Gator Bait

It is always fun to fish with the thrill of gators and snakes as you reach down 

for your fish. It just adds that extra element of surprise.

Thursday Throwback

Floatfisher glad-handing some beautiful OP Steel from a few years

ago. Always nice to come across a photo you forget about. Oh,

how beautiful these fish are. 

Outdoor Photography and video with John Hefner

A little joint project with Joe Cummings and John Hefner, capturing some great moments

on the river via video and stills, As the the rivers in the west start to get the crusty river ice, 

this just makes you year to be out there floating and catching one or two.

A Sunday Tail for U

Each tail has its own unique markings, making these fish so fascinating and exciting to catch.

Sometimes one spot, often times multi, every time beautiful!

5 Spots and Cuban

You often read about great fishing trips, you hear the old saying , you should have been hear last week or yesterday. But when your guide says , you the next couple days could be epic, as the wind will lay down and there will be no clouds, and he is giddy! Well it made it hard to sleep each night,

as we would be in for good fishing.

Little did we know good would under estimate our fly "inhaling" Louisiana friends. From the get go

we would see the "bull" reds everyone in the magazines speak of , little did we know , we would catch them, well, quite often. We had a few smaller ones like the 18# one I'm holding, along with a 

few normal 4-8 pound units, but the vast majority of the bulls ended up being 22-28 #'s.

Mary and I would be in heaven. The Hatch #7 soon seized up and would have to be set aside , brought out the 10 weight and the #9 hatch to latch down and be able to turn these fish.

Enjoying a Bolivar Cuban only made it better. 

Cause it's What you Do When you Do It

It's what you do to get you amped prior to buzzing around the marsh in Louisiana.

Just a little stop off for a cigar, a little jazz and some Nawlin's eats, then it game time.

Cause it what you do when you do it...

A Trip into the Wild

What it is all about. Peace and solitude on the river, shared with friends, just does not get

any better than this. The team at Asheville Fly Fishing Co. hit out of the park with little 

short they did. Pop a Top, or a bailey]s and coffee and enjoy a little river fishing,

floating and camping.

Not Too Late

It's not to late to get the boats out and float the ditch, there are still lots of hungry fish

filling the riffles and run, looking up and eating midges and baetis as the water warms, and 

filling their bellies with larger meals, as they chase streamers and devour them. 

Had the opportunity to spend the day with Joe Morcomber of Colorado Angling Company,

as he would show me a new stretch of water, that would yield some nice fish. All in stunning fall

spawning colors and some beefy Colorado River rainbows.

This is always a great time of the year, as the trucks roaming the hills are filled with 4 wheelers and

and orange vest, most want nothing to do with boats and river. This leaves the boat launches empty and fish eager to eat.

Joe was kind enough to share some of his home water along with discussing future trips to other

enticing waters we will fish next year.  Hope to get another trip out next week, poke some more size 4 hooks through lips, till then. get outside.......

Fly Tying - the Bianco Marrone Nymph

 A simple and elegant tie from Dressing Italiano. Take a peak and twist up few.

Russian Far East Flyfishing

 Tight Loop Media recently traveled to Russia to fish, it appears for very nice rainbow, 

with mice patterns. Some of the drone footage is badass as you see the true ambush

of these savage rainbows just crushing these mice. Pour a cup of java and watch this 

fun little short. I know the fisherman certainly had fun.

Wooden Boat

Always kind of neat to float and fish out of a handmade wooden drift boat, especially on one of the large western rivers such as the Yellowstone , Southfork of the Snake or other beautiful river of the west. They seem to glide like a large old Cadillac down the freeway. The sun glistens off the many coats of lacquer meant to keep the beautiful wood sealed and tight. 

One thing is for sure, you will probably be the only one on the water when floating in one of these wooden dreams. Get out and experience. 

Finally on the Board

A bit of a tough sled on the flats for two days, as the rain is socked in pretty solidly . In between the showers it is a race to find the fish. None the less, both playa's on the board with fish, one of female persuasion seems to have a perfect trout set going, which doesn't work so well for the salt water game.

I love her anyway and she is so close to her "slam" which I am not.

Old Friend

Well hello old friend, I am ready to get reacquainted with you again this week.

Make sure Peter permit and Timmy tarpon come with you.

