Daydreaming

This time of year lends its self to letting your mind wonder and think about the fishing trips and destinations you been to in the past year or years, and the ones that consume your time thinking about going to in the future. The mind drifts off thinking of sand in your toes, wading the flats, staring at the tail of bonefish, to the flailing tail of a Redfish as it digs for another crab, or long cast as you get that caddis in the perfect drift lane for that feeding cutthroat. 

Wow, your mind wonders, all the time, were will I go, what will i fish for. 

Daydreaming....

Characters -Ari T Hart

A Reel Master, where modern art meets fly fishing. I feel truly lucky to own several of his creations

that I picked up in his heyday. Works of art, no two are designs are the same. This video short

gets into the mind of the master reel craftsman. Take a gander.

Ramping Up

December brings the start of serious evening and weekend fly tying sessions to start filling the empty holes, new patterns and fill the void of no fishing. Some of this years tasks include reworking the Midge boxes and re-vamping and adding to the ever-growing streamer boxes. 

Turkey, stuffing and red fish, I cannot think of a better way to spend the

holiday than to be cruising the marsh of Louisiana looking for tailing and feeding

red fish and some of the larger bull red fish when the conditions exist. 

Of course , the perfect day is bright sun, no wind, but this trip would give us the opposite 

with wind, lots of clouds and fish that were very hard to find. But that is why you hire a fantastic guide time after time, as they know where to search on those tough and challenging times. Seems the larger bulls did not want to show themselves, but working hard payed its dividends with plenty of smaller 6-14# beauties. I would catch these all day long.

I just love cruising these small canals and ditches of Louisiana, Can't wait till next year.

It's Time

It's been a few weeks away from the water , busy with work and a few other items. But, now it is time to head down and chase some winter bulls. Always a nice time to be in Louisiana, as there are a few less folks and the weather is generally pretty nice, oh , and there are some nice large fish in the area.

Days Waning

The days are waning as the water and weather is cooling fast. Work, football and life are again getting in the way. We have numerous trips coming up that will take away from the rivers but will be exciting. Although challenging, 2018 was another great year, and I am already looking forward to the new year and all the great trips ahead.

Preparing for Battle

A lot of hearty anglers out on the river lately, taking advantage of the nice weather and wonderful fishing conditions. Most throwing streamers and chasing the larger fish. I am not sure I have seen this many folks out throwing streamers and starting as early as Mary and I normally do in quite some time, time they are changing, and the rivers they are getting busier, even in the times when they used to slow down. At least the folks have been very nice and courteous. 

Get outside and fish... Life is short.

More New Toys

Received a couple of UPS boxes on the porch Friday, containing our new casting/ poling platforms for the " Addy ". Looking forward to chasing new species in stillwater's in the spring, summer and fall months to get more use from the skiff. Just one more item to purchase now, a 16-18' ft' Stiffy poling pole then bring on the fish.

the Countach Nymph

What I believe is another gem from the crew at Flyfish Food, the Countach Jig Nymph

should be a killer fly on many of the Colorado rivers, as well as countless others. I will be tying these up, and varying some of the color combinations up but the pattern shown is dope.

Check it out, tye a few...

Back At Ya and Up Stream

Sometimes the planned shot you are planning on does not work out, but this happens.

Back at Ya and Up Stream about says it all.

Salmon Snack

Sometimes you just want to sit and enjoy a little peace and quiet, while and enjoying a 

little salmon snack. 

True Treat...

Had a chance to float a very special piece of water this past week, and wow it was a true treat. The fall colors were absolutely stunning, the riffles and runs were had numerous browns in beautiful fall colors and fat hearty rainbows eager to chase streamers or eat the dry droppers, all you had to do is figure out how you wanted to fish.

The put in and take-out were no picnic too a lot of working taking the frame and raft apart, but well work the inconvenience and work. 

Till the next adventure.....

Fall Cruising

Just a beautiful time to be on the water right now. Water is clear, fall foliage is stunning, streamer fishing is good and most others are focused on chasing the 4 legged friends with muzzleloaders, riffles or other means. Like all our western rivers, they are lower than normal, and you have to search for the floatable ones, but they are out there. Get out there, just a couple months left.

