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A couple of our readers have contacted me
recently to have their names added to the
"Going List" for the Idaho Fish-In.
If you are reasonably new to Fly Anglers OnLine
(FAOL) the term Fish-In may have you scratching
your head. It's not that difficult, a "fish-in"
is just a group of folks who all happen to read
FAOL getting together to fish. There is a full
explanation of what one is
HERE.
The idea is those who attend really enjoy putting
faces on names and having an opportunity to get to
know each other on a more personal basis. Fishing
of course is a large part of a fish-in, but there
is also the opportunity to tie flies with others
who may be more experienced. Last year Al Campbell
took some of the folks under his wing and not only
helped with their tying, but also played 'guide'
as well. He wasn't the only one to do that.
Those who show up run in age from 16 to I think the
oldest was Ray Donley from Salt Lake (82) - if I
have that wrong I'm sure Ray will let me know. By the
way, Ray also sails and skis.
The experience of those attending is also widely
varied. This year we have warmwater folks from
Florida and Alabama coming who have never fished
for trout. Hurrah! They will have a terrific
time. Everyone helps each other. It's just a
great time of sharing.
You'll find a few campfires and meals being shared
as well. Oh yes, there is a steak fry and pot luck
on Friday night after fishing. My husband, JC and
I made a grocery run about 20 miles downsteam for
extra steaks last year, and I'm sure we will do
that again for those who need it. Richard Weaver
did some terrific dutch oven goodies last year too.
The whole event in Idaho is very unstructured. The
days are not planned with something to do every
minute - it's just a group of good folks who get
together to do some fishing, some tying, compare
rods, reels and whatever goodies they've found.
Folks pair up to fish, or fish alone. Whatever
they feel like doing. There are no auctions, no
raffles and no one will hit you up for money to
support anything (including FAOL).
We did have a swap or trade table set up last
year - some free things (including a big selection
of wild furs for tying) a couple of used rods for
sale, and as I recall a float tube! We will do
that again this year. It was a big success!
For those staying in the motel units or who don't
have cooking facilities (like us) there is a good
restaurant just across the river serving breakfast,
lunch and dinner with bar service. There is a gas
station with a limited supply of staples next door
to the restaurant.
All in all, the Three Rivers Resort, Lowell, Idaho,
(where the Fish-In is held) has about everything
we could ask for. It's not the Ritz, accommodations
are adequate, but sure not fancy....but it's not
expensive either. (Yes, there is a good hot water
supply.)
When the idea of having some kind of a gathering of
folks from our website to get together to fish and exchange
ideas came up, JC and I were reminded of the 'old'
opening days on the trout streams where we grew up.
There were many large log lodges on the main
stream of the AuSable River where a bunch of guys
would get together to celebrate the new trout season.
A few of those old lodges remain, but the get-togethers
don't happen like they did years ago.
Times change. Our family responsibilities and
work have changed as well - but for us, and those
who attend the Fish-ins we have captured a bit of
the lore and feel of those days.
You are cordially invited to take part in any of
the Fish-Ins too. Drop me an email if you have
any questions which aren't answered here. You
can read about the Idaho Fish-In '04
HERE.
We'll be there, hope you can join us! ~ DLB
If you would like to comment on this or any other article please feel free to
post your views on the FAOL Bulletin Board!
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