Last May, my friend Jona-the-trout-hunter took me fishing in the East of France, we explored many rivers: the Augronne, the Semouse, the Marne, the Blaise, the Rognon and the Rougeont.
Local fishermen welcomed us in most places, this was nice. Great talking. In particular with some old fellows telling us how they have flown the world… or jumped the fence to go “pêcher” – in French, we use the same word to sin or to go fishing 😉 – We also met some individuals who are really hostile to “foreigners” coming to “steal” their fishes. Lacking imagination, they did not hesitate to try and stop us by telling us that wading or fishing was prohibited. Of course, they were simply lying, interdictions are usualy clearly indicated.
We were blessed by the god of rain, who generously provided us with many opportunities to practice building underwater camp or starting fire from wet wood. On the contrary, their cousins the fishes gods have been scrooge, specially the trout god. While Jo caught maybe half a ton in the week – half his normal performance. Yes, he is that good! – I hooked only four, losing most of them in the currents… But there were graylings!
Yes, I finally discovered real fly-fishing for grayling. Until then, I had caught few being opportunistic while fishing for trout. This time, I could enjoy mounting microflies at dusk, becoming mad at the 20th rise of the fish without a take. As well as being blessed by moments where the fishes were fighting each other to take the fly.
I understand now why fishermen develop some fanaticism for this fish. Considering to join the church, I started to dream about their arctic cousins… Thanks Jona, you have opened a pandora box for me. I hope you will of the trip! 😉