What was once a bustling rail-road pinnacle town, is now reclaimed by time and sage brush. Not much infrastructure exists as if no town, or railroads existed there. Only some original bridges still stand, as symbols of human perseverance to make the early Montana railroads possible through technical terrain in multiple directions. Only one operating rail still passes through, continuing its roots as a railway. With little to no human occupancy, nature has grasped hold again in times' dews from creek and river. An area favored by rattlesnakes in certain times of year, all must travel with care when the temperatures are warm.

The creek here, flows from distant mountains, passing fertile grasslands for many miles before reaching more arid ecosystems consisting of sage, prickly pear cactus, and juniper. Here, beyond tall canyons of red and grey walls of stone, that old rail town was nestled close to the tributary of the creek and main river. So much history here, for none of its glory is justifiable without looking in the history museums old photo's and memorabilia. Coming here for a long time since I was a young child, nothing has changed but the growth of some slow growing plants.

I've looked at this certain fishing spot many times on maps, and finally it has been accomplished. A special bend in the creek under great tall stone walls, is a special opportunity to endure. A beaver swims about the other side of the pool, using caution in our presence. Also, a Kingfisher bird swoops in close for some fish fry dinner, making a blue and white flash as it flew chittering away. With red-dogwood directly to my rear, my casts must be done with precision as to not get hung up.

A flick of my fly and line upstream, it would have hit a tressle bridge leg around one-hundred and eighteen years ago, as one side of the rail diverged here and looped around to the main rail again slightly upstream. I twitched my fly in a manner of mimicking a swimming organism, and it wasn't long before the first trout found it a prey item! The first trout darted right and left, breaking water a few times, making a real display. This trout and four others played a fun and tantalizing dance of fly fishing, showing off their strengths in a stunning landscape to enjoy. A fun bike ride around this unique area is always thrilling, especially with my dad. Trout brought to the net is never un-fulfilling, while trout that get away always inspire us to return again for that future temptation.......Sky Joyner Pilago.