Summer Sojourns

Delaware's Finest

There once was a time when Matt, Adam, and I ate fire cooked spam off a stick for an entire week. Fast forward a few years and Matt is attempting to relive that experience in the woods of western Maryland. I warn him not to do it, but he insists that its tradition. One bite is all thats needed before the entire block of spam is thrown into the embers where it turns black after an hour. Apparently, spam doesn't taste as good if its not your only option on a week long bone fishing trip. Matt settles for hot dogs and chili, before packing it in for the night. Another day of trout await him in the morning...

We awoke with another tailwater to fish amidst morning downpours and fog. Both of us decided to not bring our waders on this trip nor look at the weather report. Needless to say, but wet wading in 55 degree water in pouring rain can get downright chilly. Things started off with some feisty bows nymphing switch rods in a few popular runs. With the rain still coming down, we walked up the rapids and pocket water on the opposite side, surely taking several months off our wading boot's lives in the process. More cookie cutter bows. The rain stopped as we arrived on another popular pool where a dozen fish are rising to small BWO's and midges. Matt picked up a wild brookie on his first cast and I expected the same, but was quickly humbled by more than one fish. I finally got mine, another cookie cutter bow. 

After a short siesta, we made our way downriver into unfamiliar territory where better fishing is found. This part of the river seems to feature a greater variety of fish including some browns and palominos that we sight fish to with droppers. The rest of the fish come on terrestials. As the afternoon sets in, a few slate drakes are coming off and I give my brother a comparadun that quickly gets a workout. It continues to entice fish until sunset when the action suddenly stops. A long walk back to the Subaru allows some time to talk and reminisce. 

Matt has lived abroad for the past five years. Trout, and fishing in general, have become a scarce outlet for him, especially in eastern Africa. With only a few short weeks at home each year, these short summer sojourns recharge his batteries a bit and supply him with a much needed fix until the next time he comes home.