First Fly Rod Catch

As the water finally lowers to fishable levels here in North Idaho, I decided to take my family fishing on the upper Coeur d'Alene River. This fishery switched to a Camp R fishery just a few years ago and now the fishing is stellar. Native Westslope Cutthroat reach lengths up to 24'. It is by far my favorite fishery offered near the Ponderay/Sandpoint area. My sister-in-law (Leslie Spohn) became hopelessly addicted to fly fishing during her 5 day stay on the upper river. She landed several fish on dries and plans on continuing to chasing fish on fly with her husband Zach.

My son, Landon, who is three years old, caught his first fish on fly as well. Before he was born my father bought him a 6' 2wt rod matched with a reel and line. At first I tried to get Landon to cast without a fly on the end....but he kept asking for his 'lure' so then I tied on a fly without a hook on it for fear of him hooking every person in the camp. He didn't go for that either. So finally I tied on a PMD Challenged from Idylwilde flies. He landed three fish on his own and was completely stoked. Hopefully he will love fishing as much as I do.

Pretty tight loop for a three year old! I am so proud.