Sometimes I relate to a quote from the movie Varsity Blues. Sometimes I can be the stupidest smart person around. My legs hurt too much to go after trout in the Russian River. So, I got up late, then took a nap, then had a breakfast burger at 4 PM. Finally, I entered a fly shop near the campround, run by two 20-somethings under new ownership. They told me to drive 45 miles down to Soldatna, but check out Sterling (30 miles) and a place called Bings Landing (29 miles).
Since it was only 7 PM, I decided to drive down to Bings Landing to scope it out. I found the non-boat parking area and started talking to a guy who was leaving. I asked how was the fishing, and he stated good. Especially if you know what you are doing. He then stated that two guys were from South Carolina and they were catching fish. Sounds right up my alley.
I went down the stairs to the river and started following a trail to an area where one could fish. The vegetation was full, waist high, and I realized I had forgot my bear spray. Aarrgghh! I got down to the water to see the guys from South Carolina. Fishing was just like the Mad River the last 40 years. Along the shoreline in slack water, casting out into the fast water, waiting for the line to snag a fish in the mouth. Not much walking and I’ll be there tomorrow, on the Kenai river.
And, then I got lost on the trails. Google maps led me to the boat ramp. At the boat ramp Red Salmon continuously rose and tail slapped the surface of the water. Lots. LOTS. Every 2 seconds a fish or several would surface, except for the 15 seconds I tried to video it. The good news is: Being lost I probably hiked 2 miles, and I survived, even my calves and knee.
Tomorrow, I find a campsite near Bings Landing, and start fishing and chasing Red Salmon throughout the Kenai and Russian Rivers. Fish Porn On The Way.
Tight Lines!