Come Back Again- Please

I say it over and over , but found the profound quote from Sparse Grey Hackle, and it could

not be summed up any better.

"The trout do not rise in the cemetery, so you better do your fishing while you are still able."

 - Sparse Grey Hackle

Dirty Hippy Streamer Video by In the Riffle

After many posts of the success this fly has on all the western rivers we fish, I thought would post

the tying instructions for it. I think that you find the tutorial by In the Riffle to show a relatively simplistic tie to this great streamer pattern. Tied in both brown and rainbow trout colors, this fly skates through the shores side rocks and shallows with ease. Fish have a hard time resisting this delightful meal.

Certainly one of my go to streamers as of recent. You can also find the step by step instruction along with hundreds of other flies on Charlies website.

www.charliesflybox.com/flybox

Caddis Hatch - Not

While some around the state had visions of the air filled with caddis and snouts breaking through the surface of the water, the forecast only had one thing going through my mind, Streamers. As the alarm went off at 5:00 am, the curtains of the Holiday Inn swung open and with a shout, I was happy, heavy cloud cover, spits of rain, just what we wanted for a successful day on a river with very large predatory fish.

It had been a while since he had visited the mid portion of the Colorado River, as we prefer the lower stretches as it typically has fewer people and boat traffic. This day would be A-typical and we would see no one. Our own private river.  We would decide to float State Bridge to Catamount, a very long float for this time of year at 800 cfs., especially with great streamer fishing and slowing the boat down.

As we always do, leaving our watch behind, we hit the Two Bridges launch only 3 miles down 4 1/2 hours later, as the fishing was real good, hearing that we had another 10.5 mile togo, we decided we better fish and row a little faster. This would prove to be hard as there is a lot of nice rip rap to throw your fur and feathers into. Holy shit did we catch, turn and loose some really nice fish. 

First and smallest fish of the day. Always a great sign. 

The sun was only out for an hour or so the entire day, but when it was, 

did treat us to some nice sights on the river.

One fish on the nymph rod then we put it away. Fat Pat never fails.

Oh I forgot, you can't go to the Colorado and not catch a whitey, Mary did. 

Our day was complete.

The trip would not be complete without hitting snow, blizzard condition almost all the way from Edwards to Floyd Hill.  Can't wait to do it again next week.

Wulffy One

"Wullfy One"

Head shot of the Peacock Wulff Pattern

Ass End Of Business

Shake your money maker. The business end of Doug McKnight's Sweetgrass Hopper, it is one of my 

favorite hopper patterns as it sits just perfect in the water. As you can see the leg will tantalize any trout into beating into oblivion. Did I Say it floats like a cork, it does.

This is my favorite with the red hind legs, but don't be afraid to color yours up to your liking.

Better get prepared, hopper season gonna come early this year, getta row of these in your box.

Get your Howler On

Gaucho Shirt- Hopper

Morning Dawn- Coffe Cup

If you are not, you should quickly check them out, Howler Bros. is rapidly taking a foothold in several markets including, a niche in the fly fishing market. They produce some very high quality, ecletic styles of t-shirts, snap gaucho shirts, hats, belt buckles and many neat accessories. 

Hopper -Snapback Hat

Gaucho Shirt - Rooster

I have highlighted several of the one's that caught my eye, but to truly enjoy the entire line, you should visit their website to see all.

www.Howlerbros.com

Barrel of Monkeys- Snapback Hat

Synthetic / Adams

Synthetic / Adams

by

kuchynkaPHOTO

Need Something to Do

Day off and nothing to do, load up the boat and head over to the Rio Grande.

Flows are great right now for an early season float, water is little cooler over there, so let it warm

up in the morning, then you should be good to throw your big stones rigs and streamers.

Few more weeks before she starts to really get high and muddy.

Just another fabulous fishery Colorado has to offer.

Steamer Dreamer

This past weekend has a little bit of everything mother nature could throw at us, starting out with just a a lot of snow, sleet and rain on Friday and into the evening. Saturday we woke to overcast but nice windless conditions, which would be perfect for throwing streamers and hopefully attracting some of our larger finned friends.

The morning started in cool fashion, beanies and jackets and coffee were in order. However the fish

did not mind, and were on the chase from the onset.

