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All tied up. 4 February 2012, 11:08 pm
Here are a few of the patterns I have been tying over the winter. Why tie flies for winter fishing when spring and summer are right around the corner? Yep, that's what I thought too.
Sample Foam X-Caddis
Tan X-Caddis, one of my favorite to tie.
Furmisky's Fluttering Caddis-Yellow Sally
Furmisky's Fluttering Caddis-Black
Puterbaugh's Foam Caddis
Furmisky's Fluttering Caddis-Tan
Dark Tan Elk Hair Caddis
Foam Caddis #14
Royal ...
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Nice! 30 January 2012, 8:54 pm
Fishpond and Hardy. Not a bad combo. I will have to report back to you on the Hardy. I have had it out once and it seems like a fine stick. All I did with it was nymph and it really did cast a nymph rig smoothly. I really need to put this rod through a good workout. I just need the time!
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The Wonder Pupa 20 January 2012, 9:01 am
Building on the previously posted pattern of the Wonder Larva, this pattern steps it up a bit and covers your bases when the caddis start emerging and you need a pupa pattern. The body is still the same as the larva, utilizing the MFC Wonder Wrap or similar. The major addition is the wing buds and the antenna to suggest the pupal stage of the caddis. I add the Medallion Sheeting wings by cutting a strip of 1/4" wing material and twisting them to form a tie down point ...
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The Wonder Larva 17 January 2012, 10:15 pm
Chartreuse Wonder Larva
Amber Wonder Larva
I came up with this little caddis pattern a few years ago for fishing the Arkansas River in Colorado. The Ark is one of my favorite places to fish. The fish are not generally big, but they are plentiful and pretty much eat anything you throw at them. The Ark has tons of caddis and the fish have access to them year around. This is a simple pattern only using a couple of materials. Simple fish usually don't require co...
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2012 Fly Fishing Show 10 January 2012, 11:07 pm
As the 2012 Fly Fishing show came to a close, all eyes were on the Denver Broncos. While fly fishing had been the talk of the town the previous 2 days, it was time for Touchdown Timmy to try to lead the Broncos to Victory.
It is always a great time at these shows and this year was no different. There is always time to meet new people, catch up with old friends and to answer tons of questions. I spent this year digging through piles of materials looking for only a few ite...
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The Denver Fly Fishing Show 5 January 2012, 9:33 pm
I will be at the Denver Fly Fishing Show this weekend tying flies all 3 days. I'd sure love if you would stop by and harass me. I'll be joining some of the areas best tiers there at the show like Carl Pennington, Shea Gunkle, Casey Dunnigan, Jason Goodale and more! So stop by and say hi to me. I am looking forward to it.
I will also have materials kits for tying the Hopper Juan for sale as well as a pile of already tied Hopper Juans for sale!
Show Info: http://...
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Hip Hop Hooray 3 January 2012, 9:42 pm
Want to see me get tied? Stop by and see me at the Fly Fishing Show this weekend in Denver, CO....
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Moves like Tebow 29 December 2011, 10:03 pm
It was getting late on the Deckers stretch of the S. Platte, and I had not landed a fish yet. Remember a blog post I wrote about not getting skunked in Colorado? http://hopperjuan.blogspot.com/2011/06/deckers-and-north-cat.html It was late in the 4th quarter, not a fish touched, no fish smell on my hands. I was on the 5 yard line, 95 yards to go, the fish were shutting me out all day long and I had only a few minutes left in the day. The sun had set and it was getting cold. I was n...
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2012 Calendar Giveaway! 27 December 2011, 12:49 pm
This is not just an average calendar. This is a 2012 Flies on the Wall Calendar.
Julie Sprinkle from Anglers Covey and Julie Sprinkle Studio (www.juliesprinkle.com) approached me last year about doing some drawings of my hopper and I said yes. This is a product of those drawings. A 12 month calendar with hand drawn illustrations of sone local favorites like The Hopper Juan, Buggy Hare's Ear, A good Mosquito, Mother's Day Survivor, Jon Klies' Hybrid Hopper, Neil's BWO and J...
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Merry Christmas! 24 December 2011, 7:42 pm
As you settle into the evening, I'd like to take the time to wish you a Merry Christmas. I hope you wake to find your stocking filled with leaders, tippet, Thingamabobbers, TMC hooks, Dr. Slick scissors and more.
Thank you all for taking the time to read and look at this blog. I appreciate it.
Feliz Navidad!
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“Cutties are for Suckers” Video by YGF 4 February 2012, 2:03 pm
Another awesome video by Yukon Goes Fishing that combines three of my favorite things; fishing, quality footage and beats that make your head bounce!...
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Lunch. 2 February 2012, 1:02 am
What is the deal with this weather? I’m starting to feel like i live in some strange Dr. Seuss land where ANYTHING is possible and nothing is surprising. Eighty degrees at the start of February? Drought to flood in a day? Cat in a hat? Hell, apparently this is 2012 and ANYTHING is possible! Almost [...]...
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Inked Animal 29 January 2012, 10:43 pm
Gafftopsail Catfish The best thing about having interesting friends is that you’re constantly being opened to whole other worlds you would likely never find on your own. Case in point, my good friend and occasional fishing buddy Ben, along with his fellow fish biologist/friend Adam have been working together since 2007 pursuing the ancient Japanese [...]...
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Mayfly: Video 29 January 2012, 1:58 am
Three thoughts on this video i just had to share with you. 1) That vehicle is cherry, and obviously they know it. 2) HD fly-fishing videos are f-ing hot! They are the only time you can look at your bud and exclaim “Did you see that leaf!”. 3) It’s strange how this exclusive spot in [...]...
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Garner State Park Adventure 27 January 2012, 10:24 pm
I know it’s hard to believe, but trout in Texas aren’t restricted to the Guadalupe River under Sattler during the winter months. There are a plethora (yes, i know what a plethora is) of locations that TPWD stock trout at throughout the colder months in this giant state of ours (see the schedule and locations [...]...
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“Breathe” by Imago 22 January 2012, 8:13 pm
Longtime Die Fische reader, S. Rodriguez sent me a link to this awesome video sometime back in December when i was knee deep in retail. It was the appropriate time of receive it, since it’s all about the stress of work and the calming effects of fishing and discovery. Luckily i didn’t walk out on [...]...
