Streams & Dreams

July 19/20

Don Hershfeld hosted 1lt Eivind Forseth, Robert Bartlett, Project Director Ed Nicholson and volunteer Ed Felker at Streams and Dreams, a beautiful retreat in western Maryland.

We started with a tour of his property, which includes a scenic stream with native trout, a pond perfect for casting lessons or practice, and plenty of walking trails. And if the peacefulness of the setting overwhelms you at any time, it seems you’re never far from a hammock. Don gave us all a lively and informative (hookless) casting lesson at the pond, with rainbow trout in clear sight.

Warmed up and ready to hit the river, we walked across the street to the Youghiogheny River. Although the water was low, the slippery rocks of the ‘Yock’ made wading a little challenging. We spread out and before long Eivind caught the first fish of the trip, a nice rainbow. Robert soon followed with a rainbow of his own. More fish were caught, most by Eivind and none by Ed F. In fact, Eivind evidently got bored with trout and started showing off and branching out, catching smallmouth and suckers.

Dusk brought insects to the water, and insects brought trout to the surface. But the trout were done playing with us, and one by one we left the river and made our way back to Don’s place. (Note: if you’re wading a slippery river after dark and can’t find a safe way to shore, it’s good to have an Army Ranger with you. Eivind had to call on some of his Ranger skills to get me back to the road.)

Huge appetites were building on the river, as they always seem to, and a very nice meal at a nearby restaurant topped off a great day. But morning came early and the Yock was calling before breakfast. A huge brown was spotted, but only smallmouth and sunfish were caught.

Don’s hospitality continued this morning in the form of homemade waffles and real maple syrup, and then he sent us on our way. But we weren’t done yet. On the way home Ed Nicholson led the way to the beautiful Savage River, just below Deep Creek Lake, where we squeezed in some more fishing. Ed claims to have caught a nice Savage brook trout there, but there is no photographic record of this fish.

Ed Felker