Charlie-understand completely - had to walk away from holding fish as folks RAN over to my little hole when seeing me obviously trying to swing through for fish and began to slash, chase and cross my line.
Don't like it but its the way it is early season down low.
Thats why I like upriver later when fish are in- folks more spread out and-to a degree- more polite.
When I started in the 80s ya could fish a LOOONGGGG way for Steel without anyone else around, and then ya gave each other space. Not anymore- 
Now Steel-even in winter- are becoming the new slash, snag and chase species.
If one can accept that its gonna happen and that ya gotta just move on now and then it can still be a nice trip.
Gettin into my mid 70s and finally realize am too old to get into arguments or fights over a fish.
Love it up there-often just get to a nice spot and sit back and watch the show.
Have enough caught so that its the experience not the number that counts.
Started before the DSR was even there - fished low all the time for quality of fish- even did the DSR thing when it started and liked it but that too became a chore as they started giving fishermen second choice of spots by allowing guides and clients in early to hog the nicest places so -bye bye.
Havent kept a fish in many years- but the urge to catch them is still strong and I'll be darned if I let slobs stop me.
Go up there and FISH its still GREAT.
Good times still outweigh the bad-even when ya can no longer walk to the spot ya remember so well--ahhh father time- lol.
 

I was in town roughly the same time as r3g3.  Spent the early part of the week, M, T, W, in DSR at the preseason rate of $40.00 per day.  Hooked some, landed few, but managed a very respectable 10+ lb Brown hen.  The first afternoon I had the tail out to the Spring Hole to myself.  I later shared that spot with two newbies who had never caught a king.  Both hooked up and couldn't thank me enough.  Watching them do battle was just as rewarding as hooking and landing a fish myself.  Just before leaving new blood showed up and I again gave the spot to a guy who proceeded to hook three fish landing one.  He was astonished that I would share the water.  Perhaps my generosity will wear off on those fellas.
I did the same on Tuesday in the Little Black Hole.  A guy and his three friends had a very good afternoon after taking my suggestion to fish opposite me so they would get a better drift through the hole.  I could have been selfish keeping my observations from earlier that day to myself but it was worth the satisfaction of seeing those guys have a banner afternoon.  Simple gestures can make someones day, I know they made mine.           

Perfect---
I try and refrain from giving too much advise - as fly fishing goes with 1 being worst and 10 being best- am somewhere between a 2 and a 3.
But never give up trying-
Advice from guys who are good at it goes a long way- spin or fly.
As you pointed out, reading water goes a long way too- (also makes up for a lot of my lousy presentations).

Tb, I know exactly how your day went from memories of my own.
I also know exactly how fichy felt as I was there on the day described.
As many know, i feel the same as fichy because the days of tb are hit and miss these days.

The only reason I now try to revisit during any river migration are to see people I enjoy to spend time and water with. The fishing is completely secondary as there are far better fishing opportunities in a much better environment

Ps.
The south side of spring hole is a bank monger set up side. The fish run the north side but you pick at only moving fish.

All set for the next trip in a couple of weeks with my youngest son- in his mid 40s.
Surprised how easy a reservation was considering I just called in today. 
Always  a dice roll on weather and water conditions reserving a couple of weeks out.
In the old days if ya weren't reserved months in advance-outa luck.
My inner clock says a mix of resident spawners and runners in a couple of weeks and likely some Steel.
Likely be back in my favored November too ( big greens, hos and Steel- I hope)
Again, missing 70 ish days a year up there.

And so it begins here.
Pulled out my travel box which I haven't looked at in 2 years. Always shambles but has the necessities for SR.
After digging, at least I found my hooks in there I wanted. 4, 8 & 10's tossed a few ties in for some trout's too.
Had a few hrs to myself and whipped up 3 dozen basics .
Tomorrow maybe get a bit more naturals like crayfish and stone fly patterns done.
For now I'm in the game.

Free stuff means more work. I'll take red oak any chance I can. Getting to dark to see so maybe more flies in the evening .
Rods , reels and terminal tackle located and accounted for.
Waders, not yet since ausable on fathers day but the Simms will appear.

Have fun, Jack and whomever makes it up to his secret spot. Sounds like they are there in force.  

Well I got all my fishing gear sorted and packed,just need to get cloths and misc. packed and I'm ready to go,will report in about 9 pm. tomorrow.