Photo of the Day- "Fish On"

Floatfisher Turns 1 Yr Old W/ focalFISH- Check it out!

Well hard to believe I have been hacking away at this "blogging" thing for over a 

year, as of tomorrow. It has come along way from it humble beginnings and needless to

to say, it has cost a few dollars to up-grade the camera gear to stay up with the Jone's of the 

blogging world. Well enough blabbering, we will have the celebratory RV Cupcake and Scotch 

in true Floatfisher style to celebrate, and save the tipping for this weekend.

To top off my one year anniversary, I was lucky enough to be featured on FOCALFISH with 

a couple of my photo's with a nice write up from Mark and the group. Now my little pea brain

will really swell up.

Check it out and bookmark this site at WWW.FOCALFISH.COM , a site that should be checked out 

every couple of days. They feature some truly great photographers. 

"Chillin" - Parked and off fishing

Sometimes you just have to park and head off and fish,

know what I mean?

Az Prince Nymph- Fly Pattern





X CADDIS- Fly Pattern

X Caddis

Hook: TMC 100BL- Sz 12-18

Thread: 8/0 Olive

Trailing Shuck: Amber Zelon

Abdomen: Olive Brown Dry fly dubbing

Hair: Deer Hair

Some New Toys to Add to the Collection..............................

Always nice to have a new toy to play with during the winter and 
upcoming fishing season. Looking forward to improving the action shots on the water. Look out, you could be the next "subject" of Floatfisher.

Merry Christmas from Robert Earl Keen and Floatfisher

May everyone experience a Very Merry Christmas Day with there loved ones by their sides. 


A Dysfunctional family Christmas video, got to love Robert Earl Keen. Down load some today.

Christmas Eve with Floatfisher-

A neat trailer called Hatch by Gin Clear Media.
This will help put you in the Christmas flyfishing
spirit and get your blood pumping. 


Happy Holidays!


HATCH - Fly Fishing DVD Trailer from Gin Clear Media on Vimeo.

A Bit Bullish Today

Hey, Hey, Hey Fat Albert

Handful of Fat Alberts

Floatfisher's Winter Workshop

This is the creation station for Floatfisher, weeknights and Sunday's are spent creating new and old 

stand-by patterns that spank those fish in the winter, spring summer and fall. Alway fun to watch

a little Sunday football, smoking a cigar , while creating the fishing marvel. What is the next pattern that will slay the fish?

What is the next secret pattern to be one up on the fishing freinds? Got to have something to spend 

our money on. What would we to with other $20,000 in tying materials in cabinets. We need more 

and more.

Finally started to tie a few to stock the boxes so we can get pumped to start fishing again hard in 

February, as the float season will get started in earnest. Can't wait.

Wire Flash Prince-Fly Pattern

Wire Flash Prince

Hook: Tmc 5262, Sz.12-16

Bead: Gold Tungsten

Thread: Black 8/0

Abdomen: Black/ Chartuese wire

Tail: Black Pheasant Tail

Wing: Pearl Mylar

Hackle: Brown Hen

Looking Ahead -

What a terrific year it has been for Floatfisher this year, Being very blessed to have Ms. Floatfisher by

my side we managed to float and fish a unbeliviable 78 days this year. This a quite a feat holding down

two full time jobs, and fishing around the west. This years venture's lead us to an amazing 7 new rivers this

year, including the likes of the Beaverhead, Green, Bighole, Madison and others. In addition we

had the opportunity to visit old haunts like the Missouri and Southfork of the Snake, and of course the Smith River.   It is always a special year to get out and travel, as you get to meet the "locals" from each town and see the great sights. As each great season end, a new one begins with the thoughts and planning 

of just what to do next year?

A new year also starts the permit process for many river systems that require advanced 

permits and applications. Which ones will we apply for this year again, Where will we go. As

always, Floatfisher will be found floating and fishing the not so wild frontier of the west.

"Sipping Dry"- Movie Trailer

New videos shorts will be coming out, and here is a short snip-it from Sharptail Media featuring the fabulous fishing on the Missouri River and our friends at HeadHunters. Looks like a some nice footage.


Sipping Dry trailer from Sharptail Media on Vimeo.

