Skunked? Not Exactly....

Well - it hasn't exactly been the year of fly-fishing that I had expected it to be.  In fact, I think I can count the number of times I've worn waders this year on two hands (I know, I know).  However, it's for a good reason I assure you.  And since I don't have much fishing-related material to post about (perhaps I'll do one on Steelhead tube flies I've been working on soon),  I decided to post about the reason why I haven't been fishing much - two wonderful hooligans!

I especially love the fact that Connor stole my "trout hunter" hat after pointing at it and hollering "hat" for several minutes.  Here's to a lifetime of "hunting" trout together little man!!

The places you'll go.........

Sometimes fishing is not about the fish you catch (or even the ones that you don't), but rather about the places, sights, and sounds that you experience along the way.  I took this picture last Saturday evening while looking for a place to fish with my friend Trevor.  This is Lake Fork Creek where it dumps into the Little Payette Lake.

It took me a while to even grab my little point and shoot camera for this shot - I was too busy just experiencing it; The way the trees and clouds were meticulously and flawlessly reflected on the water, it was almost as if I had walked into a painting.  Catching fish in this setting would have simply been a bonus - and I might have actually felt bad about disturbing the scene!  This is why I fish............not for accolades or attaboys - not for sponsors or notoriety.  For this:

 

the Sage and the Hoppers......

Yes, I know, it has been forever since I’ve posted. It’s been hard to follow up my Canada post about the trip of a lifetime.  So, what have I been doing?  Mainly, I built myself a rod.  I’ve also been honing my skills as a fly-tyer.  Finally,  I’ve been out fishing a few times. 

Let me just say – the SAGE VXP is an excellent rod - especially when paired with the 15th Anniversary Lamson Guru reel (500 produced).  It took me some getting used to once I finished it as it casts much different than any of my other fly rods.  It is very pleasant to overhand cast with, and it roll casts well, but it’s not quite as easy yet to side or reach case with, which I often do (I'll figure it out!).  That aside, it is extremely accurate and tolerant of wind, and those are very important characteristics for me. 

AND - Probably the best omen so far is this:  I took it to the Owyhee for its Maiden voyage, and I had the best night of fishing of the summer so far.  Very good line control, no tailing loops or wind knots, and lots and lots of fish all caught on the surface!  Credit good timing, pure luck, or just plain good Karma - the jury will be forever out on why it happened while breaking in a new rod, but it put a very large grin on my face!

Also, it’s that time of year – TERRESTRIALS!! These are by far the most fun flies to tie!

Here’s a few pictures……………..

 Number 108 of 500!!

OH CANADA!

Last week was my chance to head to Canada for three days of Pike and Walleye fishing.  I had the good fortune of traveling with a couple of old friends Logan and Jeff, and the trip was truly remarkable.  It’s not often that I return from a fishing trip and suffer from lack of motivation at work for an entire week.  Usually, such hangovers only last for a day.  This one, however, had some serious staying power! 

The trip began on Father’s day, with the short drive from Boise to Idaho Falls with my good friend Logan, where we would meet the rest of the group and load up a rented van and trailer for an early Monday departure for Saskatoon.  I knew the trip was going to be memorable when we spotted two bull elk in the velvet along the side of Highway 20 on Sunday night.

Monday we drove from Idaho Falls to Saskatoon – about 16 hours.  There we stayed in a hotel, enjoyed a few cold beers, and tried to fend off the mounting anticipation.  Tuesday we drove the final leg – about 5 hours from Saskatoon North to Besnard Lake Lodge –and what a place!  Here was our home for the next 4 nights - we stayed in two small cabins that slept 4 each.  We spend a few minutes unloading the van and trailer, had a few cold ones, assembled our fishing gear, and compared tackle and flies.  We also ate one of what would be become several legendary meals prepared by Ian, Logan and Jeff’s older brother who is a fantastic cook.  We capped the night by launching some golf balls into the lake and enjoying a campfire, and then hit the rack in final approach for 3 days of “silly-good” fishing! 

It’s amazing how quickly 3 full days of fishing can fly by when you’re in good company and fish.  I don’t remember a span of more than 5 minutes where one of the boats wasn’t yelling “fish on” – it was incredible.  To top it all off, both the first and the last pike that I caught on this trip were on the fly!  I can't think of too many better ways to have spent my 29th birthday.  Here are some of the pictures – what a place!!

 The first night distraction

 Day One: Ready!

 The first fish brought to our boat - wow!!

 My beastly Walleye!!

 Pike hooked during shore lunch

pass it on

As a parent of two boys, I am excited to enjoy the many activities that they will participate in as they get older.  Whether it's sports, chess club, drama club (hopefully not), mathletes - whatever it is, I will provide them my full support.  I can remember my parents being extremely busy ushering four boys around to various athletic practices and games as a child, and as frantic as it was, it was also very rewarding to engage in team sports as a child.  And, of course, I was also a member of the debate team (shocking I know).

HOWEVER, I also will do my (small) part to influence certain activities that I want them to take interest in - and I'm sure there is no surprise as to where I'm going with this.  The other night I decided after a very profound discussion with Drake (who, mind you, is 3.5 years old), that it was time for some backyard drills with a fly rod.  No pressure, just fun, and boy did we have fun. 

I'm certain that watching Drake smile while wildly whipping line around with my very first fly rod made my soul laugh - and not the courtesy laugh brought on by a bad joke, but the kind of belly laugh you hear at a bar when it's obvious that two old friends are getting re-acquainted.  I better start jogging - otherwise I might faint when Drake actually catches his first fish on the fly!!

8 is great

As previously suggested, my Dad was looking for a new 8 weight fly rod -something with enough backbone to take on steelhead/salmon, etc.  After looking at some rods, he decided he might be better off having one built instead.  After kicking some ideas around, I volunteered to build it for him.  Many hours of hard work later, I'm proud to announce that the project is finished.  The rod looks great - can't wait to sneak a few casts in before delivery!! (sshhhh). 

Here's a few pics...........

New, Big, and Different....

Well, I figured I should post since it's been a while - and yes, that's because there hasn't been much fly fishing lately.  It's spring runoff time, and I am mourning the Owyhee River flood like everyone else.  We have reached the time of year where I blink twice and it's big game hunting season again - the warm months seem to just soar by anymore.  On June 3rd, I will start my 15 days of annual training for the National Guard, and the very next day I will leave for Canada!!  According to my Calendar, this leaves only 5 weeks to get all my tackle together and tie flies.  I have also been asked to build an 8 weight for my dad - a project that will surely consume a lot of my spare time (stay tuned for pictures coming soon).

June 19th I will head to Canada with a good friend, who will show me the ropes as we spend three days fishing for Pike and Walleye. Naturally, I will be bringing a fly rod and attempting to boat a monster pike - however, the generally rather small trout flies I spend most of my time tying just simply will not be sufficient for this activity. 

So as a result, I have been venturing into the world of large flies in an effort to lure one of these big brutes to strike.  What I've discovered is that these are a TON of fun to tie, and I can't wait to try them out!  Here's some pictures of a few I've been working on - to put them in perspective, a few shots are shown next to a tape measure.  Now the trick is for me to learn how to hurl a fly in excess of 6"...................