It was good to be back on the stream again.

I start with this wonderful bright yellow flower, for it shows just how nice it felt to fish a stream again. I said to myself the hand feels good enough, so give it a shot. Six a.m. found me along the the road that leads to the water. The mountains on both sides were just starting to filter in the days first rays of sun, and there was a low bank of mist where the stream rushes through the boulders. There was a slight chill in the air that made me reach for the long sleeve outdoor shirt.

As I strung up the fly rod of choice today I had hopes of a day to just take in what ever the woods and waters would offer, and not be to worried about what fly or how I was to fare with the residents of the stream. I was happy to see the stream was in great condition. Its waters flowing very nicely and water temps at 62.

The stream offered both quiet sections and rough water.

In water as such is where I encountered my first hookup. The brookie struck a bomber and figured where to go to deposit it in an underwater snag. Several more attempts, along with a change in the type of fly brought a to hand.

Pretty little guy. There were to be many more like him this day.

This stream is not easily fished, some of those boulders required agility to climb over. The steep banks were also a problem at times. The forest was mostly hemlock with a few oaks. I also made note of two feeder brooks that were still pumping water. I will explore these at another time.

In the pool right at the tail as the wet fly moved to the surface I noticed a good size swirl just behind the fly. On a repeated cast the fish struck and the battle was on.

Moments later I reached in and lifted this strong lady. Her fins were large and her tail wide and very powerful. She knew this streams currents and how to use them to her advantage. I placed her in the water and she was gone in a heartbeat.

An old friend joined me on this great day. Thanks.

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