44 degrees. Rigged up two rods with mashmallows and nightcrawlers, one with fl. orange Power Eggs. About a half hour in, had a solid hit and reeled in a fat, healthy 12" Rainbow (on nightcrawler). By 10:00, Boni, who hadn't felt real good before we left the house, was chilled and headed for the truck to get warm. By now it was spitting rain and no warmer... persistent breeze from the south was now a strong wind. Lots of geese and ducks flying on and off the lake. Resident eagles were flying back and forth across the lake, no doubt looking for an easy "duck dinner". About 10:30 my rod tip doubled over and was into a good fish. Strong pulls on the line and twisting fight indicated a Cutthroat and finally netted a beautiful long, sleek hen Cutthroat of 14"... nearly developed egg skeins when I cleaned her. (Again, on the nightcrawler). BTW the Rainbow's stomach was full of 1/2" snails. After landing the Cutthroat, checked with Boni who now had a sore throat and a fever, so we left the lake before 11:00... not a bad late Fall morning's fishing... got my poor wife home and in a nice warm bed to recover... a real trooper!
No other fishermen showed while we were at the lake. Many out walking their dogs. Irritating to watch those who allow their dogs to run loose and harass the waterfowl... especially in light of the HUGE SIGN in the parking lot that states that dogs must be on leash... "at all times" (city ordinance). Just my pet (pardon the pun!) peeve for the day! Any way, have a Very Merry Christmas, one and all!!! God Bless! PTL!