Shimmer Stone

Shimmer Stone

Hook: TMC 5262, Sz: 8-10

Thread: UTC 70 Black

Bead: Copper Tungsten

Lead: .015 lead

Tail: Black Goose Biot

Antennae: Black Goose Biot

Abdomen: Black D-Rib

Thorax: Med. Golden Olive Cactus Chenille

Legs: Natural Indian Hen

Collar: Golden Brown UV Ice Dubbing

Alpacas of Montana- Product Review

 At the recent outdoor show Mary and I were looking for new alternatives in socks and hats for our  upcoming steelhead trip. While walking the aisles, we came across the booth of Alpaca's of Montana.

While looking at the socks and trying on the hats, the pretty young gal, put he sell on us , selling the merits of Alpaca, it warmth, durability and that she would buy it back if we did not like it once we came back from Washington.

The sell tactics worked, we picked up several pairs of socks and couple hats. I was excited to use them, finally some socks sized for someone with large feet, that go down to 20', -20'.  DId I mention how soft the socks are, wow, like wearing pillows on your feet.

The socks worked like a charm, keeping the feet nice and warm without sweat or excess moisture

that tends to build up over the course of a long fishing day.  With a simple liner unearth, these sock

are a game changer. There are on the pricey side at $32 a pair, but warm feet are worth it.

The fishing hat that Alpaca of Montana creates is stellar. After three days of fishing in the wind and rain, this hat repelled water, dried quickly and with the Windstopper liner, kept my head nice and toasty. Most hats I have had in the past ride up and are not comfortable, this one was different. With the cinch cord at the bottom, I did not have the issue of the had riding up. One of the biggest factors is, Alpaca's makes 10-12 different sizes to fit your head. Not just a sm, m, l,l.

This is not for everyone, just my opinion on a real nice product  that is made in the USA.

Check them out.

more STEEL 2

Thought I would share a couple more pictures of our spectacular trip to the OP. The sights are to beautiful not to share. 

 Mary hooked up on one of the other local fish.

 Floatfisher was right at home this king size river. Can't wait to come back, OP rainforest is just so 

bitchin'.

You think you have a fish net, Check out this gem from Rimrock Net Co. Since the fishing was 

tough, Mary was happy to run the net. She looked right at home. I think we need to hit the lottery and spend the winter chasing these fish, well maybe some others too.

First STEEL

Mad Props to Jeff Brazda, Annie and the fine team of guides with Brazda's Fly Fishing in Forks, Washington. Ms. Floatfisher and I just returned from a fantastic trip to the OP for our first trip to catch steel or chrome, as the seasoned veterans refer to them. 

Also , thanks to Shawn Lawson and our great friend and long time guide of Brazda's Joe Willuaer for giving us the push and recommendation to get there. Job well done.

Did not take long Day 1, for the first pull near the great looking logjam, of course. WOW, the power of these fish are amazing and this one that has been in the river a little while. Although, not the prettiest steel, I will take it for my first one, as it was in the net, and in my hands. Thanks Aaron for a great day.

Many others hooked through the day, but the hard hook set was the down fall for both Mary and I. You have to $%#$#$% launch that hook into them. Then hope your line is clear of any tangles or debris,  then you have to survive the initial run. Well then you have a shot a landing one. Easy you think. Not so. On day one we were lucky enough to fish the lower HOH River, there were fresh fish moving in the river, and it was active. Had the opportunity to hood a 20# fish for a slight time, and it schooled me and send me collecting my line and backing. 

Last fish of the day, #3, was very happy, very, very fresh fish. These fish are pure muscle.

It is incredible.