Rockenhausen 10 June

Trip Report – 10 June

Alsen River - Rockenhausen, GE

This was fun! I had to go to Ramstein AFB for a conference for few days, and decided I wanted to test a couple of the local fishing areas during my free time in the evening. I gave myself enough time to hit the fishing store (Die Pokal & Angelerecke in Enkenbach-Alsenborn) that sold day passes to three lakes in the Kaiserslautern area and do a quick RECON of the area. The owner of the store, Harald Stenert, recommended trying the Alsen River when I mentioned I wanted to do some fly fishing.

Although he didn't sell day permits for this river, he gave me directions to the town of Rockenhausen (located about 20 kms north of Kaiserslautern just off B48), and off I went. The receptionist at the Rathaus (town hall) sells the permits if you can find her. She sits just inside the door. The challenge is finding the Rathaus. I will tell you it sits on the left side of the road leading through town (west to east). Daily permits costs 20 EUROs. Ask for a map because you are only allowed to fish outside of the town (approximately 6 km on either side). I had two days of permit in hand by 1115 hours and made the 1300 to 1630 meeting at Ramstein AB with no problem.

As soon as it was over, I was back on the road after a quick guest house check in, and at the river by 1800 hours. Rain made things difficult and caused the water in the creek to become very murky (sad face). Broke out the large collection of nymphs since no bugs where visible when I approached a small check dam with a nice pool underneath.

Proceeded to catch four Whitefish (8"), three small Browns (10-11") and two Rainbows (14") during the first hour on Hare's Ear and Prince nymphs (#14-16). Not bad. Noticed a plethora of small midge looking critters starting to swarm in the back water of the check dam. Earlier this year (March?) I tied a few Griffith's Gnats (#18) and didn't have a good chance to use them yet. Now was the time!

Climbed out of the gully with the pool and when I got to the top I saw rises going on everywhere. Swooshes and swirls galore! Water was moving just enough to be challenging and the fish were biting. Caught six little browns (6-8") and two nice 15 inchers (or at least real close) within an hour. Lost a few too - flies (tall grass) and fish (barbless).

Headed out when the sun disappeared about 2030. It was starting to rain and I was getting a little chilly in my shorts and tee shirt (did I tell ya I left my fishing clothes packed back pack on the living room floor?). Spent the next day dreaming about the upcoming afternoon and evening fly fishing expedition to the Alsen. Yeah, it was too good to be true.

Got the call about 1400. Return to HD ASAP. I was on stand by for another short notice deployment to a crisis area deep in the heart of the jungle. As I passed the turn off, I felt cheated, but knew that someday I would return. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday soon (maybe). It was fun, and no I didn't actually go anywhere. Big nothing.

What did I learn?

1. A few good hours on the water make it all worth while. Sometimes you don't even have to catch fish.

2. Check the packing list before you leave home. Stinging nettle really hurt exposed legs and calve muscles.

3. Stay alert to what's going on around you. A hatch can be just around the next bend or just over the horizon.

4. I think I will go back to the Alsen soon

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