Yes, I just bought a new car AND no, I didn’t have an accident with it. But I did have an accident – read on….

Another graduation trip for the FATC 2023 Fall fly fishing class happened on this Monday. That is six graduation trips in eleven days – WOW! This time it was Rich Francis in the barrel. Rich said he had “fishing” experience but ZERO “fly fishing” experience. Hmmm, could this mean it was going to be a long day for Kenny? Not so. Rich was ready and prepared to hit the river. Of course, this was one of the coldest days this “winter” but that did not deter the group as they were dressed for it. Remember NO COTTON – as we learned in the military, cotton kills. Fall in, get wet, the cotton will retain the water and hypothermia will set in fast.

To cheer Rich on we had a big crew of FATC members and a guest! Tim Klotz, Sid Aslin, Steve Baker, Dan Staggenborg, Ryan Young, Tom Petrie, Harold Bates, Doug Smedley, and friend Joe Ackerman were on hand. As the FATC crew headed out in all directions (did I say that we were the only ones in the park!!), Kenny took Rich to the usual spots to practice all the techniques learned in class. After doing a little stripping of streamers (and a few hits), the trout started rising once the wind died down. Kenny put on a soft hackle for Rich and big hit – big fish. I think Rich was surprised that a tiny fly caught such a nice rainbow. Rich caught several fish before lunch, this time using a small black zebra midge pattern.

The reports at lunch were that most of the group did fair. I think the cold and wind played a factor. After lunch, the reports were much better with Tim Klotz finding a “hot spot” near the cable just above Walter’s Stretch. See the picture of one of his “pigs”! The rest of the group had the whole park to ourselves and were able to fish anywhere on this day. At the end of the day the top flies were midges, soft hackles, egg patterns, San Juan worms, primrose & pearl midge, House of Payne, copper John, crackle back, and more. So, in other words everyone was throwing everything they had to find these finicky trout. With the water low, slow and clear you have to be highly creative to fool these fish. They have a lot of time to check each fly as it drifts by. Plus, you need a “quick” set or the trout will spit out the fly before you even know that it had it.

It was an enjoyable day for all. New friendships were made, and a lot of smiles were out. Oh yeah, about the “accident.” Well, if you were very observant you will notice that Kenny didn’t make the fellowship dinner at his favorite Mexican restaurant in Salem, MO. Fishing in the afternoon with Rich there were “rumblings and toots” happening with the Sensei. A couple times Rich found Kenny in a bent position (and in some pain). Kenny hung on as long as he “thought” he could and with thirty minutes to go before the siren, Kenny HAD to leave the river. He told Rich how to get back to the cars and he was GONE! Racing for the bathrooms and well, he didn’t make it. Accidents do happen – enough said.