The Crash

Looks like another trip to add to list of "bucket list" trips. I have received emails
from Black Earth Angling, but never realized the waters they have at their disposal.
Smallmouth certainly look like a kick in shorts.

RIP

Today the light shines brightly as we lay to rest a husband, father, grandfather 

and great friend to many. Kurt von Tillow leaves us a hero shielding his family and friends from

Las Vegas violence that took so many. Lay watch and guard the rest of us.

RIP Kurt von Tillow

Exploring

I always feel fortunate that Mary and I get a chance to travel around and fish new 

and different water, I feel it keep things fresh and fun. I also find it rewarding to take 

friends with us to show them different spots we enjoy, the smiles, wonderment and awe

they usually have wondering WHY they have not fished this water or float this water 

before often amazes them.

Often times we all get stuck in our ruts, we only fish the same ole water, same ole river, because it

it ease, because we catch fish. Well step out of your comfort zone and try something different,

just maybe you will find something you like.

Get outside.... Explore....

Cycled out on the Big C

Fall is one special time to be on the river, although it was off color, and the sun was straight up beautiful. It made for a stunning day of highlighting the beautiful golden and red hues of the aspens and cottonwoods on the lower Colorado River.  the shadows of the trees and colors cast on river were 

short of stunning, noting we did not see another boat or fisherman on or float. 

Sunny conditions made it tough for the streamer pull, but did manage to land the cycle of brown, rainbow and cut bow, and all fish attached the Skiddish Smolt pattern. Also lobbed a pat's rubber and a frenchie through some solid runs with real nice results.

Overall great day ....

October Butter

We figured we had better usher in October in the right fashion, as the forecast would call for rain

and overcast weather. This is a recipe for terrific streamer fishing , or at least what I normally

hope. Of course, with that come the chance of cold miserable weather and no fish. Oh, as fisherman

we all are gamblers, and roll the dice. 

Feeling lucky we would choose a stretch of river we really like as it is void of boats and fisherman

most of the time. It would this Saturday, but the forecast would also call for 80% of rain,

that it did , but this overcast weather would not translate into fish , at all, between two boat. 

However, Sunday would be a different story, as the front coming through would stabilize the fish, and put them on a serious streamer chase and bite. The boulder lined banks would provide us with 

buttery browns eager charge and devour our slow, retrieved flies. Many tugs, missed fish and huge 

smiles were had throughout the day.

The Skiddish Smolt patter would prove deadly to the browns as either had not seen it very

much, or were just plain hungry. They seem to like all three varieties, olive, brown or pearl version.

Fanatic Pin Wheel

" Finatic Pin Wheel "

Changing Seasons

A year old, but none the less a solid short produced by One Reel Media House. 

As our seasons are in full swing change, this beautifully shot short shows why 

everyone needs to get out and enjoy the last month or two of what is arguably the best

and most beautiful time of the year. Nice accompanying sound track, sit back and enjoy

a little slice of Wyoming heaven.

Nick Kontostavlakis Portfolio

Stunning photo's from Nick Kontostavlakis. Widen the screen and take as 

short journey as Nick shares some of this favorite frames with us.

I think you will like them enough to even check out some of his time-lapse 

videos in addition.

River Watcher

" River Watcher "

Eric watches over the run looking for feeding fish and heads 

that might be poking up. Fall is now the time baetis and streamers.

I am fine with both.

X CADDIS

From the world famous video library of Charlie Craven comes the tying tutorials of 

some of the favorite flies along with his trademark fly patterns. Today he ties a staple pattern

made famous by West Yellowstone guide and fly shop owner, Craig Matthews. 

This fly just plain catches fish. Charlie just shows you to elegantly tie it.

Watch it, tie it , fish it.......

Juices World

Straight from East Rosebud Flyshop comes Juices World. On todays episode,

Pierce Oja will captivate us with the "no name bugger". A pretty simple, but sure to be effective 

fish slayer. I will be tying a few of these for my boxes and some for Chile. Looks like

killer streamer pattern.

Keys- Reloaded

I still want one of these neat toy's every time I see a new video or ad for them.

If only I live somewhere near the flats or the skinny water. It would be in the garage.

The Serious Side of Floatfisher or NOT

Sometimes it gets very serious on the river, especially when the fishing is either 

very good or very slow. The decisions can be critical, fly choices, sides of the river, 

beer or no beer, cigar, or the plethora of other serious choices. Most of the time, it is 

looking around, finally missing the fish while not paying attention.  Just my luck. Well better to be

on the river that at work.

