I am an experimenter, and a discussion at dinner revolved around catching fish during the “aluminum hatch” of canoe traffic that is inevitable during Memorial weekend. I seem to recall hooking up at times even with a canoe in the vicinity. My theory was that the trout are wild in the North Fork, but canoes are a rather natural condition; and not all of the fish are put down by the traffic. The next day would allow the perfect conditions for the experiment.
Sunday was hot and very sunny. Janet and I crossed the river just above the falls and walked up Rainbow Alley. It’s a particular pleasure to fish these open waters that also include riffles and some deeper holes. In general, however, the current is gentle and the depth comfortable. This lets me get the casting juices flowing with presentations of wet flies and emergers as well as nymphs.
The canoe traffic doesn’t reach the ROLF until early afternoon. Groups usually have to queue up to address the Falls, so there tends to a concentration of canoes the quarter mile or so above the falls and in front of the ROLF office. This is where we tested my hunch..
Canoeists tend to be quiet and respectful of wading fisherman, but some (especially on holidays) are inexperienced and have to direct their attention to efficiently handling the canoe. One can spot these situations well before they develop into close encounters. |
