Fishing is about being aware. Figuring out which insects trout are targeting or reading a run requires patience and careful observation. My most rewarding fishing experiences are usually about a lot of “work” leading to a well-choreographed presentation and hopefully an exciting take. But sometimes nature wows you and the pursuit of the fish matters little.
A couple of my experiences on the upper Rio Grande this summer reminded me that fishing is sometimes just an excuse to observe wildlife and the natural beauty of the outdoors.
The first came while meandering up a canyon stretch of the Rio in knee high water by the bank. I spotted a black bear in the water 100ft in front of me. I stopped and whispered gratitude under my breath for the favorable wind that meant smell wouldn’t betray my presence. I was able to stand still and observe what one would imagine if they had only experienced wildlife through Disney cartoons. The bear just floated around in a circle on his back without a care in the world- seemingly taking in the sights and sounds of the river canyon just as I had been. After a few minutes he had enough and lumbered out of the water to snag some raspberries by the side of the river. The delay to my fishing was well worth catching this idyllic scene.
The second came just as I entered the Rio from the bank. As I walked along the rocks protruding from the shallow water I stopped and did a double take. I saw the snake first but then was amazed to see something that appeared to be twice its width in its mouth. Upon closer examination it was a rainbow trout that clearly wasn’t going to live to see my flies presented that day. I observed it for a moment, but judging by the size mismatch decided this snake would be working to consume this fish in a timeframe beyond my patience.
These are the wildlife experiences that make fishing memorable beyond the fish.
— Brian Burrell, Treasurer