BK's Deep Diver- Fly Pattern

BK's Deep Diver

Hook: TMC 2499, Sz: 16-20

Thread: 10/0 Black

Bead: Black Tungsten

Wire: Red Lagartens Fine

Soft Hackle: Grey/ Dun Hen

I'm Ready for wet wading and dry fly fishing, you?

Dry Fly Fishing on the Southfork

Only a month in to winter and the blues are setting in and I am going nuts. Although I
am having fun tying flies and getting a few photo's I am ready to fish, without waders
and without being all bundled up.  Wet wading is my gig, How bout you? 

Fire Bead Sow Bug- Fly Pattern

Fire Bead Sow Bug

Hook: TMC 2457, Sz: 14-16

Thread: 8/0 Grey

Bead: Orange Fire Bead

Thorax: Rainbow Sow Scud Dubbing

Soft Hackle: Dun/ Grey Hen

Floatfisher's K-Flash Parachute Midge

Floatfishers's K-Flash Parachute Midge


Hook- TMC 2499- Sz. 18
Thread: 10/0 Black
Body: 10/0 Black Thread
Post: Black Krystal Flash
Hackle: Grizzley Saddle

New Fishing Toy

Hatch Monsoon # 5

Well a week of being on the road an waiting on the counter was my early 

Christmas present. Although the older model that Hatch just updated, I am pleased

to add it to my arsenal of reels. I am sure it will reel in many impressive fish this coming

season. As alway's I have to thank Ms. Floatfisher for always encouraging my passion and

supporting my obession with new toys.

Copper Caddis- Fly Pattern

Cooper Caddis

Hook: TMC 100BL, Sz 14-16
Thread: Brown 8/0
Abdomen: Lagartun Flat Copper Mini Braid
Hackle: Brown Saddle
Wing: Elk

Drowned Rusty Spinner- Fly Pattern

Drowned Rusty Spinner

Hook: TMC 2457, Sz: 24-18

Thread: Rusty Brown 8/0

Tail: White Micro Fibbets

Abdomen: Harrops Rusty Spinner Dubbing

Wing: White Antron 

Craven's Deep Poison Tung

Craven Deep Poison Tung

Hook: TMC 2499, Sz. 14-22

Thread: Grey 8/0

Bead: Nickel tungsten (to match)

Abdomen: Grey 8/0 Thread

Rib: Lagaurtens Fine Blue Wire

Thorax: Grey UV Ice Dubbing

San Juan Mountains

Snowy Morning

Beautiful picture this morning of the San Juan Mountains covered in snow. Kind of sums up the week of weather. Bummed as my new
toy from HeadHunters as been delayed in Salt Lake City for a couple of day, and now the delivery will miss me, and will sit in my office for a week while I travel. Damn.... 

BK's Wire Stone- Fly Pattern

BK's Wire Stone

Hook: TMC 2499, Sz. 4-12
Bead: Black Tungsten(match hook)
Thread: Black 6/0
Tail: Brown Goose Biots
Abdomen: Ginger Med. Wire
Flash Back: Black Flashabou
Thorax: Olive Brown Ice Dub
Wing: Ginger Goose Biots
Soft Hackle/ Legs: Brown Hen

Cyber Monday Shopping- Headhunters

Did a little pre-Christmas cyber shopping 

for Floatfisher yesterday at my second favorite flyshop next to Charlies. I tried to restrain from the damn daily e-mails but gave in about 3 pm, the day the sale ended.

You will have to wait for Thursday or Fridays blog to see my successful shopping day.
     Stay tuned ....

Kingery's Black Ice- Fly Pattern

BLACK ICE FLY


Hook: TMC 2457, Sz: 14-18
Bead: Black Tungsten to Match
Thread: Black 8/0
Rib: Small Black Wire
Tail: Black Pheasant Tail
Abdomen: Black Holographic Tinsel
Thorax: Black / Peacock UV Ice Dub
Flash Wing: Black Holographic Tinsel

This is a fantastic early and late season midge and general attractor pattern to fish. Although designed to fish for the Arkansas River, I have fished it very successfully through Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. Just vary the size for the water and fishing conditions and bug you are representing. Can be tied in several combinations of colors. Try this on your favorite river.

Rainbow Warrior- Fly Pattern

This is a go to nymph that should be in everyone's flybox. I have not found a river that is does not work on. Tie it in a variety of sizes. To me the key is the red thread at the head.

