With Spring around the Corner, I've been busy researching stillwater patters. A fly swap popped up... what a good opportunity to see what others are fishing.
After some reading, a bit of thought, more reading, a bit more thought... I jetted down to Fish Tech to see Ol' Ralphy. He's always fiddling around with cool ideas, so I picked his brain. Since Ralph's input lead to this fly combo, I'm calling it the "Ralphy Bomb". Yeah, of course I know it's noting new, it's just an alteration of an already existing pattern. But what the hell, that's what I am calling it ; )
I shot a few pics...er...a few 100 pics. I dunno, after going through em' all, this one seemed to catch my eye.
What do you think? Likes/Dislikes... not too worry, I have thick skin ; )
The Arizona Bow was my second entry for Moldy Chum January's entry for SOTM (Slab of the month). I didn't win again, lost to Salt Water, again. Third time the charm?? ha ha... It was an honor to even be considered, again, and hopefully in the near future I'll have another entry ; )
Corey and I hoped on the plane and headed to Arizona, where we met up with local fisherman and photographer Aaron Otto. After a few dozen emails we finally decided to meet. Being mid-winter is was easy to pick the destination, sunny Lee’s Ferry. It was Corey’s and I first trip to LF, and first fishing trip to Arizona for that matter… it won’t be the last… We were stoked!
We fished Lee’s Ferry for (2) days. The first day was spent on the walk-in section.I probably spent more time that afternoon staring at the unique landscape of sandstone and soaking in the scenery, rather than concentrating on my fishing. The spectacular canyon alone is well wroth the trip, fishing is just the bonus.
Day (2) we rented a jet boat and headed up river. I have been in many, many different kinds of boats; the jet boat is another first. It seemed every hour the trip got better and better and each time it seemed that there was no way to top the last awesome event. We hit the various sandbars as we made our way up the awe-inspiring river. Each bend held another finger pointing followed by “dude check that out” and fished with small tech light rigs. The Rainbows were pretty, clean and colorful. We went all the way to the dam. I felt smaller than normal staring at the dam; it’s massive to say the least. I'm not sure why it felt that way, I see mountains that rise thousands of feet in the air, and I’ve played on them my entire life, currently I still do. But this time I remember thinking that this mountain of concrete is huge, I felt like a small grain of sand at the beach.Perhaps it’s the fact that the hand of man looked out of place while being surrounded by such beauty.
We headed back to the hotel, and then to Page, Arizona for some tasty Mexican food… Well worth the trip by the way!On the way home Aaron mentioned “Apache Trout” and asked if we wanted to go check em’ out. It took about 1.1 seconds to reply, HELL YES! I wished we had more time to spend on Lee’s Ferry, I guess I’ll just have to go back!
The road to the Apache Trout was surprisingly rugged mountain terrain, thick pine forests and never thought of it as to catch Trout. I never thought of Arizona as a place with Trees, just cactus and sand. Well, I was wrong!
The Apache Trout thrive in a gem clear stream, tucked away high in up in the country side. The river was a slow moving one, and very technical…so far that’s been the case of fishing Arizona. I love that challenge. The Apache share the stream with Rainbows, some are quite large.
Right away we encountered a midge hatch; fish were sipping off the top. Corey and I riffled through a half dozen patterns in the first thirty minutes. The water was clear; you could see the reaction to the fish as you fly went right on by.Nymphs changed to “go to’s” when they failed we tossed streamers, which received crazy fast hits, almost a “nips” really.Then more fish started to feed on top, I switched over. Finally starting to pick ‘em up when I went all the way down to #30. My first rare catch of an Apache was awesome. They have such big eyes and the patterns and colors are insane… another first. I fished the rest of the day with a big smile, I kept thinking of how cool this all is, and how lucky I was to be targeting these precious fish.
