The Greenest Presidents
The "greenest" president of all time? You're looking at him. A totally unscientific report in Scientific American reports that Republican Teddy Roosevelt takes top spot over fellow green weenie Richard Nixon.
"Rounding out the top three was Jimmy Carter, who gained points for actions like putting solar panels on the White House."
Roosevelt also wins props for best quotes, such as this one:
If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn’t sit for a month.
Saltwater on our minds
It's getting to be that time of year again where we switch from freshwater to warm saltwater destinations. My friend, Capt. Brandon Henley of Epic Tide Charters 305*340*9863 now makes Cudjoe Key his home where he guides the Lower Key's. Caroline and I love it there and still have friends living the dream Key's style. Might be a trip to the Key's in our future? "Tighten that shir up" I like that and would have used it and very true when it comes to line control
River Code Part II.
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| Simply give me a 90 foot cast at 10:30 |
You see, my wife and I escaped the cold and snow of Montana n the Winter of 2005 and headed South to the Florida Key's. Awesome Winter but that's another chapter. I had never caught a bonefish before and my goal that Winter was a bone and if I had just a little more time,, a permit. I hired my first key's guide with a little hesitation of course. I had heard to horror stories and had my ego intact and wanted to keep it that way. Now you have to remember something. I'm a streamer junkie from Montana, really good with a short line while ripping a fly fast. Similar to saltwater, I thought.
I met the guide at Bud n Mary's marina in Islamorada the morning of our trip. We met, exchanged handshakes and I caught a wiff of last nights booze session with a whiskey bottle. I was warned about these Key's fellas. So far, my guide was right on course. Serious raccoon eyes, sunburned, crows feet, leather for skin and reeked of cigarettes and booze. Sweet, this will be fun since I had found the right guy for my first bonefish. He said he had recently spent a lot of time in the backcountry and new where we could find some bones. We started out bayside poling and searching for bones. It was my first time on a skiff and first time in the backcountry of the Florida Key's, I was psyched! At last he spotted a school tailing in some sea grass. I couldn't see them but I took his word for it, until... Guide: "Give me a 90ft cast at 10:30 and work your clouser slow". Me: "OK, it won't be pretty but I'll do just that" I double hauled 90 feet of terrible looking fly line that hit the water so hard I think it spooked every fish between the Keys and Cuba. Guide: "I know where some cobia live and all you have to do is cast a short line and strip fast - you'll do great". Was this really my first bought and payed for bonefish experience?
So I returned to Montana bonefishless and a little better of a guide, sort of. Rather than kicking the cooler, spitting on my boat floor or dropping a mega loud F bomb, I would dig deep and think about Woods and my Key's guide.
River Code Part I.
As a fishing guide, you are eyes and and an ear. Eyes to point out fishy lies and an ear to listen to your client. One thing is for certain, you are not a mouth. They don't want to know about you unless they ask. He or she may be on that fishing trip to escape the stresses of everyday life or escape the pressure of living a life not exactly molding to its design.
I have a client who would often show up early for the fishing and more often late. He was easy to read. "Early" meant a long adventurous day on the river and probably some exploring new territory. Most likely it would be a shot way up high on the Yellowstone, down low on the stone for whatever the river felt like dishing up or over to the Missouri R. Headwaters for the ultra sporty carp. Maybe even a hit or miss jaunt to the Jeff?
If it was getting late, we were sure to be behind the boat traffic and my client probably really just wanted to drink a beer or two, smoke a cigar and slam of few angry browns. On those days when we were on a mission to "Get the job done", it was guaranteed that I would hear some stories and fish were to be caught. I learned a lot about this guy, his business, family, extra curricular activity and the rest will have wait for Part II.
River Nunya
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| Jane Blow fishing River Nunya |
I pulled up to East End on the Yellowstone with two of my longtime clients and began rigging rods for the day. We were the first at the launch and were surprised when another guide rig pulled up and even more surprised when he pulled in front of me and launched his boat. There is a thing known as "guide etiquette". I was absolutely shocked as well as my clients. Did this Jack ass really just jump in front of me?
He pulled his rig up and out of the launch and drove away to park his rig for the shuttle people. My team was rigged and ready to go so they walked to the launch while I backed my rig in and unloaded my boat. I backed in and realized this guy wasn't even ready to go yet. I decided to play it cool, kill the D Bag with kindness and make small talk. I had been fishing this stretch a lot lately and been killin' it with streamers for some ginormous Yellowstone pre spawn browns,. "I asked the guide (who's name shall remaain not mentioned) where he had been fishing recently" He replied, "River Nunya". I asked, "where"? He replied, "None ya fucking business". Ok, so much for networking with this asshole.
Later that afternoon we met up again on the river when D Bag's client asked what we were using because everytime we passed them, my boat was doubled up with rods bent. I smiled and graciously said "nunya fucking buiness". This is a true story in the new book, Montana Hold 'Em ready to be published after a little refinement. As the Montana fishing season begins to wind down, I've had the great pleasure of connecting with some of my former guides and listening to stories worthy of a place in their own book.
