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.