[JeffsLowe]

Kinda long but it is what it is..

I mostly fish the Rock Island/Great Falls area, along with a little JPP because its close, but I do occasionally like to fish below CH dam. With the storms coming through today I thought a little bank fishing might be worthwhile and decided to give it a try.

When I got there this morning I couldn't pull into the Long Branch picnic/ramp parking lot because they were working clearing away blowdowns and mud, and had cones across both the entry and exit. Notice the campground was open, but just about empty, so no biggy just pulled in. The Campground host wasn't in his little house, so I went ahead and drove back to the bathroom because I had to go. The second I pulled in at the restroom and got out of my truck this old guy on a bicycle rode up with a red logo on his shirt stopped me and asked me what I was doing. Went something like this...

Going to the bathroom, then going to try the fishing.

You can't fish here - this is for campers only.

Thats BS - I have been fishing here forever.

Doesn't matter - the steps are for campers only. You cannot fish here.

Well, can I park outside the campground and walk in - that is what I have always done in the past?

No you are not allowed to park here and you cannot walk in - this area is for campers only.

Well, where am I supposed to park then?

You have to park up at the boat ramp.

Its closed, there are orange cones across the lane- I can't even pull in there. So where am I supposed to park?

That doesn't have anything to do with us - you cannot park here and you cannot fish here.

Well then - do you mind if take a p your restroom before I leave your campground.

You cannot do that either - this area is for campers only. You have to use the restroom by the boat ramp.

The boat ramp area is closed.

That doesn't have anything to do with us - you cannot use the restroom.

WELL OK BUDDY - I'M USING THE RESTROOM BEFORE I LEAVE SO ARE YOU CALLING THE COPS ON ME?

He seemed to get nervous at that - no buddy Im not calling the cops but you know for next time you cannot come in here unless you are camping....



Now - I cannot recall how many times I have fished in that area but it is a bunch. After all = IT IS A PUBLIC AREA! I looked on line at the Long Branch campground rules and cannot find anything prohibiting access to fisherman, or hikers, or using the bathroom either. So I guess I never got the memo...

The good news - went up and parked in the office lot, nobody said anything, experienced a beautiful day, and caught a bunch of trout.