Thanks for the report, Dell. I am headed over to the St. Joe tomorrow.
Hopefully it won't be too off color after last weeks rain.
I fish a very special river in British Columbia that is as much a part of me
as the St. Maries is of you. Most of the memories of my Dad have are based
around the time we spent fishing together before his untimely death in 1985.
My river has fared better then yours to this point, although I hold my breath
each year, hoping that nothing has changed. The anticipation I experience
each year rounding the final corner that offers the first glimpse of the
river is all encompasing. I feel very lucky that I can still fish all day
long without seeing another fisherman and the wild rainbows rise willingly to
Stone Fly imitations. Most of the holes we fished together are still there
although high water and recent changes in land ownership have claimed a few.
I feel very fortunate to be able to make my trek back there each year and it
really helps me get my head on straight. One of my greatest joys in life so
far has been watching my children get acquainted with the waters. From the
backpack to the beach they have followed me. In a few more years, my oldest
son will be able to join me side by side in the river. I really look forward
to that time and it will help erase some of the emptiness I have experienced
since my Fathers death.
It is funny how a body of water can impact ones life so much that merely the
sight of it brings back images and memories of decades ago. Dell, I hope
you make more trips back to the St. Maries. Even if the fishing isn't the
greatest, the memories are.
Mike Wilson
Spangle
