Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/769056
S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S • 169 I felt right at home in my Outback, and the MirageDrive 180 felt just as smooth and effortless in the heavier kayak. Once again trolling backwards paid off, as Mom, Philip, and I all began catching trout. "Hey, Keeton, are you sure you don't want to try trolling backwards?" I asked as I released my third rainbow of the morning. "Nah, I'm good." Keeton replied. "I guess they just like the color of your kayak better than mine." We continued our back-and-forth banter until Keeton suddenly hooked a trout on his dry fly, playing the fish with exquisite skill before netting, photographing, and releasing it. Pausing for lunch, we noticed a few sparse, rain-laden clouds rolling across the sky, but the cloud cover brought the trout to the surface, and Dad, Pat, and Keeton all began catching fish with dry flies and droppers. But Mom, Philip, and I continued our well-proven backward trolling technique, and my final trout of the day slammed the fly with intense force. He was a stunning, mature male, with a prominent kype and rich, deep colors. By the time I netted and released him, the day was nearly done, so we all began gliding toward shore to load up the kayaks and return to the lodge. Our time at Chama passed all too quickly, but we enjoyed every moment, spending our days fishing and our evenings in the great IF yOU WanT TO GO While the Lodge and Ranch at Chama Land & Cattle Company is recognized as one of the world's legendary big game hunting venues, it is also one of North America's premier fly fishing destinations. Men and women alike enjoy its myriad high-country lakes and streams, dramatic western scenery, abundant wildlife, and award-winning, 27,000-square-foot lodge with luxurious accommodations and world- class cuisine. Located high in the San Juan Mountains of northern New Mexico just two hours north of Santa Fe, Chama is perfect for friends, clients, business groups, couples, and individuals. Call (575) 756- 2133 or visit LodgeAtChama.com. Gear lIST The author thanks Chota Outdoor Gear, BUFF, Maven Fly, and Umpqua Feather Merchants for supplying such superb equipment and apparel. We used our time-tested Sage fly rods and Tibor and Billy Pate fly reels. On an adventure such as this, we simply could not afford to settle for anything less. The author also wishes to thank Hobie Cat Company for providing the Mirage i11S and Mirage Outback kayaks for this trip, and for their continued friendship, both on and off the water. room sharing stories and partaking of the chef's fine cuisine. The distinctions between friends and family no longer mattered, for we all shared a common passion for fishing, along with a deep respect and affection for each other and the enjoyment of fly fishing in such a pristine destination. Most of all, I reveled in the dynamic of our new and expanded family. Mom and Dad had heartily approved of Philip long before our wedding, but now they could see firsthand that their love and trust in him was well placed. I sensed them take a step back from their parenting instincts and transition naturally into the roles of advisors and friends for a younger generation. As for Philip and me, the trip offered a welcome confirmation of the rewarding endeavor of establishing our new lives together. And now that we're all back home in Tennessee, the only question is when we can return to Chama. n Editor's Note: You are invited to share your thoughts and comments at carly@ thenaturalistsquill.com.