Rainbow Warrior

Hook: TMC 2457, Sz: 12-18
Thread: Red 8/0
Bead: Nickel Tungsten
Tail: Pheasant Tail
Abdomen: Med./ Large pearl Mirage Flash
Thorax: Sow Scud Rainbow Dubbing
Wing Case: Pearl Mirage Flash

Trout of 2011- by YGF

Enjoy "Trout of 2011" by Yukon Goes Fishing- A very up and coming videographer. Watch his S#@! it is good and adds some nice sound tracks to them.

trout of 2011 from Yukon Goes Fishing on Vimeo.

Thanksgiving and Downtime for Floatfisher

Floattfisher has had the opportunity to take a little in-planned time off to visit the local hospital and participate in an Angiogram, of the arteries and heart, following some unexplained chest and leg pains. Although not something, I was looking forward too, family history dictated the procedure. Monday came and they went through my wrist for the scope. Although numb and dumb I was somewhat aware of the conversations and various actions that were taking place.

Final result, several small blockages that were discovered, but can be taken care of with medications and diet. Know it is letting the wrist heal and get rid if the pain. Should be back to fishing and rowing in no time. For the immediate time, fly tying and photo's will be in the future.

For now I will continue to float and pester fish.

Red Amy's Ant- Fly Pattern

Red Amy's Ant

Hook: TMC 5262  #8-14
Thread: UTC 140 or 6/0 black to match body
Underbody: 2mm Tan or Red Foam
Overbody: 2mm Brown or Black Foam
Legs: Medium Brown round rubber
Hackle: Grizzly hackle
Body: Red Krystal Chenille
Underwing: Rainbow Krystal Flash
Overwing: Elk Hair
Thorax: Ice Dub to match chenille color

BH Caddis Pupa

Hook: TMC 2499 - Sz 14-16

Bead: Copper Tungsten(to match)

Thread: Chartruse 8/0

Abdomen: Chartruse Wire

Flashback: Black Crystal Flash

Thorax: Olive/Brown UV Ice Dub

Soft Hackle: Brown Hen

Streamer of the Day-

Meat Whistle- Fly Pattern

Hook: 3/0 - 1/0 Gamakatsu Jig Hook

Cone: Copper- Large or med, depending on hook size

Thread: Rusty Brown, 140 Denier Ultra Thread

Ribbing: Copper Brown Ultra Wire

Body: Blue Diamond Braid

Wing: Brown Rabbit Strip

Legs: Blue Barred Sili Legs

Flash: Blue Flashabou

Collar: Brown marabou

Weekend Indulgence- The Finer Things

Weekends are made for relaxing and spending time with loved ones. From time to time it also meant 

enjoy some of lives finer indulgence's. This week may be one, since after the Thanksgiving day feast,

I will have to give these items up. One last weekend

Punch Grand Cru #2- Maduro's

2001 Pinot- Bonaventura Cellars- Oregon

Praise and Honor-

We are now in the post season fishing banquet and program season. Last night was the first of many TU Auctions and Fundraisers Ms. Floatfisher and I attend and donate to. As always I try to donate what we can, and support the local chapters as we can. Last night was no exception.

Traditionally I tie up a very nice selection of nymphs and dry flies, presented in a nice Wheatly fly box. To me, presentation is everything, and I like to have the nicest selection and presentation I can. In addition I ventured out and donated one of my Photo's that was brought to life on canvas. Both presentations were very nice and very were respected . I always get a sense of satisfaction donating items that raise good money for a worth cause.

For my first photo presentation on canvas, I am very proud to say it raise in excess of 160.00, for the 12" x18" - " Rainbow". In addition, my flybox donation raised another $160 for the chapter.

If you have the opportunity, please donate and help your favorite cause. They all need your support in these trying times.

Shout out to my good friends Gerry and Jeff- Thanks for goodies you dropped off to Ms. Floatfisher and I last night. You certainly did not need to do this, but very much appreciated.

Fish on!!

Photo of the Day- "Fish Eye"

Captured this beautiful photo on the Colorado River. The rainbows were beautiful this fall.

Winter Camping and Floating- You a fan?

