First Fish of the Year

The above photo is indeed my first fish of the year - caught in January. Pleasant weather, cold but not freezing, and a good fish caught on a Rolled Muddler. Today was the first time I'd been out since then (I really needed it), and I anticipated a pleasant day on the Mckenzie River with perhaps a trout or two brought to net. There's nothing like the rhythmic sounds of a river - coupled with the rhythmic casting of my fly rod - to counter stress and create the illusion that there's nothing else in the world but me, the fish, and the river. And I'm okay with that.

But - you know what they say about expectations...

I left later than I wanted to, and expected at least a semi-full parking lot at Armitage Park. After paying my $3.00 day use fee I drove to the empty parking area. (Note to self; If the parking lot is empty, it must be for a reason). Gearing up, I headed for the gravel bar below the park. Arriving at the river's edge I was a little concerned about the water level & speed. It seemed a little high. My suspicions were confirmed a moment later when a couple in a canoe came zipping down the river at approximately mach 1, a concerned look on their faces (read panicked), while paddling for all they were worth. They're probably in Corvallis by now. Still, it was a beautiful morning to be on the river. The water was high, and it was fast, but I managed to make it out to the gravel bar. The first cast felt good, but my strike indicator blew past me with the Posse Bugger tailing behind it about 4" under the surface. On my third cast to an eddy where my fly could at least sink for a few seconds, my cell phone rang (another note to self; Turn the danged phone off while fishing!). My wife had a portrait session going with twin 3 week old babies and the main studio strobe blew up. Basically, all hell was breaking loose at the studio, and after about 6 phone calls between us to remedy the situation, I went home to see if I could minimize the damage.

The short-lived trip was still good for a couple of reasons. One, seeing the abundance of cased caddis was a good thing (photo left). Two, it gave me a chance to try casting with some new line on my reel. Scientific Anglers "Sharkskin" in the Magnum Taper. That line is flat awesome! I plan on replacing all my fly lines with that stuff!

So for now I'll sit here in anticipation of next Saturday (or maybe Wednesday night) when I can get out and try it again.

Right now I need to relax and let the frustrations of the morning melt away. A good micro-brew is just the ticket.

Pass the "Mirror Pond", please.