Guide Dog - Maxx

Every so often you meet a super special Guide Dog, Boat Dog , whatever your lingo for them

is that takes your mind off the fishing, and just makes you want to pet and love them to death, and 

I am just not that type of pet person. Maxx was the mellow, great companion dog to our guide, who 

who would spend the summer away from the family guiding continuing to earn until his teaching job resumes this month. 

Here's to Maxx and the rest of the great guide dogs on the rivers.

Throw Back Thursdays

throw

throwing it back a few years, when the bride and I were treated to a steak lunch and a couple bottles of wine with our great friends Mark and Sharon Lance.  Good Time, Good time.

Fresh Filet of Fish

A fresh bucket of filet's ready for packaging and bring home. Another successful week in Alaska,

wining and dining customers, and having a little fun while we were at it. 

Kenai Cruizin'

Just returning from a company sponsored trip to entertain vendors and customers for a week of

fishing and shenanigan's in Soldotna, on the Kenai River in Alaska. One time of year the fly rod is set aside for a little fun in the ocean chasing halibut, silvers and host of other fish or ripping up and down the Kenai River to catch a few silvers just entering the river, the sockeye's that have been around awhile, and some kings that may hit from time to time. Of course some stunning huge rainbows and dollies were caught.but getting out the camera meant setting down the beer or mixed cocktail. Yea , it was that kind of trip. 

Salmonfly by Alpaca Rafts

Still trying to catch up on things after being off the grid for the past week or so. Nice little

summer break to fish Alaska then head back right away to fish our local waters.

While on the plane home, I came across this neat little short on fishing the Gunny Gorge

during the annual migration of the salmon fly hatch. Hard to gauge , but a very special place

to be if you hit the hatch spot on. This time the crew from Alpaca Rafts use there small 

inflatable to navigate the canyon and rapids, while wrangling the browns and rainbows.

Sit back and enjoy..

Listen to the River

With a real short window of opportunity, the South Fork of the Flathead River in the 

Bob Marschall Wilderness area, is a trip everyone should make. While it is still on our bucket list

every video short like this, makes me yearn to get there even quicker. 

The love of cutthroats, the stunning crystal clear water and the un-parrallel views, along

with the terrifying thought of grizzlies. That's what a trip like this is all about.

Enjoy, Listen to the River, a real nice short by Colin Arisen. 

Old School Game and Fish

1934 International Flat Bed, used by the State of Colorado, for the Game and Fish 

stocking program in the San Luis Valley in southwestern Colorado. The truck would make it's

typical run with 750-1000 catchable trout.

The Deepest Valley

 A neat short by Zang Films chronicling the Owen River Valley. A very interesting 

and diverse riverside. A nice 2:17 watch. Check it out.

Eager Little Warrior

Always the sign of a healthy river, are nice small fish like this eager little brown ready to devour  your fly. Never get tired of seeing this.

Reflecting Back

Came across this shot of the old "Floatfisher" vessel on a splendid day on the Missouri River.

Almost looks like painting , more than a photo. Good times are always had on the river.

the Chosen One

Chosen One
Even on a rare day off, guide Larry Friedrich's fly selection does not get any easier.
Selecting the right fly for his wife Darlene takes great care, as "happy wife, Happy life".
Fish have been looking up, foam will be on the meal ticket, maybe his patented nymph pattern to follow? You just never know what the chosen one will be. One thing we do know,
fish will be caught.

Alway Be Prepared

Photo courtesy Whitewaterphoto.Com

Sometimes anglers like to run stretches of river that offer new and exciting challenges, while other times, weather, high or low water , or even muddy condition down river can create condition that force you into areas you routinely do not fish. I came across this photo last week, that illustrates situations that Mary and I often put ourselves in and don't think anything of it. 

As always we are prepared with all the necessary safety items, throw ropes, PFD's , first aid kits, etc.

but you can see, jut how fast this happens, you rarely have time for any of that, except to make sure your PFD is on secure and tight , as this young lady is going for a swim.

Often times because we never think we never think this will "happen to us"

times in the boat are haphazardly strapped in or sitting loosely in the drop bag, In that case,

river booty will be had for some luck sole down stream. Not sure if the boat flip completely over,

as the guide and rear angler are trying to "high side and save the situation. but in any case, you can see the angler tackle is probably lost, or at least broken in this case.

