Day 4..... One of those perfect days

 We woke the next morning to two bald eagles across the river. I think this is my favorite part of this area, all the eagles. It's amazing to see them in their natural state. By now we had breaking camp down to a science. It didn't take us long to get back on the river. Once we did, right away I caught a nice white fish on a stone fly nymph. Good start!

We floated down river a little ways to the first island that seemed to have perfect structure and riffles. Howard decided to hit the riffles while I tried the hole and along the cliffs.

Again it looked like the perfect spot. I tried nymphing and a streamer but had no luck. I couldn't believe it. Howard finished his riffles and went on past me to try the far end of the island. While he tried it I did succeed in one goal I had, I saw a moose! He was on the other side of the river among tall grass. I saw him for only a short while before he saw me and casually walked away.

I failed to get any pictures better than  this however. Howard came back just in time to see it too. He had no better luck than I in this spot. I decided however I wanted to try a dry fly against the rocks when we floated past. This turned out to be the best decision of the trip. I had tied a couple of Blue Winged Olives over the previous winter and I had heard they were the dry fly of choice this time of year on the South Fork. I caught this nice Cutthroat on my first cast along the cliff. I decided to stick with this dry fly approach.

I caught a small brown next. This was exciting because it was trout action. What happened next made the trip. We were looking at a campsite along side the river when I cast into a back eddy. I was trying to read the name of the site on the sign when I heard the hit. I instinctively set the hook when I heard it without even seeing the take. I felt a larger fish right away. Howard pulled the boat aside while I fought this fish. I saw it was a larger brown trout and gave him the proper respect. I let him tire himself before bringing him close enough to net. I was thrilled. I hadn't expected to get a big brown on a dry. Howard made the comment that this was the type of fish we were after, in fact, this was the fish of the trip.

The dark coloration on this fish was beautiful. It had bright white tipped fins and even a kype in its jaw. I didn't measure but I bet it was 18 inches anyway and muscular. Unfortunately a water spot happened to be on the lens and every picture I have of it has this smudge. How unfortunate. It  sure was the prettiest brown I have ever caught and in the most exciting manner too.

I made sure to give him plenty of time to regain his strength while watching him in the net. It would be hard to top this fish. I definitely tried though.

I offered to row then but Howard said he was enjoying me catching these fish. I didn't argue. I quickly caught another good brown. I made sure to get a picture of the trout with my fly in its mouth. I got a good shot here but that smudge still shows.

I was casting my BWO along the shore in slack water. I was catching brown trout after brown trout. It's amazing that a technique could make such a difference.

 I bet I caught 8 or 9 browns in 30 minutes!

 None were as big as the 18 incher but any trout on a dry fly is super exciting and each one was gorgeous.

It was in water such as this calm shore line that I had so much luck. What a perfect scenario. It's a beautiful fall day, I'm wearing just my favorite t-shirt and having nonstop dry fly action with a fly that I tied myself. Although I was having one of the best fishing moments I've ever had, I decided Howard had to have a turn.