Angling Tale/Grey Walls of Stone: Tucked away from the hustle of the world, lies a beautiful place with steep stone cliffs resting under sage thickets and Juniper. A historical area with great human significance both ancient and within the last 100 years. Most of its history is unheard of and forgotten under the rug of time. Most of the remnants from human inhabitants missing from acknowledgement. A beautiful winding stream still calls this place home, continuing its song for many miles down from the mountains into the lowland foothills before converging into the main river. Chokecherry trees line much of the bank, along with dense green brush and grass. The chitter of the local Kingfisher warms the spirit.
This little stream produced challenges and aesthetic value, and when done correctly, you will find a local trout and dismiss stresses. The fishing wasn't the most productive, but all equals out when your in a beautiful place with your family(and a couple fish). As the hours grew later, we rode back out to the main river, and what a glistening sight was at hand. Rising trout in impressive numbers. Heads, tails, and fins emerging from the surface all across the channel. The "rise" was at hand, and the opportunity well taken. I arm myself with a 5wt fly rod, floating line, homemade leader, and self tied Royal Coachman dry fly. A fly pattern my ancestors had used many years ago.
I lightly cast my barbless Coachman upstream and watch the flys action on the surface during the drift. It didn't take long before a rainbow trout sipped my fly from the water, and I set my hook! Strong and cunning, the fish jumps and dives around with powerful pushes. This trout made good attempts to free the hook, but is unsuccessful. I net my prized possession. Gazing upon its beauty, I realize its importance and sanctity in an ever changing world, then put the trout back in its home, unharmed. A more humbling feeling than filling the freezer in a way. A magnificent visit to the Grey Walls and wide open mainstream, memories remembered in the heart and galleries. An awesome fat bike ride to some of our favorite places to be, with my dad!....... a Sky Joyner story
