Don't Fall Short ~ Sunday Tippets, Damsel Style

So many times in life, we fall short.  Whether it is that latest diet, weeding that flower patch, or saving enough money for that last bill of the month.  We all have challenges that require patience, planning and some expertise.  We must spend the time at that given task.  Sometimes we need to take little steps before we can accomplish that goal.  In the end, we hopefully see a positive outcome.  If we don't, we should not give up, but try again.  I know for a fact, that sometimes the best laid plan can fall through the cracks.  Or comes up short by a few inches.

On the fly fishing side of things, I have fallen short on becoming more accomplished in dry fly fishing.  It might be that I lack the patience of trying to follow that very small, minute object that looks like the actual hatch that is on the water.  It could be that my casting needs better accuracy or distance at certain times.  Or it could just be that I feel more familiar with nymphing, so I continue to do what feels comfortable.  Do you often take the easier way of doing something?  We all do.  

So, my latest journey required me to take that extra step.  When I got to the river, I could see that this would be definitely be more dry fly than nymphing. 









The water was slower, the fast water runs were far and few between.  The fish were looking up.  You say that the fish were looking up?  Well, put on a dry fly you crazy woman!!!  I would have to conform.  Yes, I can catch a fish with an emerger underneath with my nymph rig.  But, I could see that the odds with the hatches that were out, would be fishing dries.  So, out came the box to make it all happen.







I would join my Idaho fly fishing friends for a couple days of practicing and making perfect, my dry fly approach.  I was determined.  Ahhh... That is the word that makes things happen, isn't it?  If you have a goal, you must have determination to see it through.  This was merely the side story to this adventure.  The main reason for going on this trip was to fish with old friends that I had missed last year after going up on an annual trek to this river.  So, it was great to have a few days to reaquaint and have some fun times together.

Yes, Patti, Aileen and Rachel joined me for some fun times on the water.  And we had a night of camping to boot!  Oh boy...  

Aileen is one great tent builder...

And she makes one mean prime rib in the dutch oven...

And Rachel can cook up one awesome lemon pie from her kitchen on the farm...

Ok. Ok.  So, I'm kidding about the that stuff... 

But, the trip into town was way worth it.  =)  

But, I'm not kidding about the beauty of the river.  One of the most beautiful places that I have fished.  And where it all started 5 or 6 years ago and actually started this blog.  If you are one of the old-timers over here, you will remember Rebecca who took me to River X for the first time. 

Yes, when you see 50 slurpers of 16-22 inches in front of you, it's time to practice your dry fly casting.  Heck, maybe you could get lucky and just put it out there and hope for the best!

I like luck.

With a little bit of determination in the mix, anything is possible.

And who knows, someday I just might add skills to make it a little easier...

Thanks to the girls for hosting me once again and renewing our friendship and camaradarie.  And a special thanks to Michael, Patti's hubby who joined us one afternoon and gave me some great dry fly pointers to add to my knowledge of this great passion of mine...  <"((((><<

Enjoy the short slideshow, The Rising Browns Adventure!

Click on 720 hp for clarity in the settings.