It was a cold day. My friend Caleb and I jumped out of the car at 7:00 in the morning and set our feet on the rocky ground. I rummaged through the trunk to get my junky rod and reel. After walking down the steep bank, I tied on a egg, and cast it upstream. I felt a tug on my line, and set the hook hard. Fish on, a beautiful fall salmon. Over the period of throwing streamers, I had heard people say that the big pool below the dam had unbelievable fishing, and to get there while it’s empty. I wasn’t catching any fish while others were, and the old saying “don’t leave fish to find fish” was taking it’s toll. But I went. I started walking and I finally reached the big pool(the log pool). I started to cast my nymph into the current, but no takes. It was getting dark. I began to walk back to the bridge. Following the path in the forest, a guy was walking towards me. “Catch anything” I said? He told me had just got to the river, and asked me if I was the kid from the fly fishing only forum. “Yes I said, who are you?” I’m Jeremy C—. “Wait a minute… Jeremy Cameron?” We both smiled, and I told him my story about not catching any fish at the pool. “You didn’t catch any fish at the log pool!?!? Come on, I can guarantee you a fish right now.” So, I began to walk with him, and after a few minutes we reached the pool. He started to take off my nymph, and after he put on a prince with a dropper, I felt embarrassed when I saw how much weight he was using. He did get me a pretty brookie, and I spent the rest of the day with him. The next day Caleb and I went back and spent more time with him. That weekend was sweet!
I also wanted to point this out, and i’m not trying to be a suck up. I meet allot of people that I know on the rivers I fish, but none like Jeremy. Ever since that day I met Jeremy, Iv’e been catching allot more fish..It”s unbelievable! Jeremy, you are a man of many words, and one of the best fisherman i’ve ever met. Thanks for all of your tips from high sticking to getting flies out of trees. You have made a huge impact on how much I *love to fly fish*. If I get the rod, it would be really cool to striper fish off my boat, or maybe even hit NY for steelies. Thanks once again for all these tips for me to use in my future, such as getting a junior guide license this summer. Thanks again, and i”ll see you on the water
Good story I think I saw you on the river that day. I know what pool you guys were at its a good spot. See you in the spring.
i am not that good of a fly fisher – there are many who are much better – i am always learning and always asking questions.
that’s what i love about fly fishing – i may be good at fishing one river for a certain species of fish – but once i go to a new river and fish for different species – all the rules change and i gotta learn new stuff all the time.
nobody – ever can really master fly fishing – and that’s what i love most about it. there is always new waters, new species, new ties, new tactics and always new stuff to learn.
THE THING THAT I THOUGHT WAS MOST COOL ABOUT WHAT YOU WROTE WAS – “You have made a huge impact on how much I *love to fly fish*.” That is the best compliment anyone could receive. so, many people have been instrumental in expanding my passion for fly fishing and I am grateful for having crossed paths with these people. So, for me to think that I was one of those people to you, is truly an honor.
Maybe we will cross paths again on some river next season. If I remember correctly – you and your friend were getting your drivers licenses soon – wait till you see the world that opens up for you guys when you don’ t have to rely on your parents to drop you off and pick you up. there are millions of rivers just waiting for you out there……
If you think you love the sport now….wait till you hook into your first Steelhead…Nothing and Nobody can have more of an impact on your fly fishing passion than a big Steelhead. You could spend a life time (and some guys do) just learning about Fly Fishing for Steelhead….
See ya on the water.
Hey, Fisherboy – you got it right. The people you meet flyfishing can really expand your knowlege, passion and fun. I met Jeremy briefly once at the pool you speak of. Nice guy and how I came to his site (need to get here more often!) Remember as you grow – pass it on!
~Mike