Ivan's Tree

Along the shores of the Carmans River, grow Red maples some have been there for hundreds of years. They bend and twist reaching for the sun and occasionally break off huge branches only to sprout again. The buttress roots and old root flares are evident of this. How many anglers passed by without noticing and how many fish have used their shade to hide under?

One such tree is named after an old colleague of mine, we had worked as arborist together many years ago. Pruning trees in the cold winter sun, sharing a story or two and eating a quiet lunch, a respite from the work of the day. Now Ivan is gone, he lived a good life, a kind man. I do miss him.

The other day while fishing a new member (to remain nameless) casually said he fished under Ivan's tree.  I surprised by the remark, asked him "do you even know who that is?" he remarked "some old member!" Well you ignorant fool I thought, and responded that "he was a friend mine"! Ivan once confided in me that he was mildly embarrassed by the tree name. That sums up Ivan!

So yesterday, the same guy was pained by my appearance and tried to ignore me as I fished HIS pool. After all he had been there for at least three maybe four hours. He tried and tried to cast to rising fish, but he was always short of or pulled his fly away, creating a wake. Tommy, you all know Tommy (yeah that annoying guy), well he was busy catching fish and on top. You see Tommy is one of those guys no fancy equipment but can exhibit patience and can catch fish. I have a new respect for Tommy and sure he talks too much and mostly out of his hat. But I have to admit there is something pure about his abilities. Now if he would only shut up. The annoyed one grew tired and left for parts unknown.

As soon as he left, Art caught a few fish and had a beautiful take on an olive pattern. The brown just pushed his nose above the water and let the fly drift seamlessly in. If only I had it on video it was a classic.

A word about etiquette, most times you should give anglers space, however in a small stream like the carmans it's tough. Staying and staking out a pool for hours is not being a good sportsman. After all how many fish do you need to catch? I divide the river into two parts: easy spots, plenty of stocked fish,  place to practice casting or techniques. Hard spots a place to catch those challenging fish using seldom used techniques. Fish hiding under banks, bushes and grass.  I prefer the hard to catch fish over new stockies. You do need to challenge yourself to become a better angler.

Doug told me recently that he had seen enough of these new guys who only nymph fish don't really know how to fish. "Two split shot is the difference" he likes to say. Doug always the patient man, is always giving pointers to newbies and old timers alike. Doug like me is in that stage of fly fishing where you just enjoy.

Ivan Frank

Arborist, fly tyer, angler and gentleman