North of the Border - Day 4, The Return Home

Last day of the trip and nobody wants to leave…as always. Hitting the water was refreshing this morning. Rigging up with a dry might not be the most effective way to catch on this day, after the hatch, but it’s the action we are targeting not the numbers. Met some good ol' boys on the launch. One of them just so happened to be Pat, who is the creator of the "Bennet Stone" or "Pat's Stone" or to those that don't know the" rubber legs". It was pretty cool to hear about the history of that fly and learn of its original name. I also found it interesting that the leg color cannot be bought anywhere and is specifically colored for that pattern…. figures. Fishing was OK, but it was expected to be that way, we were just hopeful for a miracle. Grizz brought some up fish and I spent the morning in tangles trying to nymph, yes, I went against my plan and now I'm paying for it and I lost a ton of bugs in the process. We fished to our take out and headed home… but first a quick stop.

At the last second we turned off the main road and headed for the lake. Upon arrival we observed zero wind and only 4 guys out. It took us about 2 minutes to be in the boat and on our way to the trees. The first spot we slowly figured it out and the second spot seemed to be the ticket. I was more interested in the birds that were nesting in the trees to be honest and I had the camera in hand most of the time. There were a couple youngsters in each nest chirping; at times it was pretty loud. The adults would take turns in feeding them and then it was really loud. It was pretty cool to watch in fact it was amazing. About that time, my bobber or indicator or whatever you must call it, moved… fish? I started taking in the slack went off to the right side of the boat a fish burst out of the water… holy Sh**! My first thought was that the fish were starting to be active, going nuts and then I felt the tug, that jumping fish was actually mine! We laughed and joked about the fish hooking themselves. Each time I set the rod down to shoot the birds it seemed that I would get a strike. I would loose fish and we would just laugh about it.

Grizz started picking up fish and for the next few hours we were entertained. Although, the two other guys near us were probably not thrilled with us. They were in better position but we could hear, and see, that they weren’t figuring it out. Each time the wind blew it would create a little disturbance on the water. This interruption would lift or jig the flies beneath the thing-a-ma-bobber, which would result in a strike. We were hoping for wind each time it went calm and I think the guys next door could hear us yelling for wind and laughing…it pretty much irritated them, that and the fact we were catching and losing fish and they were not. We each got another and we left for home, fantastic trip once again.

North of the Border - Day 3

Morning… it looked like it was going to be a great day, just not around here. We headed away from the storm towards Montana. Somehow we made it to sunshine and great weather but interesting enough, around us though were dark storm clouds. They stayed close to the mountain peeks as if they were forbidden to leave the area. The river that we just so happened to be fishing was in the "sucker hole". To clarify what a "sucker hole" is, just imagine a large storm; somewhere in the storm is a hole (one or more) in the dark clouds allowing blue skies to be seen and sunshine to pass through. It sounds odd but its quite common. Lucky for us we stumbled upon it.
The river was high and flowing faster than normal. Normal is warp speed so you could only imagine what high and fast means, uncontrolled! With the flows as they are it should be pretty easy to figure out where the fish are. The problem is getting to them. Any slow water near the edges will be holding fish, right, duh. Easier said than done. The slow water isn't a nice long run; it’s a teeny-tiny pocket in the middle of the white water, like a "sucker hole". In order to get down to them you need weight, adding weight will inevitably get you stuck on all the wreckage that has been scattered through out the river due to the heavy flows and the slow water here wasn't always near the edges. I'm not sure how many flies we lost that day, pretty insane really. The fishing was OK at best, more of a challenge than anything. The fish were beat up, hammered and looked exhausted. One rainbow in particular was shaped like a lightning bolt, stricken with whirling disease? Perhaps.

Moving up river a few miles the water was violent, the higher we went the more power it had. It was truly amazing, scary and reverent all at the same time. We got out and fished the beast. I can't believe the fish can survive that kind of constant pounding, wow. The fish were smaller but they were wild, unsoiled and beautiful. I truly appreciated them and their struggle to survive. Time to move on.

Hit a few areas on the way home with a few more fish to hand. Then scoped out various water systems for further ideas before making it back to camp. Grizz grilled the trout while I was busy trying to take a few pics with the good light…hope the weather hold for the last day…

North of the Border - Day 2

We were out the door in a timely fashion today, feeling pretty great about things. It had rained overnight and the wind was still a blowing…it looks like another rainstorm is headed in our direction. The decision was made to check out a few areas and avoid the weather if possible; targeting the lake for some Cutthroats before we float. We scoped out a really cool bang on the way, perhaps we'll hit it.

Arriving on at the lake I was quite surprised to see the entire state of Idaho standing at the boat dock and all are casting into the same area. Holy shit! You serious? So, we rigged up and headed over to join in the junk show.

The scenario on my side of the dock was this…. the battlefield.