The glare was getting bad on our side f the river. We didn’t have waders on so crossing was not and option. My fly was so small I couldn’t see it so I tied on a #18 midge cluster and trailed the tiny, but deadly, Cheech’sBunny Midge.
Aaron and I were fishing the corner when we observed and heard a fish shooting up the riffle…. “Was that a fish?” we both asked each other. We walked over and we could see what looked to be a 20” Bow right in the fast water. I cut off my trailing fly and lobbed my midge cluster up to the start of the fast water shoot and let it ride though. The fly was sucked under in the foam and I thought I was snagged. The fish was unaware of the situation so I wasn’t too worried. I had on 7x so I thought what the hell, and proceeded to jerk the fly in hopes to either dislodge it from the bottom or break it off and I can tie on another fly. After two quick pulls, I realized I wasn’t hung up on the stream bed… because my reel was screaming.We got a look at the fish when it went flying right by us, holy sh**!!!!Then the next though…I have 7x on. After an explosive fight, a bit of sweat and with a little luck we managed to land the fish. Aaron hoped in the river with his nice white shoes and netted that thing like his life depended on it. It was a huge 27” long x 16” girth 10lb Rainbow Trout!! (Another first) We were all pumped, what a day, what a trip and to think that my knot and 7x held was unimaginable…ultimately Aaron’s shoes paid a dirty price but it was worth it… I guess I owe Aaron a new pair of shoes ; )
After letting the fish go, we realized the time. We quickly packed up and hurried straight to the airport. Our fantastic vacation came to an end, it seemed too soon.The hospitality, tour, fishing, company, Native American informational side trips, braking into the old couples hotel with a credit card, fixing the jet boat starter, the food, the breakfast burritos, the fishing, the scenery, the 800+ miles in 3 days….was all too good to be true. I can’t wait to return!!
Enormous thanks to Aaron and his wife for taking the time to show us around. It was a great adventure and I can’t thank you both enough! Aaron’s work can been seen and read in most every major fly fishing publication. Keep an eye out, there will be some sick stuff coming out in the near future.
A big thanks goes out to Greg Thomas. He did a superb job on the article. It was awesome talking about a fish to someone you held in high regards as a fisherman. Quite odd, as I always thought that if I ever got a chance to meet him, I figured it would be me asking him ; ) BUT I hope one day soon, I will have that opportunity.... Can you say...."Sea Run Cutts!"
Guch invited a few of us to their annual "cast and blast" Green River tip. I was in, Grizz too. I was looking forward to the trip and needless to say, it was a much needed one. The past few weeks really sucked and I hadn't been on the water in 2 weeks. I was looking forward to a bit or R&R.
4am came early, Guch crashed on the couch and was up and running when by the time I was wiping the sleep out of my eye. That's about the time Grizz showed up. We packed the car and headed off to I-80, towards 3 days of paradise.
With in 30 minutes of traveling we hit the tail end of the storm…or was it the beginning.. not sure. Anyway, we hadn't driven for more than an hour or so when all hell almost broke loose. It was snowing and we were driving very slowly in the slow lane when we came up on a semi. Grizz did what anyone would have done and signaled over to the fast lane to pass. That's when the semi started to loose it. The oversized truck and trailer began to fish tail. Grizz pumped his breaks (probably driving on ice) and proceed to try and back of. The truck is still swerving from side to side and I sure we were all thinking that this is not going to be good. The ABS breaks were working, you could feel it, but we were still sliding. The truck made a giant fish tail to the left across the entire lane, the trailer was almost horizontal to the truck pulling it. It was crazy. I pictured the truck flipping and us slamming right into the gas tank ;) The guy somehow pulled it off and recovered. Unbelievable! Then he pulled over to the side of the road where I'm certain he changed his shorts. I rolled down the window and gave him a thumbs up, he stared at me with wide eyes. We were all very lucky. Grizz executed the slit second moment with poise. I'm sure a bit nerved but in control the entire time. Whew…. That was a close one.
