Where Eagles Fly

An unexpected rise in hydrological data granted me yet another early Fall Steelheading opportunity on the eastern shores of Huron. This time the river promised to be in shape and the weather as equally accommodating. Arriving prelight to my starting point I was startled to find the hole occupied by two gentlemen. Respecting their space I opted to venture up to the next run and start my morning there. As the light started to set in I could see the river kept her promise and held that mystical green tinge and hypnotizing swift flow. Not a half dozen drifts into my morning two more gentlemen stepped from the forest wall and proceeded to join me me in the run. The next 45 mins proved to be in vain as no fish were turned. I made a conscious decision to cut my losses, stretch the legs, and find some solitude. Norland had fished earlier in the week and told me how the river had changed over the summer. I was curious to fish one specific run in particular so I set out on the hike.

The shire is on fire this time of year. One’s senses get overwhelmed with the aromas and vivid palette the forest has to offer. It truly is a stunning place.
Arriving at my destination I was granted my wish of peace and solitude. As I settled in and made my first drift. I immediately begin to anticipate the 4.5 gram Drennan plummeting down into the emerald abyss. The third drift in it disappears and I set up on a hot chromer. This being my first fish of the 2008 Fall season and first wild Huron fish on the new custom I had spun up I was quite excited and being overly cautious. As I look up to check the bend of the blank I am awestruck by what’s before my eyes. A Bald Eagle soaring over the run. It was low enough that I could see his eyes and the fact that he was eyeing up my fish as he made gestures timed with the hot chromers pulsating runs. I couldn’t believe what was unfolding and the fact that I was so blessed to see this magnificent creature. I was certain that I had seen a juvenile Eagle back in December of 2007 on the river but this encounter certainly confirmed that. This bird was in full adult color phase and truly majestic.
As the bird drifted around the bend I was quickly reminded of the chrome bullet at the end of my line. After numerous violent thrusts back into the depths of the run I managed to put her on the bank. She was as equally stunning as the Eagle and a compliment to her species. Not a single mark on her as if she had just come from chrome plating. The raw beauty of these fish never fail to amaze me. Mother Nature truly is the ultimate artist.
A few pics and she was on her way. The remainder of my morning was engrossed with a few more willing participants, spectacular fall backdrops, and the excitement of fishing new water. Truly a day to remember and reflect on how lucky we are to live where we do.