The key part and most important in to get to safety , the boat and fishing gear can be replaced.

your life can't. Treat the water and rivers with respect.

(in this case you have a high skilled water water and fishing boatsman , who hit the wrong path

causing an abrupt end to the day. Thankfully every one was OK, other than a little pride and bumps and bangs in the swim.

Summer Eats

It is just the best time to be out fishing your favorite lake, river or stream. It seems all the fish are up, active and eating. With all the great winter water, we have lots of rivers and streams teaming with

cool, clean and clear water. The fish seem to be chowing do too. It is so nice to fish big hair or foam flies, having the fish come up and pound them. Early mornings or late evenings, the fish are willing.

Get out and catch a couple of them. 

Three Hour Tour

The summer monsoon's had showed up for several days and destroyed the river, 

so we figured the next best thing was to just go float and enjoy a little dirty high water.

What seemed like a nice day at the put in, suddenly turned into the ride to remember.

A few lines from Gilligan's Island were hummed as the weather started getting rough,

the lighting was flashing, hail was pounding. 

It has been while since I have had a surprise like this on the river. 

More Practice

Now that run off has subsided and the water is clear again, it is time to breakout the underwater housing and work on 50/50 shots and underwater shots. Need to keep honing these down.

Certainly takes a lot of patience to learn and use.

Rover by Bote'

 With the summer Outdoor Shows and the ITFD show, there will plenty of new

products coming out to entice us. The Rover by Bote' is a pretty ingenious way

to incorporate the SUP/ skiff for one person. 
Check out this cool little video they out on it. You will want one. 

Guide's Dog

Queso, aka " Fishspotter " taking a little rest prior to another day on the river with dad.

Queso is happiest chasing cattle or spotting fish. Always wearing her PFD and ridding side-saddle

in the raft.

Crazy Catch

Sometimes an ordinary catch turns into to something neat.

Earlier this weekend while throwing stimulators along the bank an average but nice 17" brown

inhaled the #14 olive Stimi, while taking out the fly he spit up this small sucker he had obviously eaten earlier in the day or days. I had not had that happen. Pretty cool.......

Summertime

Breaktime for lunch and a beer, hanging the hat up to enjoy the beautiful summertime flowers.

Grandiose Weekend

It seems we have been blessed to hit certain rivers and hatches spot on in the last couple of years. This year no different, with the water on the dropping and clearing daily, the bugs were insane.

Quite virtually having our choice of bugs to throw, you just had to choose, still quite a few salmon flies fluttering, golden stones as thick as can be and coving the sides of the boat, grey drake clouds up and down the river and numerous species of caddis fluttering amongst all.

We decided to stick with a single golden stone dry as this would provide us plenty of rises and fish.

Working the opposite side of the river from most of the right handed casters would yield water that had not seen very may flies since high water .

All the browns and a few bow's were healthy and eager eaters. Will be back for more punishment

over the extended holiday weekend.

Ready or Not

We found a river that is on the downside of runoff and fishing good. Of course we missed the annual march of the salmon flies, but will still hit the grey drakes, green drakes, golden stones, caddis and other bugs that get in the cross-hairs during the weekend. I am sure ready too ben the rod over and and see some fish to the net. 

See you all on the flip side of the weekend.

Cardiac Salmonfly

 I think everyone sports a little wood at the thought of fishing or hitting the salmon fly hatch

on any western freestone river. If you don't that side of your brain is dead. The thought of fish 

completely gorging themselves on these large bugs is mind boggling. Often times they cannot stop,

until they are stuffed and other bugs are literally being coming back out. 

I falls on and below the Henry's Fork is an amazing setting to launch a raft and fish the 

edges and rockfalls. Fish ooze from every crevice. 

Well watch for yourself, as the team from KBL Studios put together some nice footage.

I"ll be Back

No Tarpon, No Permit on this go around, but I will return for vengeance.

The casting will be far better and pin-point, fish will be caught.

For now I will just have to toast the fish gods. You win..

Sunday in the Park with Larry

Lady Floatfisher and I had the great forture of spending the day on Spinney Reservoir with our great friend and guide Larry Freidrich's. If you have or have not had the opportunity to fish with this master, either rowing the rapids of the Arkansas River throwing caddis and golden stones, or damsels and callibaetis on Spinney on the nice Lund you are miss something special. The man is dialed.