Under the Big Sky - Cajune Boatbuilding

Check out this short seven and half minute video on some of the most beautiful handcrafted

drift boats made. With only 3-4 made per year and a waiting list just to purchase these pieces of art.

I believe they start at around $20k and go up form there, I would love to have one for the big ole rivers. They just remind me of the big old "finned" classics of the 50's and 60's.

What a way to row in style.

Check it out.

Smoke on the Water

A cool short by 10 Barrel Brewing and Fish the Swing. If you have never had the opportunity 

to take the jet boat trip up the Deschutes Rivers and swing a few flies for som summer run steelies you do not know what you are missing. Especially with Jeff Hickman and his team. The trip is first class all the way! The camps are some of the nicest along the river as he has the choice spots dialed in, as well as the river and runs absolutely dialed. I would highly recommend a trip up the river with Jeff and his crew, not much time left this year, but he guides elsewhere as well as his stunning lodge in BC.

Taken A Breather

First visit to the west slope after a very warm summer, to see how the

water has cooled down, cruise the Adipose, throw some streamers and check 

out the river flows.

Tested out some new ties on the Complex Twist Buggers, more Hickman's Skiddish Smolts and a variety of other olive sculpin patterns. All produced, fished in tandem. Need the water to cool down some more, and bring on the overcast, windless days, and the days will be superb. 

Creation Station

It's time to fire up the bench again a get a little creativity going again, especially on the streamer side of things. The next couple of months are go time and the boxes must be plumb full and ready to go with the ole standards and few new creations.

YETI-Hungry Life- Southern Yucatan

Check out another edition of Yeti's- Hungry Life, this time fishing and creating a culinary

delight down in the southern Yucatan. Perfect send off into the weekend.

Cheers....

Barr's Bouface

Join James Spicer as he ties the classic from John Barrs collection, the Bouface. 

A simple leach pattern that everyone should have in there box, a fly that pretty much produces

everywhere. Check out this classic tie, from the archives of In the Riffle. 

Hungry Life: Laguna Madre

One word that comes to mind as I watched this new short by Yeti, was escape .

Just the simplicity and easy going lifestyle of some, make the envy of others. 

Sometimes we just make too much out of material things and need to get back to the basics

of living and enjoying.....

Support a Stripper

The countdown has begun, to late summer and fall fishing, more streamers are being tied

in anticipation of a great fall season. The tug is the Drug.. Are you ready.

Support a Stripper.

Up on the Upper C

If you haven't ever stopped in at the "center of the universe" to visit KK, and have on the 4k or the Little Beauty , or ribs, and a piece of pie if she has any left, you are missing something in your life. Take your little playmate of beers off the boat with you, beach at Rancho Del Rio, and enjoy. If you drive up, you can buy beer or shots at the little store and converse with the locals and enjoy the sight, there is plenty to see. 
Get up and see KK...

Aloft by Ganesh Chatani

A beautiful nice little short with some great overhead drone footage, at just a 1:17

just enough for a couple sips of coffee this morning. Get out and fish today.

Hatch Post

An actual Hatch on a Post, found this beautiful spot and could not resist 

taking the opportunity to snap a couple of photo's.  Luv my Hatch's Gen 1 , Gen 2 ,

Hatch Nippers, flylines, all quality gear.

Fishing and Nature

Fly-fishing certainly has its zen when you are out on the water, but when you add in the the serenity 

of mother nature and the beautiful sights she provides on a daily basis, the enjoyment level

is enhanced to another level. The various animals of the bio-sphere are a pleasure to watch and admire as you float by, not disturbing them.

Get outside and enjoy sights like this, fishing is a bonus.

Colorado River, Eagle River , Crystal River and Roaring Fork River - Fishing Closures- Help the Fish

Voluntary Fishing Closures- Please Read

CPW initiates Voluntary Fishing Closures on designated reaches of the Eagle River, Colorado River, Crystal River, and Roaring Fork River

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. - Due to high water temperatures and low flows, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is implementing voluntary fishing closures between 2 p.m. - 12 a.m. on sections of the Eagle River, Colorado River, Crystal River, and Roaring Fork River in Northwest Colorado. The fishing closure is effective immediately, until further notice.

