Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Another world

Today we fished on another planet. Today we ventured outside of our comfort zone and returned to a place foreign to everything we know and hold dear about our passion. Today we stood at a rivers edge void of confidence staring into a torrential hissing abyss.

Today we traversed treacherous landscapes of barren rock and root. Today we smelled death and quite possibly shook his hand. Today we fished the Niagara River.



To say the Niagara is a big flow is an understatement. As far as I am concerned it is the biggest flow a steelheader can encounter on this marble we call earth. She can be a giving river and she can be one hell of a miserable bitch. In my limited experience on this river I have had my share of the latter but today she seemed to be undecided. Today she gave and today she took.

It was to be my first Ontario outing for the 09 fall season and I was really looking forward to spending the day with Norland. The Ontario rivers have been running unseasonably low this year and we opted to visit a river we have had both great success and incredible humility on. Keeping an optimistic outlook we hit the road bright and early and decided to stray away from the crowds of "Anglers" at the Whirlpool and venture down river to the Glen.
The morning air was crisp, the walk in was enjoyable, the river exhibited a slight tint, and the crowds were non-existent. We fished hard today for what seemed little reward but I have no complaints. Today I spent quality time with a great friend. Today I stepped outside of my comfort zone and witnessed limited success. Today I visited a place few have dared to venture and returned unscathed and rewarded.
Today was the beginning of what I hope to be a successful and enjoyable 2009 Ontario Steelheading season for me.

7 comments:

PaulGHurtubise said...

Wear can I get a hat like that? Just kidding.

lambton said...

Norland,
LOL!!!!
Good times...Good laughs...and yes, your car smells like Ass.


Paul,
Judging from the prose that spew forth from yon yapper on your latest post I'd suspect you have a closet full of these visors already. ;0)

18 Mile said...

She is either a feast or famine flow and can break your leg too. But she sure does look nice in the fall.

I hope you soon catch your annual fever. LOL

JDA said...

Based on the nature of your poetic dissertation, I am also guessing that 'today' you cupped your hands, and farted, and made GNorland whiff the contents.

Fishing the Niagara is done for the lulz factor, similar to laughing at Merdus' 'Gay Safari' style hat!

Best wishes,

JDA

lambton said...

Yes Joe you are indeed correct. The "Lutz" factor is long gone for that flow. If you hit her when she is on it can be fun but aside from those outings it's a long hike out.

Merdus was on a gay safari? Hmmm that makes alot of sense...

Trotsky said...

If it doesn't rain soon I am going to admit myself to the looney bin...
Methinks JFL is the fart huffer...
lol

Wallacio said...

The big ditch can be downright aggravating from shore...loads of fun from a boat though.

I was just glancing through your reports from exactly a year ago...hard to believe the snowsquall machine was cranked to full and there was a few feet on the ground. I'd gladly take that over this GD heat wave/dry spell.

Merdus is the leader of the Gay Safari.