and to make things even better, Keith picked up the new Echo Big Water Glass 690( 9’ 6wt). We lined them up each based on our target method and the bugs we decided to use.
The 4108 was throwing the OPST 225gr Commando Head on 30 # laser with MOW tips and sculpin patterns. I’ d lined the 3016 glass with a 3wt Airflo and a 10’ mono leader to delve into my recent wet fly infatuation. The 6wt single hander was the go-to dry fly rod, ready to seek action with the latest in foam hopper innovation hot off the vise.
The mile walk into the fishing grounds was just what an aching spirit needs to shake off the cloud and embrace that bright clearing of perspective, filled with sunshine and fresh air. At our feet were thousands of grasshoppers as we walked the meadows, which led us to the first run of the day. From browns and tans to bright greens and in all sizes, it just screamed this was going to be a glorious day( no matter how good the fishing). Easing to the bank of the river, the first piece of quality holding water was clearly displayed: a deep pool along the cut bank bordered by a riffle and still tucked into the shade. Neither of us where rigged as we made it to the river, deciding instead to let the moment choose the approach, so we would avoid leaving the truck with an eager angler’ s predisposition— but without a doubt, this was a dry fly moment.
While Keith strung up his 6wt with a hopper pattern, I unwound my rig and tied a double wet setup straight from the pages of a Davy Wotton article. After the jokes about knots and vision were out of the way, Keith wasted no time drawing the residents from the depths and shadows with his special hopper concoction. The ease of which the Echo Glass single hander performed was incredible, an effortless transition of energy from caster to fly. It was easy to see how the forgiving fibers of the glass rod eased the casting stroke of the angler, allowing the focus to be directed at the fish with precision. Once the fly hit the edge of the pool, a twitch or two later, the first victim came to surface: an eager resident rainbow big on heart,
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