Chapter Six

Thank you for reading the final chapter of “An Early Winter.” It means so much to me that you took your time to read my short story, and in some cases provide feedback in the comments. You inspire me! Neil

SIX

Luke is the one who found him lying on his side, still clutching the Sage RPLXi 8 weight. His arm was under his head as if using it for a pillow while taking a nap. And that’s exactly how it looked, like he was taking a nap in the cool water of the Rogue River. Luke knew his great grandpa was gone. He called the Sheriff’s Office on his cell phone, and the dispatcher directed him to stay with the body and not move it. The sheriff arrived with lights and sirens, along with several of his deputies. They strung yellow DO NOT CROSS tape around the area, and the only one allowed inside the protected zone was the county coroner. Once it was determined that there was no apparent foul play, Luke was let inside the perimeter. As they were lifting his grandpa out of the water, Luke picked up his fly rod, which by then was lying on the sandy bottom. Luke started to reel in the line when he felt a tremendous weight that was suddenly starting to pull back. But at that point, the fight was minimal, and the fish came in peacefully. The sheriff, the deputies, and even the coroner stopped what they were doing and watched in disbelief. Once the fish was in shallow water, Luke handed his rod to one of the deputies and waded in. Luke, an experienced guide and outfitter, stood in place shaking his head from side to side in disbelief. It was the biggest steelhead he had ever seen in the river. Equally surprising, it wasn’t a summer fish, it was a winter steelhead. The winter fish weren’t normally due for another few weeks, but this winter was early. Luke lifted its considerable body out of the water just long enough for everyone to see. He removed the hook and placed the fish back under water. After a slight push, the mighty winter steelhead slowly moved forward, before disappearing into the depths of the Durango Bucket.

Neil H. Schott

Reno, Nevada

August 20 in 2025

*Cover art by Neil H. Schott