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Half Full 21 January 2012, 11:04 pm
Ever the eternal pessimist, i plodded forward along the dusty trail without much hope. It had been a couple of months since i’d last been down this far on my beloved Barton Creek. That particular visit had been punctuated by the lack of ANY water at all, and the sinking feeling that it would be [...]...
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The Day: Featuring Amy’s Ant 17 January 2012, 11:33 pm
Fly fishing at it’s most frustrating is still better than say, raking the leaves. After all, if your fishing, you’re not working. Plus, it’s likely that you’re on (or in) the water, which is something i’m convinced benefits the average human psyche far more than spending hours on a couch chatting up a stranger about [...]...
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Down by the River 6 January 2012, 10:52 pm
Usually for me fishing is a solitary thing, a self imposed exile to a land of greens, browns and blues. It’s time alone for me to feed my imp, carousing with the forest spirits and generally being a slave to my impulses without offending, or worrying anyone (a little Tibetan throat singing anyone?). The few times [...]...
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Eleventh Hour Trout 28 December 2011, 10:54 am
There is nothing quite like the pressure of trying to break a Skunk Streak, except of course, for that fist pumping feeling you get when you DO finally manage to get the elusive fish into your net. Such was the case the other day when i spent hours on the Guadalupe spotting fish rising at numerous [...]...
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Sooner Or Later It Had To Happen 1 February 2012, 8:31 pm
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stud 31 January 2012, 11:22 pm
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Little Something to Wet the Whistle 30 January 2012, 8:27 pm
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KOOZIES 25 January 2012, 12:25 pm
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Nymphin' Aint Easy 23 January 2012, 7:51 am
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You'd have to be a fool not to eat this ..... 20 January 2012, 4:34 pm
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Weather for Steele 16 January 2012, 11:18 am
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My Dawgs 13 January 2012, 3:13 pm
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First Cast 12 January 2012, 11:13 pm
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2012 Fly Fishing Film Tour 6 January 2012, 12:14 pm
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AGFC Information Meeting _ Feb 23 3 February 2012, 10:42 pm
We are planning to hold an informational meeting for Bull Shoals and Norfork Tailwaters on Thursday February 23th from 6 -7:30 pm in the McMullin Lecture Hall on the campus of ASU-Mountain Home. This meeting will provide us (AGFC) to update the public on current monitoring efforts (population samples, creel survey, etc.) of some of [...]...
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Fishing Report February 2 2012 2 February 2012, 10:48 pm
FEBRUARY is here and as always it brings a bunch of old friends back into town for the “season opener” when the Bull Shoals C&R zone comes reopens. And while there were a few grumbles from wade only fly fishers over the opener being conducted with high water, though not by those in the [...]...
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Fishing Slow? Blame the Sun 2 February 2012, 10:04 pm
I have joked before that the difference between conventional fishers and fly fishers is that gear fishers have excuses for poor fishing, fly fishers have theories. So here’s another theory with some large words we stumbled over on Midcurrent.com yesterday. Seacoastonline was reporting that the solar flares last week may have disrupted the Earth’s Magnetic [...]...
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Henry hits Dry Run 2 February 2012, 9:50 pm
OUR second email this week from young fella’s and their fathers fishing our waters. Our buddy from Little Rock, Lee Redmann sent us this report after bringing a friend Joel and Joel’s son Henry up to hit Dry Run. We set Henry up for his big day on the Creek and here’s the rest of [...]...
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Dalton Lands a Good’en 2 February 2012, 9:17 pm
GREAT email and photos from Journal, and shop regular Dave Dressler on a trip to the White with his son Dalton the day of our streamer class. Most of us started with gear before picking up the fly rod and it’s a pretty good idea for young fellas on the big rivers, especially with [...]...
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February 1 and 2012 Is Underway 1 February 2012, 1:15 pm
THE First of February is here and for many fly fishers of our acquaintance that means the 2012 season is underway. It’s a tradition, coinciding with the reopening of the Bull Shoals Trophy Zone, an event more symbolic and a dang good excuse for a few days fishing with friends. If you took [...]...
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IN WITH THE NEW OUT WITH THE OLD SALE 1 February 2012, 7:40 am
ITS That time of year again with new season products rolling through the doors and the old stuff getting marked down to move it on. We have some seriously cool stuff landing from Simms, the new Headwaters Jacket, giving you Gore-Tex protection for $200 is awesome and feels great. This jacket is going to [...]...
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Now Use Texts to Report Poachers 30 January 2012, 9:23 pm
The AGFC has announced a nifty new system for reporting fishing and hunting poachers anonymously via text message. Since there are numerous spots on the White and Norfork where cell service is patchy yet texts will get through, like Dry Run Creek, this means better coverage, and since its anonymous perhaps more people will come [...]...
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We're Moving... 31 January 2012, 7:56 pm
This week the blog is moving to plain old chicagotroutbum.com. I've had the domain for years now, but the blog has outgrown the blogger platform and we're looking forward to delivering fresh content on the new site. Please bear with us in the meantime and thanks for your readership....
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Late January Chrome 27 January 2012, 9:41 am
Our good friend Brian was able to spend a bit of time on the Root today and was rewarded with this mid winter buck. As you can see by the bugger in his mouth, Brian was drifting a 2 fly rig with an egg on top and a bugger as the trailer. While nymphing is usually the way to go mid winter, fish will still take a fly on the swing. He was letting his indicator rig swing at the end of each drift, a great way to cover water, and got the take on a tight line. Very nice work! ...
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Winter Activities 23 January 2012, 10:54 pm
When winter rolls around many of us take up temperature specific activities like cross-country skiing and ice fishing. This winter so far has been lacking both good ice for fishing the hard water and good snow for skiing. The snow, while having fallen in some solid, measurable amounts recently, only lasted a few days before melting because it's 50 degrees and raining in January. Odd weather patterns aside, it's easy to say, "I'm ready for the opener" and then drift off into the cold, possibly c...
