Yesterday as we were fishing we looked down to see a large school of brightly colored “minnows” swirling in front of us. They looked like tropical fish from a coral reef somewhere. In fact, they were locals, Tennessee Shiners from right here in southern Appalachia. For most of the year they are silver and look pretty much like any other small forage fish in our local streams. But this time of year the males are a bright fiery red and aggregate in groups for spawning season. I hope they’re all successful! Never forget that a “trout stream” contains a lot more than trout. Take time to notice, appreciate and understand all the wonderful denizens of the waters we love.