Eli
07-10-02, 09:47 PM
I have been on one of my weekly sojourns, this time my road trip delivered me to the Little Red River in Heber Springs Ak. My orginal destination was the White at Norfolk, but a tip headed off what would of been awful disappointment. They are running the water 24/7 in Mt. Home. At the little red things were truly not suppose to be much better, but I had curiosity on my side! I set up camp and went to watch the water blasting by, ofcourse I wet a line but when the waters is that high you have little hope from the shoreline. I knew I had to wait out the water. I had never night fished for trout before, especially on a river that I haven't been able to scout. After dinner I took a short nap. Then around 10:30 pm I loaded up the rod(5wt 9ft leader with an A&W emerger for you spec guys) laced the boots on over the waders and ventured out for my first ever night fish. Now, I have read John Gierach's take on this beloved pastime, and I knew that certain precautions were in order. None the less, I had only a flashlight to arm myself for technical support. The light was utterly defeated by the amount fog coming off the water. So, I headed in blind and foolhearted, but I was loving it! Every step was so meticulous, and my dog(greatdane) was at my side move by move. I reached a point in the river where I thought it best to stop and wait for the water to settle from my entrance. I cast almost straight across and let the current, still fast from the generation, take it down. I had no real idea how successful my casts were, or even where they were going, I could'nt see a thing. Not to much to speak of for about hour, truthfully I was reeling in to take a nap for the morning hatches. It was already Twelve thirty and I needed to start at 4:00 if I was going to get my four hours of fishing in before the dam relaeased again. That's when it hit! Solid, tight line, and taking off all the fly line. I was near backing but thought better of it in the dark, so I took a chance and laid some pressure on him. Slowly I brought him in. My first ever Brown! Decent size too, I tried my camera but no take(digital cameras eat batteries), instead I gave it my best judgement, say, no less than 15 inches, more importantly he was a fatty!
Well enough of the boring fish tales just wanted to share with someone who could appreciate the moment more than my dog, God bless him.
Eli
Well enough of the boring fish tales just wanted to share with someone who could appreciate the moment more than my dog, God bless him.
Eli