We arrived at the lodge to get the guys who came in the night before. Hit the shop and headed down to the water. Everyone split up and did their thing - some of the guys headed down for a cast and blast, while some of us headed up stream.
It was only a mater of time before Grizz was tight – a "bottoms up". He stuck a few more Browns out of the same area before moving on. I had some small Rainbows to hand nymphing, but noting of incredible size but fun colorful fish nonetheless.
The guys moved on while I stayed and nymphed. Eventually I was bored and moved on in hopes of finding sippers…. which I did. It was a fun hour of a hatch. I was able to test out a cool pattern that produced on the MP. It was a success. The hatch ended…err… I put the rest of the fish down so I abandoned my hole and headed to fresh water.
Around the corner I saw the guys huddled up… I also saw about a hundred sipping fish – the entire river was feeding. The excitement built up, I anticipated some dry fly action. I started walking faster, thinking that the guys were re-rigging their streamer set-ups to dry's and I wanted some action too. The closer I got the more loudly I could hear them, whispers turned into a loud laughter. By the time I arrived at the huddle I could see what the commotion was all about – peppermint schnapps. The boys were having a good ol' time in the 20 degree, overcast weather ; )
"You gettin' em'?" I asked
"Naw" they laughed.
The fish are going nuts I said
Huh…err…wha? They said
"Look over there" I pointed to an eye full of fish …all feeding.
"WHAT THE #*&^!!! " They said, surprised ; )
Seems they didn't even notice. Troy Watanabe the fearless leader of Guch's riffraff grabbed his rod and ran straight to the water and started casting and screaming like a mad man. We couldn't hear anything but mumbled words. In no time he as into on, then another and another… some landed some bucked him off. (Blank_) went down and started casting too, and hooked into his second fish, ever. Troy was tight as well, a double! The next cast Troy hooked into a brute. The fight was awesome; from my vantage point I could see two crazy Japanese guys screaming like mad men and a fish going nuts. I could tell from the water getting tossed in the air that this was a good fish. I ran down and snapped a few pics. It's safe to say that Karma listens as Troy has been a more than gracious host so far. It also his only time he is able to fish… so this fish is going to be the talk for an entire year, he he he. It was awesome!
For the next three days we stuck fish both underneath and on top. It was peaceful, it was quiet. I really enjoy the reverence and solitude of winter on the Green. It was a great trip, one I'll be doing next year for sure! Troy and Guch, Thanks for everything!
After (3) substitutes Bills, (20) amendments, the Bill failed in the House, a 43-31vote today, March 9, 2009.
The public did the unthinkable, again. Not only did they sink the Bill the first go around, but they did it again for the second time today, 3/9/09. A great deal of determination, spirit and integrity stood up and brought down HB 187 AGAIN!!!! HB 187 has been defeated once and for all!
A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who wrote their Representatives, called, lobbied, informed, spoke out, went with out sleep, work, food and fishing to fight for something we believe in…time and time again. Even though we encountered a few bumps in the road, we all stood together to see it through till the bitter end. Today our elected Representatives spoke on behalf of the people and once again, today, the people were heard! Everyone played a big roll in this victory, congratulations and bravo for sticking it out.
The next phase will be working to get a respectable Bill passed that meets on common ground, one that is reasonable to the Utah Supreme Court Ruling, and fair to all citizens. We must remain motivated and watchful in our attempt to protect our waters. Value our freedom and civil rights by taking care of our resource for generations to come.
1. Please write your Representative(s) and let them know how they did. We sent thousands of emails and they answered hundreds of our calls, we need to extend our hand and say thank you! They worked hard for us; let them know you appreciate it.
If you’re rep voted “yes,” it’s perfectly fair to ask them for an explanation, particularly if they went against something they said previously. It’s OK to call them on it so long as it’s done respectfully. It’s also good to point out anglers CAN and WILL work with landowners to find a permanent solution. We just need to be part of the process from the start. No more of this back-door, secret, “my way or the highway” stuff.
