A Kick in the Stones

Today was an exercise in futility.  Today I experienced what Norland must feel when he has one of those days on the river.  Right out of the gate I hiked up to a newer piece of water that I had great luck with the day prior only to blow a solid fish.  Deciding not to let that ruin my morning I sucked it up and made the trek through the thickets and thorns to fish the inside bend of suicide.

I laid tracks so I had great expectations only to struggle with birds nests and random tangles the entire time.  At one time I re-tied only to make a cast and retrieve a mess of knotted mono filament.   I was determined that greater things would come of my efforts so I re-tied again and kept a positive attitude.

The stonefly's were hatching in full force and perhaps that was the forage of the day.  I fished along the way on the hike back to the stairs but managed nothing until I fished below the coffer while resting my legs before the ascent.  There I saw a dwindling flicker of hope to salvage a day of frustration in the form of a 12" Brownie and a 12" Rainbow.  These fish are genuinely beautiful and I cant help but marvel at them every time we cross paths.  Hopefully I put all that bad karma aside today and the remainder of the season remains somewhat civilized.  I guess I had to pay some back for yesterdays success.