It’s been eleven years since I worked fulltime running the Jack Dennis Fly Shop in Jackson Hole. I was there for 23 years and cycled through many generations of employees. Most were kids on summer break from college. Almost all became close friends and remarkably, I’m still in touch with many. When they re-visit this region as adults they look me up and often we go fishing.
Today Jesse Belcher, JD class of 1993-94, invited me to take a seat in his boat on a guided trip. Jess is now 49 years old and a very successful business man in Chicago. His family booked three boats with WorldCast Anglers and Jesse and I were with my friend and longtime guide, Curt Hamby.
We went to the South Fork of the Snake. Though 25 years ago the South Fork was one of my favorites, you rarely find me here now. Its incredibly crowded. But keep in mind, a crowded river is crowded for a reason. The South Fork normally fishes well and its also one of the most beautiful floats in the west.
Our fishing was tough to say the least. I was armed with my streamer rod (6-weight Winston Air), my big dry rod (5-weight Air) and my small dry fly rod (4-weight Winston Pure). None of these three methods were fast and furious. I scraped up about six decent cutthroats but it took constant concentration. My favorite fish of the day was this nice little 15” brown trout on a tiny dry fly. He was a selective little devil that took about five fly changes to finally fool!
Curt said the South Fork has been good for the most part. Sometimes the weekend traffic on the river puts the fish down. There was plenty. The South Fork is a tailwater and also seemed to get an influx of water while we were fishing. That often messes with the fish. Nonetheless, Jesse bumped into a few nice fish as well.
Its back to the office a few days now. Its been nice catching up on things. I plan to row Jesse down the Rizzo for the evening hatch on Wednesday. Forecast looks perfect for a Rusty Spinner fall!
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