Two thirty foot docks with twenty feet between them. On the left is a cove; on the right are willows and a long shoreline. I really didn't know what to do, so I just walked down to the end of the line and started there. Grizz went right in the mix on the opposite side (left). The dock goes out for 30 feet, from the dock down the immediate right side of the shoreline is a "wall" of willows for about twenty feet, with a small opening three-quarter's down. Using the willows and the dock as the imaginary border ("L" shape) now draw a line from the end of the willows and connect with the dock, you have a triangle of water. In that small area there was a boat with 2 guys casting at the bank fifteen feet away. In the corner of the willows and the dock there is a dude who wiggled his way in and is now standing directly on the fish and more important, where everyone is casting. Between the dude and the end of the willows are three kids spin fishing, and then there is me. By the time I had assessed the situation there was another guy that set up on my right, then three guys next to him and two toon'ers have started to patrol the outskirts. So this is combat fishing…. Wow. It felt like the opening battle scene to Saving Private Ryan, everything was going in slow motion. People were snagging the dock, dead fish were on the shoreline, fish were being caught and people are still arriving. As the kids started to kind of loose interest and leave, I swooped in. By this time Grizz came over, I looked over to where he came from…. Insane!

Well, we figured it out… and just tossed stuff at them. Nick Jones had tied up a bunch of prototypes and I gave it a go. They worked quiet nicely. We could see the "wolf pack's

" of fish - as we called it - move through, it was really cool to see. We used the small opening in the willow to our advantage. Someone would cast between the willows then move down the shoreline to land the fish at the end of the willows, where the other guy was holding the position. In the process we'd switch spots. By the time you the fish the other guy would be on and you'd rotate… you get the idea. This continued for quite awhile. A few times we were both on. Now the guys to the right haven't even gotten a bite, it might be because the fish are tight to the shore, not 50 feet out. Who know how many fish we landed or missed but it was surprisingly high, especially with all the people. I bet over a few hundred fish were caught by all that day… at least.

The fishing was nuts. Between the two small docks was boiling with fish, both sides of the docks were boiling with fish. The guy standing in the corner (on top of the fish) didn't even have to cast. He would toss out the fly on the water after unhooking the fish and his over-sized egg pattern would be snatched less than a foot away. Personally I would have rather hand-lined them but he would rather stand on the fish and cast out to the end of the dock.

We sure witnessed some colorful individuals. I found it funny that only the fly fishermen were the ones that were walking right by the "no fishing on or between the docks" signs and then proceeding to fish on or between them. Guess it never dawned on them why the other hundred people right there aren’t fishing there, pretty observant. The line of the day was a kid yelling to his father, "it was 9 or 5, pounds". Then there was the guy carrying a fly rod and a 1940 scale ripping net. He walked up and said something like "everyone just snagging them?" and "are they biting anything but roe patterns?" It always a fly guys that seems to be the idiots and perceive to be better than everyone, this was a prime example of a dork with a fly rod.

You know, it's hard to leave fish to search for fish. By the time we stopped fishing it was already mid-afternoon. Grizz took a fish for dinner and we headed back towards camp, weather was coming in. We filleted the fish and went on the road exploring. Hope the wind dies down tomorrow…

North of the Border - Day 1

Got the call there was action in the north, it was good, big bugs are out… you in? I have never caught a fish during a Salmonfly hatch… hell I have never caught a fish on a Salmonfly pattern! I did what any fisherman would do, I said yes. Now I am thinking about it, I am penniless just paid all the monthly bills and huge unforeseen bill that came in… this will put me over, oh well. I was pretty overwhelmed but I sat down and gave myself the good old slap in the face, yelled something like "get a hold of yourself", my conclusion was that there are fish up there and that's just life, everything else is a hobby. I'm going, no matter what.

My work is pretty much awesome; my boss-es are very cool about letting me get time off, rearranging my shifts and understand that hatches happen. I think that they are probably sick of me anyway so it’s a win-win ; ) More often than not, I am a pain in the ass when it comes to scheduling, I'm always switching sifts of sorts to chase fish. I am lucky. So far so good, got the time off… I'll just need to power out some double-shifts when I get home.

Arriving at the water Grizz plucked a big bug from the willow, finally, a good sign for sure. Got a chance at a fish on top. I am not sure why but I am always a day late or too early when I target these bugs, who knows really why I suck at finding these things but I'm pretty much over it, today's the day…. I hope.

We both rigged only one rod, dry fly only. I had a long, really long drift (OK too long) when it happened. The fly was engulfed in a large angry outburst that I was not expecting. I went for the long, really long hook-set, a Hail Mary really. Inside I think Grizz and I both doubted that I'd stick it, doubt was now gone, the fish was unquestionably caught. At that moment there was a sense of peace…right, just kidding, not really anything that enchanting happened, it was just sweet! I learned right then that one is not enough. The fight was great, a fat health bow was to hand, I couldn't have asked for anything more… well, maybe a 10lber. Must have been too caught up in the moment, I was too excited, and forgot to take a picture of my first fish on a SF, I'm an idiot, I should have got a shot of that, after all that's what I'm here for!

My turn on oars…. lets see, its not as hard as I thought it would be but its harder than you'd think to be good at it. I am more of a walker than a boat guy, so my skills are at about zero when it comes to this style of fishing.

