Rainy Top

My friend Dan invited me a couple weeks ago to join him and his friends today up on Rainy Top for fishing. Of course, I never turn down a fishing invitation. I told him I would find them when I arrived and was looking forward to seeing Dan again, and meeting his friends. Of course, since we had talked, our monsoon season started and we had rain forecasted through this week and into next week. Because of that, I planned to get there early this morning to insure I got in some fishing before the rain and lightening arrived.

When I got into the backcountry I verified they had yet to arrive, and then rigged up on on a stretch of stream I have found productive through the years. The sky was party cloudy and the landscapes were fabulous as I walked out to a fishy looking spot. I managed to get in almost two hours of fishing when the sky darkened and drops of rain began pattering on my head. Lucky me, I had already landed a handful of wild brownies when I heard a clap of thunder and a flash in the clouds. Yup, I reeled in my line and was heading for the truck. That's when I saw Dan's truck rolling down the road. 

It was nice to see Dan again. We met this past spring and had an enjoyable day of fishing in another mountain area. As we were going through introductions with Dan's fishing friends, the sky darkened even more with thunder and flashes showing their presence. I decided to stick with a rule I set a few years ago, when I got caught in electrified air in this same area...and that is to leave the stream and trout for another day. After sharing with everyone how fast the air can get electrified on Rainy Top, and to be on the watch for it, we all said our goodbyes. I left them to get in some fishing before the storm hit. Storms build fast up there, and I ran into some heavy rain about half way out of the preserve. I have to say, it was a nice ride in the rain showers going down the mountain. So thankful we are finally getting some rain!

Yup, the morning fishing was fabulous and always is when landing some of those wild brown trout that live there. I spotted an eagle, a coyote, and one of the two herds of elk that call this area home. It sure was a great day to meet fishing friends, float a dry fly, and to slide some pretty trout into the net.

Gear: Winston WT TMF fly rod; Winston Perfect 3 1/8" fly reel; Rio LightLine DT4F fly line; Patagonia sling pack; Orvis (Brodin) landing net; Black Beetle dry fly.