“The fish are less inhibited,” says Jessen, who steers our boat toward a “seam,” or a stretch of quiet water that’s ideal for catching trout. “The fish will lay right at the bottom of this island.” As we float by the red willows that blanket the Blackfoot’s banks, I feel a tug in my line. “Set,” Jessen says, giving me the signal to pull up my line. “Let it run,” he says, grabbing a net. I pull a small white fish out of the river. It’s far from a prize trout. Nonetheless, I caught something. Maybe it’s a step toward learning to meditate with a rod in hand. Jessen’s knowledge is much appreciated, but it’s easy, even for a novice, to cast without assistance. Fishing poles run roughly $200 and adults over 12 years old need to buy a fishing license, which are for sale at Fish Wildlife and Parks, local tackle shops and online. Montana residents pay $27.
Photo by Elizabeth Costigan
Realtor® ABR, e-PRO, CRS
546-5816 www.MoveMontana.com
Explorer 2011
Missoula Independent
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