Although anglers are not legally prohibited from fishing in these stretches, CPW is asking anglers to fish early in the day and find alternative places to fish until conditions improve.

Sections for the voluntary fishing closures include:

• Eagle River from Wolcott downstream to its confluence with the Colorado River
• Colorado River from State Bridge downstream to Rifle
• Crystal River from Avalanche Creek downstream to its confluence with the Roaring Fork River
• Roaring Fork River from Carbondale downstream to its confluence with the Colorado River.

"We appreciate the patience of our angling community as we work through some tough climate conditions," said Northwest Regional Manager JT Romatzke. "Conserving our state's fisheries is critical, not just for anglers, but for the local communities and businesses that rely on these resources for their livelihoods."

CPW will place signs along the four sections of rivers to notify anglers and encourage them to consider fishing at higher elevation lakes and streams where environmental factors are much less severe, particularly during the afternoons and evenings.

If current conditions persist, CPW may consider further fishing restrictions which may include all-day voluntary fishing closures or mandatory fishing closures.

CPW recommends anglers contact their local CPW office for the most recent information relative to fishing closures, fishing conditions, and fishing opportunities.

Local watershed organizations are also good resources for information on river health including the Roaring Fork Conservancy, Eagle River Watershed Council, and the Middle Colorado Watershed Council.

For more information, please contact the Glenwood Springs CPW office at 970-947-2920.

For more information about fishing in Colorado, visit the CPW website.

Summer Time

 

Summer Time floats are the best, good times, friends, good fishing, shorts and flip-flops, just does not get any better than that. A little fishing, little bull-shitting about the ones missed, maybe a beer to wet the whistle , then move on to the next spot. Summer Time, how glorious it is.....

Went to the Lake and the River and Got.....

In our quest to challenge ourselves with new and different species, we have decides that

we will take on the challenge of learn to stalk and learn to catch Carp. The key word being stalk 

and learn. Although we have ourselves outfitted better with the rods and a few better flies, we are now armed with bit more knowledge on the wily fish after spending the day on the water with a

very knowlgable carp expert. The basis out our day was to learn more basics on the behavioral traits,

feeding tetteritoris in both the lakes and the river, casting, leader, tippet and flies. Of course, like any 

your not going to get all the goods in one trip or session, but it was certain enough to fill my feeble little mind with enough information and tactics.

I know one thing, if i can get skilled enough to catch these fish, most others will be childs pay comparatively.

We were able you use our Adipose to search and cast as some willing participants on the lake, and the 

boat worked terrific, now outfitted with a new trolling motor, but the Adipose Poling Adapter platforms might be a Christmas present. 

After the lakes, we hit some spots on the South Platte River, that were loaded with feeding active Carp, but my unlike Stealthyness, sent them into the middle of the river on the first stop. I would soon learn the big ole' flatfishes , had not Stealth, and Carp Fishing would be a little tougher.

Both Mary and cast to hundreds of fish, but either spooked them, cast too far, drift went over them,

drift hit them, what ever the case was, WE GOT SCHOOLED

But we had one of the best days of the year fishing. Ca't wait to gat back at it.

properguudek 

Obsession

Produced a few years ago by Mountain Made Media, this a quality short totally geared for 

the junky who is enthralled with tossing streamer for above average fish. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing fish come up and eat dries, but carnivore eating browns and rainbows slamming 

fur and feathers are a lot more exciting. 

Some very nice video and aerial shots.

Helpful Hints with Warming Water Conditions

Tips for Flyfishing in Drought Conditions

Carry a thermometer and net at all times

Use heavier tippet and land fish as quickly as possible

Do not take fish out of water for any reason (don't need grip and grins of 14" fish)

Use barbless hooks

Fish Early, Check temperatures at noon, stop if above 67 degrees

Give your favorite spots or stretches a rest

As the Colorado water flows continue to drop and warm daily, these are some wonderful tips that

I borrowed from Vail Valley Anglers. An early start is imperative if fishing currently, along with barbless hooks and for god sakes, stop with grip and grins for the time being, and keep the fish in the water. we have seen plenty of 14-18" fish squeezed and long-armed to fill a thousand albums, leave them in the net and WET.

