Mist over the reed beds
The water is still silver when I push the boat out. A heron watches the reed pocket, which usually means the perch are close to the surface.
Notes from the delta
The River Journal
Short entries kept by an imaginary angler who spends a summer on the delta. They follow the same water you fish in the game.
Shade in the deep bend
When the sun is high the river bass slide into the deep bend and wait under the overhanging willows. Short, calm casts work best now.
Reading the wind
A warm wind comes off the wheat fields and pushes every float to the east. I aim a little upwind and let the breeze finish the cast.
The trophy wakes up
Something heavy turns in the golden channel. The line hums, I keep the tension low and the old trophy bass finally shows its back.
Counting the evening
Eight casts, two misses, one fish I will talk about all winter. The score is only a number, but the river was generous tonight.