Reflecting Back

Came across this shot of the old "Floatfisher" vessel on a splendid day on the Missouri River.

Almost looks like painting , more than a photo. Good times are always had on the river.

the Chosen One

Chosen One
Even on a rare day off, guide Larry Friedrich's fly selection does not get any easier.
Selecting the right fly for his wife Darlene takes great care, as "happy wife, Happy life".
Fish have been looking up, foam will be on the meal ticket, maybe his patented nymph pattern to follow? You just never know what the chosen one will be. One thing we do know,
fish will be caught.

Alway Be Prepared

Photo courtesy Whitewaterphoto.Com

Sometimes anglers like to run stretches of river that offer new and exciting challenges, while other times, weather, high or low water , or even muddy condition down river can create condition that force you into areas you routinely do not fish. I came across this photo last week, that illustrates situations that Mary and I often put ourselves in and don't think anything of it. 

As always we are prepared with all the necessary safety items, throw ropes, PFD's , first aid kits, etc.

but you can see, jut how fast this happens, you rarely have time for any of that, except to make sure your PFD is on secure and tight , as this young lady is going for a swim.

Often times because we never think we never think this will "happen to us"

times in the boat are haphazardly strapped in or sitting loosely in the drop bag, In that case,

river booty will be had for some luck sole down stream. Not sure if the boat flip completely over,

as the guide and rear angler are trying to "high side and save the situation. but in any case, you can see the angler tackle is probably lost, or at least broken in this case.

The key part and most important in to get to safety , the boat and fishing gear can be replaced.

your life can't. Treat the water and rivers with respect.

(in this case you have a high skilled water water and fishing boatsman , who hit the wrong path

causing an abrupt end to the day. Thankfully every one was OK, other than a little pride and bumps and bangs in the swim.

Summer Eats

It is just the best time to be out fishing your favorite lake, river or stream. It seems all the fish are up, active and eating. With all the great winter water, we have lots of rivers and streams teaming with

cool, clean and clear water. The fish seem to be chowing do too. It is so nice to fish big hair or foam flies, having the fish come up and pound them. Early mornings or late evenings, the fish are willing.

Get out and catch a couple of them. 

Three Hour Tour

The summer monsoon's had showed up for several days and destroyed the river, 

so we figured the next best thing was to just go float and enjoy a little dirty high water.

What seemed like a nice day at the put in, suddenly turned into the ride to remember.

A few lines from Gilligan's Island were hummed as the weather started getting rough,

the lighting was flashing, hail was pounding. 

It has been while since I have had a surprise like this on the river. 

More Practice

Now that run off has subsided and the water is clear again, it is time to breakout the underwater housing and work on 50/50 shots and underwater shots. Need to keep honing these down.

Certainly takes a lot of patience to learn and use.

Rover by Bote'

 With the summer Outdoor Shows and the ITFD show, there will plenty of new

products coming out to entice us. The Rover by Bote' is a pretty ingenious way

to incorporate the SUP/ skiff for one person. 
Check out this cool little video they out on it. You will want one. 

Guide's Dog

Queso, aka " Fishspotter " taking a little rest prior to another day on the river with dad.

Queso is happiest chasing cattle or spotting fish. Always wearing her PFD and ridding side-saddle

in the raft.

Crazy Catch

Sometimes an ordinary catch turns into to something neat.

Earlier this weekend while throwing stimulators along the bank an average but nice 17" brown

inhaled the #14 olive Stimi, while taking out the fly he spit up this small sucker he had obviously eaten earlier in the day or days. I had not had that happen. Pretty cool.......