Carta Primera

One of the Life’s enjoyments is to share some pleasant activity with friends and we could not expect anything better than a day fly fishing with members of CRAFF in the San Gerardo valley, actively fly fishing for trout on the Rio Savegre.

Even though the weather promised to be a major problem, it was clear sky all about as we approached San Gerardo.

The drive from the foggy Central Valley with Fanny and Luis was made easier by us starting the trip at 5 AM and so avoiding the traffic. But, we had to face some minor hazards further on as there were some land slides being cleared up on the International highway from Cartago to San Gerardo de Dota. Breakfast at Chesperitos #1 was a welcomed rest stop and prepared us for the physically active day ahead. As usual, the drive down to the Rio Savegre was hampered by some very minor rock falls, though this was no hindrance to Luis, who considered it a normal road condition at this time of the year. We were expecting to meet with Mariano Arrea at one of the Chesperito restaurants, but I think we missed him as we sped past the Chesperitos #3 on our determined attempt to keep ahead of loaded trucks, moving carefully along the mountain highway.

One of the treasured benefits and activities for members of CRAFF is in joining to share special trips, fly fishing in areas that are not too distant from San Jose. We share the travel costs and pick-up the tab on our personal expenses, making the fishing trip a very economic one and a good chance to learn various fly fishing techniques from some of our more experienced members, who are in turn also learning from each other. The education curb in fly fishing is never ending and constant.

I decided to just fish with Tenkara, though both Fanny and Luis chose to remain dedicated to the conventional fly fishing light trout rods. Fanny had tied a special Royal Coachman fly that even before being fished, looked totally frazzled and disoriented. But, after a few faltering casts into some rather difficult pools, she eventually hooked a trout on her own hand made fly. The exuberance demonstrated with her fairly good sized trout was also shared by other accompanying anglers. The first fish on her own fly initiated some special moments for celebration which we decided to delay until lunch time.

Peter Gorinsky