I had big plans for today. Joe and I were planning a fishing trip to the Metolius, and James was planning on coming over from the valley to join us. Sunday would be spent cheering on our favorite English soccer teams in a classic rivalry.

Well, plans change.

I managed to stop by Volcano Vineyards during Friday night’s art walk and be wowed by the music of The Quons. I was gratefully given a copy of a great book that was put together by Mark in honor of his lost friend Jim Witty. It’s a great guide book that I highly recommend (and not just because I’ve got a couple of pics in it).

This was just about the time that James called and we decided that, due to the predicted snow storm, we would have to postpone our meeting on the river bank.

Then I talked to Joe. He’s been pretty busy lately and had to cancel as well. Crap.

When I think of the Metolius, my good friend Mac always comes to mind. I gave him a call and he thought it would be great to get back out to the river.

Cool. Plans changed, and still in a good way.

I crawled out of bed this morning a little later than usual and was greeted with wonderful blue skies as I headed off towards Camp Sherman. None of the peaks were visible though due to the storm that had encompassed them. There was even snow on the top half of Black Butte. Should be a great day for fishing.

I stopped by the store to take care of some business with Roger. We had a great talk while wiggling some very expensive bamboo fly rods. We talked about all sorts of stuff before I decided that I should probably head to the river. The BWO’s should be coming off soon, and I needed to get to my spot and string up my own bamboo rod.

A few minutes after I started watching the river for the tell-tale signs of a hatch Mac showed up. It’s been a while since we hung out so it was nice to chat with him. Our OSP friend Dave Pond even stopped by for a quick chat on his way to check in on the hunters up the hill. While we stood there looking for rising fish the cold wind worked its way inside our jackets. No fish were rising, and Mac had some work to do, so he took off. I stayed a while and then decided to go for a drive.

I never saw a fish rise. I didn’t even make a cast.

Sometimes plans don’t work out. Sometimes it doesn’t matter. I had a wonderful day!

Candle Creek meets the Metolius

A Kokanee on a log? Something has been here before. And what’s up with those gnarly teeth?

‘Shrooms near Candle Creek