The weekend was looking far too good not be outside on a stream throwing a line. With predicted temps in the mid 70’s, I think Debi knew I was going out for a weekend trip before I really knew I was going. Seemed like a perfect opportunity to visit the Niangua one more time before the aluminum hatch gets into full swing for the summer.
I didn’t have a problem locating a good spot with a great view and it wasn’t long before I was trekking off down river to try my luck with a couple of nymphs rigged up about six feet under an indicator. I’ve fish this section many times but like any river it can be as good as it can be bad. It was about 9:30 and at that time the sky was clear and the sun was bright. Water just a bit on the light tea color which I always find to be good.
By 10:30 I had most definitely come to realize that this time the river was being good to me. I had landed, long distance released or just flat out missed em on the take just about every other drift and I hadn’t even completely covered the first pool.
Mostly Rainbows but there was a good mix of small Browns in there as well. Every thing in the 10 to 12 inch range but sometimes quantity makes up for quality. I wasn’t complaining!
I made my way on down stream fishing the good looking spots and picking up a fish here and there along the way. One of my favorite things about fly fishing is watching a trout inspect a fly before taking it. Even if they don’t end up taking it, it’s exciting to watch the story play out. Hard to beat watching a Cutthroat drift along under your fly giving it the once over before it rises up for the take. On those times when I can’t see the take the next best thing is locating that spot that you just know has to hold a fish. Casting into position and just as your line drifts through that very spot, Bam fish on! I love that almost as much as seeing the take. This was that kind of a day.
About 3:00, I made it back to camp. Took a nap in the sun like an old dog. Got up about 5 and fished the the long run in front of camp. By this time I had the river to myself the last of the few Canoes and Kayaks had either pasted or were taking out just upstream. At the end of the run I watched a couple of Bald Eagles for a while until a King fisher wasn’t too happy to find me a little too close to his fishing spot so I relented and called it a day.
A good fire, a few cold beers and a good cigar rounded out the evening.
Fair Winds and Following Seas!