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Redfish Reprieve 16 January 2012, 10:51 am
Although it hadn't really felt like winter until recently, sometime during the (typically) long Chicago winter it's a nice reprieve to try to get away to somewhere warmer, if even for a couple of days. Of course, I prefer these mid-winter trips to be fishing based, and last year we explored the White River in Arkansas. This year I wanted to go somewhere warmer, and had in mind a fishery that I have wanted to experience for a little while now, Louisiana redfish.As excited as I was to set off into...
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Underwater Tarpon Angling 14 January 2012, 10:13 am
Looks exhausting to me!...
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The Taxonomy of Your Fly-Tying Crap - Junk Drawer Entropy 3 January 2012, 12:15 pm
In the middle of last summer I moved into a new apartment. Moving is great in that you get to shed a lot of garbage and streamline your life a bit. Yet, the fly-fisherman in me is also an obsessive hoarder when it comes to the threads, feathers and steel that comprise my tying material collection. Over the years, I've tried to marshal this trove into order using an ever expanding array of organizers, bins and racks (thanks Container Store). Inevitably though, these spaces devolve into something ...
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The Sporting Art of Frank W. Benson 29 December 2011, 10:12 am
Salmon FishermanThe American Impressionist Frank W. Benson caught my attention yesterday as I browsed through his catalog of works. While his most remembered and celebrated works use oil paints to capture landscapes and portraits in vivid color, Benson also created some very fine etchings. I don't know much about art history, but I try to become a bit more culturally literate everyday. Benson captures scenes familiar to the angler, with special attention paid to Atlantic salmon fishing. I found ...
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Wisconsin Tribs Still Producing Fish - Area Water Still Liquid 23 December 2011, 10:57 am
Area angler John D. shared these with me last week as he hit the river in the midst of a real cold snap. Swinging flies in low water temperatures can be real tough fishing. These fish look great John! Thanks for sharing.Fish metabolisms slow, making them a lot less likely to move aggressively to your fly. Improve your odds by fishing with the right density tip and fly type for the water you are two-stepping through. All of the best casting work in the world will mean little if your fly is ...
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Swinging Flies 20 December 2011, 2:38 pm
Fishing is a constant learning curve and adding new flies and different fishing styles only adds to the bulk of knowledge and techniques we anglers retain. This year was no different as I started to use the two handed rod and played with a handfull of different hooks, hook styles, trailing hooks on braided loops and tube flies ect. Each different technique seems to have it's advantages and disadvantages and with a bit more experience I am sure I will continue to refine my approach. Here's a few ...
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Another day another silver dollar...uh pink...whatever 14 December 2011, 10:12 am
Ok, maybe today wasnt as good as yesterday but it was still awesome. I got to the creek late at about 12:00 to try to avoid crowds which worked out really well. As soon as I walked down to the stream I ran into a fellow and started chatting about the fishing and it turns out he hadn’t seen anyone catch a fish all day. I talked with him a little while longer and headed down to my favorite run to get my feet wet. Little did I know the gentleman I was chatting with snuck in downstream while I wal...
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Rolling on down the trail 28 December 2011, 11:17 pm
A new Legacy Amendment grant will get work started in Duluth on an ambitious mountain bike trail system....
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Minnesota’s “biggest environmental decision in a generation” 28 September 2011, 1:39 am
A community in sulfide mining's crosshairs took a stand recently to preserve its water and its way of life.
Related posts:Made to last
Wilderness words
Bridging the past to the future
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Pagami proximity 16 September 2011, 9:08 am
The latest post on my Star Tribune blog. A week ago, I was waking up at my campsite on Lake Insula, in the Boundary Waters. It was going to be another beautiful day, the morning light seemingly soft and quiet. I made coffee and enjoyed the view west across the bay, where an old white pine stood tall over blowdown forest — mostly scrubby balsam and birch. Several miles behind the pine, a column of smoke rose from the horizon. The next morning, the campsite was smoky. It wasn’t unbear...
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Wild fire 12 September 2011, 2:58 pm
I went on a wilderness canoe trip and spent the whole time watching a forest fire grow, with a massive smoke plume on the horizon at all times.
Related posts:Pagami proximity
“The Firegrate Review”
The Firegrate Review
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The land of pines and mines 18 July 2011, 9:59 pm
I spent Thursday and Friday last week playing tour guide in the woods of northern Minnesota, and documented the trip with some photos.
Related posts:Kinnickinnic River Land Trust site launched
Made to last
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Two weddings and a river 8 July 2011, 1:50 am
On the St. Croix being braided into my life and marriage.
Related posts:Once more to the river
St. Croix River parks launch family event summer series
How to start your summer
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Made to last 29 June 2011, 2:32 pm
Tomorrow is the last day to comment on a Superior National Forest proposal for more mining exploration at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Related posts:Minnesota’s “biggest environmental decision in a generation”
The Firegrate Review
Wilderness words
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Wilderness tragedy 17 June 2011, 4:00 pm
A young man dies in the Boundary Waters, leaving family and friends and a sad reminder of what is at stake when we leave civilization's safety.
Related posts:Wilderness words
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Strib blog: Eagle eye 10 June 2011, 1:41 am
An eagle chick was briefly kidnapped from a nest on the Mississippi River recently.
Related posts:President’s Day weekend skiing
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A significant span 3 June 2011, 12:11 am
On the hundredth anniversary of an incredible bridge over the St. Croix River, I join a small pilgrimage.
Related posts:Bridging the past to the future
Sunset in St. Croix country
All quiet in Afton
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Lake Erie King 1 February 2012, 2:34 pm
Here is a classic but effective pattern tied by Todd White. Brook Trout, Browns and Rainbows. Lake Erie King Hook: Dry Fly Hook - 10-18 Tail: Moose Body Body: Peacock Herl Wing: Grizzly Tips Hackle: Brown...
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Happy Birthday 1 February 2012, 2:20 pm
Happy Birthday to Nomad Anglers youngest employee Benjamin. 1 year old today!...
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Hammers, Dust, and Thanks 27 January 2012, 2:13 pm
From the entire Nomad Anglers team, we would like to give our sincerest apologies to the Nomad faithful and thank each and every one of you for your patience. With the addition and building/setting-up, of our new shop in Grand Rapids we have done a poor job of keeping you all entertained and informed. Now [...]...
