As the fall foliage continues to develop here in the Great Lakes Region, salmon, rainbow trout, and brown trout will start to make their annual trek up rivers, streams and tributaries in hopes that they can give birth to their next generation. An event that usually brings me great joy, depending on the fishing results. However, there’s always one day, just one, maybe two, that really grind my gears. It’s always the most perfect day, work is done, flows are just right and that fall temperature starts to drop and activate some steelhead action when the leaves decide to fall off. These damn leaves ruin my day and maybe even my week. First cast I’m fired up, setting the hook on a swinging streamer and then I reel in a nice orange clump of soggy matter. Right then I know I’m in for it, but I’ve driven all this way, tied flies, put my waders on, listened to a steelhead podcast so you know I can’t leave. 4 hours go by, and I’ve caught the world record number of leaves, haven’t seen a soul, and its dark out. I can’t imagine a worse day of fishing, but I do it every year. Maybe one day I’ll take a hint when the wind is blowing, but until then, I’ll keep reliving what might be my worst nightmare.
Don’t get me started when the water begins to freeze.
What’s your worst fishing nightmare?
Dual Waters 