A wonderfully nice note from Group B's Tim "MWF Pres" Aldrich, a rookie to the Extravaganza this year but certainly no rookie to "these-here-parts":
I am so glad that Lori and family had a good stay on Rock Creek. It was a pleasure to meet Lori last year, and the pictures of her and salmonflies are priceless. If the number of vehicles we saw pulling drift boats and rafts on our trip from Helena to Missoula yesterday is any indication, a number of Missoulians have heard the "call" of the giant stonefly and they are reacting. Fishing during the salmon fly hatch has always been a challenge to the wade-fishing person. You obviously experienced that chapter and verse yesterday. It is tough, but it is still fishing, and remember, even poor fishing is better than the best of working! Getting your fly safely under the bushes and into the sweet spots is a challenge when you're up to some of your most precious body parts in 40 degree rushing water. From an historical perspective, I would admit that in my younger years, we chose not to wade, but rather to sneak thru the bushes and dunk a salmonfly imitation in those accessible spots that looked like they would hold a hungry trout. It was in large part a game of stealth where a short fishing rod and heavy duty line and leader were pitted against strength and the will to live of the trout. Most often, we were not fishing "catch and relase" but rather only "long release." It was hard on equipment and easy on the fish, and we considered it fun; it was fishing. Anyway Ron, thanks for your brief story; it brought back many memories of fishing the famous Rock Creek. As I have told you, some of my memories of fishing Rock Creek go back to the early 1950's. Many things have changed in our world since then, but due the the foresight and hard work of many men and women, the famous Rock Creek remains a great fishery, a great venue for fishermen and women and in so many respects a truly remarkable reminder that Montana Matters. Carol and I are excited for our first trip the the Extravaganza as full participants. I am truly anxious to experience your hospitality, the comraderie, the fishing, the story telling and the various expressions of commitment to make sure that Rock Creek is every bit as much a wonder for all those who follow our tracks in the future. tim
No comments:
Post a Comment