If you care for the fish, heed the creed...

Bottom Feeders by YETI

Noodling

These crazy bastards have nerve and lots of out. If you can dive down , stick you hands in caves , holes and other odd place, not knowing that there can be beavers, minks, snakes and other

crazy animals in there , in pursuit of 30 # to 60# catfish. Fucking Crazy. 

But my hat is off to these guys. Definition of tough. Take a gander and the short from Yeti.

Yeti also has tome great storylines.

Badger Creek Sunrise

As the sun starts to poke it head up over the hill by Badge Creek, it starts to illuminate the bridge and 

hillside, fishing has been solid from the put-in to the Badger Badger Creek, that is always a sign

the this section of river will fish good this morning.

Red & Brown

A fantastic short by the team at BOTE. featuring the Fernette family in Venice, LA. It is certainly worth a cup of coffee and a few minutes.

The small town of Venice, AL is a wild place. the last touch of civilization before the Mississippi River spills into the Gulf of Mexico. It's the place where red fish schools are the size of football fields, the pelicans are giant and people don't care much for "outsiders". It is save to say that the Fernette family  is legendary in this small town. So we spent a few days with Red & Brown, to glimpse the way  the way of life for their family and the small group of people living in this wild place.

Fishpond - Hoot Owl- Give Them a Rest

Support FISHPOND in bringing awareness to the fishing and flyfishing community as we struggle with low water and rising lake and stream temperature's in Colorado this summer. Fishpond is adopting and promoting a voluntary promotion to all the flyfishing community to not fish once the water temperature reaches or goes above 68 degrees. Not fishing from 2PM to 10 Pm , reducing the stress and recovery tine it places on the fish. This is a law Montana's  Game and Fish has in place when water temperature's hit critical highs.

Support Fishpond and many of the local flys shops who are proudly supporting this effort this year.

Sure would like to see Colorado adopt the same laws. Would be wonderful.

Check this out on Fishponds website.



Summer Lovin'

Even though the dry fly fishing has been superb with yellow sallies, golden stones, hoppers  and caddis, you can never forget to throw some big ole meat into the big big holes to the big fish. They can never refuse the big meal, just too tempting.

Wyoming Never Disappoints

Another stunning river added to the growing list of places to re-visit. 

Only one other fishing boat seen for the day, as it requires the boat to be packed / carried

in for the float, along with a couple of hearty walk-waders that walked in half way down the canyon.

The canyon was stunning, the wildlife was incredible, and the fishing was pretty good too.

The big life was diverse with salmon flies at the tail of the hatch, golden stones and caddis dancing.

Like most rivers of Colorado, this river too is peaked 3 weeks early, and is getting too low to float, probably done in the next week or so. Glad we were able to experience it.

SLOMO

If you have ever hung out down on Pacific Beach or rented a house for a week and chilled

you have inevitably run into or seen SLOMO, he is a fixture. It was finally cool to hear,

the full story on the neologist that gave it up to be a skater and enjoy life.

In the all the story line, there is a valuable lesson that can be taken from his words. Not all

would heed it, but one needs to live and be happy.  

"Blue Eye Crying"

As a huge fan of Willie, it was cool to come across this video of Willie having a jam

session with his boys Lucas and Micah. Playing at Willies studio on his ranch in Texas,

they talk about growing up and then a rendition of Blue Eye Crying in the Rain.

Check it out...

I'm So Happy

So Happy-
I am so happy the crazy lady with the mask and painted nails let me go, I get to go swimming again and enjoy 
my day, dupy do.........

Lunch Time

The big meals are out, fluttering, dipping and getting swallowed up by eagerly waiting trout..

One of the best times to get out on the water is here, flows are idea in Colorado especially, as most 

fresstones are dropping, clearing and ideal for fishing this great yearly hatch, that one does not often get to fish. Get out and fish it......

Catching Moments- Becca Skinner

Grab a cup of coffee for this beautifully shot video short by photographer and Orvis Ambassador 

Becca Skinner. A terrific story along with some nice video and photography. Definitely, worthy of

a few minutes of your time.

