The Glory Hole.

Every stream or river always seems to have a spot on it that far exceeds the potential of the rest of the waterway. Compared to it's peers it is always much larger, deeper, and significantly more attractive. It usually appears out of nowhere as you wade around a bend, or climb up a small waterfall. One look from a far and you know it holds a ton a fish and the chance at providing a monster. With these increased expectations on the glory hole, you inevitably set yourself up for a major letdown. Which is more often than not, the case. But, just the thought that something quite large (for the waterway) dwells deep in that pool draws you in, causes you to change flies, and approach it with care. 

The Environment.

Superfine Moss.

Food Source.

This particular glory hole, like most, appeared out of thin air. I stopped at a stream on a long drive home from fly fishing my usual haunts at a spot that for some reason, lacked private property signs. I parked the truck along a hairpin turn and proceeded to walk a two hundred yard stretch of small stream water, which is one of my favorite types of water to fish. After the first hundred yards, I was not disappointed. It was a beautiful, shallow brook no more than ten feet wide. Evergreens lined its slate banks on the left while downed timber and boulders covered in thick moss lined the right. I caught several native browns in some really skinny water and spooked plenty more from a far. All was well, when ascending a staircase pool around a tight bend, the glory appeared. 

The Quarry.

Underwater Brown.

Blurry Brown.

Stimulator Brown.

The glory hole was at the base of a large slate wall looming over the calm deep water. It was a nice flat glide fed by a small riffle. It averaged close to three ft. deep and all along its left side there was a slate overhang perfect for a large native to hide out in during the day. From a distance, I spotted two natives in the tail end of the pool easily contrasted against the light slate bottom. I watched for a little before making my approach. I had a decision to make. Wait for the glory hole hoss to make its appearance or try and tag a few smaller fish at the end of the pool. I chose the latter and on my first cast, a ten inch native exploded on my stimulator seemingly before it hit the water. The brief commotion ended rather quickly. I lost focus as I spotted a hoss appear from under the slate bank before taking flight upstream and disappearing for good. 

Spot The Two Trout?

The reward for my impatience was zero fish out of the glory hole. A few seconds of disturbance put several nice fish down for good. As I walked by the hole, they had all disappeared. Safely hiding under their slate hideout. The hoss easily ran 14-16 inches in length. Quite a trophy for such skinny water. Next time, I will have to wait for an opening before wetting my line with the hope that the glory hole hoss will like to play. 

The Glory Hole.