I went Flyfishing early this morning up on the Stanislaus River below Goodwin Dam by Lake Tullock. It took less than two hours to drive there and me and my buddy fished for about 5 hours before heading back. When you first visit a new stretch of river there are a few obstacles to overcome before you get to catch fish. You have to get an eye for the river and see where the potential places for fish holding may be. You have to try a variety of flies and techniques to see which ones work best. Overall it usually takes a couple visits before you do any good. I felt happy with my results for the first time. I caught about 7-8 small trout and released them safely. I caught most on a caddis emerger I tied with a small piece of flash at the bend using a high sticking nymph fishing technique. I would like to try this spot again in the late afternoon because I think bigger fish would become more active then. Also I would head right for the riffle where three other guys were fishing first before anyone arrives. It was a beautiful day on the river and me and my friend Doug had some fun conversations about flyfishing. Great way to spend a Friday morning!
I have this little ritual before I go out Flyfishing for the first time of the season. First I need to tie a fly that I haven’t tied before, next I go through all of my gear making sure everything is in place, Then I like to watch “A River Runs Through It”. And I dream about flyfishing throughout the night between lapses of R.E.M.
I get very excited about flyfishing, because it makes me come alive. The mountains, the trees, and the river call my name. I enjoy the hunt too. It’s fascinating to me. The river is powerful and dangerous in places. There are rocks to climb and trees to give you shade after the hike. And when you come to a section of water and are able to read it you see. You see where the fish must be feeding. You look for insects that are in the air and water and try to match them with what’s in your box. And after tying one on you slowly enter the rivers edge and place the fly right where you want it. And if you have put it altogether correctly a trout my take your fly and then…wow! I can’t describe how amazing it feels to set the hook and play that fish on the end of your flyrod!
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive, because what the world needs is for people to come alive!” Wild At Heart
And your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies. You annoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 23:4-6
“Lord, Make me the kind of person my dog thinks I am.”
