Archive for January, 2010

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Foam trail

January 31st, 2010

Pocket 

The foam trail that comes out of this white water is a great location to cast. Trout love it! Insects get caught in the foam and make for easy pickings. Sometimes you’ll get fish up in the foam and sometimes deeper. Always be prepared for a hook up! I short line nymph with a tandem setup. Roll casting. Setup~ 1 split shot followed by 15″ of line followed by a #14 flashback hare’s ear another 15″ of line with a #24 bh caddis pupa on the bottom. Cast on both sides of foam trail and allow the flies to go down keeping the fly line out of the water as much as possible. If you are getting moss on your flies every couple casts then you are deep enough to get the fish! Remember… the difference between a good day fishing and not is 6″ along the bottom! Tight Lines!

PM

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The River within…

January 30th, 2010

River rage 

“Indeed the River may rage, Yet he is not disturbed.”    Job 40:23

Climbing down these slippery rocks with the heavy mist beginning to saturate my outer layers and the pounding rage of the crashing water drowning every sound with it’s white noise I had complete peace.

There have been times where my anxiety has become overwhelming with worries about my future and I am afraid there are of my friends who’s future may also look very bleak. Broken relationships, job loss, and sickness have become common place in these last days. I find when my heart is heavy I go the river and let Him pour into me again. Fill me Lord! Drown this emptiness! And the River knows my name, and He is right here…

“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will come rivers of living water.” Jesus

As I drove to the River yesterday I took a seat in my truck and left the passenger side empty. I then invited Jesus into my journey. “Here, have a seat. Let’s do this thing.” And I turned up the music and we departed to the place where He knows my name, where He speaks to my wild side and tames me with the raging water. Yes, the River is Jesus and He knows me.

I try often to do this. To invite Jesus into my heart regularly. He takes the venom out of the sting, caresses the sore muscles of my consciousness, and rubs salve into my teary eyes.

He motivates me to move to an area where the River within flows to others. I remember His goodness, the cross, His everyday presence and that confidence allows me to pour into others. And bring Jesus to their hearts. Glimpses of love packaged with grace and hope so alluring that they become irresistible. And it is natural for me to be the River too. I do it with laughter and youthfulness that He stirs into my personality. This is what I want the world to know…That this is Jesus…the River in my heart…He is what you see in that sparkle in my eye…and He is my gift to you…Here take the River in…and drink up!

PM

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Pressing in…

January 29th, 2010

Wild Rainbow 

I don’t know what makes me push so hard into everything I do. This passion that moves me driving me deeper into the woods, faith,  relationships, and life in general. I have always been this way and driving home from the Stanislaus river after a great day of fly fishing I searched my heart as to where all this comes from.

I’ve been described recently as a St. Bernard puppy drooling all over. Somehow I believe that my strength is not as clumsy as that, but I do see an element of wildness that makes me stumble over my feet on occasion and hers. Finding balance is something I’m striving for.

As a young man I used to run for miles and wouldn’t give up until I reached my destination no matter how exhausted I was. I created an image in my mind and would not be satisfied until I achieved it. I did the same riding my bicycle for hours. Often I would play multiple sports at the same time going from one game or practice to another. My coaches would allow me to play whole games without substitutions, because they knew I would be able to take it. Was this my Indian blood I thought that made me press in so hard physically with enduring perseverance?

In my faith when I lost all hope and didn’t see God at all I pressed in riding my kayak far out on the lake and  pressed into God until he gave me an answer. Relentless this pursuit. Does God really need me? Does He even care that I do this? Asking these tough questions is the only way I know how to keep my faith. And then waiting for answers. And waiting. And this too is pressing in.

I feel the biggest disadvantage to this pressing in has been my relationships and not giving ample space to allow the other person to interact appropriately. Being aware of this recently is huge for me, because I want so much to be in healthy relationships. I feel she must have patience and be forgiving for it to last. And my desire is for her and I to last.

On the river today I pressed in. I took several nice wild rainbows like the one in the picture above, but that is only because I lost a few good ones too. I will always lose some and that’s ok if I can learn to get the One. This beauty I landed today was the best experience I had in some time.