As they say, the tug is the drug, and the boy were we flying high.

Pounding the banks, the fish were right on them. Pulling the lighter streamers through the shallow riffles, the fish were on them. Watching the chase is half the fun.

Might be Sick Longer

Check out the Baetis on the Missouri. No better time to play a little hooky and go fishing this week, strong hatches, fish heads poking up and eating and few people, it Montana…. in April, during the week.

Mark Raisler Photo

Get over and visit Mark, Sara and John at Headhunters, you will not be disappointed.

April Snow Storms Past-

In honor of our little April snowstorm, I was reminiscing of past April storms 

Ms. Floatfisher and I have spent floating, fishing and camping rivers of the west. We hope

we do not have to run into many more of these events. The motel and 5th wheel works just fine 

these days.

 Who left the blessed seat up, this will really piss you off for the morning

ritual. Sure a pretty view though.

 It seems every night we stopped, it had to snow on us. The first night it

was beautiful, the next couple you were over it. 

 Sure makes loading and packing the boat and extra chore.

 When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade and add a little vodka.

Fishing sucked but the float what amazing.

 At least we had a cabin for the onset of the snow, this was just the beginning.

by the end you would not be able to make out the boat.

 Partway through the dugout. 

Moral of the story, don't let a little weather detour you from your expedition.
Sack up and row. Life is short , Fish…….

Oh Baby ............ Gonga

 With the 12-17" of snow that fell the day before, I was hoping for a little more of the nasty, overcast 

weather to bring on the streamer bite. The past couple of weeks, just have not been there, but he dry fly fishing has, so one cannot complain.

Well back to the days fishing, waking to the hopeful day, only to forget that the 15" inches of snow and ice would be waiting in the boat to be scooped out and removed before any fishing would be done.

Being smarter than the average bear,we decided to head up river to the car wash and put hot water to work and remove the ice and snow. A mere 6.75 later and 12 minutes, along with a stop for breakfast,

we were back on track.

Blue skies graced us, much to my dismay, we trudged on , hell bent to make streamers work anyway.

Having slight color to the water, was certainly a help, but it took many changes until we found the pattern the fish would not leave alone.

Damn , yet another Charlie Craven pattern that railed fish all morning long. 

If you have not fished the Baby Gonga Pattern is worth tying or buying as it along with the Dirty Hippy is a proven fish catching machine. The Baby has two hooks in the body, and no fish that hits the fly, escapes. Not only did we bring many to the net, the chases were incredible.

Another great morning on the ditch, nice to see a little snow and moisture.

Ye Ole Pigsticker

A simple and easy pattern that is a deadly dropper tied on with a Pat's Rubber leg in higher runoff, and dirty water situations.

Pigsticker

Hook: Mustad 37160 , Sz: 6-12

Body: Hot Orange Ultra Wire

(substitute various colors of wire for variation)

Hot Spot: Glo-Brite Floss- Red

(Substitute floss color on hot spot)

Going Big

In preparation for a couple of trips later this season for some large redfish, king salmon and other large fish that could get in our way, Ms. Floatfisher and I continue to add to our quiver of new rods. Add in the new Sage SALT 1090-4. We cast it this weekend for the first time and what a joy, of course , this big gun, is just a little out of our normal league, so we want to get a little time practicing. Matching it with our Hatch #9 , this is a dream duo. 

It throws a nice short line at 40-50' ft. , but also extending it out, it will punch into a breeze.
As mentioned, we have a lot more practice to go, look forward to more on future blogs.

Sage's Website Information on the SALT Series:

OFFERING SALTWATER ANGLERS PRECISION AND 
POWER WITH THE SALT

For the incredible diverse range of casting demands placed on the saltwater angler, the accuracy, strength and precision of Konnetic Technology, has enabled us to craft a fly rod like no other saltwater rod before it. The SALT is a fast loading, high-line speed salt-action rod that gives you the confidence to know that you're ready for anything that salt can throw at you. Sight casting smaller flies out to nervous bones finning along the flat in only four inches of water? Quickly and precisely drop the fly where they'll see it without spooking. Casting to tarpon that appear suddenly in a gusting wind? The SALT's decidedly robust salt-action taper gives you the power to maximize today's heavier fly lines to deliver flies of all ranges with effortless precision.

