Set aside a few days to get to know the river. This stream can humble the best fishermen. With out a guide or a week to learn how the stream and the fish work you may go home without a trophy picture.  The second reason to stay a few days is that the weather is sure to change and that can make all the difference. Thirdly, it takes days to completely let the wild river wash away that entire residue of civilization locked up inside from work and real life.     

A weather example: I fished three days in a row the first days of 2009. Day one, I fished with a national fly fishing tournament member and we both were skunked.  Day two, Fished with my little brother in law and caught two bows but had to work for them. Day three, I was fishing by myself and caught ten fish in about two hours. Now, on the third day the weather was changing. The fish went bonkers. I’m not sure if it was the weather but in past experience this has been that case.

An example of being freed by the river: In October I planned a trip for seven of my good friends and family. We spent 3 days fishing the North Fork and 3 days fishing the Eleven Point River. When our time was up I forgot where I was in life. I felt like I was on drugs for a week and was on cloud nine.  Now I have been on the river a lot! But never have I had such a great time as a week long trip with my friends and forgot every care in the world.  I can’t wait to do that trip again!

So next time your down at the North Fork take some time, enjoy your surroundings, and never rate a trip by the number of fish you catch you will always be disappointed. Remember if you don’t have the time that is where the guide steps in to tell you what pattern the river is in that day, help you notice the singing wood thrush in the trees, and make your trip the best ever. 

Have a good time on the water and say hi, if you see a longboat floating down steam.