A pioneer fish story, this July 8th. On this day in 1847, the pioneers remained encamped near Fort Bridger.

Wilford Woodruff:

"...I RIGGED UP MY TROUT ROD THAT I HAD BROUGHT WITH ME FROM LIVERPOOL, FIXED MY REEL, LINE AND ARTIFICIAL FLY AND WENT TO ONE OF THE BROOKS CLOSE BY CAMP TO TRY MY LUCK CATCHING TROUT."

Wilford Woodruff cast his fly onto the stream.

Wilford Woodruff:

"...IT BEING THE FIRST TIME THAT I EVER TRIED THE ARTIFICIAL FLY IN AMERICA OR EVER SAW IT TRIED."

Woodruff caught a dozen big fish, more than all the other fishermen combined that day. They used fresh bait.

Wilford Woodruff:

"WHICH WAS PROOF POSITIVE TO ME THAT THE ARTIFICIAL FLY IS FAR THE BEST THING NOW KNOWN TO FISH TROUT WITH."