Spring has sprung......

Although few seem to have acknowledged it to this point, spring appears to have arrived (at least in Meridian, ID). Sure, it still freezes at night - but with day after day after day of sunshine and 50 + degree weather, it's prime early-spring fishing weather. Add to that a new rod (see previous posts), and a lack of runoff from a mild winter, and you get one happy angler. Last week I hit eastern Oregon's Owyhee River twice, and the fishing was pretty good - as usual for this time of year, dry fly action came from midges - those tiny little flies that seem to able to hatch no matter how cold it is. Size twenty Griffith's gnats did the trick!  Naturally, I don't see the need to dig my camera out for every fish - here are a few that I made an exception for:

Workplace Oasis

This is an overdue post.  A few months back, I was selected to be a company commander for my job with the National Guard.  All that really means for this audience is that my hair will become (is already becoming?) gray much quicker than it normally would have, and that I will, at some point, get promoted to Captain.  However my incredible wife Bridgette, who has an amazing knack for gift-giving, got me this cool shadow box as a gift so that I could display some of my flies at my office. 

I spent some quality time around Christmas tying some flies, and she created me some very nice looking labels for them.  Several hours, one fish picture, and a trip to the craft store for some cork later, and here is the result:  It’s so nice to be able to look at my wall and be taken to another place entirely, and it’s very nice to be lucky enough to have a spouse who understands my addiction to fly fishing!  Thanks for the work oasis, Honey! 

the (4) weight is over....

The time had finally arrived for me to own and fish with a 4 weight - something I have not done in quite some time.  As usual, I decided to build rather than to buy, and boy am I glad I did!  This rod turned out great - not only does it look great, but it casts incredibly well.  The theme for this rod was subdued - matte blank, gun metal thread, dark titanium carbide guides and reel seat accented with a beautiful box elder burled insert.  Can't wait to take it to the water!

Casting for Schwag

This past weekend was the fly fishing expo in Boise!  It's the first time in several years that the event has not conflicted with my Drill weekend for the good old National Guard.  I was so excited that I loaded the whole family up and headed down there!

As I expected, there was an almost endless array of things to look at - so much that it bordered on overwhelming.

The best part by far was the casting pond.  Towards the end of the evening, they did a "casting for dollars" contest, where you pay a dollar and attempt to land a fly in a small concession-style soda cup at 30 feet for some prizes.  The rod was an Orvis Helios (and of course now I must have one!!), and after playing the "kid card" (helping Drake cast -and of course he was a winner for being such a cute little kid and showing interest in casting), I paid my dollar and nailed it.

 SO - for two dollars, We took home what ended up pricing out at $110 dollars worth of Schwag!! ($80 fly line, and $30 MFC Coffee Mug). 

See you on the River (with hot coffee and new line),

-Cody

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!!