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Eli Berant Fly Tying Demo 9 January 2012, 5:50 pm
Join us in Okemos Saturday January 14th at from 11am-2pm for a FREE Fly tying demonstration. This weeks special guest is Eli Berant from www.greatlakesfly.com . Eli will be tying big streamers used to entice big predators such as Pike, Musky and BIG TROUT . Eli is a very innovative tyer using new materials to [...]...
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Winter Steel 9 January 2012, 11:06 am
Looks like Andy B. had a great time with Grey Drake Lodges Drew Rosema...
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Pre-Work Fish 26 December 2011, 12:21 pm
The best part about having a store in Grand Rapids is its proximity to good water. Nothing like going out a getting a few steel before the store opens in the morning!...
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Store Hours 23 December 2011, 6:08 pm
First of all I would like to thank everyone that has stopped by Grand Rapids or Okemos this Holiday Season. Hopefully Santa will bring you lots of goodies this year. Merry Christmas, Nomad Anglers Staff Christmas Eve 9-2 Christmas Day CLOSED 12-26/29 - 10-6 12-30 - 10-2 12-31 - CLOSED 1-1 - CLOSED 1-2 - [...]...
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Abel Pliers 21 December 2011, 6:26 pm
Looking for a last minute gift for an angler that has everything? How about a pair of Abel Pliers? These are the finest pair of machined, American made pliers you will find around. Perfect for Salmon, Steelhead, Streamers and Salt Water fishing. The #4 model is the best for all around use and also features [...]...
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Ultimate X-Mas Gift – Alaska Trip 20 December 2011, 11:05 am
Why not spoil yourself this Christmas and book a trip to Alaska for yourself. Here is a link to the available dates for 2012 with John Hohl and Alaska Fly Anglers. - LINK More pics on the BLOG - LINK...
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Sage Z-Axis Switch Rod 20 December 2011, 10:58 am
On the swing... ...under the bobber. - LINK...
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Not Necessarily Book Review~ 30 January 2012, 1:35 pm
In the Fall of 2011, Trout Unlimited asked it’s readers to tell them what were the top 12 books about salmon and trout fishing. Being that there are more than a few thousand titles in the vast realm of fishing literature, and that I know I have only scratched the surface of that massive pyramid of knowledge, I could hardly wait for the outcome of the best of the best. Granted, I read- not tons- but quite a bit. I would rather be on the water, tying flies, cooking, gardening and/or spending...
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SIC/PALS part I 16 January 2012, 1:58 pm
A few years back, Dr. Bryan Burroughs approached me at a state council meeting. There was a different twinkle in his eye, usually I can tell when we have exciting news to exchange, whether it is regarding DNA found in a new state record Brown trout, or the latest developments on the continued saga regarding dam removal on a local Yoga retreat that has killed all the fish in a certain river a few times in as many decades. But this was different, as mentioned earlier. He had a special request. Tur...
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OAFS Early January Report~ 16 January 2012, 8:15 am
January 12 Au Sable Fishing Report
A kind angler found a fly patch and left it. Flies are rotted now, but it’s a good clue to where we fished over this last warm-up.
With a number of days pushing the forty degree mark, fishing this past week was a must. I met up with Mike K. on Wednesday to do a little catching up and a little fishing. December was a crazy month for me. I’ve been ultra-distracted—got some big changes coming next year. Very exciting. It’s all I can think about.
Anyway...
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Tie-One On! 11 January 2012, 9:01 am
January 10, 2012 at City Park Grill in Petoskey> Miller Van Winkle Chapter of Trout Unlimited Hosts a monthly gathering of fellow artists of thread and feather~
We had a great turnout! from beginners~
Read more on Tie-One On!…...
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Misspent Youth 4 January 2012, 11:39 pm
On a lazy, hot August afternoon, I found myself pounding Beldar Buggars and Woolly Sculpins in an effort to entice smallmouths along the Muskegon River with a couple of fishing pals . We had a Michigan trifecta in the boat comprised of a few rainbows, a brown and a scad of smallies when our usual conversation took a turn on a more serious note.
Read more on Misspent Youth…...
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What is Your Passion? 29 December 2011, 10:58 am
“In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing. We lived at the junction of great trout rivers in western Montana, and our father was a Presbyterian minister and a fly fisherman who tied his own flies and taught others. He told us about Christ’s disciples being fishermen, and we were left to assume, as my brother and I did, that all first-class fishermen on the Sea of Galilee were fly fishermen and that John, the favorite, was a dry-fly fisherman.”
― Norman ...
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Knee Deep 21 December 2011, 11:07 pm
Take a deep breath, hold it in, now close your eyes and slowly release. Breathe in deep. Imagine a place all your own, a place of peace and serenity, calm and tranquility. Feel the breeze, smell the soft air, hear the sounds that surround you, feel the excitement and energy.
Read more on Knee Deep…...
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Ted’s Fishing Report: Early June, 2010 11 June 2010, 9:18 am
Normal is a relative thing, but after some really warm conditions the past week’s weather has put our hatches and the fish’s behavior back in line to a normal progression.
The Upper Manistee and Boardman Rivers received some much needed rain and the rivers have cooled down and levels are good. Streamer fishing conditions have improved for those looking to hit the bigger fish when the bugs aren’t out. Olive, white and yellow streamers have been working well, but mix it up to find the f...
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Butters Luna Slay’s it at the Denver Pro Am Carp Slam 8 September 2010, 4:24 pm
I cant believe it, that dirty little vato loco, that we have all grown to love has just crushed it at the 2010 Denver Pro Am Carp Slam. The Carp Slam is a tournament hosted by Denver Trout Unlimited, and teams up professional and amateur fly fishers to chase the elusive common carp on [...]...
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Emerging From the Cold-Tampa Fish Kills 21 January 2010, 5:17 pm
The last 3 weeks here in what we believed to be “South Central Florida”, felt more like the bunghole of the Arctic. The temperatures dipped way down into the 20’s and it wreaked havoc on the local marine life, not to mention made wearing flip flops pretty fucking lame. December started off really, [...]...
