Fishing Heaven
WALKING ON THE WILD SIDE
Fishing Heaven
Limited Edition Print by Lea.F Images
Time to hear from my husband Scot Bealer again, as he is the fly fishing expert in the family it is only fitting that he tells the story behind this picture. Why tell the story behind the pictures you ask? Part of my vision as a photographer is to share the experience and bring my customers along on my journeys. The best way to do this is to share the story behind the pictures. While this story is based on Scot's perspective and love of all things fishing, this particular location was special to us both. So enjoy....
Fishing Heaven, by Scot Bealer
I’m one of those people that can’t go past a body of water without wondering how many and what kind of fish might be swimming around. My love of fishing covers most water in most locations. However, there is something about the high country that calls to me more than any other place. The lakes that you come across in the alpine are all unique, some full of fish, and some quite empty, although they can still be quite pretty. And then there are those very special lakes that have a combination of stunning beauty, enough isolation to make just reaching them an achievement, and a population of fat cutthroat trout that at times I am lucky enough to catch.
Fishing high lakes can be quirky. Maybe it’s the lack of oxygen. Maybe it's that the stunning beauty of the surrounding mountains is just too intoxicating. Maybe its the fact that the weather can turn from calm and peaceful to a terrifying lightning storm in just a matter of minutes. Perhaps it’s the fact that the lakes are only free of ice for about three months out of the year. There are no guarantees to what you will find when you get there, but the dream of seeing that gorgeous cutthroat trout rising under your fly is surreal. The absolute slowest take of any fish I have ever seen. The crimson red that highlights the sides of the big males as they turn on your fly. It keeps me coming back time after time after time.
I have been to this lake many times. I know what is swimming under the water. I will never lose the desire, the dream of seeing one of the monsters I know are here. I have fond memories of the times when I have earned the right to let one swim out of my hand.
Lea has been here many times as well, but for different reasons. We both share a love of the high country, but for Lea, there are many friends among the shoreline rocks, and on the slopes above. The land surrounding this lake has done for Lea’s camera what the water has done for my fly rod. They both get put to very good use, and have great stories to tell.
When Lea and I go to this lake together, she will sometimes take pictures of the fish that I catch and other times focus on the wildlife that is so abundant here. Trips to this location have yielded many pictures and many fish. One picture of me holding a very large cutthroat even made the cover of a magazine.
Yet in the winter, the lake is so far away. Covered in snow and ice, unreachable for many more months, all I have is my dreams. And when I dream of this lake, it is this image that comes to mind more than any other. The weather is perfect. The cast has been made. The table is set. Will the leviathan show?
Hope this story brought back memories of your special place.
Good-bye for now,
Lea Frye and Scot Bealer.
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www.leaf-images.com | Lea Frye, Wildlife Photographer | Helena, MT
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