 My typical night before includes the normal restless, tossing and turning, knowing fishing is on the horizon. Since it has only been two weeks, I wasn't jonesing to bad. Normal one can "bet" the wind will blow in South Park, but not today, Sunshine and warm weather would be our best friends .

Ms. Floatfisher and Master Larry speaking "rainbow" in hopes of the next giant take, well lots of stories and laughs were had, always a gauge to a good day fishing.

 In typical fashion, Mary would be the star all day with her rod bent over and catching the fish, while I could only document the event and take a few photo's. Warm up for Mary included a few browns , in a typical rainbow fishery.

My view most of the day of Mary's rod bent over, and Larry netting fish. Thanks for a great day on the water, learning a new technique, and spending time catching up with my best bud Larry.

Thanks Larry....

Peak Season - Bloodknots

It's been kinda of a long stretch in between quality video shorts as of late, however,

Bloodknots Productions, always put out a quality show. A good flick to sit back and have your

coffee and Bailey's and watch that water fly down the river.



"Either Way" Chris Stapleton

Just because it is simply a flawless performance of a new song 

from his newest album. Worth a listen, and if you get a chance to see him, do....

Just Dreaming' Today

Wishing I was in the warm tropic casting a long line for a bonefish today.

Sure would like a little sand in the toes.

Memorial Day Weekend Glee

Memorial Day weekend is usually the time we spend honoring the men and women who have served our great country, won and kept our freedoms. Many great men and women have lost their lives fighting for this freedom and we salute them. Many you you like me, have fathers and relatives who 

are Veteran's who fought and we salute them and love them.

 Usually by now the rivers and stream are getting their yearly flush and cleaning at high flows, after having been in Montand for a few months one becomes spoiled, fishing on a tailwater day after day, and not having to worry about dirty or rising water conditions to thwart the fishing. Anyways, I expected to have the river running high and muddy, and now opportunity to fish. 5 days of relatively steady flows had the river looking in get shape on the edges with great visibility.

Although sunny, I could not resist rigging a streamer rod to throw something larger to see what what would chase. Most of the chases were on the white skittish smelt, along the rockier areas.

Figuring the warm weather might have something looking up, I  tried a variety of larger attractors,

but no takers. Guess they too a a picnic on the mind.

Good Times

Filtering through hundreds of photos, I came across why the Middle Fork of the Salmon is such a stunning river. The unbelievably clear water that flows the length of the river is mind-blowing. What seem inches deep is 4ft deep, the river is packed with 6-9" beautifully marked cutthroat trout will to eat any well presented dry fly. The camping, with or without a hot springs is other worldly.

]

Prime-rib cooked riverside s one of the specialties, followed by scotch by the fire and watching the stars is just the great topping to the day.

Solitude

Solitude - where does your fishing take you today, do you have the stretch of river to yourself, the section of lake, the stretch of river. Well get out there before the on slot of the weekend crowd .

Cabin Bugs- by Daily Rise Productions

Getting pretty close to salmon fly time, always like the the big bugs, fishing them, and seeing the 

the fish gorge on them. Pour a cup of java and enjoy this fun little video short from Daily Rise Productions.

Stunning

Kicking it around with fellow fisherman and photographers, it is always great to see amazing work by a good friend. Gerry, who has an amazing eye for capturing amazing wildlife and rapture shots, delivers again. Capturing this osprey during the hunt for a Lamar River cutthroat before heading back to the nest to feed the little ones.

Photo's courtesy of Dr. Gerry Bauer

I Call Tails

I call tails, that means you row for three more fish, that's the rules of the game this morning.

Luckily, because we just started, I really didn't want to switch out already.

A Little Bit of High Dirty Water................... Then

As the the major river systems get busy with snow runoff, we have to endure a little time away or 

visit other waters in search of our finned friends. But once that nasty, chocolate milk water subsides ,

get ready for the the best three weeks of fishing you can have. Fish are pinned to the banks, eating streamers, nymphs and big ass foam flies like crazy. 

Until then, get out and visit the small creeks, still waters and tailgaters. 

stunning rainbow

Not many to the net today, but the one of the few that was lined

had some of the most beautiful colors and spot formations one one could

imagine. Notice the pink tinge around the mouth, stunning.

This is why we fish.