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Death of a Guide 9 December 2009, 9:29 pm
A frightening trend has reared its head among the ranks of Colorado fly-fishing guides. “Real Jobs”. I can find one example of this within the first 3 contacts in my cell phone and probably another every 3 after that. I am not sure what started this trend, maybe it was [...]...
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Starting a new chapter 2 December 2009, 6:26 pm
Greetings from the sunny westside…
My apologies for MIA over the last several weeks. The move from Colorado to Tampa was a bitch and it took 5 long arduous days to get here, but 4 weeks later we are settling in nicely. Once we finally arrived it was time we got acclimated to [...]...
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Post party thanks! 13 October 2009, 6:41 pm
Hey Guys,
I personally wanted to thank everyone who came out for the party on Saturday. I had a blast and also had a great hangover on Sunday-Thank god for the bloodies,…buddies. Good times and good vibes! For those of you who missed it-You’re GAY.
Also, thanks to Deb and Gracie for the great [...]...
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Primalfly-Moving to Tampa BASH! Sat. OCT 10th! 9 October 2009, 3:44 pm
As most of you have already heard the news, Erin and James are moving to Florida next week (Bastards). We will be having a going away BASH on October 10th (This Saturday)at Fat Fenders Grille and Saloon. They have delicious food and drinks plus we’ll have Snyder’s band and a slew of other Jazz/Funk magicians. [...]...
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Primalfly-Making 2nd Headquarters in Tampa,Florida 2 October 2009, 8:19 am
Its time to get salty bitches! Snyder and Erin are moving to Tampa to continue the mission and expand the Primalfly reach to southern gulf coast waters. Rumor has it Teasdale will also be tainting the waters around the gulf coast with a slew of new gear to promote a mission of his [...]...
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Still here to promote Debauchery! 29 September 2009, 9:21 am
Its true, we have been totally slackin and not keeping up to date on the blog these last few months. Frankly, with all the fun we have been having…Who’s got time for the internet, other than Gracie? A lot is has been happening and I’ll share a little about the recent haps. [...]...
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Confessions of a Fly Shop Manager 20 September 2009, 4:11 pm
A jaded fly shop employees final requests to customers
A farewell from Cletus the banjo player
As I prepare for my departure from the fly shop manager life of riches, fame, and glory, I’d like to get something off my chest. Its a small list of requests, suggestions, rants and facts directed towards the every day fly [...]...
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In memory of our friend, Sawan Nail 31 August 2009, 9:01 pm
Sawan Nail 1969-2009
The Denver fly-fishing community suffered [...]...
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AGFC Information Meeting _ Feb 23 3 February 2012, 10:42 pm
We are planning to hold an informational meeting for Bull Shoals and Norfork Tailwaters on Thursday February 23th from 6 -7:30 pm in the McMullin Lecture Hall on the campus of ASU-Mountain Home. This meeting will provide us (AGFC) to update the public on current monitoring efforts (population samples, creel survey, etc.) of some of [...]...
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Fishing Report February 2 2012 2 February 2012, 10:48 pm
FEBRUARY is here and as always it brings a bunch of old friends back into town for the “season opener” when the Bull Shoals C&R zone comes reopens. And while there were a few grumbles from wade only fly fishers over the opener being conducted with high water, though not by those in the [...]...
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Fishing Slow? Blame the Sun 2 February 2012, 10:04 pm
I have joked before that the difference between conventional fishers and fly fishers is that gear fishers have excuses for poor fishing, fly fishers have theories. So here’s another theory with some large words we stumbled over on Midcurrent.com yesterday. Seacoastonline was reporting that the solar flares last week may have disrupted the Earth’s Magnetic [...]...
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Henry hits Dry Run 2 February 2012, 9:50 pm
OUR second email this week from young fella’s and their fathers fishing our waters. Our buddy from Little Rock, Lee Redmann sent us this report after bringing a friend Joel and Joel’s son Henry up to hit Dry Run. We set Henry up for his big day on the Creek and here’s the rest of [...]...
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Dalton Lands a Good’en 2 February 2012, 9:17 pm
GREAT email and photos from Journal, and shop regular Dave Dressler on a trip to the White with his son Dalton the day of our streamer class. Most of us started with gear before picking up the fly rod and it’s a pretty good idea for young fellas on the big rivers, especially with [...]...
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February 1 and 2012 Is Underway 1 February 2012, 1:15 pm
THE First of February is here and for many fly fishers of our acquaintance that means the 2012 season is underway. It’s a tradition, coinciding with the reopening of the Bull Shoals Trophy Zone, an event more symbolic and a dang good excuse for a few days fishing with friends. If you took [...]...
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IN WITH THE NEW OUT WITH THE OLD SALE 1 February 2012, 7:40 am
ITS That time of year again with new season products rolling through the doors and the old stuff getting marked down to move it on. We have some seriously cool stuff landing from Simms, the new Headwaters Jacket, giving you Gore-Tex protection for $200 is awesome and feels great. This jacket is going to [...]...
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Now Use Texts to Report Poachers 30 January 2012, 9:23 pm
The AGFC has announced a nifty new system for reporting fishing and hunting poachers anonymously via text message. Since there are numerous spots on the White and Norfork where cell service is patchy yet texts will get through, like Dry Run Creek, this means better coverage, and since its anonymous perhaps more people will come [...]...
