I have to admit that I was likely addicted to fly fishing the moment I picked up a rod, well before I had a fish take up one of my flies. Fly fishing is the ideal excuse to spend time in nature, becoming one with some of the most beautiful and pristine scenery that can be imagined. Enjoying the silence at the crack of dawn on river banks or in rushing streams is an almost Zen-like experience.

Often I find myself moving into a meditative state, as I am lulled by the click of my reel and the plunk of a lure entering the water, listening to the sound of the water, the breeze and the birds. I find fly casting itself pleasing and relaxing. The back and forth motion of the rod is hypnotic, and the tug of the line before release is addictive.

Then, completely unexpectedly, a fish hits the line. Adrenaline surges. My fishing line comes alive and tight, being jerked back and forth. Excitement surges with the rush of the fight, and each catch has its own unique satisfaction.

Every fishing trip is always a new adventure for me, with different conditions and challenges to be met. Yet, each venture maintains a comforting ritual, from putting on my waders and vest, preparing my rod, and making my way out to today’s water. I look forward to each new step into the water, checking out my approach to the lie, and taking a deep breath as I make my first cast. There is always the promise of a perfect day ahead.

The draw and the enjoyment of fly fishing do not diminish with time. I have had fly fishing guides from Minturn Anglers fly shop in Minturn tell me that they even experience an adrenaline rush when one of their clients latches on to a first catch. Even though they are on the waters nearly every day, the experience never becomes commonplace!