I live a near a state park with a huge amount of backcountry. You can go on weeklong backpacking trips there and not see a soul at some times of the year. The park is mostly former ranchland, with lots of artificial ponds and lakes, some with warmwater fish in them -- bass, bluegill, green sunfish and black crappie. For someone like me who enjoys long hikes and secluded fishing it is pretty much ideal during the cooler months; it's relatively low elevation, so midsummer often brings temps in the 100's F. The fish are not generally huge, but for me fishing is mostly about enjoying the outdoors and getting away from civilization.
The largest lake in the park is about 12 miles / 2600' elevation gain one way from the main entrance and that is the shortest route for most of the year (an eastern trailhead is open during the dry season). Most of the larger lakes are ringed with reeds, brush and trees, making them difficult to fish from shore. This is where having a float tube or raft is useful. I've been to this lake with a packraft a couple times, but this was my first time in the fall. I usually make a three day trip out of it.
I set out shortly before 8am. Start from ~2600', descend to ~1200' via fire road. The morning fog in the valleys revealed steep canyons.
Crossed the creek, low but still flowing. I saw a few tiny pikeminnows or pollywogs.
Up and over a pass, then down into another canyon and back up. This crossing was dry as a bone, but can require water shoes in winter and spring.
Up 1000' via good trail to a fire road to ~2400', then on to the lake, up and down as these ridge roads often do. I was making good time, got to a spot overlooking the dam around noonish.
The lake is kind of a long thin shape, with lots of small creek arms making for quiet coves to explore. I headed towards the north end of the lake, about another mile. I set up camp, filtered some water (there is lots of organic debris, so a prefilter is essential) and put my gear together.
Alpacka Scout (new model), Supai Olo paddle, and Fenglass 6wt
I got out on the water in mid-afternoon. Clouds were building and soon the 20% chance of precip started, occasional drizzle which lasted until dusk or so.
In the meantime paddled about halfway down the lake and caught bass on streamers along the way.
It was too chilly for much surface activity and I surmised the fish were holding deep. Eventually I switched to a 5 ips sink tip to get down to where the fish were.
Towards dusk I was treated to a double rainbow.
Next morning dawned sunny and bright, mist rising off the lake.
The cloud formations are a major reason I enjoy this time of year.
Exploring one of the many coves
Oh, I fished occasionally too
Obligatory gear shot -- CGR 2 reel and Tequeely streamer (saw these on a post here)
All too soon the day came to and end. Next morning I got a not-so-early start and hoofed it back to the trailhead. Parting shot from the ridge road.