Your FATC had the opportunity to fish two days in a row. Well, at least some of us did! On Sunday, December 7, 2021, Don (or Rob or Chili) Williams was set for his graduation from the Fall 2021 fly fishing class. Don lives in Illinois and had a pretty long drive to get to Montauk. We were scheduled for five of us to head down to Montauk State Park but with colds and injuries hitting us lately we had two guys bow out. So, Don joined Kenny Klimes and Glenn Haake for his graduation. Kenny took Don to the usual place to start out (near the boulder). There Don learned all the techniques taught in class, and he caught a few fish.When we met up with Glenn for lunch, he said the upper reaches of the river were packed with fly fishers. Which surprised Kenny and Don since they saw hardly anyone during the morning. So, to avoid the “crowds” upriver the three fished the campground area in the afternoon. And surprisingly we were the only ones out fly fishing that area. We did nymphing (ESN Perdigon type flies) and swinging soft hackles and Barr’s emergers – that was the ticket! Lots of trout were caught by all three and Don graduated with flying colors. Don, Glenn, and Kenny finished the day eating Mexican dinner in Salem. Congratulations to Don for finishing the Fly-Fishing class – who is next?

Glenn and Kenny stayed the night at the Montauk Cabins across from Happy Pappy’s and waited until the next day to join the FATC caravan that came in from St Louis. This caravan led by Jim Craig included Vernon Preston, Scott Payne, Bob Hassett, Richard Doerr, Sr., Tim Welsh, Don Varner, Sid Aslin and Will Black. Believe or not but we had the ENTIRE park to ourselves! So, guys spread out in all directions with Craig, Preston, and Payne heading to the campground area. Kenny and Glenn went below the cable and the rest stayed in the “fly fishing only” area. We all checked in at lunchtime and told stories of a successful morning. In the afternoon again guys went in all directions. Some got to see one of the best BWO hatches we have had in the park in a long time. The trout were rising everywhere. Small flies were in order with soft  hackles, Barr’s emergers and dry flies doing well. Many fish were caught on small egg patterns and nymphs.

It was a grand day to fish! With catch and release season here and the weather turning cooler the rivers are becoming less crowded. Do not miss an opportunity to fish. Check the FATC calendar for trips and events. Check out the pictures below of some of the action.