Water Dropping- Time Too

It's is very sad state of affairs in Colorado in terms of the runoff this year, but runoff on many off the drainages is on the down and just about over for many. When typically it is just ramping up and getting with it. 

With the lack of snowfall and precipitation this winter and spring, we are in for some low flows mid summer, so now is the time to start getting out and enjoying the fun. High flow streamer fishing is terrific right now with fish attacking a well placed fly with wild abandonment. In addition, as the edges clear up, the fish holding high and tight will look up and eat large dry flies. 

Time to get out...

ThinMint- Variation

Everyone has Thin Mints in the streamer boxes but this a nice little variation from the guys 

over at Fly Fish Food. They are always thinking outside the box, adding a small twist and turn 

to the tried to true patterns or their own original great patterns. Certainly one to  twist up and add to

your boxes , worthy of a slot or 4.

Trucho'n! by Below the Canopy Media

A real quality short by Below the Canopy Media, featuring Cinco Rio Lodge, and some of 

the fine folks from Anglers All. It was shot a year ago but features some of the fine waters,

scenery and the beautiful lodge you experience. Mary and I had the fortunate opportunity 

of visit and fish this lodge with Angler All this year, It was a treat. Check out Sebastian's lodge, and 

some of the nice fish of Chile.

Slappin' Steel

Working the banks, slapping steel, fur and feathers with the hopes of enticing a snaggletooth brown into inhaling this twisted concoction of a fly. Thats what rainy, overcast days like this were made for.

Chile Fence Line

Looking across the pampas, from one spring creek to the other.

Hi-Vis Baetis by Greg Garcia

Originally posted as Friday's Fly , from Anglers All, we here at Floatfisher Media are 

twisting it to Wednesdays Fly, since we missed another episode from the wizard of the

vice, Greg Garcia.  Today he ties and makes the Hi-Vis Baetis look simple.

His effortless, and precision ties, would be hard for any fish to refuse, but I would recommend

everyone putting a few of these patterns in you quiver. 

One Hand Ed's Caddis Pupa

One Hand Ed's Caddis Pupa, has done the job again the past couple of weeks. The browns and bows 

seem to like the little fella trailed behind a stonefly pattern. Several weeks ago, Ed stopped by and

gave me a nice little gift package of patterns he tied and fished last year around Colorado,  Montana and Idaho in their travels. Of course I, never turn away, nice looking , great producing flies.

Thanks Ed....

Carnivores

When others are watching the indicators bounce down the river, it is nice to chuck some fur, feathers and iron to some willing fish. At least this weekend they were will willing to chase and ear them with regularity. Seems the darker colors were the colors of choice, as this hit them hard.

Sticker Collage - Jett's Bar, Belize City Airport

When traveling through the Belize Airport, a must stop is the tiny little 8 seat bar owned by Jett.

World Famous, anyone who travels to Belize and the surrounding permit, tarpon and bonefish lodges of the area, must stop by for a famous rum punch or Beliken. 

Stickers from all over the world, service patches from all police and military branches dot the various boards and the photo's of Jett and the patrons. Just a great place to start and finish your fishing excursion.

Sunrise Sucker

Sunrise Sucker

A little creativity this week at the tying bench. Sure ready to start the fishing season in earnest, have 

been busy with other items. Ready, set go....

Desert Bass by Todd Moen

A classic form several years ago by Todd Moen and Catch Magazine as they fish a beautiful

river for smallmouth bass with Evening Hatch Flyshop. Just makes you go to your special

place every time you watch. Just want to be fishing now.

Ya Gotta Start Some Where

Your always learning, if you the runt of the heard or the leader of the group. 

It always keeps humble....

Going Back

Just booked another trip to go back and catch some more of these fella's. Just never gets old.

So crazy how many spots this fish has and the designs on them. 

Holy Grail- by Sir Gregiore

The jettsetting Greg Garcia, freshly back from the spring creeks of Chile, now grounds his 

fishing mid-set back to the waters of Colorado, and the upcoming caddis explosion. Today the 

master will tie the Holy Grail, as relatively easy tie, but yet so effective for many of the Colorado and surrounding waters. Take a watch as Greg makes it look easy, twist a couple of these up.

