Soon it will be that time of year again when I can smell the rivers of North America all the way from southern Brazil. As the cool autumn rains change the temperatures of the water, stirring up the leaves and strengthening the current, the Salmon and Steelhead miles out in the Great Lakes began sensing that it is time for their journey. For the great Salmon it is a journey to his death, but for the Steelhead, his brother, who comes on the heals of the Salmon, it will be to spawn, winter over in the river, and then return to the Great Lakes that next spring.
There is nothing more exciting than working a fly through a ripple after a big Steelhead or Salmon. It really takes several years to learn their ways, master your gear, and develop your method. Both the fish and the river are very wise, but nothing that time and patience can’t instruct you. And then the reward after the catch, firing up the grill and feasting after a long days work. My family enjoys a rich heritage of years spent in the outdoors, hunting and fishing for wild game. My brother and I were recently reminiscing on those days. He now is taking his boys out to do the same thing.
Much can be learned from fishing. I remember spending days and days on the river and not one fish. In fishing, patience is the greatest of virtues! Die hard Steelhead fisherman are even known to fish the icy waters of December, in hopes of catching that beautiful purple rainbow with blackened dorsal fins from his dormant winters nap. The most rewarding part of hooking into one this time of year is that it thaws your frozen line, nose, and purple fingers. Nothing is more invigorating than running down the river, chasing a wild Steelhead that could very easily snap your brittle line if he wanted to. Skill is needed in understanding currents, the geography of the river, your own gears potential, and most important, where you are placing your feet on the slippery rocks of the river bed. Nothing is more chilling than winter water in your waiters. When this happens it’s time to go home and set in front of the fire.
So, here I am in the middle of an urban jungle, Porto Alegre, Brazil, easily dreaming about how my hand fit around that cork handle, the click of the real, working my way up the river in search of a King. Well, those were great days that are not real hard to “catch and release” when I consider the dear souls of men and women, endangered by the fall, hopeless, helpless, with no one to call. A lot was learned on the river that keeps me here close to the bank, in hopes to see that one come home who so long has wondered far from the Father of Lights. Keep praying for “tight lines” here in Porto Alegre as we fish for men with that Irresistible “pattern” of the unfathomable Love of God. It’s a bug that never lets you go!
PS – Don’t worry; I am trying to find some good places to fish here in Brazil! We still have to eat!! J
This is a Steelhead caught on the Manistee River, Michigan
This is a beautiful little steelhead caught in upstate NY
