Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Fishing Flies - Cutthroat Trout" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood Game Fish of America Art Print. Displaying the colors for which it was named, the Rainbow Trout depicted is about to launch an assault on a well placed lure. When America was mostly wilderness, few fishermen felt the need for such sophisticated lures. Native trout would rise to almost any object presented, the brighter the better. Only after streams became depleted and fish more wily did intricately designed lures become necessary as part of the American fisherman's repertoire. Lures used to catch today's trout come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Some dive to the bottom, others skim the top, some produce sonic vibrations and all are purported to entice fish into a frying pan. One of the most clever, hard-fighting fish anyone ever tossed a lure at is the Rainbow Trout. Even experienced fishermen find it challenging to land a Rainbow. But it's worth the challenge, for Rainbows become downright cantankerous when hooked, fighting furiously until exhausted. Size: 13.25 x 15.25 in. Unframed. (B13835)