Stripped of city sophistication, I boarded Kevin's boat on Dragon Lake just outside of Quesnel.
I expected an orange life vest, not red, and therefore wore coral lipstick appropriately named Siesta for the occasion of my first fly-fishing experience.
We began lesson one--the fly-fishing 10 o'clock 2 o'clock dance--atop the lake with plentiful trout.
Our goal was to catch a fish, and release him.
Or her.
Catch and release.
Before we began, I assured all the fish in Dragon Lake they had nothing to worry about: I wouldn't catch a one.
Promise.
Being an open-minded city gal originally from liberal San Francisco, it seemed cruel and not the way to start a relationship. If I really wanted to catch and release, I'd start with my own species of man, which is one reason I owned lipstick.
Okay, ready to catch a fish? 
Pull your straight arm back to 2 o'clock and forward to 10.
Kevin of Dragon Fly Fishing B & B made it look easy.
His rod alone cost $1000, and he made the bait, or fly as it's known, by hand.
A serious sportsman.
Me, on the otherhand... It was like trying to learn the ease of a golf swing, only I never got to the ease part, rather my arm hurt and I had to learn patience under a beating sun.
I think I'll pose.
And wait.
Dragon Lake is known to have one of the most plentiful supplies of trout in the region, and it's only a few minutes outside of the lumber town of Quesnel... the newest stop on the Rocky Mountaineer train before heading out to Jasper.
Still waiting.
Waiting.
No worries, fish.
I don't believe there will be catching and releasing today.
To my left sat Coralee Oakes, the ambassador to Quesnel, and the manager of Quesnel & District Chamber of Commerce, and a local councilwoman, who deservedly may run and win a seat with ... well, maybe I shouldn't say, but this personable woman is sharp, worldly, and will look out for local community interests--industry and the environment and the people.
She certainly looked after mine for the day, and also waited patiently.
Kevin told me he has a B & B specializing in taking people fishing, and customers come from Florida, New York, even Germany because the trout are so plentiful and big here. They're most plentiful in I think he said Sept. and Oct. but don't quote me, you can call Kevin at (250) 747-1470.
Still waiting. 
It was a long day yesterday, and I wouldn't have minded leaving about this time.
I mean it felt like we'd been out long enough.
I'd fly-fished, I had a photo for my dad, and I could say I tried.
And then the weight on Kevin's line shifted, and he pulled back.
"I got one!" Kevin screamed.
Apparently, a struggle was underway.
Oh, dear.
Kevin turned to me.
"Take the line and see what it's like to struggle with the
fish."
Struggle?
Oh, my!
I did as I was told, for there was no time to think, and God only knows why but my body language looked like I had to squat to a toilet. I 
assure you this was not the case, as the poor fish struggled, tugged on the line, and thrashed about!
Oh, dear!
We aren't hurting you are we!?
Probably, we were. I turned the spool as quickly as I could, brought the 24-inch trout up--catch!--here folks you see it...
And quick!
Release!
Now you don't.
Post script: One year later, I declare that I'm no fly fisher-woman. While fishing is popular in British Columbia with its trout-filled lakes, I believe my first instinct was correct and fly fishing can be cruel. It is a real hook; a real struggle. So I had the struggle with fish experience, and consciously released it. Regarding the lake. It's quite beautiful on Dragon Lake and I recommend a relaxing visit and boat ride when you're in town.
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