Smurf Juice

Smurf Juice

On Saturday Wisconsin’s trout opener arrived with sun and smiles. The gathering, beginning at 7 AM for breakfast at a local cafe, eventually convened on the banks of the Kinnickinnic River. The participants, stemming form all walks of life, had survived another long winter in the North. Doctors and architects, engineers and educators, authors and tradesmen were among the group. The old and the young were in attendance. Man’s best friend was also well represented. Religious backgrounds were diverse and circulating among the attendees were “The Men of the Cloth” who had been invited. All in all it reminded me of another group who had gathered long ago when this great nation was formed and a historical document was signed. This cast of critical thinkers was of high moral character and off  the chart on the wisdom scale. There was even some discussion that the credentials may be in place for an input vote on who should be the new Pope. There would be no holding back for this crew. As the sun broke through the clouds pushing the chilly single digit temps aside, cold fingers began to string up rods.

Big, Strong and Sassy

Big, Strong and Sassy

As we broke up into small groups to go about the day’s fishing and discussion no one could imagine the outcome. Our small group experienced some of the best fishing that we could remember on opening day on the Kinni. Trout were taking just about any fly reasonably presented. Pools, drops, tails and areas where the water slowed seemed to produce most of the fish. Fast runs and pocket water did not. Standard fare Prince nymphs, Pheasant tails, Copper johns Caddis pupa, Kinni nymphs and scuds, in smaller sizes(18 and below)all caught fish. Cracking ice from the rod guides was common throughout the day. A few fish were rising, and midges and small stones were sparsely spotted on the snow banks, but there just wasn’t enough action on the Lower Kinni to tie on a dry. I understand the Upper Kinni had some fantastic surface feeding in the late afternoon.

DSC00685As the small groups reconvened for the large group discussion, white smoke billowed from the fire. The sign was apparent that the chili was on and a vote on more serious matters may be taken. Both up-stream and down-stream groups had experienced some magnificent fishing. The conditions were just right and the trout were hungry. A spirited conversation ensued.

DSC00722In the end two incredible decisions were made. First, we would all come back to this place next year. There was no mistaking that the setting was trans-formative to the mind and body. In a world where we are becoming more and more accustomed to shrink wrapped and carded products and bogus and fraudulent behaviors it can be difficult to identify what is real anymore. Meeting in this place and engaging in a pursuit that is as old as man, may have been right on the edge of a religious experience.

Crowds Were Thick

Crowds Were Thick

In the second decision, we chose the only Jewish member of the group to be our input vote for the new Pope. The world is a changing. It is time for us to set aside our differences and concentrate on the health of our world and its people. We have not heard back from the Vatican yet.

DSC00716CONDITIONS

The rivers are a bit low but have just a touch of stain. Nothing critical but flow rates have been sitting below the average for a while and the much needed snow pack seemed a bit light from years past. As I write 5″ of an expected 10 inches of snow has hit the ground. This additional moisture should give a boost to the river and ground water when and if it doesn’t run off when warmer temps come. The lack of snow has left a deep layer of frost in the ground. The hopes are that it is a slow and gradual warm up through March as the region struggles to recover from the grips of a drought.

Gordo

Gordo

Rush River- The Rush looked good. I fished it on Sunday and Monday. I had to work far harder to catch. That seems often the case for me on this beautiful river in early March. Let me know how it fished for you. Stream temp. was not taken on either river. We all forgot them.

IMG_4620A special shout out to our hosts Niel and Randy for making this conclave possible. Also to Jeff for being the keeper of the sacred chili/stew/yummy. And to Jay, the random angler who let us interrupt his opening day fishing with our small group discussion while we rested from our long trudge through the snow. Jay, I caught two brook trout. To all those who attended, You made my day, it was a pleasure. Oh, Chris thanks for the theme and the photos.

The photo of the beverage in the cup at the beginning of this post that was deemed “Smurf Juice”. It may have had an effect on the subject matter and behavior of those who attended this years opening ceremonies. It may not have. I’m just say’n