The ambiance

Every fisherman has their special spot, the sacred area that even when he or she catches nothing, is rejuvenated and fulfilled.  I, like most fly anglers am particular to river fishing; and although it is easy to enjoy every fishable stream, I am particular to streams with deep buckets and extensive overgrowth.  One of my absolute favorite things to do is cast a nasty steamer far upstream, landing it in a gap between overhung branches, and swing the streamer in front of the undercut bank.  Despite losing too many flies that take me way too long to tie, the grab from a fish hiding in the cover might just be the most exciting take aside from a fish slamming a dry; the thing that sets streamers atop for me is the size and aggressiveness of fish taking 4" articulated zonkers.  This fat bow was hiding under one of the undercuts along a slower section of river.  I sent my nymph rig in first to test the waters and try to get a take without disturbing too many fish but after a few strike-less drifts I decided to try the heavy artillery.  I waded into the middle of the river very cautiously, and using my switch rod with sink tip, sent a long belly of line down the bank.  I began stripping the line back with medium speed when suddenly the bank erupted in a splash and my rod simultaneously doubled over, and I had this fish on!  She fought hard and made several runs for the cover.  Twice she made it to a downed log and almost got under it but with a little extra force, I managed to pull her over to the opposite shore for a little photo shoot.  When holding her I could feel her bulging stomach and I knew that with that much food, not only will she be laying tons of eggs, but shes also gonna put on a lot of size.  I love knowing a river is healthy and the fish are growing.  What a great day.