On our second full day of our Lassen trip we toured Subway Cave then headed to Hat Creek for some fishing. Landon, the boy who said he was going to be the first Eagle Scout who never fished, changed his mind after he watched Ainsley catch her first fish. We let that first fish go, and I think he decided he liked the idea of catch and release. The problem with catch and release was that we didn't really have the proper hooks, and we were planning on having trout for dinner that night. When Landon saw one of the caught fish struggle and bleed, he was done. He hates the thought of harming a fish. I'll admit that it's a little hard for me to watch too.
He and I decided to go for a hike while the rest of the crew kept fishing. Our goal was to find calmer water so we could dip our feet in the river without feeling like we were going to get washed away. We did find calmer water but hadn't anticipated the iciness. As Landon finished taking off his shoes I stepped into the river and realized I'd never felt colder water in my life. It was so cold it almost burned. I couldn't even wait for Landon to join me. After I hopped out, Landon gave it a try. He dipped in a few toes and decided the river was not meant for human feet. We hiked a little more then headed back.
It was a very successful day of fishing. I doubt it had anything to do with the fact that the river had been stocked that very morning. Haha! We brought back five trout for dinner. I found a pretty delicious looking recipe so we stuffed the fish and grilled them. We're not big fish eaters but this fish was good. Very mild. Landon enjoyed his hot dog. That night games were played and s'mores were made. A perfect ending to a perfect day.
