It’s only fitting that en route to guide Gary and Danielle I had to stop for a flock of wild turkeys to cross the highway.
After all, father Gary had flown into the West Kootenays less than 24 hours earlier to help his 23-year-old daughter cook her first Thanksgiving turkey – domestic variety. Basted. Browned. Stuffed and sliced and savored. But first … a little family fishin’.
A few trout to catch. Like father, like daughter. Birds of a feather.
Over two days they fly-fished two sections of the Columbia River: both sections were in fine autumn form. Dozens of dry-fly eats; handfuls of redband hookups; big ones caught and just as many not. “This is like fishing for steelhead with dry flies,” said Gary, an Ontario resident who routinely plies the Great Lakes region for steelies and the Grand River for browns.
Danielle, a stand-up paddleboarder and boat retailer from the West Arm, collected enough evidence to convince her envious Facebook friends that she’d corralled a Columbia trout or two on dry flies – no easy task for someone who hadn’t picked up a fly rod in years. She’s into adrenaline pursuits these days – whitewater paddling and deep “pow” – but Danielle is already planning a fly-fishing comeback. “A few of my guy friends are going to be choked when I tell them about this fishing,” she says.
Dad Gary beams with pride. I’m sure the same smile will resurface when that basted bird comes out of the oven.
The guiding season now shifts to Fernie for a final few days on the Elk River. Then it’s off to Calgary to visit kin, eat make-up turkey and catch the grand opening of Fish Tales’ new expanded haunts. Just in time for Halloween – nice going, Dave and Nancy!
My boats are destined for dry-dock and the bow is itchin’ for the treestand. On behalf of Dave Brown Outfitters, thanks again to all of our great clients – repeat and new – for another outstanding season! See you in 2013.
… Chris