Nothing is more rewarding than a fall, winter or spring camping and float

trip. The rivers have no people, fishing is tougher, but the whole trip is rewarding

once you have finished and enjoyed. Setting up camp and cooking are not so much fun, but

the scenery and snow are part of the adventure.

Try it sometime.

Winter Float / Camping Trip, Anyone !!

John Bett's Original Design Reel

John Betts "Sea Lion" Design
Wanted to share this rare, three of a kind reel that has been in my collectables since 2006. I was lucky
enough to purchase this exquisite reel at a TU Charity auction.

There were only three of these reels ever made, one kept by John, one previously sold and ME. Each item on the reel has been hand made by Mr. Bett's, down to each precise screw. The "Sea Lion" reel was inspired from a trip to the Oregon coast. The wood, Tiger Striped Myrtle Wood was found and eventually used in the design of the reel.  As you see the wood accurately depicts the sun dried
fur of the sea lion.

This is truly a one of kind reel. Please enjoy the view. 

Arkansas Valley Colors

"Winter Rainbow"-

"Rear View Mirror"

Sometimes your just not in the right spot for the photo, but I thought it was a nice shot anyways.
However, it was even better from the front.

"Stonefly"

CDC Pheasant Tail- Fly Pattern

CDC Pheasant Tail

Hook: TMC 5262- Sz. 14-18
Bead: Copper Tungstun
Thread: Brown 8/0
Tail: Pheasant Tail
Rib: Small Copper Wire
Abdomen: Pheasant Tail
Thorax: Peacock Herl
Flashback: Medium Pearl Opal Flash
Soft Hackle: Lt. Brown CDC

Caddis Pupa- Fly Pattern

Caddis Pupa- Guide Tie

Hook: TMC 2499- Sz- 14-16

Thread: Chartreuse 8/0

Bead: Black Tungstun (match hook)

Tag: Large Opal Pearl Flash

Body: Chartruse 8/0 Thread

Overwrap- Clear Small Tubing

Soft Hackle: Brown Hen 

Antennae: Lemon Wood Duck

Collar: Peacock UV Ice Dub

A simple fast tie for the float fisherman, where time and flies are precious. Rivers that are caddis rich will gobble these up. Materials will not break the bank and losing a few with not either. Great to fish as a tandem dropper rig, or hopper dropper.

Golden Pheasant Tail- Fly Pattern

Golden Pheasant Tail

Hook: TMC 2499- Sz. 14-18

Thread: Brown 8/0

Bead: Black Tungsten (size to match hook)

Tail: Golden Pheasant Tail

Rib: Small UTC Copper Wire

Abdomen: Golden Pheasant Tail

Thorax: UV Peacock Ice Dubbing

Simple pattern to spin up, but highly effective on many Colorado and Montana rivers. Tie sparsely, and the 

materials list is show and concise. 

Sights from todays Drive

The "infamous" Victoria Bar" in Salida

  1

These were the smart herd, right inside the wildlife area. Looking at all the hunters passing by!

Fresh Pepper string eaten by the Deer. They will have a case of Fire Ass.

Rainbow of the Day-

Smallest fish of the day

Fly Fishing Images by Eoin Fairgrieve

Came across this great photo essay from Eion Fairgrieve on
ChiWulff's blogsite. Thought it was so nice I would share with
everyone. Always nice to view new and different sights. Enjoy

Two more rounds in the chamber?

With the forecast calling for 7-10" of snow tonight into tomorrow for the front range area, and another 

storm looking to follow it up on Saturday, we are trying to figure out what to do this weekend. 

Stay home and do chores or fish. I always opt for fishing, but try and choose carefully when deciding to 

tow a trailer in this crap. Do not need to end up in the ditch or jackknife the trailer and boat with 

icy roads. Will wait a day or so and decide, once we see what this storm brings.

Just a pretty snow picture.

Fresh dusting on "Speed Buggy"

Suited and ready to fish, with a smile!

TU Flybox Donation

Finally sat down this weekend and pounded out a few flies for my annual donation to

Denver's Cutthroat Chapter Trout Unlimited. I always try and tie a nice selection of 

flies for our local rivers. Chapter is always very good, and flies go in the "live" auction.

I usually donate several custom boxes to the local and state level TU Chapters to help raise much needed

money for conservation and fight the causes. It is the least I can do. What have you done?