Rush River, Sept 6th

'Great Event' for the WM FF MN.............Thanks to Sue R and Tom H. (Midwest FF) we were able to have an event on the Rush River just south of Baldwin, WI. About 12 WM FF were paired up with FF that Tom H. rounded up to share their knowledge and expertise in this sport. It was exciting and fun to fish next to experts that were willing to take the time to mentor us, the WM FF. I know there were other women that wanted to sign up; but had scheduling conflicts that prevented them from joining us this time. I HOPE that this will be an annual event. There are so many things to learn; but as these seasoned FF claim........they are still learning each time they cast their flylines into the water.

What would really be nice if we could have a buddy system throughout the fishing season. It doesn't matter whether it is on the river/stream or on the lake. It's a matter of going out there side by side with a seasoned FF who can share and encourage a novice to this sport.

For my time, I learned nymphing and just reading the streams, water safety, and techniques of casting depending on your position in the water. Lew B., who teaches a workshop in the spring and I attended that workshop, and Jack H, a seasoned FF and artist, were mentors for Grace G, Carol M, and me. (Just a plug on Lew and his group....Check out the information for his spring Workshop at the FF Expo next year!--this workshop is a MUST for all novice FF (men or women))

Besides falling in the water, getting stuck in the muck, hiking up and down the streams, we learned a lot and I did CATCH a fish............maybe not big enough to take a picture.

Thanks to Sue and Tom for putting this together and thanks to the guys who volunteered to make it a successful event by all. I know......Sue, Carol, Grace, Margaret, Betty, Susan, Kate, Cinda, Yvonne, Melissa, Patty, and myself loved it!!!

Keep those fishing lines wet!

The Kinni

Visited the Kinni three the past week and a half!

Disappointed! Discouraged!! Defeated!! Desperate!! DETERMINED!!!!

Twice by myself and the other with another WM FF! I was armed with tricos (#22 and #24), adams, nymphs, and fly ants/hoppers. I got there early, checked the temperature, and it was still cool enough that did not see any 'trout rising' I tried nymphs and as soon as it started warming up, I could see a lot of activity on the surface so I switched to tricos. I would cast across but above the activity and let it drift over. I repeated this process and nothing. I would see them them rise and I had a few hits; but was not able to set the hook. I ran into a couple of FF who suggested a couple places downstream and even gave me flies to try; but no success. What seemed like a few minutes was really several hours; and it was time to pack up and go. One of those days was called to a halt when over 25 kayakers started their downstream adventure to their delight and to my disappointment. A usual stop at Lund's Fly Shop on the way out of town to talk shop and buy a few more flies to replace ones lost. Another day to return and hopefully get lucky to practice 'catch and release' for the first time on the Kinni!!!

Keep those fishing lines wet!!