Shiner

Tom, the guy who runs Ross Lake since the 70s, while building a fly that imitates a "shiner" told me, "Keith, this is new.  We've never had fish this big here."

The talk is over this little guy called a "shiner".  Actually, a lot of these little guys.  A couple years ago somebody spiked the lake with minnows.  Their population has grown.  Alongside their population, the size of the rainbow trout has grown.

Tom told me that not too long ago the 20" rainbow trout I caught would have had the whole resort out to see.  The record right now is (or was) 25 3/4".

The way they are fishing up there is by trolling with a fly rod.  That seems kind of like an oxymoron.  Anyhow, it definitely works.

I spent a few days making imitations of the shiner.  I made this painting by studying shiners that I'd place in a glass and watch swim.  I was hoping I could come up with some perfect fly.  Honestly, I don't think the imitation really matters.  If you are in the ballpark, and know *where the fish are*, I think that is what matters.

I have spent too long on this post!  I wanted to add that I got a real kick out of seeing people's reaction to the painting.  Tom's wife laughed and clapped her hands together.  That made me feel good.