On the River

I’m feeling cleansed and at peace with the universe after a wonderful morning on the river. It was just cool & breezy enough to ground the blackflies, and we, an old fishing buddy and I, shared a great morning.

First came the loud quacking of a mother duck herding her brood of ducklings out of the alders and into the river. The quacking continued and it was evident that something had badly upset the duck family. Next, from those same bushes, appeared a large snapping turtle. Hmm… very suspicious. The snapper slipped into the river for a dip, likely to wash evidence from his shell, then headed back to the bushes.

Today wasn’t my first fishing trip this year, but it felt like it. The air was sweeter and fresher, the vegetation was fuller and greener and the river seemed even more beautiful than I remembered. Foggy but treasured memories suddenly seemed much clearer, almost real. Any fish? Sure, but that was only a small part of the overwhelming feeling, proving that there’s a lot more to fishing than fish!

The new Eastern SportFish Association (ESA) held its AGM Sunday in Stillwater.

Officers and directors elected are: Damian Welsh as president, vice-president John F. Cameron, secretary Don Armstrong, treasurer Bill Carpan, and directors Sandy Barnhill, Rennie Beaver, and David Clark. Also, representing the Mulgrave & Area Lakes Enhancement Association on ESA’s board of directors is president Bob MacDonald.

Damian Welsh, the newly elected President of the ESA, is a man who shares and treasures special feelings about fishing. Damian also happens to be a celebrated fly tyer, living in Frasers Mills, Nova Scotia, with wife Melissa and family. Damian’s website is http://sites.google.com/site/riversedgeflyfishing 

Now, here’s a new twist on an old favourite from Damian’s vice. He points out that one of the fly’s most appealing features is its full, fat body. Who am I to argue?

Par Belle Hairwing

Thread:                      UTC G.S.P. 50 Denier black thread

Hook:                          Mustad 36890, size 4, 6, 8, 10

Tail:                             Red & white hen hackle fibers

Rib:                             Oval gold tinsel

Body:                          Yellow floss

Throat:                        Red then white hen hackle fibers

Wing:                          Red calf tail over white calftail

Head:                         Black thread finished with glossy head cement

Please stay on the line …