This was supposed to be a somewhat lazy float. The generation was supposed to push us along and the oars would provide course corrections and only when needed. It was cold when we started. The first grip of the oars and two pulls later sent me digging for some gloves. It was cold. The anchor rope? Frozen to lowest portion of the floor. Not just stuck to the ice, the ice encased the rope by a good inch. It was cold and lazy wasn't going to keep me warm.
The eagle at the ramp looked overweight. It was "all puffed-up". Apparently eagles do this when the weather is cold. There were a few more boats launching at the ramp and we brought some fish to the net. We would like to think we were giving the other anglers hope and inspiration as they pushed their boats off the trailer. But, the fish we were catching weren't big and probably didn't inspire anyone except us.
This was supposed to be lazy, but unlike the birds I couldn't puff up my feathers, working the oars would be the next best thing. This day was supposed to warm-up quickly. Warm-up is a relative term and "warm-up" can be cold in the winter.
Brent was tossing streamers. We settled on a size and color. Both were the same size and color that were on the rods on the last float. No sense changing what has been working. The water was pushing and the speed of the drifter was critical. Not too fast so as to pass by every fish before it could make a decision. But, not too slow that the anglers have to overwork the fly.
Brent's streamer was landing in all the best places and we had missed a just few fish. But, the next cast, we always hope the big one will come on the next cast.This time it was the next cast and the streamer was inhaled by a big fish. With the current passing by, I back-rowed to keep the fish downstream. Brent kept the fish in front of him and brought it to the net pretty quick. We guessed at the measurement and then put against the tape. It was just over 20" and once again Brent was in the 20+ Club.
We continued the float and were ready to anchor on a likely shoal. Just as the anchor came to rest on the bottom, Brent began working the fly and hooked up again. This fish was close to the same size as the last brown. So I pulled the anchor rope, which was now thawing in the sun. The anchor came up to the anchor arm and hit with a thud. This fish needed to come to the net quickly, so we didn't pass the rest of this shoal. The drifter was headed for the bank and into slack water, inch by inch, while Brent kept the fish under control. The fish came to the net but not without a good fight in the swift current. This fish was another nice brown, but a little shorter than the last. We took some photos and put the fish back in the Brodin. The fish revived quickly and was soon back in the clear water. We watched as it ghost'd to the bottom and then completely out of sight. The next several miles brought more fish, but nothing like the last two. Each fish brought a smile though and they all interrupted our lazy float.
If you are a seasoned angler or have never picked up a fly rod and want to set up a day on the river e-mail or call/text 615-796-5143 to book a day on the water. For additional booking information see our Homepage and to see the latest fishing report click here.
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