The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-08-20

ESj x S s T ss.----s~-s--~~----ss geous views of heights and peaks apparently piercing the clouds, while folding and overlapping in a vista of bewildering grandeur. offered feast for the eye and inspiration for the soul.
 Single File Downstream
 Soon we were wading. crawling. climbing and sliding single-file few hundred feet apart down glistening stream with the sharp tinge of 4i degrees reaching the waistline. Cold? Of course! We expected that before entering. Work? In abundance for even the strenuous. But 1t made no impression amid the picture of shade and shadow, color and music. with nature at her best, and the thrill of a brook trout here and there splashing in glimpse of pink and white over foaming surface meath q snath of sunlight Quivering through openings of rhodedendron in glorious flower.
 The program was to go down stream three hours, which figured out from one to two miles. according to each mans skill with rod and abil- ity to negotiate rapids, falls and targlewood. Then we must scramble along half visible trail through 2 veritable jungle to our starting point. where an efficient guide had brush fire going under bacon and coffee. ready to be touched off with trout rolled in meal.
 Flies were the dope" with Nos and 10 hooks. The day was per fectly clear. In densely overhung spots along dark ripples and pools the brighter varieties, such as Royal Coachman," Professor" "Parama chenee Belle" and the like, enticed 'em fairly we'll Where the sun had full sweep, darker selections, such as Brown Hackler," Black Chat and De Mille," proved killers" De- casionally in exposed lights even bright lures like Lord Baltimore "Siiver Doctor" and White Ibis, were quite acceptable.
 In a wide expanse beneath heavy fall I was surprised at dash from a 16-inch beauty when q 'Mayfly' was employed to test out the bro- midic theory that no highly intellect ual trout is duped by lurid colors in the open on clear days Falls at a negotiable angle rumbled into the big pool. Width and length were some 100 feet respectively. Depth varied from two or three feet near the sides to 10 or 12 around the cen- ter. There were few rocks, save near short, and no entanglements. Foaming ripples extended in, grad ually receding force 30 feet out It was ideal for feeding, especially
 where the main volume of water reached the pool in a snowy torrent. There was only one trouble-balanc- ing safely on a smooth rock with a foot of top surface.
 Ready to Mop Up.
 Here's where mop up," instinct lively fitted through my thoughts while looping a bright fly at the end of a six-foot leader. Gray Hackler" on the second notch and a
 "Beaverkill' near the top. l ftgure' this varied menu would ofer the mott analytical and fastidious trout an IT. resistible layout" 1t did. By whipping and stringing, the combination went out 30, feet, then danced down the ripples nearly as far again in apparent defiance. The third cast brought a flash of pink like an orange bobbing to the sur face. In an instant the beauty shot downward to the right; the battle was on. With ample open space, swift water at ere center. swirling eddies to either side and not a, rock or overhanging limb to interfere, the sport was thrilling from opening chapter. Every lunge and plunge dart and dash. swerve and swish null tiplied the fun. Thrice the captive leaped high and "shimmied" with the finesse of an expert In city cabaret. nr de- monstrated that his ssonly chance of escape was a possible, faulty leader. .Nip and tuck we had it full three minutes. A four-and- a-half ounce eight foot rod had stood many heavier strains, though the power of this trout in cold, swift water was wonderful; his endurance astonish- ing.
 Keeping off the Rocks.
 It soon became matter of ma neuver to prevent the prize from go- ing too deep where rocks offered means of escape through what Is known among Rocky Mountain trout experts as "sulking,' which is really a tail-tucking process characteristic of the larger varieties up there. My line swished repeatedly In sweet minor notes. The water out toward ouieter edies was literally churned into an hundred flashes of baby-blue. old-gold, violet and silver. Fifty feet behind us a member of the party with bulging eyes intently watched the fight Only once he spoke. '"Whopper" he cried, For Gods sake don't lose him!"
 And I didn't. It took five dips with a six-foot net to catch him head foremost. Twice during the excite kc IA, , l,f trr a r barely missed sending me for an icy plunge. But the satisfaction of put ting that perfectly marked trout into my reel would have been compen- sation for even a frightful shiver, He measured 16 inches and weighed nearly pound and half.
 The party returned to our starting point with a catch of "A, all taken in bit over two hours. Charles A. Webb. publisher of the Asheville (N. C) Citizen. led the bunch in num- bers. He took 39 trout. and slipped into 12-foot pool for his enthu- tackle and none the worse off save the loss of cap.
 With an hours rest and exchange of experiences, there was a feast fit for any king-no; field marshal. I meant. Kings don't seem to be in l sufficient favor these days for such a meal on the rocks of that stream. Then the trail back over those wonderful heights to watch the sun steal behind towering peak, while l in quest of slumber-land, stamped ir our memory the picture if life time.
 If you've never reveled in brook trout fishing along beautiful Pan- thertown and entrancing Tuckasegee streams $500 feet above sea : level in a temperature of 66 degrees amid environs and views that thrill the soul. come up just once and find your better nature asking instinct lively. If God Almighty can provide