My last outing took place a week ago Wednesday. I really did want to go but knew the better thing to do would be to stay home. The temps the night before had dipped to around 10 and the daylight did not move them much higher. So I fixed a thermos full of tea and put the wool on and headed for the stream. As I walked to the stream I could feel the cold biting through. The ragg wool gloves were not much of a buffer to the wind. I persisted and walked on, fishing every possible trout holding pool available. There were no takers, still I walked and climbed and cast when I could. By now it had been several hours and the realization set in that this was not going to be a fish catching day. Today was a small stream reflecting day.
I reached the farthest point of the stream. Here I stopped and cracked open the thermos of tea. The steam coming from the cup told me I was about to feel my insides return to normal. As I drank the hot beverage I took note of the place where I placed my rod. It was lying on a moss covered stone. Along side of the handle I saw a feather. Picking it up I admired its color and the almost perfect shape it was in. I tried to determine where it came from and thought what bird had left it.
After drinking several cups of tea and thinking about the feather I gathered it up and placed in my fly box. Walking back to the car I thought to myself. I fished this day and though I caught nothing I still had a fruitful day, a rewarding day and a time to reflect on what it is to fish a small stream on a very cold winters day.
loved this. :)
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
DeleteThanks.
Theresa a cold clear day can do wonders for the mind.
I figured out a little while ago that you don't need to catch fish to have a good trip.Just being out with mother Nature is a good day I'm glad you got out
ReplyDeleteDennis Horn,
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Dennis your so right. The natural setting can do so much.
I had a similar trip last week, and I was also satisfied by simply being at the stream.
ReplyDeleteRI brook trout,
DeleteThanks.
We can have satisfaction without a tug.
I hope your fairing well with this blizzard. The Cape and the Islands are getting creamed. About 18 inches here and still snowing, with wind.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI commend you for braving the elements on that day, and for finding the mystery feather to tie that exceptional streamer. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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Bill winter can offer much, and a few hours out there can sustain that feeling of having fished.
The feather will probably wind up as a soft hackle and grace my fly box.
I'm sure that the best thing about this day was reflecting. The second will be to put that feather to good use.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett,
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Howard you summed it up very well.
I see perhaps a Streamer, but, maybe a soft hackle somewhere in that feather. Kudos to you on getting out. Be safe and stay warm.
ReplyDeleteMel,
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Mel a soft hackle is the way to go with this feather. Hopefully I'll get the chance to fish it.
great words - the truth of it when its a slow day.
ReplyDeletePeter,
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Yes sir my friend.