Flies of the Arkansas River- Fly Tying Seminar- Febuary 4th- Charlies Flybox

Come one, Come all- I will be tying Flies of the Arkansas River at Charlies Flybox

this Satuarday, Febuary 4th. Tagged as "Simple but Effective" the seminar will feature

flies that catch fish, but do not take 45 minutes to tie. You can afford to loose a few out of the boat

without loosing your wallet too.

I have not tied at Charlies in several years, look forward to the experience and seeing some old new faces.

Thanks for having me, Charlie! 

Smith River Permits Submitted- 2012

Well application is off for a couple of draw dates, the rosary is out, prayers are being said 

daily and the plastic Jesus is on the dashboard. Can we get drawn for our 8th trip down

the fabulous Smith River.  I sure as hell hope so, sure do like the "old lady". She has 

shown us her best and certain her worst over the years, but you just can't say no!

 With stunning wall like this to look at for 5 days, I can go again.

Smith River Yacht Club

Good luck to all that put in this year, last year over 5000 gave it there all!

Fly of the Day-

Hook: TMC C300 BL, Sz: 14

Bead: Black Tungsten

Thread: Black 8/0

Wire: BR Black/ Chartreuse Mix

Hackle: Black Krystal Hackle

Collar: Caddis Green UV Ice Dub

Flash: Rainbow Krystal Flash

Body Coat: Cure Goo (over wire)

A very simple and effective fly to tie and fish. Fly produces on several rivers in Colorado with

good results. The wire combination is very good in clear and off colored waters.  A nice 8 minute fly.

"Fish, Faces and Places 2011" - Hot off the Press

"Fish, Faces and Places" from Floatfisher Press

Get the first sneak preview of the high anticipated first release from Floatfisher Press of 

Fish, Faces and Places 2011. Clear a space on your coffee table, this will be an instant

classic. 

Photo of the Day: "Done for the Day"

First Fish of the Season and on the new Switch Rod

Finally got out of the house this weekend to fish for the first time of 2012. Due to the 

unusually warm winter in Colorado, the rivers are ice free and fishing reasonably well

in many area's .  After several months of tying flies and being stuck at home, it was really

nice to be out getting fresh air and touching some rainbows and browns.

 Had the opportunity to try the new 6wt. switch rod. It was really nice, as the 2nd cast I 

was rewarded with a fish, as well as 4th cast. Not a bad way to start the new fishing season.

However, I have a lot to learn on the damn switch rod, would do a few good casts and quite a

few shitty ones. But had a great time trying something new.

 Ms. Floatfisher hooked up on her first "switch" rod fish. Took to it like a natural.

Third cast , Fish On!!

Moved down river to another hole and Bang, they keep coming. All in all, a great day!

A lot more practice to do, but that is some fun shit.

Scene's from the Summer

Cabin fever is setting in and thought of getting the boat our sure crosses my mind each and everyday.

Happened to be looking through photos and came across this shot of Floatfisher pulled over 

riverside mixing up a couple of  Moscow Mules, authentic with the copper mugs. 

That's how Floatfisher rolls. In style on the river.

Man, am I ready to get the boat on the water!!! 

Photo of the Day

CDC Wire Caddis- Fly Pattern

Hook: TMC 2487, Size 14

Bead: Black Tungsten

Thread: Black 8/0

Wire: B/R Chartreuse / Black

CDC: Harrops Premium Tan

Head: Olive Brown Ice Dub

Zelon Midge- Fly Pattern

 Zelon Midge

Hook: TMC 2487, Sz. 16-22
Wing: Grey Zelon
Shuck/Tail- Grey Zelon
Abdomen- Olive UTC Thread
Thorax: UV Black Ice Dub

A great winter midge fishing pattern on any river, Craig Matthews famous midge pattern has
many adaptations to it, mine has a little UV Ice Dubbing on the thorax, rather than the
zelon. If you have not tried this pattern, give it a try.

Streamer of the Day-

Scenic Place of the Day- Fernie, BC

Although a tourism video, Fernie, BC is a beautiful backdrop for a fishing vacation.
The scenery, people and fishing are spectacular. The Elk and St. St.Mary's  River provide
excellent watersheds for the fun, exciting and beautiful westslope cutthroat. What a great
place to toss a dry fly. Not to mention, catch a bull trout or two.


Fly Fishing in Fernie, British Columbia from Tourism Fernie on Vimeo.

"72" Colored Virgins

72 new Copper Johns ready for the box and ready to be fished for the coming season. 

A few more fly box bins full and ready to go, on to the next. 

Hmm, what next............................

Picture of the Day-

Switch Rod- Endeavor and TU Fly Box Donation

Floatfisher took a new leap over the weekend by purchasing a new Switch Rod to set up and learn to

cast over the next year. Although I am very late to the game, it seems this is the "new" hot thing to do on

the larger rivers? Tried it once on the Green, although most of the time the line was around my neck,

the time I did get the line out, I was casting damn near all of it. It was cool, and man could you mend with 

that extra two plus feet of rod.  Should be fun, looking forward to getting this set up and taking a few casting lessons.

Can't wait to post the first photo's of fish on the rod! You all will be the first to know.

The winter season is also a time that many hit me up to tie boxes of flies for the many TU and FF chapters around the area, it is my way of giving back a little to the groups to raise much needs monies for stream and other work the fine groups do. I certainly get a lot of satisfaction auctioning of these boxes of flies and

meeting the fine folks who purchase and use them to catch many fish, something there first few?

This box along with some art work will be going to the Colorado State Chapter TU for the

March Auction.

Fly box donation for Colorado State TU gathering in March.

Picture of the Day-

Photo of the Day

Visiting the beautiful rainy city of Seattle, but had a little something to post for the day.

While in Seattle and thing of eating a little fish, try Shiro's Sushi, some of the best in

the west if not the country. Fish is amazing, Shiro and staff are exceptional. A must

see if in Seattle, at 2nd Ave and Battery.

Photo of the Day- "Smith River Camping"

Today marks the opening for applying for Permits on the Smith River, always a beatiful trip and

amazing scenery. Will be be a lucky "draw" this year. With almost 5000 applicants last year, and

only 985 permits, one has to be lucky, BUT wait , there is the Super Smith Lottery. We will win that

special launch date?

If lucky enough, this would be our 8th trip on the river, always special, always fun.

Chartreuse K-Flash Wire Midge- Fly Pattern

Happy New Year to all this beautiful day. Hope all celebrated safe and enjoyed the night with someone special. WE spent the night eating crab legs, scotch and rockin country music, Ethyl. May 2012 prove to be more fruitful fishing and financially for all! Next week also brings the start of the annual flyfishing shows. Although, not much changes from year to year at them, and the refuse to change any of the hourly programs. Oh well, I continue to just make sure there is nothing I don't miss! Once in a while I do find a deal or two.

Anyways, Happy New Year

Chartreuse K-Flash Wire Midge

Hook: TMC 2499, Sz 18-20

Thread: TMC 18/0 Black

Bead: X-Small Diamond Glass

Wire: X-Small Chartreuse wire

Flash: Rainbow Krystal Flash

Thorax: Black Superfine Dubbing