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Drawing Flies & Fish 52_5 Crazy Charlie 4 February 2012, 7:25 pm
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STREAMERS 365 31 January 2012, 10:02 pm
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Following Along 31 January 2012, 8:46 pm
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DF&F 52_4 Brookie and X-Caddis 28 January 2012, 4:18 pm
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DF&F 52_3 Cutthroat trout and a Chernobyl Ant 22 January 2012, 7:53 pm
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DF&F 52_2 Brown Trout and Stone Fly 14 January 2012, 6:14 pm
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DF&F 52_1 Rainbow and Royal Wulff 7 January 2012, 10:54 am
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DF&F 52 2 January 2012, 7:54 pm
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Drawing Fish 52_52 Silver Trout 31 December 2011, 6:05 pm
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Drawing Fish 52_51 Aurora Trout 27 December 2011, 8:41 pm
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Net Boy: Montana Brown 8 October 2010, 4:44 pm
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Wow... what a whitey! 30 September 2010, 10:50 pm
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Net Boy: Rio Grande Cutthroat 26 September 2010, 7:27 pm
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Net Boy 21 September 2010, 6:13 pm
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Zat Yer Rig? Barney Edition 16 September 2010, 7:11 am
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5 Guys You'll See at the IFTD Casting Pond 7 September 2010, 2:58 pm
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Charles Bronson Sighting 4 September 2010, 10:40 pm
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Failure to Launch 2 September 2010, 10:25 pm
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Sri Lanka 30 August 2010, 3:01 pm
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Drunk Girls, Tattoos and Beer Cans on the Blackfoot 25 August 2010, 10:36 am
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Damn Thief
A classical flautist and award winning fly tier stole millions of pounds
worth of exotic bird pelts from the Natural History Museum, says a popular British news site. More . . ....
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Fly Fishing with Charlie Sheen
Enough! I've had it with the cynics and skeptics about Charlie. People forget
that he is a great outdoorsman, a fly fisherman whom I helped early on when we first
met in Colorado. I think we all need to relax
and chill over a man who, frankly, has a little more life than the rest of us
couch potatoes. More . . ....
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Sylvester Nemes, emerged but not forgotten
Sylvester, his soft hackles and I, go way back. Way, way, back.
On my selves, I'm staring at his soft hackle manifesto, The Soft-Hackled Fly.
Between Nemes and GEM Skues, fly patterns took a nasty fall from the lofty heights of Halford's and Gordon's delicate dries,
and into the water, deep into the water. And what did they find, lots of eager fish. And lots of eager flyfishers. More . . ....
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The biggest fly on the planet . . .
is a seven-foot monstrosity reported on Steam.X. More . . ....
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You have nothing to fear but fear itself
. . and everything else. I have plenty of fear about most things in the woods. Most everything beyond my parked car, I figure, is out to kill me, if not the bears and snakes and killer bees, then the microbes who'll feast on me later--to say nothing of the shape-shifting aliens (but enough about my nightmares). So here is a list of fears and how I try to conquer them. More . . ....
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Flyfishing Survival Tip #1: Building a shelter
On a recent fishing trip, I nearly broke my leg in the middle of nowhere. My physical therapist said I escaped a bullet and pointed out the advantages of couch sitting and watching reality fly fishing shows (there are some?). So, I decided to brush the dust off my childhood survival skills and see if I should learn anything new by checking out numerous survivalist websites and tuning into Man vs. Wild with Bear Grylls and other survival reality shows. More . . ....
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The Invisible Hatches
Someone sent this link to a video called, "The Invisible Gorilla." Now,
before you continue reading the blog, watch the video (otherwise, I'll spoil
the video for you, and the blog). More . . ....
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The season of spiders
Spiders are one of those creatures in life that, as Emily Dickinson said about
snakes, make me feel zero at the bone. Unlike Dickinson's snakes, however,
spiders can also fill me with intimations of great things to come. To wit, Fall fishing. More . . ....
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Parting notes for my college-bound daughter
Today, she leaves the nest for the University of Montana. (No, I didn't
influence her decision to get schooled a half-hour from the finest trout
currents in the Western states.) No matter how well you think you've raised a
daughter to adjust to the world of personalities, politics and ideas, there are always a few lingering doubts. More . . ....
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Wi-Fly technology
Kids, these days. I can't figure out how to turn off my car's parking lights,
and the battery is beginning to drain in the middle of nowhere with my daughter
on a too-long overdue fly fishing trip to Montana. More . . ....
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texasflymannequin 17 July 2011, 8:31 pm
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Inks Lake State Park 12 June 2011, 7:49 pm
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Memorial Day 30 May 2011, 1:53 pm
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Minnow catcher 16 May 2011, 8:02 pm
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Community Park Fishing 1 May 2011, 9:48 am
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Spring Break Fishing 28 March 2011, 9:50 pm
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Fishing adventures 28 December 2010, 8:42 pm
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Thanksgiving turkey 24 November 2010, 10:33 am
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Paddle, fish, eat, sleep 14 November 2010, 12:05 pm
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Lake Travis on a cloudy day 22 October 2010, 11:57 am
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fly fishing line, and the newbie fly angler 7 October 2010, 3:20 pm
As the title says I'm a newbie to fly fishing, but excited about giving it a go because it look like a lot of fun and and almost an art skill. I bought a second hand 8'6" rod and reel,6/7, action. My plan is to fish in a small lake or a river with deep and shallow spots, I need a line and whatever else I might need, I'm thinking of a floating line with maybe a sinking tip,not sure,,mostly for trout, maybe use for small bass, bluegills because the weather is still a bit warm here for practice, pr...
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Stripers, trout, and Beaver Lake 5 October 2010, 1:20 am
I live in Rogers, and the nearest trout stream is close to prairie creek. Now it is early fall and I am probably going fly fishing there, but I also want to get stripers that are stocked in in Beaver lake above which swim around the lake dam. I want to order a trout patterned cl8 bait Cb 5, but my bass rod might be too small. It says it can throw baits up to 3/4 oz. but the Cb 5 is 9/10 oz.. Can it still throw it OK? I'm pretty new to swimbaits, and the only one I've ever used was a small bl...
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Record setting Brown Trout 3 October 2010, 11:35 pm
The White River is south of me and where I live (MO) and I've read and herd there is record setting Brown Trout there. So I am going to take a trip this fall and give it a go. Here's my questions. What type of equipment do I need? Here is the rigs that I have.
1. Fly Rod - 8'6" with 6wt. line. I caught tons of hatchery size Rainbows on this in both rivers and lakes.
2. Spinning Rod - 5' UL with 4lb mono. Same as above, lots of hatchery size Rainbows.
3. Spinning Rod - 6'6" M with 8lb mono...
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I need some basic fishing tips please 2 October 2010, 5:27 pm
New angler from Waldon needing some basic fishing tips please. When I was younger I went fishing a lot and catching fish now is something I'll take more serious. As mentioned I am new to fishing again and have not spent a whole lot of money on a fishing rod and reel and just use a Wal-Mart special a shakespeare with a 6 lbs line. I have caught one fish recently but upon visiting a very popular fishing spot, I found that I was the ONLY person not catching a fish.
