Marty's Drift November 2000

Truth is Stranger Than Fiction

The Jackson Hole "One Fly" is probably the highest profile and most prestigious gathering of fly fishers in the nation. For those of you who are not familiar with the "One Fly" it is a good natured fly fishing competition, fund raising event for fisheries enhancement projects in the Jackson Hole area.

At the "One Fly" this year, ClackaCraft entered a team. ClackaCraft President Bruce Belles headed it. It was Bruce's first time to fish in the competition. His fellow team members Susan McDowell, Lori-Ann Murphy and Tony Royal brought solid experience to the team. Bruce, however, had the most unique experience of the event.

On Saturday, the first day of competition, Bruce had scored a very respectable 217 points. Day two, however, started out slowly for Bruce. The fly pattern he was using was a variation of the Chernobyl Ant called "Plan B". This pattern is made up of layers of foam, a very buoyant, high floating fly. Gary Beebe, an old friend of Bruce's and veteran guide on the Snake, guided Bruce on Sunday. In the early afternoon Gary pulled the boat to shore near a logjam and suggested Bruce make a cast to the head of the jam. On the first cast a large cutthroat rose and took the fly. Bruce responded with a firm set of the hook! Maybe too firm. The fly broke off. When you lose your fly in this competition you are done. It is every competitors biggest fear. Bruce was devastated!

John Gendall was Bruce's fishing companion on Sunday, and when he saw what happened, he suggested that they watch for the fly. Being barbless, he said the fish very likely would spit it out and it might resurface. Almost immediately, the fly popped up. Bruce and Gary headed for the free floating fly, but before they could reach it another fish took it. This was beyond belief! Not a strike all morning, then two strikes from large fish within moments of each other. Bruce really groaned when the fly disappeared the second time. What are the chances that they would get another opportunity to retrieve the fly? Maybe a million to one, and it happened. This time Bruce got it before another fish could take it down. He tied it back on his tippet, and he was back in the competition.

All fishermen have their favorite fishing stories. Many of them are well embellished. This one needs no embellishment. As it stands, it is good enough.

Give Marty a call at: (503) 655-9532

You can also call Idaho Falls at (800) 394-1345.