Sometimes the urge to fly fish comes on so strong that one throws common sense to the wind. So goes the story of my trip to the St. Joe today. As usual, my vow to get my fly box 100% full over the Winter never materialized. In fact it didn't even get 20% full. I tend to pack a light box of flys to begin with so a 20% full box of my flys probably would be considered flat out empty to most of you. Even though I knew I probably didn't have what I needed, I threw the family in the car to take advantage of the Idaho free fishing day. You never know when you might meet a dumb cutt that felt my pathetic fly box offerings were worth eating and would make the trip worth it. Upon my arrival on the river, I noticed the fish feeding hot and heavy. I found a good spot where the kids could still see me yet I could fish without interruption. My wife wanted to stay in the car. Somehow, being locked up with a 4 and 7 year old is safer in her book then having to touch a trout. Go figure. Anyway, as I get to the water, I see a massive hatch of pale dun Mayfly's. Hmmm. Guess I should have spent a bit more time tying. I had BWO's, dark grey Mayflys and light grey Mayflys. No cream, no tan, NO Fish!! I spent about an hour watching fish feed on everything else but what I offered but I couldn't complain. It was a great day and beautiful water. I didn't care if I caught anything (Isn't that what you are supposed to say when you get your rear kicked by a trout?) haha. Mike W. Spangle
