A deLIGHTful Day!

The fishing over the past two weeks has been hit or miss.  With mostly sunny days and freezing or "just above" freezing nights the rivers have sustained a murky tint.  When a couple of cold nights backed up to each other the river cleared allowing a "summer like" feel to the fishing.  Clear waters and productive fishing were exciting while they lasted.

Last week I had the pleasure to take Riq De Paiva down the river.  Riq was a tarpon fly fishing guide in the Keys for 12 years and now is a professional photographer with multiple Saltwater magazine covers.  He is also a Pilot by trade.  I was put in contact with Riq through the Glacier Outdoor Center Fly Shop Manager John Mallison.  Riq lives in Kallispell and was in town and looking for some guys to take him out on the water.  In all the years Riq has been throwing a fly rod he had only once before targeted fresh water trout.

The three of us met in the parking lot of the Fly Shop and headed towards the river.  It was looking to be a beautiful day at the put in.  There was great clarity(6-7 feet) and not a cloud in the sky.  As John and I rigged our rods Riq made it clear he just wanted to shoot photos.  We encouraged him to throw a fly rod but he insisted on just taking photos.

Within the first hundred yards of the float we were into fish.  One fish actually came up and swiped at the bobber.  I started to throw my 3 weight with a dry and had some success.  While nymphing an eddie John hooked what we thought was a big Cuttie.  It turned out to be a 21 inch Bull Trout that ate a stone fly imitation.  Which is not that common.

As the fishing got better we got lazier.  We floated down river towards the take out fishing less and less and we finally put down the rods and sat back to take it all in.  It was a great opportunity to have Riq in the boat with all of his years of experience.  I hope that I get to "fish" with him again some day.

All photos by Riq De Paiva.