Twice

This past week was my first opportunity this year for multiple fishing trips on Rainy Mountain. I hate to admit it, but I'm out of shape, and need to build up some stamina. Who said getting old isn't for wussies? I don't know. Whoever it was probably knew first hand how true that is. Just keep moving, Mike.

My second time up on the mountain this week was very enjoyable, although I didn't catch quite as many brown trout as with my previous fishing trip. However, the ones I did put into the net were just as pretty. I'm just happy to find some trout, and hope more will be coming out soon to play and knock around a dry fly. I must say though, some of the bigger trout need to wake up and get active....hopefully, they're listening to me. I was calling them as I worked my way up the stream. Nope, I didn't get an answer. The Leetle Fellers answered the call though, and kept my day very enjoyable, indeed. Those little wild trout are feisty!

I fished for about four hours and reminded myself every now and then to stop, and savor the beauty of the place. There were more anglers on the stream this time of year than I have ever seen in this particular area. And, it surprised me to run into them while school is still in session. Maybe that's why I didn't net as many trout as I did a few days ago. Still though, I enjoyed the adventure on an absolutely beautiful day. With the temperatures in the low seventies with big puffy clouds floating over me, and netting pretty Leetle Fellers, what's not to like?

As I was grabbing gear this particular morning, I snatched a Scott rod tube out of the rack. I had a little more rod power than needed earlier in the week, so I wanted a more sensitive rod for the smaller trout that were hitting a dry fly. I went down a line weight with a 3wt rod that is very light with a fast, sensitive tip. Yeah, accurate too.

I've grown to like this GS 773 rod more and more as I've fished it through the years. It truly is an impressive fly rod for ultra-light fly fishing. Scott replaced this GS series with a new GT rod series last year, and I must say, I was surprised they dropped their standard handle and slide band seat. Yup, I'm keeping this rod. I have no interest in the new models, and that handle change is one reason why...besides, it's just a sweet casting rod that can't get any better in my view.

Gear: Scott GS 7'7" 3wt fly rod; Ross Colorado fly reel; Winston Energy WF3F line; Simms sling pack; Wayward landing net; Elk Hair Caddis dry fly all day long.

Streaming on the truck's stereo: Kodachrome by Paul Simon