Pheasant Tail X Caddis

As we ramp up for the caddis emergence on the freestone rivers of the western United States,

it is only right to post a staple pattern that can and will take many fish through-out the various 

hatches. I love this variation from the great team at Fly Fish Food. A simple, easy and effective

pattern that you will have all the ingredients for. 

Twist a few up for your box.

Streamers in Chile

When prepping you boxes of flies for Chile it is hard to figure out what to take and what to leave behind. Of course the outfitters supply you with a list of recommended flies, then you research other, then you add a couple in for insurance, and on and on and on. Streamers I figured I would not be short on as I have my favorite, and it seems everywhere you go, guides just love to look and talk about streams and view the varieties.

This trip would be no exception. Of course you get the typical glance from some, that those will not work as they are too big, too small, not enough flash, too much flash , but they one thing they were all 

willing to do is let you give it try. I loved it as I caught fish on their recommendations as will as trying some of my favorites,  including Hickman's Skiddish smelt which continues to be a go to, in all colors, another favorite, which they were not familiar with was Craven's Dirty Hippy, it played, real well.  Mini sex dungeons and baby gonga's also took many fish. Well one cannot forget the sculpzilla, bam, black and natural were great in the spring creeks, rivers and lakes. Money....

The lakes and rivers are made for streamer fishing as they are littered with fallen timber and logs everywhere. You never know when, where and the size of fish is going to inhale your streamer. Oh, what fun it to fish Chile.

The Mamba - Redfish Fly

 A real nice tie and and effective pattern for redfish by Mark Nutting. Spin a few up in

different colors to add to you box, you will not be disappointed.

Daydreamin'

Just looking out the window of the lodge, checking out the twists and turns of the spring creek

as it winds through the 15,000 acre Estancia, Enough water to keep you busy for just a little bit.

LALO

Lalo - head guide and jet raft captain for the day, taking us to some new water 

on El Salto Lake in Chile. More large beetle fish over the logs and reeds, what a hoot.

A Little Vino With Lunch

Enjoying a little Malbec with my sweetheart after fishing giant beetles 

all morning on the lakes in Chile. What a great way to have lunch and fish.

A Little Throw Back

As we prepare to leave for Chile today, I thought it would be good to look back at another 

great adventure I had to the OP a fews back. Can never beat a "double stripper" like this.

Fish like this spoil you for ever, and make you keep coming back.

Just Months Away

Although winter still has its firm grip on us, it is not too early to thing about the great things

that happen a few month ahead of us. The Salmonfly migration on several of the western freestone 

rivers is one, that always brings a smile to our faces.

Wolf Creek circa 2017

Wolf Creek circa 2017

" Jump Violet " by Pablo Sarocco

Check it out, just some beautiful footage from Pablo Saracco with the summer adult damsel's

in Patagonia. Always a sight to see when fish are on a feeding frenzy like this.

All Net, No Fish

Sometimes luck is on your side when you drop your $4000 camera in drink, and you are happy

you had it in the underwater housing. There is a god....

Mr. Rippleman

Mr. Rippleman

Another winter creation coming off the vise, sure to be a keeper, as I have been tying several version

for our trip to Chile. Will also be testing them out this spring on the western rivers. Easy tie with lot of movement and flash.

Not Mine, Ours........

From our good friend and film-maker Josh Duplechian. He once again, produces a gem, 

including his children and friends, as they take a trip down the iconic Smith River and 

discuss the harm the new proposed mine would have on the watershed. Thank you Josh for this 

great prospective and prospective.

Day Dreaming

A couple hundred emails, 8 conference calls makes for a long day. Sure makes you yearn for

a day in your boat chasing the hatches.

Under the Big Top

" Under The BigTop " Nymph

One of the newest creations to come off the bench this winter. 

Look for more ...

Copper Top

Fresh off the bench the copper top is the newest creation that will be accompanying me to Chile we 

we head off in a month or so. Every once in a while you have to the up something new.

" Fishskin "

" Fishskin " by kuchynkaPHOTO