Fishing in the Adirondacks

            After reading Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It, I, like many others, thought of the West with its monstrous rivers as the only destination for fly fishermen. During my first year at Hamilton, my perception grew into longing as a good friend of mine returned from a Montana fishing excursion with photos of National Geographic caliber. The only fishing I had done at that point had been on tiny ponds in Western Mass or deep-sea trips miles off the coast. My friend’s immersion in the majesty of the Western rivers sounded incomparable to either of my experiences. Of course, it’s also much more difficult to attain. However, upon doing some research, I’m realizing I may be in luck as some of the grandeur of the Montana experience can be found and possibly surpassed in our backyard here in the Adirondacks. 

Fisherman in the Adirondacks

http://www.flyfisherman.com/northeast/new-york/adirondack-park/

            The Au Sable River is the Adirondack fishing scene’s crown jewel. Its deep, brisk waters cascade over various rock formations to create a series of pockets that are said to house the best trout (Get Close). Fishermen from all over the world flock to this river as soon as the season opens on April 1^st (Get Close). Although plenty of veterans expertly dance their flies along the water, there is room enough for beginners too. The accessibility certainly helps bolster the surrounding area’s economy as many of the river-goers retire for food and lodging after the day is done.

There’s a certain element to fly fishing itself that draws the fishermen into wild places such as the Adirondacks. It is an indescribable type of meditative feeling that comes from the borderline hypnotic rhythm of the cast. When done to the soundtrack of a flowing river, constant in its rush, it’s enough to pull one into something resembling a trance. While hearing the water flow by, one also feels its weight tugging the bottom half and must firmly root the feet into the riverbed. This literal integration forces one to become a part of the scene around them, all the while continuing the same repetitive motion of the cast. It’s the perfect activity for the theme of the wilderness, and it does not require a trip out West.

Works Cited

Get Close. "Adirondack Fly Fishing." WhiteFace Region.Web. <http://www.whitefaceregion.com/recreation/fishing/fly-fishing>.