Photo of the Day- " At Rest "

" At Rest " by Brian Kuchynka

Colorado River Jaunt

We are making every weekend count as the season winds down. This weekend took us to a section of 

the Colorado River that we had never floated, from Derby Junction down. Typically a section that gets

far few float fisherman, due to the shuttle issues. 

 As you can see Ma Nature presented us a real nice morning to throw some twisted bugs at these fine fish. Our trip was the last of a cluster of trips purchased earlier in the year from various Trout Unlimited fundraisers, we would be enjoying the company of Jack Bombardier of Confluence Casting today.

 One of the great things about the Colorado River is the ability to float and do overnight camp trips, something we have not done in several years, time to get back into the swing of things. This group that

passed us was a hooting' and a hollering'. Havin' a good ole time. 

 Jack intently looking for more rising fish.

 Ms. Floatfisher alway has smile on her face when catching fish and spending another day

on the ditch.

The fish did not want to be in the net or held today. Reaction was priceless.

Hooked up with another on the Morrish Hopper.

 Caddis were also out in small batches today. 

The Colors of Fall

The fish are taking on there colors of fall, the browns on the Colorado are getting that beautiful 

golden and buttery brown color. It is always a pleasure to see these beautiful fish move when throwing

streamers along the banks and high cliffs and see one of the beauties dart out for a meal.

Just got to love fall.

Mighty Mousing by Fly Out Media

Mighty Mouse - Alaska Mouse Fishing from Fly Out Media on Vimeo.

Came across this fantastic little video short while cruising through the Vimeo

channel for fly fishing. Anytime fly fishing and mousing are mentioned in the same sentence, it raises my dander. The excitement of submarine sized trout aimed at a skated mouse, just makes your heart pitter , well just a little. Make you want to "insert" self here.

Sit back pour a jumbo Baileys and coffee this morning and enjoy some mousing.  Boo Yah…

It's Getting Close

Oh, just a few more days away, from chasing some more of these chrome torpedo's, up and down 

the river. Ms. Floatfisher and I hope to be sharing some exciting photo's of our next escapade

down, yet another new river for the year. Hope to put some of my Dec Hogan skills to use,

without making a fool out of myself, but, I will be out there, so, what the hell.

Bring on the fool. Bring on the steelhead. Let me land one.

Stay Tuned- New Look

Exciting new changes coming to Floatfisher, stay tuned for the new look and feel. Just a glimpse of some of the new things we

are working on here at the big house. 

A Little Weekend Tail

a photo of a little tail I got this weekend over on the Colorado River. boo yah....

The Kanektok River Roles by Zeal Optics

Fish Tales: The Kanektok River Rolls from ZEAL Optics on Vimeo.

In the spirits of floating and fishing, enjoy the video montage the highlights 10 days 

on one of Alaska's most floated rivers. 

Change of Season / Change of Venue

 With the change of season's , it marks the time Ms. Floatfisher and I will move the boat around and

chase some fall rainbows and browns, before cabin fever and serious football season sets in. With the aspens turning, and the full color spectrum going all through the I-70 corridor, it is worth the miserable

drive to see all the aspens, Oh and fish of course. The upper Colorado, lower Colorado, Roaring Fork are all in prime shape and worthy of fishing.

A little river graffiti to brighten up the morning float.

Browns in fall colors and very aggressive.

 Well they called for 20% chance of rain, it turned in to 100% as it rained almost all morning. We were almost prepared , except for the shorts and sandals. Did not plan on the 50 degree temperatures since they were not forecasted. But we survived in fine fashion. That is why you always keep a little Fireball

in the dry box for emergency precautions.

Did I mention the fishing was pretty good. The fish were eating the normal late summer fare, but here a 

a few that worked just a smidge better than others.

 Da bomb on Saturday, some very large browns and bows landed on the brown Olive Micro May.

A solid producer anywhere, especially on this river.

Paul Hartsel Crab Flies - Cont…

Another one of crab flies from Paul's collection. The unique background captures the clear/ fire tipped silli- legged carpet crab. Another proven producer in the area waters of Nicaragua.

Rowin' on the River

As Ms. Floatfisher and I are out checking out some different late summer floating waters , I though I would share a beautiful shot from earlier in August. Great friends Paul and Jim out for an early morning float. This one is a dandy, because you can stop for a little breakfast and quick "bloody mary", and resume your float. Sounds like a pretty good way to put a couple of fish in the boat and enjoy the day. Cheers....................

Picture of the Day - "Large Meal"

Caught riverside, a huge meal for our finned friends.

Fish Mask "Grey Lake" by Confluence Magazine

Fish Mask Grey Lake from confluence magazine on Vimeo.

Wednesdays Fy of the Day- "Grey Lake", definitely a simple little streamer pattern with minimal

materials and utilizing the Fish Mask product. Check out this short little 2:36 video with the instructions. The team over at Confluence Magazine produces some sweet little productive patterns,a nd easy to tie.