KONNETIC TECHNOLOGY - Greatest Accuracy
Accurately putting a fly where you need it - every time - is the foundation of fly fishing 
success. Improved accuracy is a result of smoother tracking, increased line speed and line control, 
all features of our revolutionary Konnetic Technology. Creating an impossibly light blank
with enhanced tip-to-hand sensitivity, Konnetic Technology utilizes our Advanced Modulus Positioning System (AMPS) that places carbon fiber to exacting tolerances for the greatest blank strength and efficient energy transfer throughout the shaft. This highly responsive and robust blank offers significant enhanced torsional stability and minimal vibration of casts that track effortlessly and accurately.

- New formulated proprietary carbon/ resin composite
- Advanced Modulus Positioning System (AMPS)
- High Compression Molding (HCM) for increased fiber density
- Denser wall for faster response and blank recovery
- Optimized core and axial fiber material positioning

Looking for Bluewings

Lookin' for Baetis, wherever she can find them. Where oh where?

Garcia's Mothers Day Caddis

It is alway good to see my good friend Greg Garcia. Had the opportunity to visit him today, amongst all various topics we covered in our BS session, Greg was telling me about his ever growing series of fly tying tutorials he has put out in conjunction with his shop , Anglers All. Now numbering almost 40 and growing, I think you will find them covering a nice selection of trout patterns.  Most currently posting Vimeo, he is working on getting them all over to Youtube also. Check them out.

More importantly, if you are a fan of fishing the caddis. You should tie or buy some of Greg famous

Mothers Day Caddis. A proven producer on the rivers of Colorado and Montana that I have fished. A nice relatively easy tie with minimal materials.

If you are getting ready for your annual trip to the Arkansas River, to fish the tax day or Mother's Day hatch, get on this pattern.

Solo

Sometimes a day on the river alone is what you need, three rods , a wide open river and nothing but fish to find.  Oh, the good day, once in a while Ms. Floatfisher like to leave the baggage behind,

Can you blame her.

Friday Video

Peacock and Partridge from Tightline Productions on Vimeo.

Funday Friday and Super Saturday

Way late on the post as another weekend is almost upon us, but Ms. Floatfisher and I had the opportunity to spend an extended weekend on the ditch, and what a treat. I invited a great friend up to fish on Friday. A fish monger of sorts, Dr. Kaes. The Day was stellar, company ,even better , but the fishing cooperated to the fullest. Nymph's including the infamous Black Ice, Caddis and a stellar BWO pattern railed some nice fish. I appreciate spending a great day on the river rowing a very good friend. Thanks Jeff.

Sometimes a good luck "fireball" shot brings all the luck, it did. Make sure u pack the 

handy boat size bottle, anything small, just runs out. Just sayin'

Some of the Saturday patterns that brought the fish to feed. 

Splendid Streamer Morning

Love the time of year, as the water warms and the fish start to chase our long

Articulated fur and feather friends. Although I would not quite call it the optimal conditions

they where still chasing and swiping in the right water and conditions. Need a little warmer water, and more cloud cover.

 Baby Gonga and Dirty Hippy took some of these little fella's. 

 Finally got too break in the new 7wt. glass rod. Throws the fur and feathers like a champ. 
We will see what this week brings.

Joe's North 40 Skwala

From the fine folks at Big R / North 40 Flyshop in Greatfalls, comes another quality

fly tying video short. I always enjoy quality, easy but effective fly patterns. I too enjoy some

music dropped in to accompany the tying, instead of someone talking through-out the whole thing.

Enjoy…

Random Act's of Floatfisher

Was thinking of thinking of something different to post and was pursuing the many archived photo's I have, and thought of just a simple post containing random photo shot from across the west.

Always find the double salmon hooks fascinating, so I though I would hunt them down and tie some various patterns from other countries. Just love the stylish look.

Copper Johns and such..........

Photo shot out on the tracks. Ms. Floatfisher shooting Mr. Floatfisher.

George Anderson's Yellowstone Angler, nice shop in Livington, but more importantly, on of my luckiest fishing visors. Only worn on big fish days.

 Cabin on the Beaverhead

 Log Cabin

Solo Floats, some of the best and most relaxing.