BONEDALE FISHING REPORT #15

BONEDALE FISHING REPORT #15

THE YEARS HAVE CHANGED THE RIVER ‘CAUSE THERE’S HOUSES WHERE THERE DIDN’T USED TO BE

I like drift fishing, because you’re part of the flow. The fish have to fight the currents, but they’re built that way. When you’re in a boat with an oarsman who works against the river, it doesn’t feel right. It’s also true that when you’re in a boat with an oarsman who doesn’t work the blades enough, it shows. The river dictates the pattern, the line to take and amount of effort. It changes not only according to the laws of nature, but with your fisherman. I also like the physical pain of a long day, which keeps the demons at bay. There’s no time to think about other things. You slip out, take the first strokes and begin to glide over stone, grass and sand. Line up for the first drop and start looking at the edge, working as a unit, trying to discover where they are today. Feather the oars on the soft banks, draw hard on the ferry across and set up for the next bank, until the river tells you what to do. Sometimes she says wait, sometimes go. When she gives you her secret the magic happens. You and your fishermen begin to see the same holding water, a glide that holds, fish beginning to move. Everything goes away and all that matters is the two feet of gin-clear water and the butternut Browns looking for a Trude.

Live from the WORLD HEADQUARTERS

Kea C. Hause esq.

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Photo: Guide, Mal Burks, working the big water below New Castle, CO.