2. Please use our precious resource with respect, humility and pride. Pick up that trash, repair that broken fence, mend the relationships with landowners and respect private property. We will be looked at very closely this year, let make sure we show them we are Guardians of the water and Stewards of the land. This year it’s extremely important to abide by the law and make the effort to lend a hand to landowners. This is just as important as eliminating the Bill.
Thanks again everyone, it wasn’t easy and we appreciate your honest efforts. My hat it of to you all!!!! We all came together with a unified voice…. residents and non-residents alike, extraordinary work everyone!
In an unfortunate and dramatic turn of events, Representative Ferry pulled HB 187 out for a “motion to reconsider”, the motion was GRANTED. Representative Draxler made the motion, and now HB 187 has come back to life. An amendment(s) is going to be made to the Bill in order to sway votes, which we find interesting as Rep. Ferry stated yesterday, "This amendment is totally unacceptable”.
HB 187 is now “circled” (on hold) and back on the calendar. The Bill can be back on the floor as early as tomorrow morning, March 5, 2009.
We need people at the Capitol Building tomorrow morning @9 am. (Thursday 3/5/09 and if need be on Friday 3/6/09) If you can make it, come join us.
CALL and EMAIL your Representative RIGHT NOW!! Tell them to Vote NO on HB 187!
It’s down to the wire; we need your support to kill this bill. This cannot and will not happen without your voice!
This coincides with the standing belief that the overall PROCESS of this Bill is flawed!! This last ditch effort is unwarranted and honestly, very disrespectful to the public; we should not stand for this type of behavior. Let them know where you stand (in a respectful way) and tell them that this is unacceptable.
Breaking news -- The House of Representatives voted the Bill down today 34 – 41!!!!
The public did the unthinkable, sunk HB 187! A big thanks to everyone who wrote their Representatives, called, lobbied, informed, spoke out, went with out sleep, work, food and fishing to fight for something we believe in. Today the people spoke, and today the people were heard!
We are proud of each of you, residents and non-residents alike. Everyone played a big roll in this victory. We all came together with a unified voice…. fantastic work everyone! Wow, unbelievable.
1.Please write your Representative(s) and let them know how they did. We sent thousands of emails and they answered hundreds of our calls, we need to extend our hand and say thank you! They worked hard for us; let them know you appreciate it.
If you're rep voted "yes," it's perfectly fair to ask them for an explanation, particularly if they went against something they said previously. It’s Ok to call them on it so long as it's done respectfully. It's also good to point out anglers CAN and WILL work with landowners to find a permanent solution. We just need to be part of the process from the start. No more of this back-door, secret, "my way or the highway" stuff.
2.Please use our precious resource with respect, humility and pride. Pick up that trash, repair that broken fence, mend the relationships with landowners and respect private property. We will be looked at very closely this year, let make sure we show them we are Guardians of the water and Stewards of the land.
Thanks again everyone, it wasn’t easy and we appreciate your honest efforts. Well played.
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WILLIAM JOSEPH
A man who dares waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life. - Charles Darwin
Why is it that the destruction of something created by humans is called vandalism, yet the destruction of something created by God is called development? -Edward Abbey
Life is too short not to enjoy living it...
I am a professional adventure seeker, ok bum. I give up money and office jobs to seek out roads less traveled. Life is more than bank accounts and possessions, well other than snowboards, backpacking and fishing gear..lol... I have been commercial fishing for the past I don't even know how many summers and working with friends in the snow industry during the winters.
This is a blog of my life, what I do and in a way who I am. It's also a record of photos and writings with misspelled words and poor vocabulary. A place where I can look back and enjoy those moments again. Perhaps this small humble place might inspire one person to get out and see the world, enjoy nature and find a piece of sanctuary from the concrete jungle... or go to school study English and take grammar courses : )
Photo by Will Wissman
