.... I saw a flash and a streak of red...

I went on a bike ride last weekend. About 5 minutes from my house is the mouth of an area called the Rattlesnake and through this area flows Rattlesnake creek along which is a wonderful bike path. I rode along this path, near the river, enjoying the warm sun and the wind in my face. Being an admitted fishing addict I kept a constant eye on the river for bends and holes where the spawning trout might be holding. It was with such ambitions that I stopped my bike on the bank of the stream, took off my shoes and waded across barefoot heading towards a curiously smooth oval of water beneath a tree on the opposite bank. Despite the painful experience of stumbling over the slimy stones that carpet the stream my curiosity had been peaked and I moved downstream to get to my target. Once there I sat and watched. I saw a few small fish rise but I kept my eyes on the deeper part of the pool waiting for the surface to be just smooth enough to get a clear picture of what is hiding beneath. My patience (all 5 minutes of it) was rewarded as i saw a flash and a streak of red. The water smoothed just long enough to see an enormous rainbow trout move back near the bottom. She was surely spawning. I could see her red flank from about 20 feet away. I was already planning my return trip the next day, certain to land the beast. It just so turns out that the Rattlesnake is closed this time of year to protect the spawning fish...just my luck.


As a matter of fact it was my luck because the next day, instead of fishing the Rattlesnake I drove east to Rock Creek (one of the bountiful blue ribbon streams around here). It was only after I got there and saw everyone else wearing there waders that I had second thoughts about leaving mine at home. Apparently a 70 degree day doesn't mean 70 degree water.....who knew. Anyway, after a tough wade across and 2 hours of fishing and only one half hearted strike to show for it I was FREEZING standing in the shadows and was headed upstream to cross back over. On my way I cast into a small pool below a large fallen tree in that split the river. My second cast produced a robust 10-12 inch cutthroat, but before I could let him go he disappeared under the tree and took my fly with him. It was ok though because less than a dozen casts later I landed on of the biggest fish I've every caught. A solid 16 inch cutbow. I'm not real good with weights but I would guess it was about 2 or 2 1/2 lbs. It was my first experience catching a fish that bent the hook on my fly. Needless to say, I was quite pleased. After shivering my way back across the river I was on my way home to burgers and beer and Peter and Megan's place. What a great way to end the weekend!

And now for your viewing pleasure....






As a side note (a pretty important one) I've applied to an Alternative Teaching Certification program in Dallas. Aaron and Courtney are there and after a year and a half Aaron finally convinced me to apply. So I'm waiting to interview now. I'd appreciate some prayers about since, if everything works out, I would have to be in Dallas at the beginning of June. Not a long time to make a move and find a place to live.

Also, this weekend is the legendary Cinco de Mayo party at my parents house. It is going to be extravagant....errrr something like that.


.quesiganenpaz.