To The North Fork I Go

Ken James McLeod

North Fork Sunrise © Ken James McLeod

I wish to be on the North Fork
Where I can hear the Deer Creek riffle flow,
Along cabin row to the Lower (Elbow) Hole
Where the evening primrose grows.

High among the cotonwoods I hear the robins sing,
I see the hawks overhead with large and powerful wing.
I hope the sunset tonight is one of orange and pink.
The deer have now come down to the water for a cool drink.

With fly rod in hand, waders, vest and stripping basket on,
I cast far out and the fly swims like a graceful swan.
A summer-run rolls atop the water and I wait,
The fry they hide in gravel not wanting to be bait.

I feel a good strike and my Hardy reel sings out forthright,
There are leaps into the air, the fish is chrome bright.
He's now into the backing and my heart skips a beat,
Everyone along the river is sleeping still in night retreat.

Today like many other days I need to be here,
To cast a fly called "Sunrise" to sunset ...
God how I love it dear.

published by Salmon Trout Steelheader Magazine
Aug.-Sept. 1996 pg. #40

(for further related stories regarding steelhead fly fishing written by Ken J. McLeod published by Salmon Trout Steelheader magazine, see issues: April-May 1990, April-May 1998, June-July 1998)

KJM

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