Drift Boat Drive In
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| Drift Boat Drive In @ Headhunters fly shop in Craig, MT |
Burning the house down on the Stone
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It is time to head to Montana! The Yellowstone is in peak form, so call Yellow Dog to book your trip today. This photo was yesterday.
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Battle grounds and the front line...
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| Yellowstone Cutthroat vs the Lake Trout |
One of the greatest benefits of southwest Montana, Simms headquarters since 1993, is its juxtaposition to Yellowstone National Park. The Park – as locals refer to it – is somewhat of a lighting rod for locals. Some adore its pristine backcountry and otherworldly cauldron of fire and steam. Others stay free and clear of the Park due to its, uh, passionate attention from visitors the world over that can make it feel more like Disneyland than wild lands.
To me, the Park is one of the greatest places I have ever known. Moreover, as an angler and employee of a fishing company, I love that Yellowstone is often seen as a breeding ground for anglers. Just drive the Lamar Valley on a summer day and you find anglers of all abilities tossing large dry flies to Yellowstone cutthroats. It is a wonderful site to behold.
There is a dark side of Yellowstone, however. Some “anglers” have taken to using the Park as their own laboratory. Witness the egregious introduction of lake trout into the cutthroat’s bedroom: Yellowstone Lake. Thought to have happened in the mid-1980s by “bucket biologists” who thought Lewis Lake lakers would be a great addition to Yellowstone Lake, this introduction has hit catastrophic levels. How bad? It’s believed that since lakers have arrived, some 99 percent of all spawning-age cutts in the lake have been wiped out.
Last week, I was fortunate to join Simms’s President, K.C. Walsh, Trout Unlimited, Yellowstone Park Foundation, representatives from Yellowstone’s Fisheries team and bloggers in the outdoor industry for an up-close look into the problem. Simms was the main sponsor of a blogger contest to raise awareness for the native Yellowstone cutthroat, and the prevalence of lakers. How bad has it gotten? Since mid-May, officials working the front lines of eradication have killed 180,000 lake trout! In 10 weeks. That’s an average of 18,000 lakers a week.
To read statistics like this is shocking. To see it up close and personal is staggering. Gill nets with hundreds of dead lakers are pulled up every 45 minutes. Trap nets with hundreds of live (and very large) lake trout dot the lake’s surface. New research is being conducted to work on taking the fight to lake trouts spawning grounds and tracking efforts have increased the knowledgebase on how to combat lakers. All of this is an effort to help out the imperiled Yellowstone cutthroat, brought to the brink by the actions of a few. There is evidence the assistance is helping, but it is a massive mountain and we are only in the foothills. This story won’t end overnight.
After spending a good part of a day on the water witnessing the laker eradication efforts, we left the scene of the crime with bewilderment and a sense of energy. Protecting our native trout seems all more important for me personally…and for Simms as a company. The fight is on and I hope you can help us in the fight.
What can you do as a concerned angler? First of all, support organizations like Trout Unlimited that spearheaded this trip. They are driven by the goal of helping critical native populations of trout. Secondly, as Kirk Deeter points out, it is time to stop foreign introductions of fish. The list of damage done by illegal stocking efforts is long and heart-breaking. Thirdly, become part of the conversation with Simms and others as this story unfolds and you hear much more about this. Finally, embrace Yellowstone and all other angler incubators. It is the next generation of anglers we need to be part of this story.
Cold Beer!
The skinny on sandals
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| Simms new Streamtread sandal |
They spent a day float fishing the Upper Madison known for fast pushy water and slippery cannon ball sized boulders strewn along the course of the river. This is not a flip flop kind of river.
The guide showed up at the fly shop in the morning sportin' one of those trendy straight brimmed hats, hemp necklace and reef sandals. We suspect he smoked the rest of his necklace and twisted up a necklace with the remainder. They launched from the shop and embarked on a journey never to forget or maybe one to be forgotten.
At the boat ramp, gearing up was in full effect and boat was ready to be launched when my friend noticed Harry the hemp head had not changed out of his reefs? Was this dude really going to hit the river in flip flops and "am I really paying this kid to float me down the river" my friend asked himself? Sure enough, it happened, after the kid applied his cocoa butter, they launched - the guide kicked up his feet and sat back only to make a few sweeps on the sticks. Fish were caught but only because my client is an ace fisherman. Top five reasons you should back out of a guided fly fishing trip:
5. Your guide shows up wearing leather sandals and is concerened with getting them wet.
4. Your guides hemp necklace is smoking.
3. You notice your guide has applied cocoa butter for a deep dark tan rather than SPF to fend off harmful sun.
2. Your guide pulls through a Subway sandwich shop drive thru to grab lunches while towing his janky lavro drift boat.
1. Rather than a toe gaurd on your guide's flip flops, he has attached small mirrors for added sun reflection adding to the deep dark tan.
Searching for the hammock-lounging comfort of a favorite sandal combined with the technology of a burly, river-ready shoe? Look no further. Simms’ superhero sandal features a quick-pull system for lightning-fast lace-ups and wading boot outsole technology that conquers rock, concrete, rebar, and the myriad unmentionables of your favorite carp infested waters… as well as the campfire, beach, and back again—all in a day’s work.
www.stellabluewebdesign.com
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From the beginning stages to the final touch ups, we will be in contact to make sure your project is exactly what you want. You will be able to view the progress of your site at every stage. Once complete, we will stay on board to maintain your site. *Please see rates & policies.
