Solo Mission

A much needed break from work finally came, so I set out on a solo mission to chase some nearby browns. The destination was a slow winding stretch of river known for easily frightened fish. Though these fish scare easily and are difficult to catch, the size alone draws me to this stretch at least a few times out of the year.

The usual method I choose to fish this section is with streamers. However, it had shown to be rather unsuccessful. It seemed as soon as the rabbit strip and flash hit the water, the browns would flee for protection. A change of strategy was needed. Since it was mid August, my strategy this time would be a meaty hopper patterns with delicate presentations. With dark clouds to my north, I hurried and readied my gear, knowing lightning would be here soon.

I came upon a stretch that has a nice deep hole with a big brush blossoming out surrounded by five inches of scum. I just knew there had to be a fish in there. I have fished this hole before, but each time never felt the bend I was seeking. This time, there would be no stripping of streamers. Instead, I landed a soft presentation a few feet above the brush, and patiently watched as my hopper drifted toward the obstruction. As soon as my fly kissed the scum, a nice brown unveiled itself and engulfed my bullet head hopper. Gotta love fishing dries.

By  now, and much too early, the storm I previously feared was now raining on me. Not wanting to end up getting zapped, I headed back to the car for cover and some lunch.

My next destination  was a creek just down the road that was similar to the first one. Thunderstorms were all around me but I just couldn't settle on only that one fish. Only one more cast right?

The rain was crashing down and tailgaters on highway 89 were pissing me off. I needed to get to this creek and fast before I lost my sense of calm that the day had brought. I finally arrived to see the water in good condition. I had forgotten how much water comes from this natural spring, and was reminded that I need to fish there more often.  I caught smaller rainbows and a sixteen inch brown that fought like a twenty. Again, the storms raged in with lightning and thunder so I booked it out of there. Overall, the day was a success and it provided the sense of relaxation and rush of a tighline.