A river with an androgynous character
The Lignon is without doubt my favorite of all the Haute-Loire rivers. Luckily, it flows through the commune where I live. In fact, it's perhaps to get closer to it that I came to live here.
It's one of the few rivers in the region with a masculine name: the others are the Semène, Dunières or Gazeille. This gives it a terribly exciting androgynous character. Don't get me wrong, I'm not particularly attracted to people of my own gender. But I'm not averse to his manliness. In fact, I never know how to approach him. One day, his masculine side will dominate and he'll be authoritarian and unforgiving of mistakes. You'll have to fish him straight in his boots. The next day, her feminine side will take over and she'll be indulgent, generous and surprising. Be careful not to offend her, though, as she could be touchy.
Just when I thought she was docile and the game seemed to be up, suddenly, for the slightest lack of respect for her, she sulks, sulks and closes herself off for good to any new approach. Nothing will change her mind, and our fishing trip is over. It may be several days before she's back on her feet again. That's the way girls are!
Adapting to the river
A stone's throw from my house, I walk down the Grande rue for about 20 metres. Then I turn left and take another path, the one that leads to St Jacques de Compostelle. From here, I can see it at the bottom, at the very end of the path. In a few hectometres, I'll be there! The adventure can begin. Already, at first glance, I can feel it: is he or she having a good or bad day? I stand under the arch of the bridge, where I've so often experienced my strongest emotions. And I observe.
If I spot a few favourable clues, an unusual quiver on the surface of the water or a beautiful Baetis hatch, then there's not a minute to lose, you have to find the right technique and be ready for any eventuality.
If nothing happens, then I just stand there, staring. I wait, imperturbably... Maybe later... No, in the end I'm wasting my time. I go home and make myself a nice cup of coffee. I'll come back later.
Should I blame him? That's just the way he is!
It's the Lignon!
