Thank You, Rudy!

Rudy is a little Maltese dog that we got last year when he was a puppy. Now, I might not be able to train Rudy to fetch beer for me, but he does have pure white hair that has some marabou like qualities to it when under water. Last year, I tied up some streamers using Rudy’s hair – he needed a hair cut. The streamers were later dubbed “Maltesers” by Team Osprey captain, Ernie Kalwa.

This evening, I went out on the Grand with Colin before I take him home to Ottawa tomorrow – the conditions were worse than they were on Saturday. The water level was very high – the water felt colder, and although the sun was shining in Orangeville before we left, warming us up – it was overcast on the river.

Once again, we cast a variety of nymphs and streamers but not even a hit. Others on the river were experiencing the same lack of action. Finally, I thought, “what the heck?” and tied on a Malteser that I had in one of my fly boxes.

A few minutes later, an envious Colin was watching me pull in a 14 inch brown. It was the only fish we saw however. A real pretty brown it was, except for the gash marks across its back, likely from an Osprey (the bird, not a team member) looking for a snack.

I’m thinking of hosting another fly swap – perhaps my pattern will be this Malteser. I’m curious how it will work for others!

When we got home, Rudy being the loud yapping dog that he is, of course yapping with excitement to see Colin and I home. Instead of telling him to shush, I picked him up and thanked him. His hair kept me from being skunked twice in a row!