Headed east over the pass to the Yakima River for a day of brisk autumn trout fishing, we pulled out of the driveway at 5:30AM with windshield wipers flapping, headlights reflecting off mud puddles and coffee cups warming our hands. In an extra dry bag, homemade meatloaf sandwiches were tucked safely and secretly away.

(Image courtesy of USDA Forest Service, Cle-Elum Ranger District)

As the sun rose just high enough to bounce flashes of light through the trees we arrived at the river, the first (and as it turned out only) boat to launch at the upper stretch. Surprising groups of ducks not quite ready to begin their days, we floated through the first half mile getting our rods ready, flies tied on and other gear organized, content to look at the surroundings and listen to birds and small animals wake up in the woods.

By 8 we were in the groove casting, mending, stripping and casting again as the boat maneuvered around boulders and debris jams. By 10 we had caught a few trout and absorbed enough of the crystal sunlight to take off gloves and a layer or two of fleece. Lime green mosses, red maple leaves and deep orange mountain ash berries reflected sun beams all along the river edge. Under the water huge spawning king salmon with grey, khaki green and brown mottling made their way slowly up the river bottom on their final journeys of life.

By noon we were ready to stop for a picnic, and I got to spring man’s all time favorite sandwiches on my unsuspecting fishing partners. It’s so fun!

Editor’s note:  Recipes to follow.