A Summer On The River at willcardamone.com

My Parents introduced me to Fly Fishing at about the age of five. We would spend summer weekends hiking to many high lakes in the Colorado backcountry in search of large Cutthroat Trout. Along the way there were wild edible mushrooms to gather and by the end of the day whether sitting around a camp fire or back in the comfort of our home, we would enjoy a feast of wild fresh caught trout and sautee’d wild mushrooms usually accompanied by organically grown veggies from my mom’s garden. It was these experiences that made up the majority of my early education.
Not much has changed since those days of grommithood and I often find myself at a highcountry lake casting for Cutthroats or on the river stalking wild Rainbows and Browns. I find myself drawn to these places not just for the thrill of hooking into a big one, but also for the relaxation of body and mind. For me fly fishing has become a source of meditation. Observing the river and everything around it allows one to experience the natural world at its finest. I believe that by observing the rhythm of the natural environment I am able to see my life from different angles allowing for clearer insights into how I really want to live.
I will often find myself on the river for hours on end and even if the fish aren’t feeding, I always come away feeling relaxed and happy. Fly Fishing in my life has become the perfect antidote for crazy winters spent chasing big mountains and deep snow throughout the world. Skiing at this level is often risky and can weigh heavy on one’s mind. It is necessary to have something to balance this out, for me that balance is being on the river with a fishing rod in hand.

This summer was my second season working as a Fly Fishing guide out of Aspen. We fish both the Roaring Fork River and the Fryingpan which are both gold medal fisheries. During a busy summer you might not get too much personal fishing in but this summer, due to the bottomed out economy, not many people were willing to pay for fishing trips. Despite not making enough money, I was able to do plenty of fishing on my own, as well as take a couple amazing fishing trips around the state. My buddy Mark Welgos and I took a trip over to the Taylor River outside of Gunnison Colorado, in search of monster Rainbows and we also made it down to the lower part of the Gunnison Gorge for the famous Salmon Fly hatch. It was a great summer spent on the river and I am ready, once again, for the snow to fall.

Here are some pics for your enjoyment.