This time of the year I always find myself reflecting on what I am thankful for. I never take things for granted and always work for everything that I receive, so I am extra thankful for what I have. As we spend time with our families over the next month and a half remember those that are alone or less fortunate than you. A little gesture will go a long way and will mean a lot. I also find myself thinking that we should not need holidays to remind us of what is important in our lives. Even before my mom passed I made a point to call my parents more frequently to let them know I was thinking of them and that I loved them. I also never leave a conversation with my wife without telling her that I love her. I do not want to ever regret not letting my loved ones know how I feel as life is fleeting and can change at any time. Some might find the fact that I tell my pup Moe that I love him weird, but he is a very important part of our life. Lastly I am thankful for the many friends that I have made over the years in the woods and waters of this great state. Those bonds are very special to me and I am thankful for the many years of memories.
Falls on Rocky Brook with Jeff and Dan
Scenery around Red River Camps is spectacular
This past July I had the privilege of spending a long weekend at Red River Camps with Jeff, Dan and his grandfather. This trip would coincide with the famed Hexagenia hatch and would provide some fine dry fly fishing on the ponds that surround the camps. More importantly for me was spending time with the guys, eating some great food and enjoying the solitude of the vast area. Fishing really took a back seat to the overall experience for me. For the first time this year I was not pushing to get up well before sunrise to get out on the water. Instead I chose to let the day flow naturally and take our time. The night before making the last leg up to the camps we stayed at Dan’s family camp near the Millinocket area where we learned from his grandfather how he built the camp by hand without the aid of electrial tools. Just spending time listening to the older generation and how they got things done is very impressive and there are plenty of lessons to be gleaned from those conversations. Those generations did things without the aid of many of the conveniences that we enjoy now, so there is a level of pride that they had in their accomplishments. The younger generation may not understand those older generations because they’re not tech savvy, but how many in this generation could navigate through the woods without the aid of their expensive GPS devices? The camadraderie and stories shared that weekend I am very thankful for.
Spending time at Dan’s camp
Some fine dry fly fishing to be had in July!
I have made a point to try and take all of the nieces and nephews out on the water as they get old enough. I love teaching the younger generation, so I am very thankful that they want to spend time with me on the water. This summer we had Carver come down and spend a couple days with us and I had a chance to teach him the basics of fly-tying. Even though it was well past his bed time we spent a couple hours at the fly-tying bench teaching him the first patterns that I learned many years ago. For those that are looking to get into the sport the first pattern that everyone learns is the wooly bugger. There are a few basic techniques that are used that can be applied to many other patterns. When I started the basics were the most difficult part and I struggled even getting the thread started on the hook. Things changed when I read The Orvis Fly-Tying Guide by Tom Rosenbauer. The pictures are very clear as well as the instructions and I have never looked back. I am thankful for being able to tie my own flies as this adds a different aspect to the sport that I love. I still enjoy going into local fly shops as those are invaluable to our industry, but being able to tie water specific patterns not found in stores is a must.
Tying lesson for Carver
Moosehead Sunset
Lastly I am very thankful for the many open water opportunities that we have in the state. This was not always the case. It was only a few years ago that the new fishing regulations were enacted and changed the way that we fish in the southern part of the state and select waters in the northern part of the state. Not only are there fantastic fishing to be had, the fishing pressure is almost non existant later in the extended season. I do not think that this is an indication of the hardiness of anglers, but more so those that still like to bird hunt the first of October and deer hunt in the month of November. I used to be one of those guys, but the obsession of fishing has taken complete control of me and I struggle with breaking away. Even with these opportunities many still think that the quality of our fishing could be much better with different regulations. That may be so, but many times the biologists can only do so much without our input. For instance I contacted the biologist that oversees the Sebec River and gave him some insights into what I have been seeing there over the past few years. He appreciated the input as he said he does not get much feedback regarding that river. So the lesson here is get involved and maybe do catch surveys to assist in shaping management of your favorite fishery. If something concerns you speak up. Change never happens if those that could enact change are unaware that there is an issue.
Late October fishing up north
Brook trout time
Jeff working a deep run
I am thankful for streamside snacks