Up A Creek

by John Evans
(San Antonio, TX)

The other day I got an idea for a low-cost trip that led to one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had tenkara fishing. My adventure was no rival to Roosevelt’s arduous descent along the River of Doubt in 1914. Instead, it was more like a leisurely amble up the “creek of uncertainty.” It was a lot of fun, however, so other anglers might like to try their own version.

My goal was to follow the length of a spring-fed creek, from its mouth to where it flows out of the ground, or at least as close as I could get, and learn as much about that little stream as I could. My idea was to make a longer study of the water, instead of hop-scotching from fishing hole to fishing hole, as we so often do. It figured to be an all-day journey, so I packed my Zimmerbuilt guide sling with food, water, a light tarp, and an emergency kit, plus a box of flies, and started out. My rod of choice that day was my Nissin Fine Mode 270 — short enough for the tight spots, supple enough for delicate deliveries, but with enough backbone to steer a bass or small catfish away from snags.

I went by myself, but I also made sure that my wife had my coordinates. Accidents and illnesses can happen, and they seem to occur most often in remote locations. Prepare and take care!

Let me say that this kind of trip in Texas can be a challenge because over 95% of land is privately owned. Much of the public land was sold off to pay for Texas’ war debts, so most acreage is hard to access unless you know someone or are able to travel to one of the bigger state parks or natural areas.

But I did know of one beautiful creek that was short enough for the trip I had in mind. It also had public hiking trails along much of its length, so it fit perfectly with my plans. I started out just after daybreak, working carefully and quietly upstream, casting into likely pockets and taking a few photos. I stayed in the water at least 75% of the time, enjoying what I call “outdoor hydro-therapy.”

I know it’s crazy, but I felt like Daniel Boone, exploring and listening, stepping lightly and studying the brush along the creek . . . catching the flit of a cardinal through the undergrowth and even spying a wild turkey trotting up a ravine.

The fishing was good along the entire stretch of the short creek, but it was interesting to see how the species changed as the water became shallower and tighter. I caught a nice largemouth bass on a cricket at the beginning, followed by several different types of sunfish as I climbed higher and the creek narrowed. The final headwaters pool was populated with red shiners, and I caught a couple of them on a size 20 black beetle.

At midday I pitched a ground cloth and took a nap on an ultralight inflatable pillow I always bring. A soft place to lay my head made all the difference in the world. For lunch, Robin had packed a turkey sandwich, plus a slice of purple cake that stained my tongue but brought a smile to my lips. Turns out that purple cake is just the right dessert for a fishing trip. The sandwich made me think of that tom turkey I’d spotted earlier. He didn’t know how lucky he was.

The Nissin Fine Mode was a good choice — strong enough for the bass but sensitive enough for the shiners. It cast everything from live crickets, to size 16 red epoxy ants, to the size 20 beetles. It’s tough to find one rod that will do all of that in style!

How long did it take? Well, pretty much all day, but it was one of the best days I’ve spent in a long time. Beauty, bold colors, hidden pools, and picturesque waterfalls appeared in unexpected places. I took my time, picking my way along and stopping when I felt the urge. I fished steadily, but it really didn’t feel like a fishing trip . . . maybe just a gentle exploration.

I’d encourage you to find a similar journey that fits your location. Make this a leisurely hike, a relaxed tenkara or keiryu experience where you endeavor to learn a ribbon of water . . . its plants, animals, and fish.

Make it safe and enjoyable, and stay within your limits. The most common danger is probably falling on slippery rocks. A wading staff can be a big help. In remote locations, consider one of the various satellite trackers and emergency beacon devices as explained and commented on in Kristine’s TenkaraBum blog post of March 11, 2017 (“A Cautionary Tale”).

There’s a lot of beauty in small places if a person knows where to look. It’s worth every minute.

“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten” - Benjamin Franklin

"Be sure in casting, that your fly fall first into the water, for if the line fall first, it scares or frightens the fish..." -
Col. Robert Venables 1662

As age slows my pace, I will become more like the heron.