It's Almost Time

 Ms. Floatfisher always starts to get a grin on her face when it is time to hit the river, especially

in the chase for more of the chrome delights. We had to stay home to prep for the next adventure to Oregon, to dust off and prep the camping gear, re-tools some of the hard tackle and prep some of the needed fly boxes.

The rivers get a little more treacherous chasing steelhead, than most of the rivers of Colorado, Wyoming and Montana that we are used too. Not being the most nimble on the feet in these river,

and extremely spoiled fishing out of the boat, we needed to get a few necessary supplies to lessen the 

chance of a spill in the river. I would probably bet $5 buck, the big guy will take the plunge before the trip is over, for all the stories we have been told.

Wading staff and cleats and spike were purchased for the boots over the weekend, as the last trip, they made all the difference. Only taking them off, because they are not very friendly to our Hyside raft, we took them out at the end of the spring season. I am seriously thinking of getting a second pair of boots just to have them permanently rigged with spikes. 

" Summer Stoned "

"summer stoned " 

" the study of a hall pass " by dustin miller

 Wake up this morning, pour your cup of Joe and some Baileys, sit back and enjoy

this really nice video short put together by Dustin Miller. Sometimes life takes you in a different

direction. Enjoy " the study of a hall pass ".

         

Spontanious

With all the festivities of the large concert happening in Salida this

weekend, we decided we did not need to be in the masses of the people and traffic

and would make a quick trip to the lower Colorado to check it out. 

Our favorite stretch is New Castle to Riffle, as you have the can catch the motherlode

of variety, trout, chub, carp and a very rarely a bass.

We have found we can stay in Silt and get away from the folks, rat race of Glenwood. 

A rare gem that we have found in Silt is the Miners Claim Restaurant. WOW, tremendously

great variety, wonderful service , and great atmosphere for this small, quaint town.

 From the cajun crusted Ahi tuna, Kobe sliders, the Wild Boar Shanks

Japanese Brie, Prince Edward Island Mussels, bone-in Rib-Eye, Drunken Ribs

Burgundy Chicken and Cajun Penne Pasta.

A great way to spend the pre float evening with a patio table, glass of wine,

or a great cocktail as I did.

  We would arrange our favorite float, Dino to Silt, it features all water types, so

rods could be rigged up for streamers, dry and nymph. Skies were beautiful with just a hint of 

smoke from all the western fires burning in Washington and Montana, luckily, most of that was hanging just west toward Frisco and Denver.

 Always nice to tie into a few of the hard fighting rainbows and browns of 

the Colorado River. They were not much for looking up at the dry today, as we

threw the kitchen sink at them, but they were eaten sub-surface. Stones, micro-mays, pat's, tungstones, you know all the regulars were the ticket on this big ole river.

 Next week brings some silver salmon fishing on the Columbia River, always look

forward to this short nice trip, then the count down to summer steel in Oregon, begins. 

" Summer Time Favorite "

" Summer Time Favorite "

by 

kuchynkaPHOTO

Back in the Fold

Back on the Ditch

After three weeks of a Hiatus from rowing and fishing, it is time 

to get out and cast for a few willing participants. It will be nice to re-visit the Raddy, 

as it has been many month of high muddy water.  

Stay tune for a report later this weekend.

" Evil Olive " by Tightlines Productions

Evil Olive from Tightline Productions on Vimeo.

Another nice twist from Tightlines Productions, the Evil Olive is a nice baetis or attractor pattern.

Easily tied and as you can see you could substitute thread colors for a variation.

Twist a couple of these up for your box.

Birthday Week Celebration

What a week of celebrations starting last Friday down in Phoenix.

Ms. Floatfisher, along with Fishspotter and Ms. Fishspotter, got the party

on at hacienda Kuchynka. Frolicking at the pool, cocktails and many old-time friends

were on hand to celebrate the turning of the 1/2 century of Floatfisher.

Along with the celebration was also the queen bee's birthday, Mary. Two celebrations in

one. Thank goodness the month of August is just about over, the travel, anniversary and birthday's have all taken a toll. Ready to get back to the ditch.

