The calendar says it’s November but it sure doesn’t feel like it. So far it’s been a warm and late fall and still feels like summer out there. I usually get serious about deer hunting around Halloween
but this year we decided to go fishing instead.
Up until this past weekend there had been a lack of rutting behavior and deer movement so I decided to switch it up and take a trip to the river. Well Kelsey actually made my decision for me when I asked her what she wanted to do today. She replied, “I want to go fishing and we’re going to catch a big rainbow trout”. How can I deny that?
Without hesitation I told Tara that Kelsey wants to go fishing so get ready and I’ll load the truck. It was a beautiful day out and the drive over was worth seeing the colorful landscape as the trees finally revealed their true colors. Fishing in our mountains is always relaxing and any day spent on the river in the fall is extra special.
After arriving to our destination we let Kelsey lead the way to the river as she knows where she’s going. It amazes me how fast they grow up and I cherish every trip into the outdoors with her. The wind was blowing so I suggested that we fish a hole that’s around a bend in the river. It’s a good hole to fish when it’s windy because it’s protected from the wind and falling leaves that were piling up in the other holes I looked at.
As soon as we got to the hole I noticed 2 rainbow trout that were cruising around and rising every once in a while. Kelsey is a rock collector and likes to look for treasures as she calls them so she didn’t waste any time to start her search. I let Tara fish for the cruising rainbows as I worked my way up to the head of the hole.
It wasn’t long before I heard splashing as Tara hooked one of the rainbow trout. Kelsey is our net girl so she grabbed Tara’s net while I sat back and watched with a big smile on my face. Once the fish was in the net Kelsey had to get her picture taken with it before she released it to be caught another day. We admired its rosy red cheek and stripe and sent the rainbow on its way.
After that Kelsey informed Tara that it was her turn to catch a fish. Once again I stood above them with a huge grin on my face as I watched Tara try to teach her how to cast. Of course Kelsey said she already knew how to do it so Tara let her go. She actually wasn’t doing that bad for a 5 year old.
As I continued to take it all in a fish came up and took Kelsey’s fly. I think it took both Tara and Kelsey by surprise as there was a delayed reaction in setting the hook. Tara tried to help her raise her rod tip but it was too late as the rainbow already spit the fly. Kelsey was so close to catching her first trout on the fly rod all by herself. We’re going to work on that hookset with some bluegills in the pond by our house.
In the meantime I missed a couple before finally hooking up with a feisty rainbow. I worked it down river towards my net girl and she scooped it up. Of course another picture had to be taken before the release. I should have mentioned that one of the fish I missed earlier was a really nice rainbow and was the reason I was staying at the head of the hole.
We had only planned on fishing for a couple of hours and were nearing that time. Kelsey said she wanted to try another spot real quick before heading home. I think she had found all the treasures including a dead dragonfly that kept her occupied. Tara and Kelsey climbed the rocks up the bank and were starting to head over to the next hole when all of a sudden that big rainbow decided to eat. I had switched flies for one last cast and wham he nailed it. “Big fish, big fish” I yelled to Tara and Kelsey. “How big is it?” Tara had to confirm before deciding if it was worth her coming to help. “He’s nice I’m going to need your assistance” I replied.
I knew it was a nice fish by how heavy he felt on the end of my line. Down the river he took off as I followed. Kelsey and Tara had made it back down the bank by then and caught a glimpse of the silver fish as it turned. “Oh my gosh, he’s huge” Kelsey said as she stood beside me.
The battle continued as the silver bullet shot back upstream. I let it run and didn’t want to put too much pressure on it and have it break off. Finally after a few tense minutes the big rainbow wore down and I was able to work it into the bank. Tara had to use both of our nets and sandwich the beast.
Kelsey wanted to hold the fish for another picture but I was having trouble holding it myself the thing was so big. Tara was ready with the camera and managed to get a great picture that will always remind us of that day. “Well that’s a good one to end on, I don’t think you’re going to catch anything bigger” Tara said after high fives were exchanged.
I agreed as I reeled my line up and we headed towards the truck. Kelsey said she wanted to go fishing and that we were going to catch a big rainbow trout. Good call Kel, good call. There’s nothing better in life than spending quality family time in the great outdoors!