Sunday morning came too soon for my weak and weary body. The bone-piercing wail of the alarm clock at 6 am could have easily been redirected with a simple flick of the wrist. I needed no more fish. Saturdays outing had more than bought me a weeks worth of work until the next trip to the river but the previous nights rains had me intrigued. The cold front that moved in while I was on the River Saturday ended up delivering on the promise of cold precipitation. By the sounds emanating from the metal Cottage roof there would be enough to shake things up a bit. My hopes were banking on a shift in the ranks. Perhaps move some fish around in the system and push some higher up. From my experiences the entire river has been fishing awesome this year from top to bottom. After the small victories I'd achieved on the lower river recently I was longing to return and further explore the area but with an abundance of chores piling up back at the cottage I opted for a quick walk and wade trip on the upper river.
This option proved to be a wise decision as I experienced a virtually abandoned river filled with some new and willing players. The fish were outstanding and I could not have asked for a better pace. I got my a$$ handed to me a couple of times and managed to win a couple sparing matches as well.
The morning reminded me how much I have missed those December outings when I can hear my own thoughts and enjoy pure isolation. I guess that's probably why I enjoy floating the river in the Hyde. I'm long past the days of being seen...or aiming for double digits. Now its about becoming invisible or maybe even lost if you will...
If I could only bottle the intensity and excitement of being in the zone and dialed in on a lonely river I'd be a rich man. The stuff that makes the numbing cold go away and the burning pain subside. The stuff that gives us super human senses and the ability to will a fish from the depths. Yeah...that stuff. That's the stuff that comes to me on days like today. You know what I mean...
5 comments:
Nice read!! I know exactly what you mean... unfortunatley it looks like the Saugeen is the only option again this week so being 'alone with my thoughts' is out of the question.......
LOL! Yeah I hear ya Harv. From what I have read I think all the Ontario Steelheaders are fishing the Geen this fall. I'd still like to fish her at least once this season though. Not sure if it will happen or not. Good on you for taking full advantage of her eqic runs this fall. Compared to last fall you are a friggin fishing machiene. Awesome that the old fella is gettin out there as well. We still have to figure out some timing so I can guide you on the lower Big M and crack some cold ones back at the cottage.
That was a nice read...
Christ what has gotten into you?
You didn't finally get around to reading that Tom Mcguane novel?
Nice fish BTW
...No doubt I will get skunked when I get there...those fish hate me...but no matter
I will still dig it and I have to gets me some more sausage (let the comments fly!)
It's no secret to anyone that "You crave the sausage!"
Actually you have inflicted a curse on any and all that have eaten the Venison and Morrell treat. Red and Arn both dropped a small fortune recently on that Horse C*ck. LOL! It is damn fine meat and I'll say it again...The MI folks certainly know how to live. God Bless America!
You will not get blanked. I will see to that personally. I will get no greater satisfaction than to personally destroy the MI Norland curse. I may not even fish just guide you and have the occasional beer ;0) I have a good feeling about this trip. Kind of a grass roots...first day...vibe and you know how our first days on any water have gone...Rediculous and Silly! It will be great times as long as Snowmageddon stays away. :0.
You do seem to carry a curse with you. Remember last years 402 closing. Geesh...You are useless!
Very nice entry Brian. ( OMG, I used the word "entry" in amongst the word sausage..... :0 ) You hit it right on.... its not about numbers anymore and more of turning invisible and becoming lost from others within the time you are on the river.
Harv, you just need to pick than 10' x 4' space and call it empty of others. I have succumb to technology and have on occassion, plugged in the iPod just to drown out the sounds and footsteps of others.
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