Access

After reading several fishing articles and blogs I've come to the conclusion that several factors give the average fly fisherman an advantage.  For some it is skill, others it is location and above all it's fishing access.  Places that don't see very much fishing pressure and access is private or limited to only those in the know. I've been lucky enough to fish such a place. It is near my father in laws house and the fishing is ridiculous. We had talked about fishing in the morning but his late shift made him stall in the morning. He could tell by my constant badgering about when are we going that I was eager. He finally said "well you can go by yourself." I jumped at the chance and called to get permission. Permission was given before the sentence could even be completed. A common occurrence for country neighbors. I quickly gathered my gear trying to not look too obvious that I was trying to get out the door as quickly as possible. I gave a kiss and hug to the family and bolted to my little piece of heaven.

The only signs another person has been here is the grass cleared near the bank. Mainly for the tractor and cattle. The water is pristine and you have no other sign a fisherman has been here. No random monofilament dangling from branches or pieces or styrofoam bait containers along the bank. No neglected bobbers stuck in the middle of the river attached to a submerged log or some other debris. Just a lot of pretty scenery and isolation except for the company of these guys.

When you find places like this you never want to leave. You're reluctant to share them and if you even remotely talk about it you give directions that are way off. The fish were in the fast water. Different from what I'm used too. They were slamming clousers swung across the current. The water was so clear I could see all the follows from the fish I didn't catch and the takes from the fish that came to hand. This place is how it should be. There are plenty of 8-10inch smallmouth but the bigger fish aren't easy to catch. You might see them but they won't hit anything. It takes skill and most likely luck to hook them. Catching them any other way would be an injustice. There's nothing not to like about this place. It's about as perfect as it can be.