My goal was to put Grizz into position for at least one fish, not get yelled at and most important not to flip the boat. I gave it my best and he had fish to hand on the dry. Guess I didn't do too badly or maybe it’s the fact that he is an accurate caster, either way it want pretty good for the first try.

The last few miles were a nightmare, windy! Gale force winds blowing up the river created a challenge to say the least. Grizz would power us for a bit, when he got tired I'd hop on the oars. My job eventually turned into just keeping us in one place until Grizz was rested as I sucked. I'd row for what seemed like an hour and we'd move only a few paces. Grizz would row and we actually went somewhere. Repeat this for a few hours and we finally made it to the take out. A great day on the water... and the trip has just started.

Fish From Down Under

What can I sat about today's adventures, well, cool dudes and fat fish pretty much sums it up. Jerry was farming hogs, Nick found the only Bow (fat and colorful) anyone had ever seen here, it was excited to see him but unfortunately his fish handling skill are a bit "slippery" and no photo was taken. I got into my fair share and we all learned a LOT that day. Can't wait to go back.

A Day in Paradise

Arriving in paradise I was greeted with food and drink…cold Red Bull's and homemade food! Nick and Steph's place is a fly fisherman playground. Tying materials that could supply a few small shops, make it a dozen small shops, and that's only the materials, the "jar" flies could outfit a few guides all year, not including everything else, yes everything… basically a fly junkies dream. It was great to finally hang out with Nick. After many conversations about water, fish and flies and talks over sushi, I was excited to fish with the Jones's.

Well, arriving at the water it was high and off color. No biggie, we fished anyway. Had some fun with it you know, test some ideas and theory's. Not for factual stuff but just to see what happens in run-off conditions. What will they eat it, do they prefer one pattern over the next, does color matter, style, you get the picture. We fished the stream and then walked over to the lake…rinse and repeat. The lake fish were piiicccky. The fish would swim right over, check it out, taste it and then just swim away. Nick picked off a real, beauty, full of color and life… and ohh, the fins!

Steph arrived and Nick had to leave to help someone move for a few but not before we had some lunch. It seemed that these two are so busy helping others that I am amazed they find time to sleep. At around 2am that morning (night before) Nick cooked a fantastic pasta lunch for us, grilled chicken, fresh sauce and veggies... the works, tasty for sure! Nick took off for a few and Steph and I traded fish after fish, nymphing, Czeching and high-sticking. It was awesome. She was killing it! Then we headed to the lake for sippers. As soon as we switched from the nymph rig to a dry they stopped feeding on top, figures. We tossed dry's at them anyway. Steph picked up one but broke off. I just made a bunch of sloppy casts that produced some window shoppers; I think they were homeless because nobody was buying. Nick came back and we pounded the lake before deciding to move over to the river. He was tossing streamers and someone was home, the fish broke him off, bummer for sure but it must have been a hog. It was a blast fishing the river, mainly because we were all catching.

It is my understanding that this was an "off" day here and fishing tends to be fast and furious… all I have to say is WOW. Today's trip was more of a challenge for this particular place I suppose but I thought that the fishing was great overall. Tricking fish in high and off color conditions is very entertaining to do, switch it up a bit keeps me interested with fresh ideas. We parted ways; I unfortunately have to go back to the polluted Salt Lake valley, where at this point in my life I don't want to be. I left there with so much stuff. I was given a beautiful pheasant, some flies, some materials and everything else in between. I must say that fishing with the Jones's is a time that won't be forgotten. I really enjoyed my experience up there and can't wait to return. Thanks again Nick and Steph your hospitality and giving nature is amazing, many karma points to you!

Third Bass of the Year

You know sometimes when you fish with guys that are totally on a different page and nothing seems to go right. You all know the ones…some that tell you what to do, what not to do, then there are the ones that race to the holes or try to make everything a competition. It's hard to find guys that are easy going and have the same attitude about fishing as you. Well fortunately for me Cheech is one of those laidback easy-going dudes that likes to have fun at all costs. I am always stoked when I am able to get out with him, although it's not often enough.

Cheech has been targeting Utah Bass with a fly for sometime now. I had been targeting East Coast Bass with gear. Now, I am using a fly and Cheech is using gear. The one thing overlooked by fly fishermen, in my opinion, is the fun of just fishing, whatever the weapon of choice. It was awesome to see a friend so stoked on a new style of fishing again, it was cool for me also this was something new as well. I'm not saying one method is better than the other, as both are equally fun to do and require just as much in depth knowledge and skill. I'm saying who cares, although the gear is different, we are all on the same page… or at least in my opinion, we all should be.

As I was fishing I couldn't help but think about the "labeler" fishermen and why they choose to do it. This thought finally came around to be the afternoons discussion…Separating fishermen with labels and categories is not a good thing. Especially when it comes to the preservation of our cherished water. We all have a something in common, the love for fish, and the feeling you get when you're surrounded by water.

Great day on the water as always, bass are so awesome. Parted ways and headed off to the north, to fish in paradise. Can't wait!