Wyoming's Fine Little Creek

The allure of a big rising trout?  It’s not the length or weight that makes it so desirable.  It’s the characteristics and instincts that a big fish develops.  It’s been around enough to get a sense of threats, and to have survived.  It recognizes food and non-food, and rises in a rhythm.  Likely, it’s been caught with flies.  To catch this older fish requires more attention to details.  It won’t rise to a casual cast from out of position.

The angler becomes focused on this one fish.  The contest that follows is the draw.  We look and listen. How will the current move the line, leader, and fly?  Where do I stand?  What is it eating?  To match or not to match?  We position to cast, and the fish stops feeding.  We wait for feeding to resume, change flies, change positions, and patiently time the cast to present the right fly in rhythm, at the right angle, in the right manner, so that the trout mistakes it for something to eat.  

When it all comes together, on the first cast, or after playing hide and seek for an hour, the thrill of victory is more memorable and satisfying than other fish of the day.  A successful stalk and trick of illusion.  The tug, the beauty, and landing of the fish are just gravy.