December 5, 2017
Flow: 103
Water Temp: 45
Fishing dogs…
In our sport canine companions have never been a necessity like hunting dogs are; but somehow seem to be a special element of what we do. They don’t sight fish or give hints to the correct pattern. They can’t find lost flies or bring a net (not until my next dog) or do much to service our task of landing trout. A good angling pooch just walks with us from weir to weir, sits patiently and may give a trout a kiss from time to time. But we wouldn’t think of going fishing without them. They’re our companions on the water and as many stewards of these animals know we make a few casts and then turn around and check on them. For the most part they are sitting  on the bank waiting for us to hook up or move or fall in. To them it doesn’t matter if you lose the biggest fish of your life or put it in the net; your buddies may give you the business if you screw up but your canine loves you unconditionally. So we take them with us, and I think all that do so are better people for it.
Saturday I lost my fishing buddy Diamond. At nearly twenty years old we had a great day fishing just a few weeks ago but her little body failed her rapidly and I finally had to get help to give her peace. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and I will love her forever…
But I’d do it again in an instant.
Thank you Diamond for a lifetime of love and friendship. My heart is broken and I still hear your footprints around the house, you were a very good dog.
Thank you for letting me get that out; The fishing right now is on a pendulum. Bring three rods set up for dries, streamers and nymph rigs with adjustable depths and look long before you make a cast. The water is still green but if you look before you leap you can get a dozen attempts at trout in slow (quiet) water. In fast water there have been some good numbers and our neophyte friends can get in a lot more attempts at them without spooking them.
Thank you all that befriended my pup over the years and if this inspires you to go get a fishing friend, go to the shelters and rescue one. That’s where I found her.
Tight Lines,
Ben, Lou and Diamond