Cairns And Other Streamside Art

I’m sure that at one time or another if you fish any river system you’ve seen rock formations that were built along the river or stream. These “stacks of rocks” are cairns, and the history of cairns date back to medieval times. In fact, google “cairns” and you’ll have many sites to choose from to learn about the history. In some instances these man-made rock formations are used to designate trailheads and directional markers. But in the fishing community cairns have another purpose, especially for Native Americans in the Arctic. Cairns are one of their visible, spiritual connections with Earth.

 With the mound of rocks behnd this cairn my guess is it was going to be larger.

(Click on image for larger view.)

One of the first times I remember seeing a cairn was on a television fishing show. About six or seven years ago while watching a show about fishing in the Arctic I noticed elaborate stacks of rocks at the river’s edge, some of which were 4’ in height. During the show it was explained that the Native Americans build the cairns to honor the fishing gods so their catches can be bountiful. I didn’t think anymore of it until I started fly fishing, and walking the rivers in Northeast Ohio. I began to see cairns, albeit smaller in scale, at the river’s edge. It seems as though Northeast Ohio rivers are loaded with rocks ideal for stacking. What I haven’t seen is someone building them, so I don’t know if fishermen build them or someone out hiking. More than likely the cairns are built for fun, and not to honor the fishing gods. To me, if a fisherman is having a tough day, change what you are doing, but keep the line in the water. Taking time to build a cairn will not catch fish.

This cairn was found at the Cleveland Metroparks South Chagrin Reservation. 

Three days later it was gone.

I’ve included pictures of some of the cairns that have been built in the last few months. Unfortunately they don’t last long. Either heavy rains will push the water levels higher, knocking them over or someone will give them a gentle nudge and topple them.

 Look closely and you will see a small stack on the left side. Like a small arm.

This small cairn was found on the Gand River. Next to it is a wood pyramid.

Not a lot of energy went into this one.

In the middle of the Chagrin River at the South Chagrin Reservation is a large boulder.

 Someone used the boulder as a base to build this one. Notice the red bricks.

Go out and fool a fish!

I Am Going To Get That S.O.B.

Twice now. Same spot. Mid pool, about four feet from the submerged tree. Same popper. Success and failure. Success in that I manipulated the popper to the smallie’s liking. Pop, pop, pause. Big swirl, heavy tug. Set the hook. Failure in that the tippet broke, again. I know that old saying, ‘Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” Now, it just got personal.

I found a spot that has the mother of all big, resident smallmouth bass. Most resident smallies in the northeast Ohio tribs probably average 8” - 10” in length. On occasion you can catch bigger ones. In fact, last year I netted a couple over 12”, and I was thrilled. The one that I have now hooked twice has to be over 15”. I caught a glimpse of it as it broke the surface to inhale the popper. Then, as Yogi would say, “déjà vu all over again”, the sickening feeling you get as the rod and line snap back after being under tension.

It has to be the same fish. I can’t believe there would be multiple smallies that big in that same spot. Trust me on this.

Now, I can add obsessed to superstitious and sentimental. At 3:00AM in the morning I'm awake formulating a game plan to get him. One size stronger tippet. Test the knots, test the knots. Sharpen the point of the hook. I am going to get that S.O.B.

It was not a total loss on the river. I did manage to net a couple of smallies. The one pictured below is not even average size but has some of the nicest markings I’ve seen. It was caught at first light and the vertical markings just jumped out. Who knows, I could obsessing over this fish in five or six years.

This smallie has great markings. Caught at first light on a golden retriever.

(Click on image for larger view.)

This one hit the popper a minute before the mother of all resident smallies showed up again.

Go out and fool a fish!