I am not sure what it was exactly that called me to river right on that particular run that day. It was as if the cottonwoods on that side of the river were magnets and my boat was crafted from all steel instead of fiberglass. Nonetheless I felt pulled to the bank that was entangled with tree roots, beaver prepped logs, cottonwoods and the like.

The caddis hatch was quite epic and breathing had become difficult! In my calm and cool manner (ha ha) I suggested to Phil who was in the front of the boat to make a cast near the bank where a large log was in the water. The guest did exactly as requested and bingo he hooked up with a 15 inch Chromer which actively danced and tugged for moments and then succumbed to our net. After releasing the bow all three of us in the boat sat back for a few moments to revel in the glory of the infamous Mothers Day Caddis Hatch. What I just described seemed like old hat as we must have duplicated the same scenario a multitude of times prior.

As we joked and enjoyed a bit of Smoked salmon I caught out of the corner of my eye, another fish sip up a spent caddis. We continued to shoot the breeze and all the while I was watching for this particular fish to eat again. Approximately 3 minutes later his head popped up - again to sip an insect. At this point I realized this fish was rather LARGE. In my relaxed voice, I said, "Gentleman, there is a rather large fish sipping caddis just down stream from us, which one of you boys would like to target him?" Jim spoke quickly with "I would love to!"

Currently, the large fish was feeding more regularly - sipping adult egg laying and spent caddis almost every three to four seconds. The intensity of the Caddis flight would come in waves and at times it was quite prolific...The rainbows of the Yakima were in heaven.

Jim seemed a bit nervous as it was clear this fish was BIG. The day had been fairly simple so far as the fish were willing and eager to engulf our imitations. Most of the fish we had targeted prior were in easy feeding lies. This fish was in a precarious location... against a log and under a limb with two connecting currents creating a food funnel. I told Jim that we needed to thread the needle on this one. Three flies later, Jim was hooked up with the chromer!

Realistically this fish was in the 22-23 inch range and well shouldered. When Jim set the hook, all heck broke loose! Without hesitation, Senior Rainbow quartered out and down at warp speed and it seemed that the entire run was one big tailwalk. The fish paused briefly just prior to entering the "Backing Zone." If you are not familiar with the "Backing Zone" we suggest you experience this thrill ASAP - it may render you speechless. At this point, Jim thought the battle was not going to continue because moments later he was speeches! I pulled anchor and was in pursuit. The fish had not swayed right or left. Rather, he simply ran a 50 yard dash in about 3 seconds! That changed in second number 4 when Senior Rainbow decided to head back to where he came from. Unfortunately the rainbow was gone by second number 51/2.

I looked over at Jim and instead of a face of defeat I saw one of elation. I said to Jim, "There is not a thing you could have done differently - you fought him like a pro!" Jim responded with, "Jack I am not sure that is exactly the case but it simply doesn't matter because I will remember that forever!"