Fishing in the Fall (Journal)

Billy Petersen
Professor Williams
Nature Journal
12/4/19
Fishing in The Fall

        Growing up I have always had a passion for fishing. Whether you’re catching a limit or not getting a bite, it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Every time I come home to Chicago, it’s a tradition of my friend and I to catch up and go on a fishing trip.
Each fall Steelhead trout enter spawning streams from the Great Lakes, so we decided to drive up to Michigan hoping to catch some fish. Michigan in the fall is breathtaking. The leaves change into florescent orange and brown colors creating incredible views. The cooling temperatures and moist air is a sign to all northerner’s winter is coming. To get to our favorite fishing spot, you must walk across rocky trails, under branches, and through small streams. As we approached our spot, I grabbed my friend and stood silently as a doe and her fawn sipped water out of the stream. Time stood still as I watched the two deer in their natural environment. It is incredible how peaceful they are. One sudden sound or movement from an outsider and they are gone in a heartbeat.

        Once the deer were out of sight, I put on my waders and walked into the stream. Even through a gore text lining, you can feel the frigid water creep up into your spine. Before I started to cast out my line, I looked down and could see my boots through the crystal-clear water even as the rapids flowed through my feet. As the day went on my friend and I were lucky enough to catch some fish, but catching fish wasn’t the real reason why we were there. The day was full of laughs and old story’s we had of one another growing up Chicago. Although we love to fish, the experience of hanging out with one another in nature is what we cherish most. My friend, who didn’t necessarily grow up fishing, has learned to love it because it creates memories that last a life time. It is incredible how spending time in the outdoors brings friends and loved ones together.

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