 I pressed in way too hard with two exceptional trout earlier. Bringing them in close enough to see their bright red sides and markings clearly and yet I lost them when it came time to net them, because I didn’t allow enough room for them to wear out. One I even swept my net at as it came unhooked and she ran off. Lesson learned. The hard way. She was so beautiful!

I began to cast again in the same way now for over 2 hours in this set of eddies. casting this side and over constantly pulling the line up to remove moss on the tandem setup. Finally I hooked my last fish and she ran! She lept up straight out of the water and I brought my rod tip down. She pulled out 30 feet of line instantly and I knew I had a quite substantial trout on. This time I prayed. Pressing into God this time. I knew He would help me and teach me about her. He told me to press into Him instead of her and so that is what I have been doing. Performing this way with His hand in mine guiding me with her. I brought her in close and she bolted, but instead of keeping too much drag I let her go. I always held  a firm grip though to keep her from getting away into the tree roots. I did not want to lose this one! Please God help me! Let me know she’s the One? I need hints Lord, I’m a St. Bernard! Throw me a bone… please?

She finally began to wear down some and I used my 9′  Thomas and Thomas to advantage pressing upstream and pulling her that way so she would come with the current and into my net. At last. Landed safely without injury. After a long 20 minutes of romancing her she came home. I took a few quick pictures and set her free for another time. Catching and releasing. pressing in with God’s hand. This is how it’s supposed to be, this destiny..with her and Him.

PM

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Trout conservation 101~ Courtesy Cal Trout

January 28th, 2010
TROUT 101 – THE WHAT, WHEN AND WHY

Trout is the common name given to a number of freshwater fish species belonging to the salmon family. Trout have no spines on the fins, and all of them have a small adipose fin along the back, near the tail.

Trout are generally found in cool, clear streams and lakes, and are native throughout North America, Asia and Europe. In California, steelhead trout are found in coastal watersheds, many native species ply the high mountain creeks of the Sierras and rainbows and browns can be found throughout the state

Trout are an “indicator species:” when trout disappear from a lake or river, that watershed is in trouble. When our streams and rivers slow down, dry out or heat up, trout are the first to feel it. When trout they die off in an area, they leave critical gaps in the ecosystem that cannot be filled by other species.

California Trout works primarily to protect wild trout and the habitat that support them.

Wild trout like the brown and some rainbow trout species that were introduced into California’s lakes and rivers many years ago are protected under the state Wild Trout Program. California is also home to several species of heritage trout, which were here long before our state was called California. So, while all heritage trout are wild trout, not all wild trout are heritage trout.

California is home to ten species of native trout, far more than any other state. Its 60 major watersheds include over 20,000 miles of rivers and streams. Our state leads the nation in extinct or imperiled aquatic species. The challenges facing native trout are particularly acute in the Sierra Nevada, where river systems are the most altered and habitats impaired by logging, mining and grazing. » Read more: Trout conservation 101~ Courtesy Cal Trout

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Fly Fishing Show

January 28th, 2010

This year’s Fly Fishing Show at the Alameda County Fair Grounds is coming fast! February 26, 27 & 28, 2010! You won’t want to miss it! With the price of admission one can win Door prizes, get the low-down on local hot spots and worldwide dream destinations, meet world renown fly fisherman and tyers, see casting demonstrations and much much more! maybe you’ll even get a chance to meeet me! Ha! If your lucky of course ;0) Hope to see ya there! PM

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Trust

January 27th, 2010

Slinking down through the steep wet slate beside the falls I’m reminded of my own mortality in this wild place just underneath the canopy of moss covered trees and tangled vines. The thunderous volume of the water falling over the concrete structure is removing any audible sounds waves that I may emit if loss of grip or chance fall occurs. Not a soul would have sight of me or hear me scream if I lose it here and plunge into the icy water below. This is truly dangerous ground I’m treading and yet I move forward at a chance to capture her with my rod fastened to my back.

Trust can be a companion of patience and a dragon to fight as well.

