"Charlie Wilson" wrote in message ...
"Stephen L. Cain" wrote:

When I read John Gierach, I see him fishing in Willi's pictures.

Read Gierach's story about Phantom Canyon; Phantom Canyon is about 3
miles downstream from the area Willi photographed so well. The biggest
difference between the two spots (which are separated by a reservoir) is
that Phantom Canyon is private, and the area in Will's photos is public. It
is possible to fish Phantom Canyon, the owners (The Nature Conservancy)
allow 3 weekends a year of public fishing, the winners are selected by
lottery. Six names are picked for each day (and each person can take one
guest), so the fish don't ever get a chance to become "leader shy".
I'm one of the Nature Conservancy's "official" guides, and as such, I
get to go in four times this year. Lucky me, I also won a public fishing
spot this year. Unlucky me, I won a spot on one of the same days I'm
guiding. The rules say I can either fish alone (as my own guide), or I can
give my own spot and my guest spot to two friends, and guide them. I'm
taking Willi and Skinner on the 26th, and I imagine they will both choose to
forever quit fishing any other place. It's that good.

I've read that one. I hope that I'll get to see it someday. The
limited access would probably irk me if it was right around the
corner, but since it is 1500 miles away, I don't get upset about it.

How did you get to be an official guide?

Steve