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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Community Justice director's brother also charged with drug crime ... 49ers hire Chip Kelly as coach ... Go Kart Hero shuts its doors ... Community Justice director's brother also charged with drug crime ... 49ers hire Chip Kelly as coach ... Go Kart Hero shuts its doors ... Presidential candidate fished the Rogue We've grown accustomed to presidents who relax by playing golf or clearing some brush on their ranch, but one of our chief executives found his joy at the end of a fly rod. Comment By BILL MILLER MailTribune.com By BILL MILLER Posted Feb. 19, 2012 at 12:01 AM Updated Feb 19, 2012 at 2:56 AM By BILL MILLER Posted Feb. 19, 2012 at 12:01 AM Updated Feb 19, 2012 at 2:56 AM If you go --> On his way home, Hoover tried some fishing in California, but with little success. The "angler in chief" would return many times after his presidency, but usually anonymously and unrecognized. I... » Read more X If you go On his way home, Hoover tried some fishing in California, but with little success. The "angler in chief" would return many times after his presidency, but usually anonymously and unrecognized. Isaacs' Big Rock Lodge survives, although it's on private property and hidden from view by trees and the slope of the riverbank. Even though you won't be able to visit the lodge, you may want to get a look at the general area. The lodge sits directly opposite the parking area for the Upper Table Rock Trailhead on Modoc Road in Central Point. Even from the top of Table Rock, you won't be able to see it. From Interstate 5, take exit 33 and drive one mile east on East Pine Street. Turn left at the signal onto Table Rock Road. Continue 5.3 miles to Modoc Road and turn right. The trailhead is on your left, 1.5 miles farther on. » Social News We've grown accustomed to presidents who relax by playing golf or clearing some brush on their ranch, but one of our chief executives found his joy at the end of a fly rod. To Herbert Hoover, our 31st president, fishing brought "meekness and inspiration, reduces our egoism, soothes our troubles and shames our wickedness. It is discipline in the equality of men — for all men are equal before fish." Hoover loved fly-fishing so much he probably should have tacked up a semi-permanent "gone fishing" sign on the Oval Office door. "To go fishing is the chance to wash one's soul with pure air, with the rush of the brook, or with the shimmer of sun on blue water," he said. At the end of July 1928, a month and a half after accepting the Republican nomination for the presidency, Hoover motored into Jackson County. He had come north from his home in Palo Alto, Calif., twisting northward through the Coastal Range on his last whirlwind fishing vacation before the November election. In a caravan of 16 newsmen, 11 photographers and newsreel men, two politicians, one secretary, his son, Allan, and 10 eminent private citizens, Hoover was racing to the mighty Rogue River, a stream he had fished nine times before. "It's the best fishing in the West," he said. Ten miles out from Medford on Highway 99, in what looked like political kidnapping, Bill Isaacs blocked the highway with his car and prepared to guide Hoover's party to "the best fishing hole on the river," Isaacs' brand new Big Rock Lodge. Isaacs owned the Toggery, a men's clothing store in Medford, and was known as the person who had "done more to popularize steelhead fishing in the Rogue River than any other living man." This, unquestionably, was a man Hoover had met before. When Hoover learned the lodge was isolated eight miles from town with no telephone service, he had his people cancel room reservations at the Medford Hotel and agreed to stay at the lodge overnight. Up at 5 a.m. on July 30, Hoover, in waist-high waders, was sliding through the ice-cold water, sizing up the river, looking for just the right spot. The opposite bank swarmed with photographers and movie men, loudly shouting for Hoover to "smile" or "look this way." "Hurry up. Take your pictures!" Hoover shouted back, as he lightly cast his line into some choice riffles and eddies. He got two strikes, but landed no fish. Isaacs had hooked a fighting steelhead, its silvery flash breaking the water's surface. He offered his pole to Hoover so the candidate could land the fish, but Hoover refused. When a low fog blocked the morning sun, photographers began splashing into the river and sloshing toward Hoover, looking for a better shot. One boldly asked for a close-up. "You shall not have one!" Hoover said as he turned his back and angrily waded out of the water. At breakfast, back at the lodge, Hoover was still annoyed. "The most sacred time next to prayer," he said, "is when a man tries to fish." By 10 a.m., he was dressed and gone. Writer Bill Miller lives in Shady Cove. Reach him at [email protected]. By BILL MILLER MailTribune.com By BILL MILLER Posted Feb. 19, 2012 at 12:01 AM Updated Feb 19, 2012 at 2:56 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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