As I inch downward the final steps place me in a precarious position too close to even roll cast and so I must follow the river’s edge downstream clinging to the slick rock as I wade about chest deep in the flow of the water. In my mind I battle this dragon that tries to pry my grip off the wet canyon walls and loosen my footing of my felt soled boots. Do I trust the strength of my hands against the power of the river? All it takes is one slip and my waders would fill with water dragging me to the bottom planting me securely into a liquid grave.

But finally I do make it to the peninsula I was hoping for and am able to get most of my body up out of the water and danger of falling in and in this place I feel I have defeated this dragon..for now. Looking back in time it occurs to me there are many dragons of trust I have encountered along the trail. Possible mountain lion attacks, rattlesnake episodes, and many times the darkness of the night has taken me by surprise. And I take solace for I know this battle is not mine alone as the Lord has reminded me in His Word…

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came up against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; Though war may rise up against me, in this I will be confident.

One thing I have desired of the Lord, that I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; he shall set me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. 

Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When you said, “Seek my face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.

Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence. I would have lost heart, unless I believed that i would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” Psalm 27

So here I am, beside the cliffs of the river. Waiting for Him to deliver me from the dragons of trust and patience, to heal her, and to trust her with Him. She’s in the comfort of the still waters he made and I shall trust Him for He is worthy of all Trust…

PM

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I’ll wait for thee

January 26th, 2010

There’s this thing that happens by the water’s edge which makes me sit and stare. A glimpse of glory soon turns and swishes by. She bends her form into a curve and slights through each passing wave.

 And as I wait and wait and wait there’s one thing that never fades. My trust in her, in us and Him and in the moment yet to be…for a fly fisherman am I and I will always be.

As her flaws may not be known trust overlooks what pain she’s seen allowing the touch of the Master’s hand to gently seal each wound.

I’m but a fly fisherman as one I will always be, not to forget our love or wait in vain for thee. I’ll sit and stare and wait and wait and wait for she is perfect yes perfect for me…

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Your Grace is enough

January 26th, 2010

Great is Your faithfulness oh God
You wrestle with the sinner’s heart
You lead us by still waters in to mercy
And nothing can keep us apart

So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise
Oh God

Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me

Great is Your love and justice God
You use the weak to lead the strong
You lead us in the song of Your salvation
And all Your people sing along

So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise
Oh God

Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me [x2]

So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise
Oh God

Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me

Your grace is enough
Heaven reaching down to us
Your grace is enough for me
God I see your grace is enough
I’m covered in your love
Your grace is enough for me
For me

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Patience on the river

January 26th, 2010

Loves is patient and love is a dragon.

I really haven’t been sleeping too well since that day I spotted her on the Stan far below Goodwin Dam between a set of two riffles where the sandy bar rises just below the water’s surface. The image of this place, her beauty, and all the sounds of the river’s power and smells of the musty oak in the rain have left me swooning for another chance to fish for her.

After the hour and a half drive, with rod and wading staff ,  I exit my truck and scamper quickly in my cumbersome wading boots downstream until the path ends straight into the mighty lower Stanislaus. This section of river provides some of the most beautiful wild Rainbow trout in Northern California ranging from 12″ to 24″. The larger rainbow’s are seldom seen, but occasionally one or two may make a brief appearance to a watching eye.

When I finally make it to the water I follow the river upstream until I get to the familiar site. A tree hanging over 2/3’s of the opposite side full of tangled mono-filament just below the sand bar. I dip my rod between two willows, place my wading staff carefully into the edge of the river to test the depth and follow with one deep knee bend until I feel the river bed bottom. Then I bring my next foot into the icy water with both legs and my torso facing upstream to brace myself against the current. I’m in.

This is the dragon I face. Patience. While at the same time it is a dragon she will avoid until she’s ready to let me slay him. A paradox which sits in the middle of us; Me excited at a chance to hold her in my strong grip and her slowly developing an appetite for my fly.

As I begin my methodical approach to the place I believe her to be, my heart begins it’s usual distracting alert pumping twice the volume of blood through my veins. If I blow it here she will dart out of sight into the cover of the branch and root covered bank. Ever so carefully I take a step. Pause. And step again until I’m just below the sand bar. From here I can look into the riffle that enters it and the drop off where she stays close. Comfortable. Away from danger.

