Friday, August 25, 2006

DATE: Friday, August 25, 2006

TIME: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

WEATHER: Low 70s rising to low 90s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units, slightly turbid

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan’s—downstream of Otter Creek

HATCH: A few midges and several crane flies

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 gray Norfork River scud

OTHER: I fished with my favorite fishing partner, Kay. This was another wonderful day in paradise—fishing and catching were both GREAT. We entered the river as it was still falling, and immediately began catching lots of fish near the "Catch and Release" sign and downstream. I moved downstream to Ed's Hole and it was almost a fish every cast. Kay was having some trouble hooking up, so I move upstream to help her. We had an AH move in on us from upstream, and he was casting within about 3 feet of my upper drift. In addition, he was wading in the lane where the fish were feeding. I didn't say anything, but then he attempted to move between Kay and me (we were only about 40 feet apart), and I asked him not to crowd her. He proceeded to move downstream of her, between her and another fisherman (about 100 feet between them), and began crowding Kay, casting near her lower drift. I politely asked him not to crowd her, and asked again, not so politely. He mumbled something, and I moved to get between Kay and him. Kay told him good etiquette dictated 100 feet distance between them, and he told us to mind our own business. Fortunately, I'm big enough that he saw we meant "business" and proceeded downstream. Poor fellow didn't catch but a couple of trout. He was from Missouri with a license plate "TROUT". He had all the fineries of a gentleman fisherman—the best of everything money could buy. I suppose I'm getting too old to put up with crap like that. Anyway, he ruined our fishing experience; fog settled in despite it being after lunch, and we fished our way upstream and left.