But I think I have a perfect line on a big fish.

There is a trout stream not far from where I live. I don't consider it
any great shakes - just a smallish stream with modest hatches and
smallish wild trout. It is within striking distance from a couple big
cities, so it gets pressure and publicity.

I have never caught anything bigger than 14 inches from this stream, but
have seen a few that were pretty big. This morning I fished the trico
hatch. They were spooky and infuriatingly tough - as trico trout tend
to be. After the spinner fall was done, I prospected around in the
clear water. There is some riprap that forms small caves in places. I
put a crayfish fly on and probed this one cave, my fly in full sight.
The biggest trout I have ever seen in this stream showed itself twice,
inspecting and swiping at the fly. Dark, hookjawed male. 18 or 20
inches I would say. He wouldn't take, but now I know where he lives.
That cave must be his home save for nighttime feeding. It is very easy
to twitch a fly through there. I can easily try for it morning and
evening until it is caught. If I try a number of big uglies in there,
it must bite sooner or later!

I will keep you posted!

Pete Collin