I'm going trout fishing in the woods today. Would you like
to come along?
These small valley's are carved by spring fed streams.
Limestone bluff on one side, hardwood forest on the other. Feel how cold the
water is. The trout thrive here.
Insect hatches often come off the riffles. Trout feed on
them. But not today. I'll fish the quiet pools and deep edges along the banks. It
so quiet here in the woods. I rarely see anyone else. Let's sit on the bank and
listen. Sometimes a doe and a fawn can be seen coming down for a drink. In the spring there are warblers everywhere. Well, the fish
weren't biting today. Still, I don't think our time wasn't wasted. Do you?
I must add that I loved my teaching career best but fly fishing was my favorite outlet. People would occasionally as me what the attraction was and I had a hard time putting it into words. Famous Michigan Judge and fifties novelist Robert Traver (Anatomy of a Murder) said it best.....
“I fish because I love to. Because I love the environs where trout are found, which are invariably beautiful, and hate the environs where crowds of people are found, which are invariably ugly. Because of all the television commercials, cocktail parties, and assorted social posturing I thus escape. Because in a world where most men seem to spend their lives doing what they hate, my fishing is at once an endless source of delight and an act of small rebellion. Because trout do not lie or cheat and cannot be bought or bribed, or impressed by power, but respond only to quietude and humility, and endless patience. Because I suspect that men are going this way for the last time and I for one don't want to waste the trip. Because mercifully there are no telephones on trout waters. Because in the woods I can find solitude without loneliness. ... And finally, not because I regard fishing as being so terribly important, but because I suspect that so many of the other concerns of men are equally unimportant and not nearly so much fun.”
I must add that I loved my teaching career best but fly fishing was my favorite outlet. People would occasionally as me what the attraction was and I had a hard time putting it into words. Famous Michigan Judge and fifties novelist Robert Traver (Anatomy of a Murder) said it best.....
Reminds me of A River Runs Through It.
ReplyDeleteI see the beauty of trout fishing---I am not a fisherman(woman), but there's no better way to spend a morning than in the peacefulness of the woods next to a fine trout stream. I know --because we live just a short walk from THE BEST TROUT STREAM in northern Michigan. Or, as some folks would call it--heaven!
ReplyDeleteHave a terrific time fishing
I never fished but along with my dog I walked the areas where fishing took place. The peacefulness of nature never failed to make me grateful for being alive. Enjoy your day.
ReplyDeleteA major part of my life, headed out for walleye today
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fine time to commune with nature and be at peace.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful indeed. I wonder why trout fishing seems to be such a man's pastime and not women's. Love the quote from Traver. :-)
ReplyDeleteNo time alone in the forest is wasted time whether you catch fish or not. Just my humble opinion. This is a beautiful place. My favorite kind of beauty!
ReplyDeleteThat's an awesome piece of writing. For me I could just substitute bird where he has fish.
ReplyDeletePersonally, and I think I speak for all your fans, I think you can beat Robert Traver. No hurry, but we'll be waiting.
ReplyDeleteAnyone who can teach kids fer crissakes. That's a hard job and the most important job in the country as far as I'm concerned. After refereeing juvenile delinquents all day, then coaching, then correcting papers, I'd head for the river too, and when I got there I'd cross the bridge and about a mile down on the right there's a bar.
Seriously though. Toss a note pad in that tackle box. I challenge you.
Oh yes, I want to go with you, love fishing.Blessings Francine.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely creek. Catching is not the only goal in fishing. The quiet, the view, the enjoying nature in my book is number one. I could never catch a fish and still say "you bet" when asked to go.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures. Reminds me of fishing with my Dad growing up in ND. Great memories.
ReplyDeleteI like those thoughts. I agree wholeheartedly. I think I shall have to take up trout fishing. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat outing! I love the quiet of the forest and a steam too:)
ReplyDeletePerfect...and I love to be out in nature as well. Peace and Beauty unlike anything else.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Carla
Lovely post. Our streams are filled with trout and fishermen. We love local trout for breakfast at our favorite restaurant. I love the way the waiter makes a few slits and pulls out the bone intact.
ReplyDeleteThe beautiful places where fish live helps make the process a pleasing one too. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteI've never done any fly fishing but my middle son loves it. It certainly puts you in a gorgeous part of the country...no wonder it's your favorite way to relax.
ReplyDeleteHi Troutbirder, This spot for fishing looks perfect to me. As a fisherman, I have a question for you: For a few years the wife and I had a cabin in Montana, not too far from Yellowstone, in the Madison Valley. To believe the folks around there, the Madison was one of the best fishing rivers in the whole world. I wonder if you have heard of it and have you fished it? I think you've mentioned fishing in Yellowstone before, but I'm wondering about further north in the Madison Valley. Anyway, this is just a great post. Thanks for sharing. And thanks for your comments on my Jasper National Park post.
ReplyDeleteTime on the river is never wasted, even if the fish don't bite. My first venture out to throw the rod will be here in a just a few weeks. My most favorite stories about fishing are from Hemingway. How's Baron - the dog, at least I believe that is his name?
ReplyDelete