Fishing The Big Thompson River

Have been catching fish on the Big Thompson. It seems like every place I try on the "BT" is filled with fish eager to take a peeping caddis or an adult caddis. One shop owner told me that the Big Thompson was fishing poorly and I should not waste my time there. Of course, that made me want to fish the "BT" all the more. Probably trying to steer anglers away from water he sends his guides to with customers. Joker.

Federation of Fly Fishers Conclave

Arrived in Loveland for the FFF Conclave. I am preparing to teach a class on the Polish Worm and Czech Nymphing. Also doing some demo tying. Conclave is a great place to share ideas and learn new things. This year promises to be the best yet.

Whiting Farms

Visited Whiting Farms today. Toured the facilities and met a few roosters along the way. Here is Tom Whiting showing a bird, explaining the development of hackle. Nice lunch and a chance to visit with other Whiting Farms Pro Team members. Then it was time to do some serious shopping. Pelts and feathers as far as the eye can see. Like a kid in a candy store. I had a chance to stock up on some favorites and obtain some new materials to work with.

High Mountain Lakes

Today we fished some pristine high mountain lakes in Grand Mesa National Park. At an elevation of about 11,000 feet, the water was cold, clear and crisp. Managed to get into a bunch of Cutthroat Trout. Beautiful fish and eager to take a fly. I have not received the fish pictures from my friend, Peggy, yet, but stay tuned. Glad we were driving the "Golden Donkey," as it was quite severe terrain, at times.

Grand Junction Wedding

I was pleased to attend the wedding of Lew Evans and Tilda Runner. Lew and Tilda are active in the Federation of Fly Fishers, with Tilda recently resigning as the Oregon Council President, to move to Grand Junction, CO to marry Lew. The happy couple will honeymoon at the FFF Conclave in Loveland, CO.

It was a simple ceremony with heartfelt vows that reflected the couple's intense passion for each other and fly fishing. They even vowed to share their fishing equipment and will strive not to out fish each other. Best wishes to Lew and Tilda.

Black Canyon National Park

Fished the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon National Forest. The water was cold and high, but the park was awesome. This is the Gunnison from high above.

Blue Ribbon Trout Streams?

What is the story with trout streams that are designated "Blue Ribbon?" Some of these streams barely hold fish. I bet it would be helpful if the year of the "Blue Ribbon" designation was noted. Maybe such designations should be reviewed from time to time to ensure truth in labeling. Maybe a stream was labeled "Blue Ribbon" thirty years ago, but it deserves a skull and crossbones label in 2009.

Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery

Visited the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery out here in Colorado. Fished some of the ponds for a short time. I saw loads fish cruising the ponds. Looks like the hatchery fish get an early education on fly anglers. It was impossible to get any of them to take a fly. Even the most perfectly presented cast did not result in a hook up. It did not help that it was 2 in the afternoon and bright sun.

In Colorado

Wow, made it to Denver a day ahead of schedule. Got on some earlier flights on standby. This has given me time to plot my fishing adventures. Looks like my fellow fly tyer, Peggy Brenner, and I will travel south and drive out to Western Colorado on Highway 50. We'll hit the Taylor River, East River, Black Canyon National Park to fish the Gunnison, more Gunnison further west and some lakes in Grand Mesa National Forest. Looking to cash in on some rainbows, browns and cutthroat trout and take in the magnificent vistas of western Colorado.

Off To Colorado

I am psyched to be packing my bags to head to Colorado for two weeks. Planning on fishing the Gunnison, visiting Whiting Farms and attending the FFF Conclave. Bon voyage.

Small Mouth Bass

I am happy to report that the smallies are taking the fly like crazy. Dragged in a few slabs today. Fish on.

Tying, Tying, Tying In The Rain

Life in the north woods of Michigan continues to be rather drab, dark and damp. Still tying flies like a crazy woman. I think I am becoming a little obsessed with the tying during a time when I should be obsessed with the fishing end of things. Oh well, it could be worse...no snow in the forecast.

Got Feathers?

Summer Blogging

Have been less inclined to write blog entries this time of year as there is too much to do and too many fishing opportunities. I call the July and August a time of "blogging light."

Tying In The Rain

It's been very windy and cold up here in Norther Michigan. Fish are tight-lipped. I have, however, been tying massive numbers of flies. Any one looking for flies, please email to order.

More Canoe Shots

That's me up front dragging in a big slab of meat.

Canoe Fishing

Been hitting the water in my canoe every moment the weather allows.

How To Attract Trout

Looking for the ultimate angler gift? Why not a fish call. Hey, works for bird hunting. Why not trout? It would be especially useful in the dismal weather that has plagued my vacation.

Happy 4th Of July

This fly, Old Glory, was originated by Ralph Graves of Roscoe, New York.

Ralph Graves' Old Glory Fly Shop Closes

I was chatting with Ralph Graves on the telephone the other day and he told me that he has closed his Old Glory Fly Shop. The shop was located for many years at the Rockland House in Roscoe, NY. He has moved all of the shop contents into his home and is down-sizing a little.

About 8 years ago I took up fly tying. Interestingly, I was passing through Roscoe on my way home to Boston and we stayed the night at the Rockland House while in route. I was outside in the evening having a smoke and Ralph was in his shop watching a Yankees game and tying flies. I went into the shop and met Ralph for the first time. I remember he was tying a parasol emerger, which, I believe, was a fly featured in an edition of Fly Tyer magazine around that time. After talking with Ralph, he gave me one of the flies he had tyed that evening. I am happy to say that I still have that fly in my special collection. A nice memory.

A View From The Cabin

Looking out the living room window (in the rain).

Tying The Dries

Have been making lots of dry flies. Dark and light hendricksons, blue winged olives, march browns, light cahills and more. Sharing some with friends, while others go to my fly arsenal. Life at the cabin is very relaxing. Lots of woods, animals and your general nature stuff. It has been cold and rainy, so lots of time to tye.