My boyfriend and I use basic bai...
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Rig for fishing black drum? 1 October 2010, 4:12 pm
Hey all, I am your typical largemouth bass and trout anglers and never fly fished in my life, but I want to widen my variety and want to get after some blackdrums and I was wondering what sort of rod/reel combo I should go with. The area I fish does not have a lot of space to move, so it's going to be more a tug of war type fishing, so I'd rather focus on gear strength to land them rather then a fancy rod/reel combo to fight the fish.
Thanks,
Bill...
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Rod and reel ONLY for trout and catfish? 24 September 2010, 5:44 pm
I like to cook and bake rather then hunt, but here lately I have wanted to start to learn how to fish. As mentioned I am not into hunting unlike the rest of my family and why I want to ask a question here without having to go ask my family, because all I will get is a million opinions that will turn into some sort of argument.
Is it possible to buy a rod and reel ONLY for trout and catfish? Are these two species so different that you'd need to have a different fishing gear setup or is possibl...
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Freshwater fishing rod and reel combo 23 September 2010, 7:44 pm
Nice to see a Arkansas based trout fishing blog. Okay a newbie here looking for advice/tips on a freshwater fishing rod and reel combo for all types of fishing and not just trout fishing. Something versatile to use for lakes, rivers, ponds, etc. Anyway, I am researching for the best rod/reel combo that would work best for a beginner without breaking the bank? The rod and reel combo would be used fishing freshwater fish like grass car, trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and bass. Is there a combo...
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I want to catch more trout? 22 September 2010, 7:21 pm
I want to catch more trout? just like everyone else. ;-) I am looking for advice and tips on what rigs to use for rainbow trout. I've been using a 15 lb braid line with a ultralight action rod. Recommendations needed for the size hooks and how to reel them in. Also, could my problem be the size worms I've been using because I've been using huge worms. Also, what ounce weight should I be using and the best time to fish the White River from shore?
Thanks much for any and all information,
Terry...
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Trout fishing and dry flies? 21 September 2010, 4:23 pm
Hey all thought I'd pitch in and ask a question. I've been fishing in the same lake area for a week and focused on the trout patterns and habits. Just before sunrise, the trout are very active, on the surface, and jumping and feeding off flies on the surface. I've been using, worms on an 18-inch leader, swivel, and bobber, and I get bites often. At day break, the trout only hit flies or feed on the surface. The number of active trout explodes, and they just flat-out ignore worms.I am not a fly a...
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White River fishing setup? 20 September 2010, 3:33 pm
Hi, I am heading out heading back to the White River this week and I need a better trout setup. Currently I am using:
A # 3 weight about 3 ft above the hook
3 inches above the hook a reflector with wings to spin it with a orange ball on top of it with a swivel holding it from falling to the hook.
What do you think about this setup? It is the same setup I used for steelhead? The rocks on the bottom of the river is giving me a false hit and need some advice on what to do? I was thinking abou...
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Don’t Turn Into a Cover Band of Your Own Music 1 February 2012, 12:17 pm
I missed my own damn birthday! Four years ago on January 31, 2008 I wrote my first post on FLY FISH CHICK. I’m a day late but thought it was worth a bit of a retrospective since during the lifespan of this blog, so much has happened in my life. Four years. I can hardly [...]...
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Water Fowl Play 24 January 2012, 9:17 am
There is something fishy about these ducks propped in a chair having just been plucked off the wall, but it’s not as malicious as it sounds. Since I have just watched the movie Moneyball, I’d like to think of these ducks as being traded, not flat out cut. Yall know that the Professor is an [...]...
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One Pho the Money, Two Pho the Show 19 January 2012, 5:18 pm
I have been hankering to try a new Vietnamese-French bistro in my hood called Elizabeth Street Cafe, which has an awesome sign that boasts “Noodles-Banh Mi-Boulangerie”. Well, I went for the first time today and loved it. Inherently my taste buds lean French but I did some homework on Vietnamese fare and have to say [...]...
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Kids Writing Contest (for a chance to win a rod and reel!) 10 January 2012, 8:54 am
Calling all Texas kids who like to fish and want to write about it: This is your chance to win a TFO flyrod and reel! This is a cool opportunity and I am very excited to serve as a judge in GRTU’s first annual Kids Writing Contest. Here’s the scoop… GRTU (Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited) [...]...
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Low Sodium 5 January 2012, 10:23 am
Apparently, there is an actual medical term for the acute condition from which I am currently suffering: Hyponatremia. In layman’s terms, that means salt deficiency. Salt deficiency? Oh yeah, I’ve got it, got it real bad. You see, I have absolutely zero saltwater trips on the calendar. I realize how good I had it with [...]...
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But You Can Blow a Kiss 13 November 2011, 3:44 pm
It’s been a red-hot week here in Mobile, reading, speaking and selling copies of ‘Paddlefish’ at a whole host of book events. On Friday I had my first ever signing in a bookstore. I was at a fantastic independent bookshop called Page & Palette in Fairhope, Alabama. They are known for scheduling topnotch authors and [...]...
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Just One Cast Away From a Cortisone Shot 30 October 2011, 6:11 pm
The Professor and I just snuck out to Montana for a few heavenly days of vacation which was heavy on fall fishing, food and football. We fished the Big Hole with our friend Eric, co-owner of Sunrise Flyshop in Melrose. I’ve said it before, Eric is seriously one of the hardest working guides on the [...]...
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A Diablo Sandwich and A Dr. Pepper and Make It Fast 24 October 2011, 9:40 am
This weekend we ventured to the annual Texas Book Festival, with two key objectives: to get a signed cookbook with classic Texas fare and meet the mastermind behind one of the greatest movies of all time. Ancillary perks included dreamy weather, a delightfully mellow scene which was mandatory since Little Chick is recovering from a [...]...
