Guys, the run on the nolan has NOT yet started. Fished in all of the sand bass spots that we nailed them in last year, nothing. tried everywhere. The water still seemed cold. Did see a couple of gar spawning, and couldn't resist the chance. So I put some metal in both of them. Had them on for a while, but they got off.
The river has really changed since the floods of last year. The holes are different, and the water is up 2 to 3 feet from where I fished last year. Will need chest waders to get after them. Several times we had to cross, and water was over my hip boots. Bummer. Still a couple weeks away, in my opinion.
Later, troutbum

After striking out on the Nolan, went to below Whitney, to fish our usual haunts. Much better result, there. Between the 3 of us, we caught drum, black bass, sand bass, carp, crappie, and bluegills. love my new camera, got some good release shots today.
Also note the size of the micro jig, and then notice the bass that ate it. Goes to show that small baits, CAN CATCH big fish. I am a firm believer in that.
Later, troutbum

Aw gee that is beautiful!

Beautiful looking river.

...But where's the pics of the drum and carp? Hehe.

Notice the long opercular (gill cover) flap on fish #2. Looks like you rooted out Lepomis auritus, the redbreast sunfish, in addition to the bluegill.

Yes, I am off to a good start for the Texas Fishes contest. I have already caught, and will go catch again the following species. Carp, gar, drum, sand bass, black bass, small mouth bass, white bass, striped bass, bluegills, sunfish, shad, rainbow trout, and crappie. I think LHD caught 30 last year, hell I'm halfway there!!

I haven't fished below Whitney in years, looks like I should just for old times sake.

It looks like a great place to take my kayak. Does anyone have any ideas where I should launch? On Google maps it looks like Nolan River Park on CR 1104 might work, what about CR 1127 going south west out of Blum is there river access, or there is a little unnamed road, it looks like a park on 933 by what might be Rocky Creek. I am looking for access fairly close to the river.

Thanks in advance,
~gober

I had some friends take a canoe in at rock creek, and drag it down to the river. They seemed to think it wasn't that bad. Fishing is picking up there. Spawning sandies, and black bass.

Excellent pictures, and gratz on the catches. Liked the fog on the Nolan there, must have been a beautiful place even if no bites.

Wow the Nolan looks really neat. I need to go down there sometime with you!

Before everyone rushes to drag their yaks and canoes down the trail at rock Creek....consider this:

There is NO WAY to get down river from there without going thru water that others are fishing. The majority of which are not using fly tackle. I realize that most fly fishers are considerate....however, I have come across more than a few that believe that their choice of tackle makes them in some way superior. Before you disturb the water others are fishing....stop and think! I have read numerous comments from flyfishermen bitching about the ignorant bait/lure/or whatever chuckers, running their boats through water they are fishing. That door swings both ways. Show some consideration. Wearing Rubber pants, weird hats, and swinging a string from long sticks is not a license to walk all over someone who chooses to use a Zebco.

I guess my point is: If you want to fish from your canoe...launch it down at Nolan River Park....or walk down from Rock Creek.

Very ummm... interesting post... not exactly sure how to take it.

I solemnly swear that if I take my kayak on the Nolan River I will: stop and think, not pollute or trash the river, avoid all bitching flyfishermen and avoid all territorial waters.

I guess I didn�t think the question warranted a lecture.

~gober

On a side note thanks Trout Bum I appreciate your reply and your beautiful pictures.

Spacetexan, I have never fished out of a yak, but will someday. I do agree with my fellow friend, Budd. The Nolan is a special place this time of year. Especially if you like catching lots of nice fish, and many different species. Carp, Gar, Black Bass, Sandies, Gills, who knows what. In my humble opinion, this river fishes better on foot. Too much work, for no advantage. Just get your feet wet, or put on those fancy boots, and wade. Concentrate on the fishing. If you want to go yaking, go to the lake. Too much going on. When someone drags a boat through a samll hole where 50 fish are holding, and your hooking up with great regularity, it sucks when a boat comes through, and messes things up for a long time. Saturday some dichead took his airboat all the way up past Rock Creek, and Why?? Messed everything up for the rest of the day. This river begs to fished on foot. Much more enjoyable.
Just my 2 cents. Troutbum

Here's some pics from rock creek:




Les