Kurt and Dan looking for one more.
How does a fishing guide of 30yrs spend his birthday? Going fishing, of course.
I have been lucky enough to have spent 49 years (bloody hell – that sounds pretty old!) surrounding myself with friends that are smart, rugged, worldly, outdoor folks. Driving a coupla hours for a days fishing with ten of these guys is less like a fraternity reunion and more similar to elite college symposium on politics, world affairs, and conservation.
Crockett wielding machete – bad idea in an inflatable.
As brilliant as they are, a couple of them are more renown for their blundering accidents and this trip was no different. As our boat rounded the corner not a half mile below the put-in three of our pals were strategically spread out across a great run but, additionally, we noticed the buck-n-rail fence leading up from the river resembled those photos of Everest base camp. Instead of brightly colored flagging, closer inspection brought home the reality that these were clothes wrung out to dry in the 34 degree weather. Bummer! Cam had apparently tested both the river depth and strength and didn’t fare to well. He started the day with a cool side stroke in six feet of water back across to the ice covered bank. Ah yes, it will be a typical day with these guys.
They may have a knack for blunders but they can all fish – really fish – and typical was not the word of the day for the fishing. Big brown after big brown readily ate our offerings of ridiculously large bunny bugs followed up with brightly colored San Juans and double bead stones. So rather than bore you with more trip details we will let the pictures do the talking:
Matched pair of 21′s
Farling getting the party started with brother 22″
Leo Larson and 25″ Stud!
This might be my favorite time to fish – likely because I actually get a few days in before the guiding season kicks in – but beyond that it is really good fishing! To make it through the ice season, trout and our neighboring steelhead have wintered up in deep runs. They remain in the same until snow starts melting and rivers swell, ultimately dispersing them again throughout the system. The time is now to find quality fish in good numbers stacked in small areas. We would love for you to get into the shop and buy as many nymphs and streamers you can carry but the truth is you’ll need about a hand full to get the job done…plenty of san jauns, pat’s rubber legs in a coupla shades, double bead stones, eggs, olive buggers and zonker type streamers… did I mention worms? Get out there before the skwala season and expect some exceptional action.
A man by the name of Bishop Pope once said: “To teach simply ,you must understand deeply.” A worthy goal for all fly-fisherman and one I believe the featured author has achieved in one of his latter books.