Patiently this is where I’m reminded of the dragon. This enemy of mine who wants to provoke me so I make a sudden move and lose the battle. I only observe at this point being very cautious as not to alert her. I look into the riffle and see what I believe to be a tail sweeping back and forth just enough to keep her hidden in the white water above. Yes! That is her. A glimpse of her takes my breath away and makes me dream of what it would be like to have her safely in my net gazing into her eyes.

Two long pulls of my fly line and I’m ready to cast above her so my streamer travels downstream and into her vision. The first cast produces a little stir in her tail action yet unmovable. And so I begin the game by tossing two more casts equally as impressive. This time she moves towards my fly and nudges it with her nose as if to remind me who she is, this princess. I jerk to set the hook in her mouth, but it alludes her and she swims towards the bank and circles around into the deeper water below me.

From here I see her. She’s amazing! The colors in her sides are like a shimmering rainbow and remind me of the vision of  heaven that John talks about in Revelation. A sea of emerald and gates of pearls. Rare stones with every color imaginable. From this vista the dragon is bearable. I can just sit here and admire and think I’ll  be satisfied. And then she moves swiftly back into the riffle. And we do this over and over. Her dance  so wonderful that my vision becomes blurred to the rest of the river with all it’s sensations.

After some time of doing this I realize that for now the dragon is doing his job. Keeping  me at a safe distance from her and she from me. It is sad for me to be here sometimes, yet the hope I get with each encounter tells me a little more about her personality and I sense she is getting to know me this way too. They say if one can see a fish underwater that they can also see you. 

Fly fishing is different than other types of fishing because it takes careful preparation and presentation. The skill of casting your line alone takes many hours to perfect and even after fishing for hours one can go away empty handed. Yet every fly fisherman will tell you the same thing. The beauty and satisfaction of being on the water is  extremely hypnotic and relaxing regardless if one catches any fish. And I believe I’m hypnotized by this One for she is all I can think about. When will this dragon be defeated? When will she be ready? Until then I will wait and gaze upon her beauty and listen to her gentle laughter and remain true to her alone…

PM

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Yellow Wooly Bugger

January 24th, 2010

Yellow Bugger 

Yes I have a big yellow bugger on my finger! Ha!

This fly pattern commonly referred to as a “Wooly Bugger” is a great beginner fly to tie! It’s large hook size and uncomplicated techniques present the novice tyer a nice little fly to practice with.

I haven’t used yellow materials before, so this will be exciting for me to throw out there the first time. You just never know what will take it! or not! Lol!

And shifting gears now into the written portion of my blog I hope I’m not losing you…

For the past few weeks I’ve been experimenting with just posting some of my thoughts about life, love, faith and tying it in to fly fishing. It’s been very healing for me and a way I can express and process all the emotions of this single man of God. The first time I have really been single in 20 years! naturally I’m a mess! Ha! Thank you for for your patience and support all of my friends and family out there. You just never know with Paul Menard what to expect huh? Lol! Well here’s a few things I have learned these past few weeks…

1. Life is short~ Don’t waste it not tellling people what you really think! Appreciate good people and let them know!

2. Create healthy boundries~ There are some who would take advantage of you without themselves even being aware.

3. Guard your heart~ You know better than anyone else what you need to function in a healthy happy relationship. Don’t settle for someone just because they tell you things that make your heart skip a beat. Look past the outside appearance and peak into their souls. Most people let there true colors shine after a few encounters.

4. Encourage~ If you are not feeling encouraged by others than take it upon yourself to encourage people! It’s amazing how taking the focus off of yourself and giving to others picks up your emotional state! Jesus was right over 2,000 years ago when He said,’It is more blessed to give than to recieve!”

5. The Lord is the only One who should take central ownership of your heart! Sometimes I confuse this with the affection of others and need to remind myself I answer to Him first!

6. A love worth keeping is worth waiting for! I’m waiting for Her heart to heal and mine as well. I can trust God with her. I can trust God to give me the desires of my heart. I’m in waiting mode..

Love lots, smile often, give of yourself, Sleep in occasionally, eat really good food, laugh until your belly aches!, and let your light shine because if you haven’t noticed there is a hurting lonely world out there that is just waiting for you to come alive!

PM

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