Photo of the Day - "Gid Outta Here"

Released for yet another angler to fool.

"Gid Outta Here"

Ditch Piks

After the crazy cold front that whipped through the rockies mid-week last week, and brought our first 

glimpse of snow in some area's , the weather returned, and offered us some stellar late summer fishing. With all the kids back  in school, most of the vacations done till the holidays, the roads are again, a pleasure to be on. 

Ms. Floatfisher and I got out for a early morning float, forgot we can now adjust our alarm clock and 

sleep in a little as there was just a little frost on things. The thermometer in the truck registered 24 degree's. Burr…..

 Waters have finally taken on the gin clear state again, after a miserable summer of rains, muddling up the river. River was in perfect floating level at 598 CFS.

 There where many other anglers out enjoying the day, as the riffles and runs were teaming with

hungry eager fish. Flavor of the day for the nympher's seemed to be a RCJ or ever famous Mercer's Micro Mayfly .

A priceless little campspot , with a rocker riverside. Color me there.

Sunday Morning River View

A sweet fall run on the Arkansas River, I know many fish have been caught from this stretch of 

river, on about every fly pattern imaginable. Don't let fall pass you by without getting out another

dozen times.

Paul Hartsel Crab

Paul Hartsel Shrimp

Paul Hartsel creates some nice flies, he also fishes the during the 

winters in Nicaragua. Had a lot of fun checking out and shooting some of his exotic 

salties. This is a tried and proven, as you can witness a little home town rust on the bend.

cAddUs

One of my favorite abstract views of the beloved caddis fly. 

"cAddUs" by Brian Kuchynka

Tampiquena Steaks with Grilled Avocado

Tampiqueña Steaks With Grilled Avocados from Muy Bueno on Vimeo.

Borrowed from an earlier post of Chi Whulff, this great recipe was just too damn good to pass up and not post and run. The fine folks at Muy Bueno show you how to create an amazing Tamiquena Steak, accompanied with a Grilled Avocado. The video short wants to make you jump through the screen and eat the finished product.

Enjoy, then head out and purchase the ingredients.

Skiddish Smolt Fly- by Fred Tellen/ BIg R Fly Shop

Although we have had lots of wet weather here in Colorado this year, a couple of great overcast, grey cool days will and should bring on some great streamer action. Though it was only proper to throw down a little video from our friends at the Big R Flyshop. 

An extremely productive and easy pattern that should be in every streamer box. As Fred, describes, you can tie several different color . I would do it and stock you boxes with some. This fly will not 

disappoint.

The Other Golden Pond

On our recent trip to Montana we witnessed a beautiful sunset on golden pond, Montana style.

Just on the other side of the pond, the braids of Madison waits for you.

Eric Ishiwata Flies

 It does not matter if you fish single handed fly rods or two-handers, Eric Ishiwata twists up 

some fabulous flies. The Grand Master Flash pictured above fished down and across is deadly, and should be in your arsenal of flies. 

Eric also has many other terrific fish catching flies in his portfolio, only to include the Butt Scudley, Kool Herc, Drunken Hopper, Swinger Cray and several others. Check out this fabulous Colorado fisherman and fly-tyer. 

Alaska Hunting

Outdoor activities run strong in the Floatfisher extended family, my cousin has had a very productive

summer hunting in his home state. Not a common site to most of folks around our neck or the woods,

hopefully.

A Tough Week of Work

It's been a tough week of work this week, as a little team building and meetings took us

to the beautiful sights of Astoria, Oregon. Stunning sights on the banks of the Columbia

River. 

 Bridge that connects Oregon to Washington over the Columbia. This area 

south of the bridge also provided some unbelievable fishing for chinook and coho's.

Along with the many great places to stay, there where also some great micro breweries in

the area, yes, we sampled many great IPA's , during our stay.

The Devils Pride by west texas republic

TheDevilsPride from westexasrepublic on Vimeo.

A pretty cool video from a part of the country I am not very familiar with, but would love to get 

down and sample some time. The water, scenery and fishing look pretty nifty. Love the intimacy of the river at times, and the rapid you get to maneuver. A little longer that the average, maybe a two cups this morning.

Diving CDC Caddis

Diving CDC and Elk

Hook: TMC 2499, Sz: 12-14

Bead: Black Tungsten

Thread: Benecchi 12/0 Green

Abdomen: Tan CDC Feather

Wing: Deer Hair

Thorax: Green/Olive Hares Mix

Have you Ever Heard

Have you ever heard the old "Smith Bell" ring will floating and fishing the river?

It will always mean the onlookers are granting you good luck and hoisting a cold

frosty one to you.

The Old Smith Bell has travelled many miles to make its home on the banks of the Arkansas

River, where is now quite weathered and sun beaten from many years. Much like the editor.

So when floating and you hear the bell, give a hearty solute back.

Happy Labor Day