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PrintTwo Takes on Fly Fishing: Part 1
The Neophyte and the Nymph
Photos By Susan Cook
(page 1 of 2)
Recently, I had a health scare that opened my eyes to the fact that you should not put off doing the things you dream of—because if you do, there’s a chance you may never get to them.
I have always wanted to fly fish.
My wonderful husband was supportive of my desired new diversion, but not interested in joining me. So, I needed to find my own way. A friend offered to teach me to cast, which we did in the street in front of his house. Then I practiced casting in my driveway in Bothell, Washington. I can tell you that the chance of catching a fish in those places is nil!
My sister and brother-in-law live in Teton Valley, the perfect place to try to catch a real fish. So, on our bi-yearly visit last summer, I took advantage of the opportunity. I asked sister dear to arrange an outing for me, and I was delighted when she emailed me that she had found and reserved a full day of guided fishing. I did not need to bring a thing. I left my rod and reel at home and packed only my clothes—along with my determination to become a fly fisherman.
I met my guide, Keith, in Victor, after kissing wonderful husband goodbye. (I’m sure he drove away wondering if I would 1) fall out of the boat, 2) catch myself in the eye, and/or 3) get seasick on the river.) The nervous butterflies did flip-flops in my stomach as Keith and I drove for about a half hour to the South Fork of the Snake River at Palisades Creek. He launched the boat with the ease of someone who’s obviously very familiar with the river and the boat. At that point my nerves vanished, even as we watched the next guide to launch lose control of his boat. It floated to the middle of the river before another guide managed to rescue it....(continued)
