Rising, Rising

Last evening was another fine evening on the Grand River near Elora, Ontario. The weather was nice – around 22 degrees C at 6PM, partly cloudy, and the water levels were very good.   I finally had an opportunity to fish with someone that I’d never met before, but had communicated with via email and telephone calls a number of times.  One of the things I love about fly fishing is solitude.  However, the next best thing is fishing with someone who shares the same passion and at the same time, shares a similar spirit – of simply enjoying the water, observing, and good conversation when appropriate.

Now, once again you’ll have to excuse me for my mysterious lack of discussing fly patterns – even the patterns that didn’t work so well, because of the upcoming Canadian Fly Fishing Championships.

I’m not sure what it is, but when I am fishing with others, my confidence level drops immensely.  Alone, I have no issues at all – and alone, I usually end up catching more fish than when I am fishing with someone.  When alone, i don’t mind the ratty flies that I use; but when fishing with someone, I end up being intimidated by their knowledge and skills, instead of simply enjoying the river and having pleasure in my own experimentation or whatever.

Tonight, after a thunderstorm passed by, an awesome mayfly hatch developed – and although I could rise fish, right left and centre, to my fly, getting them to take and be hooked was something different.  I did end up with one very nice 12″ brown,  but I expected more of myself – yet, not quite sure how to say exactly how I expected more.

At the same time, I was hoping my companion would be having fun and enjoying the evening himself.  Regardless of the numbers of fish caught.

Ah, all those fish rising, over and over – but only one brown trout brought to hand.  It’s almost as if “training” for the competition is ruining my enjoyment and putting too much pressure on the number and length of fish caught, instead of just simply enjoying the experience.