Skwala by PMD Productions

S

A busy couple of week away from fishing , surfing the web and came across this nice 

video on famed Skwala fishing in the Missoula area. One hatch we really have not had the 

haven' had the opportunity to get up and fish and take part in. The video is is nicely shot,

and entertaining. Another video to enjoy over coffee and baileys this morning.

Trico Parachute by Tightlines Productions

The trico hatches are well into the summer hatches in many places and might be ending in some.

However, it is not to late to save this video in the archives for this winter when you start tying again

and refill the box. This was an extremely helpful pattern on the Missouri River this past July, as it took many nice fish.

I always thank Matt for the fantastic library of fine fly tying patterns he continues to produce for us all.

" Chevy Grill "

" Chevy Grill " 

by 

kuchynkaPHOTO

The newest to make the debut this weekend, 40" x 28" , print on canvas

turned out very nice. Eye popping colors,  on the classic Chevy pickup truck.

Sunday Funday

 Good things happen on Sunday's . Sunday translates to fun, in town, traveling and on the river.

If you are not out doing it, get out now...

It is Sunday Funday, what are you waiting for , time is a wasting.

Winter, spring, summer or fall fun can be had on Sunday's.

 A perfect wind cast interrupted by my margarita, perfect landing by the grape slushy # 10.

 Floatfisher riding the slippery slope. You always have to have an OH SHIT strap.

 Saska's in San Diego

 A Sunday Funday Brown Fish. 

 A sunflower alway brightens your day, especially on Sunday.

Ditch Dreamin'

 Summer time in the Rocky Mountain west, there is nothing better. The wildflowers are in full bloom,

dandelions and sunflowers are gorgeous, grasses and hayfield are tall and flowing. Small streams are gently flowing through the pastures and meadows. 

And the large rivers are F#$%^$ full of fisherman. 

Summer time means constantly finding a new river to float and fish, beautiful sunsets and 

a gin and tonic on evening float.

Once in a while a few pesky trout get in the way of your fly and we have to

catch them, but that is the hazards.

That first morning glimpse of the river always brings a smile to the face,

then it is game on.

Finding a backchannel with rising fish is always an added bonus.

Ditch Dreamin...... Get yourself some.....

Happy Anniversary

A very special day at the Floatfisher compound, as I get to celebrate my 15th Wedding Anniversary today with my beautiful wife Mary. It is hard to believe when we first met we were just fishing the small streams and float-tubing the lakes of Arizona, three RV's , 5 boats and two states later, we have rowed nearly 18,000 river miles and fished all the great rivers of the country. 

Now as we enter the next 15 years,we set our eyes on conquering many other rivers of the world.

Cheers to all the great times we have had, all the fantastic friends we have met and made along the way, all the great places we have visited. 

And Cheers to all the adventures to come in the next 15 years. 

I Love Sweetheart.

" Rise and Shine " by Ken Haag

              Rise & Shine from Ken Haag on Vimeo.

Tuesday Cinema brings you a little edit by Ken Haag, my relative and fellow photographer. On a recent trip with Floatfisher, he rigged the boat with multiple GoPo's to capture a spectacular morning

on the Arkansas River. Whole lot of catching' going on....

Pour a Baileys and Coffee, enjoy this Ken Haag Production.

Evening Float

An abbreviated weekend of fishing, as it was shortened by work and family, by responsilities. However, we did get some time on the ditch Saturday afternoon and evening. With the water 

still clearing of from a Thursday night thunderstorm, water clarity would be perfect for 

throwing a single dry along the shallow grassy banks, looking for the lone brown on the undercut 

banks.

Once again my go to fly would not disappoint. Jack Dennis's Amy Ant, is the the summer giant.

My favorite is the olive/ chartruese version, as it just seems to have the right fish mojo. With its high floating, rubber leg enticing action it is hard to beat. 

Many fish were brought to the boat in just a short float, with this lethal little fly.