Taunting Rainbow

Type: Nontidal
Region: Western
Location: Youghiogheny River

Here is my story! Sunday, April 7th I went fly-fishing along the Wild n Scenic Youghiogheny. The day was beautiful and is one of my favorite places in Garrett County. So I hiked in with happy thoughts of my �great catch of the day�. I have yet to catch a fish this season and my friend was sure this was the day! Wrong, I didn�t get a bite.

Around noon, we thought to check out Sang Run area on the Yough. It was the happening place with fish jumping the day before. Determined (to not fall) I slowly waded to the center of the river, close enough to cast over the spot I was seeing some awesome splashes. This was it�.After casting an elk hair caddisfly out and over the area, nothing happened. Until as if the fish knew: �Ah. She tangled her line again; let me make a huge splash and taunt her with my cleverness.� And that is exactly what I saw and heard, �Splash.� Determined now, all concentration on this one spot, this one fish, the fly slowly inches its way downstream going right over that �Spot�. It became personal, and �Splash�, I saw the fish rise and we looked each other eye to eye - and SLAM - it was hooked!!!

It was really a great day! As I released this rainbow trout �I felt so fortunate and thankful for times like this�. I was able to see an American woodcock, wood ducks, and some early wildflowers. Good Times!