Great day at the 'Hooch.

[Flyintheye]

A friend of mine (he is a bass fisherman) and I fished the Whitewater section of the 'Hooch this morning. It was his first attempt at flyfishing, so being as I landed 14 a couple of weeks ago (just after the stocking) I thought we would try that area again. I don't think I could have picked a better day to teach a friend to flyfish. We arrived before sunrise and suited up in 28 degree temps. When we got down to the river we were greeted with a wonderful steady wind blowing downstream of a slightly stained Hooch. In hindsight I shoud have gotten the hint right there, but we were determined to catch fish . I have fished many rivers and streams in my fishing days and I have been shut out more times than I care to remember; but this morning not one strike. We threw anything and everything we had at them, but alas to no avail. None of my old stand bys worked, Y2k, Betts, SJW, Adams, Bead head HE, Mudler, nothing. Wet, dry, parachute sizes 12 to 22, nada.
After four hours of poking the ice out of the eyes on our rods, nursing our frozen fingers and watching the water level rise; we gave up the ghost. I was feeling deflated on the way back to the car, no fish and my friend must think I'm crazy. Upon arriving at the car my buddy told me even though we didn't catch any fish he loved it. He even liked it better than Bass fishing and can't wait to go again. No fish, but a great day.