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Wow. Sounds Like I Missed All the Fun at the Shrimp Festival. 19 October 2011, 7:22 am
Just a simple conversation I overheard in the airport Monday between two women who didn’t know each other but had both been at the Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores. One had been at the Florabama (a legendary sprawling beach bar on the border of Alabama and Florida) late into the night and was worried about [...]...
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Launch 17 October 2011, 7:05 am
On Saturday, the Professor and I took advantage of a gorgeous morning in South Alabama and headed over to the boat launch to try and catch redfish on the fly. It was also the launch of our new motor. You see, unfortunately a couple of weeks ago, the motor was stolen off our boat. It’s [...]...
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www.frontsidefly.com 29 January 2012, 8:40 am
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Colorado River - Dec 27, 2011 29 December 2011, 11:56 am
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Colorado River - December 18, 2011 19 December 2011, 10:58 pm
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Colorado River - November 17, 2011 20 November 2011, 11:24 am
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Hogs Gone Wild? 29 October 2011, 11:01 pm
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Bear Creek Res - October 29, 2011 29 October 2011, 8:47 pm
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Silverthorne Pond, October 10, 2011 16 October 2011, 10:53 am
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Oct 1, 2011 - Colorado and Blue Rivers 2 October 2011, 5:13 pm
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Boulder Creek - Sept 10, 2011 10 September 2011, 10:37 pm
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South Park - 9/4-9/5/2011 6 September 2011, 11:16 pm
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How to Make a Seine Net 13 December 2011, 9:00 pm
Materials: Fine window-screen mesh, telescoping legs, heavy duty thread (I actually used 8 lb test firewire for spin fishing), needle or sewing machine
Cost: About $12 (more if you have to buy firewire from the store :-)
Time: About 1 hour for me to assemble. If you have a sewing machine it would probably only take 20 minutes or less.
I spoke in a recent blog how I wanted to get back...
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South Platte, 11 Mile Canyon, Colorado 9 December 2011, 4:18 pm
Catch-up: This event occurred in the Spring of 2011
Date: Friday April 22 and Saturday May 7, 2011
Weather: Sunny, beautiful
Insect/Activity: Small amount of midge and baetis activity
Patterns Used: Blacktail Baetis, AB Tungsten Hare's Ear, Grey Midge Pupa
Flows: 52
Fortune smiled upon Ben and I as we took to the river a couple of times in a two week period! I can't remember what...
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South Platte, Cheeseman Canyon, Co 16 November 2011, 8:36 am
Here's another blast from the past!
Date: Saturday April 2, 2011
Weather: Sunny in the mid 50's
Insect/Activity: Very little
Patterns Used: Blacktail Baetis, AB Tungsten Hare's Ear, Grey Midge Pupa
Flows: 75
Michelle strikes again! Really, a flawless brown ... amazing.
I've got a pretty good stock of these back-logged posts I need to catch up on, so you'll definitely see these popping...
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South Platte, 11 Mile Canyon, Colorado 10 November 2011, 8:37 am
Date: Sunday October 30, 2011
Weather: Mostly Sunny
Insect/Activity: None in the morning. Baetis hatch started around noon and became moderately heavy by 1:30 PM
Patterns Used: Blacktail Baetis, AB Tungsten Hare's Ear, Midge Pupa, Poly-Wing Baetis, Adams
Flows: 63
Fantastic day on the river! My buddy Chris and I rolled up at about 8:30 AM, a little too early. There was not much...
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South Platte, Cheeseman Canyon, Colorado 31 August 2011, 4:46 pm
Catch Up: This event occurred in the not to distant past ...
Date: Monday February 21, 2011
Weather: Sunny, High's in the 40's
Insect/Activity: Few midge in the air
Patterns Used: Blacktail Baetis, AB Tungsten Hare's Ear, Grey Midge Pupa
Flows: Low, can't remember, but probably well below 100 CFS
Michelle and I were chomping at the bit to get a break from the Arkansas River in Pueblo. So,...
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The Longest Road ... 18 August 2011, 6:53 pm
No doubt you can guess at a lack of posts in this blog from the first photo in my previous entry.
My son, Winston James Allen was born on July 20th at 1:06 AM. He was 6 lbs. 11 oz. at 20" long. What an amazing experience, and it wasn't half as hard as everyone kept telling me! :-) Oh yea ... Michelle did really well too!
Somehow, back in June, I envisioned catching up on blogging since I knew I...
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South Platte, 11 Mile Canyon, Co 16 June 2011, 2:55 pm
Redefining "Keepin' it Real"Date: Saturday June 11, 2011Weather: Sunny with a few storms that moved in and outInsect/Activity: Few caddis in the air, few baetis emerging, Suckers moving into the shallows but not spawning yet.Patterns Used: Blacktail Baetis, AB Tungsten Hare's EarFlows: 107My 35 week, bursting with baby, pregnant wife redefined "keepin' it real" this last weekend. As we near the...
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Secret Creeks, CO 7 June 2011, 3:37 pm
Date: Various dates throughout the Fall, Winter and SpringWeather: Mostly Colorado blue skiesInsect activity: VariedPatterns used: Classics (Hare's Ear, Cut-wing Caddis, Adams)I'm not much for secrets. In Gunnison, there just wasn't the need. Why keep a secret when there's hundreds of miles of rivers. Some of my best kept secrets in the area were high mountain lakes that held 3 lb cutthroat, but...
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Reformatting 3 June 2011, 3:00 pm
I've decided to switch things up a bit ...Though I have had the intention of posting in a more expedient manner. It just isn't happening ... Really, one of the key things I wanted this blog to be is a resource to myself, as an online fishing journal, and to others, as a river report.I have come up with the best solution to start posting a little more bare-bones, only breaking out the anecdotal...
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On the River: Arkansas, Pueblo, CO 15 April 2011, 7:33 pm
SUPERPOSTNovember 27 and 28January 8 and 29February 19(and some other random dates)Prior to June 14th 2010 I didn't even know this stretch of river existed. Living in Gunnison, CO one doesn't exactly seek out what trout fishing there is east of Pike's Peak. Pueblo ?!@!? I assumed the Ark came out of Bighorn Sheep Canyon and turned into a sandy mud-hole and that may have been the case before the...
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