The Elk Mountain pilot., 1902-08-19
r1IDNIGHT ON THE TOr1ICHI.
CHArrEE County DEMOCRAT.

CHAFFEE COUNTY DEMOCRAT.
Representatives of the mechanical
and scissor welding branches OF the
DEMOCRAT. chaperoned by the chief OF
the clerical force of the state reforma-
tory. dropped into the country about
Parlins. ten miles east of Gunnison,
few days ago and sought to burst their
creels with carcasses of trout which run
rampant in the streams of that vicinity.
The scarcity OF water prevalent in all
parts OF the state this year has had its
effect upon the piscatorial pastime as
well as upon the crops, and in fishing
the smaller streams during the day the
angler finds it necessary to employ more
than ordinary caution. The trout how
ever, were there by the millions, from
the feather weight to the ten-pounder,
aud although the biting was reasonably
good during the day, our party was
given tip that night fishing would put
US up against the real thing. Through
the courtesy of Captain John Mcintyre,
a veteran railroader and an expert fish
erman, we were were granted the privi
lege OF a special (hand) car and as dark
ness came on were conveyed number
Of milee down the track to where deep.
silent pools glistened in the starlight.
1t was rather lonesome at first and
thoughts OF ghosts and train robbers
caused the white-winged coachman
to tremble preternaturally on the
placid surface of the .holes.' But the
sensation of fear vanished when the
CHEEKY voice Of Captain Mcintyre punct-
ured the gloom from down the creek
with the announcement OF catch-it
was a three,pound rainbow. and for
four hours following the big fellows bit
continually. The most exciting diver
sion of the evening occurred when
Denver Post prize winner escaped from
Dell Gees hook and in its gyratory race
for freedom collided broadside with the
legs OF Joe, a subordinate OF Captain
McIntyre's who was standing knee deep
in the stream few feet below. The
sudden impact pushed Joe of his feet
aud he was completely submerged.
line OF Harry Prichard. who was casting
from the opposite side OF the creek, be-
came fastened to the Captains fish bas-
ket and Prich, confident that he had a
forty pound trout, began to shout offers
OF reward to any one who help to effect
landing. 1t is not of record which par
ty used the strongest profanity. When
adjournment was made to the car at
about two o'clock a. m. the entire catch
wos approximated ut about seventy-fve
pounds which, according to the Captain.
was but an indifferent nights work.
Most of the next day was passed in
the hammocks and easy chairs at the
comfortable hostelry of John Parlins,
who furnishes the best accommodations
to be had in that part OF the valley.
After descending the western slope OF
Marshall pass the Denver and Rio
Grande railroad traverses the entire
length of the fisherman's paradise OF
southern Gunnison county. The vol
ume of water in the main streams of
the valley is continually augmented by
tributaries as they flow westward to the
Graod river, and every creek holds
fund of ideal sport for the enthusiastic
angler. The camping parties and tour
lists who were more numerous there
than during the present season, do not
in the least detract from the excellency
of the fishing.