HOLY GRAIL

Pats', the "pickle", Jimmy Legs, the "Turd", what ever you choose to call it, it simply slays fish. I call it the Holy Grail. With all the crazy, wild ass 32 step patterns out there, this one is still the "go to" pattern in most tried and true fly fisherman's box and guide box. They are easy to tie, you can buy the materials  for next to nothing, and you don't cry when you loose one or your rig.

This time of year, all the way through early summer, it works. Simply drop your favorite dropper off the bend, either a midge, two bit hooker, or a smaller stone. A little later, small caddis pattern or attractor nymph. You should do well. 

Pat's Rubber Leg

Hook: TMC 5262, Sz: 4-8

Thread: 6/0 Camel or Black

Lead: .025

Tail: Super Floss to Match Body

Legs: Super Floss to Match Body

Antennae: Super Floss to Match Body

Body: Chenille - Brown, Black, Orange/ Brown, Rust Olive, Coffee/ Black

Hats

Hat On

A distinguishing trait amongst all fly fisherman. It seems no matter where you travel, every fisherman must identify themselves by wearing some type of fishing hat or clothing. It got me thinking of all the crazy hats sitting on the hooks and shelves of the house and what the mean or have meant over the time.

Some symbolize a trips taken, some symbolize your dedication to a brand or product line, some support a charity or cause, some are just plain cool. Many gain character over the time with sweat stains, flies. They become your good luck charm on trips. Some are driving caps on trips, some are "dress" hats for evening dinners on the river. What ever the reason, they are your hats and they are your favorites.

Looking up the definition of character, I thought it fit perfect, why we pick and choose the headwear we do.

Character

/ˈkærktə

Noun

1. The combination of traits and qualities distinguishing the individual nature of a person or thing
2. One such distinguishing quality

Stonefly Inn- Very Lucky fishing hat

SCOF - Good Luck Cap

Duffy Waldorf Edition- Cutthroat Anglers

Charlies Flybox 10th Anniversary

Pimpin' It- so soft and comfy.

Lucky 406/ PBR Cap

Rocky Mountain Bonefish Tournament

Clarksfork River Watershed Entomology Fundraiser

Old School Simms

Yellowstone Angler

Open For Season

Oh, it feels good, although winter will still have something in store for us, we official opened up 

our tiny little Fish Camp for the 2015 Season yesterday. Initial supplies are purchased, camp cleaned, early season water hauled in, we are set. OH the most import things, boat, Ready, flies, tied , sorted and organized, new gear purchased to start the season. Few new pieces of camera gear. Bring on the fish and the rivers. 

Starting yesterday, we will see if we can best last years record by visiting 8 new river drainages, and catching new species of fish. In addition, we will see if we can best our 79 days of fishing from last year. Although many, many  folks far surpass this mark, I find it a pretty good benchmark to average for 5 years running. 

Second choice next week: Colorado River or Arkansas?

Feels like jeopardy!!! Stay tuned to find out. 

Changing of the Gravel Guard

After 12 years I am taking a walk on the wild side by leaving Simms and moving my wading boots choice to Patagonia. After looking around and searching, trying on several different styles and brand

I really liked the cut and styling of the Patagonia Lightweight "Sticky" Wading Boots.

Here is the press release from Patagonia:

Boats and trucks can only take you so far; you have to make it the rest of the way to fish on your 
own two feet. When the trail gets long, your Ultralight Wading Boots keep a spring in your step all the
way there and back. The lightweight , quick-drying synthetic leather upper is flexible yet tough enough
to handle years of hard use. Extremely durable Veregy mesh with bionic yarns drains the footbed while keeping the sand and silt out, making the Ultralight an ideal fishing boot. The internal support and reinforced  toe box protect feet from deep-water pressure and rocky river bottoms. Long wearing Rock Grip sticky rubber soles hold fin straps, accept studs, and can be re-soled for extended life.


Hopefully they live up to the billing of that some many have given them. Look forward to giving them a try .

All in need to do now to get some spikes drilled into them next. I really have gotten spoiled using them

as of late. Sure is nice getting a few pieces of gear.