16 Jul (Tue) Long patrol afoot today: walked over the
hill through Ranger’s Notch (third time this year so far!) and down to Harriet
Lake. Visited all camps—only one, unoccupied, and I left those folks a “ranger
note” about leaving trash in their firepit. Saw no humans today. Continued to
Helen and walked ¾ of the shore. Took out a couple firepits and some trash. ◦◦◦◦◦
In a small inlet there: while stepping across it I saw fish thrash and hide
under its overhanging banks. I was reminded of a friend who told of catching
trout by hand, feeling under the overhangs. I’d been skeptical at the time. So
I tried it here and by golly, it works! I felt under there and made contact
with a little one that dashed off in a cloud of detritus. Felt some more and
got my hand all the way around an 8” rainbow. For some reason, when you make
contact, they go docile. (I believe my friend said they were sleeping.) I slowly
herded this trout out into open water with my hand lightly cupped around it and
the thing dog-paddled, letting me turn it on its side before finally thrashing
away. Pretty thrilling to handle a live fish—something new and grand every
livin’ day! And, I do believe I could catch my supper this way if the need was
there….
©2017 by Tim
Forsell 9 Jan 2017
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