Our rates are priced to help individuals or small business owners achieve the project best suited for your budget. A deposit of $100.00 is required within 7days of confirmation to launch your new site. Once site is complete, the remainder will be due in full.
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Rates & Policies
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* Website rates: $295/up to six pages per site. $50 for each additional page.
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Beaverhead River Sunset Montana
Thing's here in Western North Carolina are great as Caroline and I have been working remotely on finishing up projects we had going on back in Montana. It sounds like some of the fires are now under control and we hope for continued effort and thank all who have helped fighting.
Good friend and Outfitter, Sean Efferson reported a banner day on the Upper Madison yesterday. Fish were caught from ramp to ramp! We call that "Burning the house down" but we choose these words carefully this Summer. It's a cool and comfortable 75 degrees this morning as I write this. There is a lot of work ahead for us but we are loving our new life in North Carolina. Happy 4th to everyone and we promise to keep our Blog updated on all things relevant to fly fishing.
The ultimate after fish cocktail
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| I think this might be the ultimate after fish cocktail! Bring on Happy hour. |
Contents[show] |
[edit]Characteristics
P. californica nymphs, or larvae, can grow to lengths in excess of 5 centimetres (2 in). The nymphs' dorsal side (back) is dark in color, although their ventral side (belly) is lighter. The coloring can vary, and subtle patterns are occasionally found on the abdomen. They are allothonous (detritus) feeders, eating stream debris partially broken down by other organisms. Their feeding technique has earned them the name of "shredders". The adults are also large, and the abdomen, leg joints, and several thorax joints are a bright orange color (see photos). Two pairs of large wings, kept flat against the body when at rest, are nearly as long as the body.
[edit]Range and habitat
P. californica is found across western North America,[1] from British Columbia to California.[2] They live in higher-velocity streams and rivers, on medium to large-sized unconsolidated substrates.[3]
[edit]Emergence
The nymphs live three to four years in the water before emergence. Immediately prior to emerging, the nymphs congregate near the shoreline[4] in shallow water on partially exposed rocks. To emerge, the nymphs crawl from the water to rocks or the shore, and split the nymphal exoskeleton. The adults emerge from the exuviae ready to mate. The emergence is also followed closely by fly-fishermen, and is one of the highlights of the spring fishing season.
Sick Fishwater with Michael Houser
Houser did stand every once in awhile but how could you sit down for this sick Fishwater? This post really nothing to do with fishing other than the fact there is the word "fish" in the title.
Things here in Western North Carolina are great! I'm still in touch with friends and former CK Outfitter guides. The word on the street is Salmonflies. It's a little early but considering the warmer water temps this year, it comes as no surprise.
If you’ve fished out West for more than a little while chances are you’ve figured it out—Rafts rule. You jealously spy them drifting by the opposite bank, the one you can’t get to, past the “No Trespassing” sign and fence you can’t cross, into water you can’t fish. You wish you knew that guy on the sticks, and you wish he’d call you up. I hate to break it to you, buddy, but that guy has more friends than boat space.
You need your own whip, and you need it quick.
Your search leads you to Down River Equipment, or DRE as it’s known in the acronym-friendly world of sports that require a whole ton of assorted shit. You’ve come to the right place whether you found them via catalog, Internet, or happened to walk through the front door. You’re in good hands.
DRE has been in the same place doing the same thing for close to thirty years. From the get-go the emphasis has always been quality over quantity. Their custom approach and attention to detail have built them a loyal following and respected reputation among the practitioners of whitewater.
Owner Mike Prosser recently took a minute to give me a quick dog–and-pony show. We walked through the boat room and into the shop where an impressive old turret mill stands watch in a room full of bright diamond plate and aluminum. He pointed to a wall covered with hundreds of plastic jigs and templates and explained what they’re all for as he motioned me to follow to the next room. He introduced me to Jason, the shop manager, who is too busy tig welding oar towers to talk much. We walked and talked as he fired up a Marlboro Light and peered at me over his reading glasses with a look that indicated I just asked a really dumb question. In 15 minutes I began to get it. It’s not about getting rich quick or building some super slick production process to crank out off–the-shelf results, it’s about doing things one at a time and doing them right. Mike never really stops doing what he’s doing, checking something with a micrometer, then setting up a cutter of some sort on the mill.
He’s a bit of a perfectionist and I was slowing his thought process, so I ventured back the way I came. In the shop I poked around and eavesdropped on the staff discussing someone’s upcoming Middle Fork trip. Tucked neatly into every inch of space is everything and more you’d need to outfit a sick fishing raft or a 20’ barge for a month-long Grand trip. I drooled on the spankin’ new rubber and gleaming frames, admired the tig welds, and ran my hands over the taut Phifertex mesh seat covers.
I made my way back to the front and chatted up the staff. Matty was the lucky one that drew the permit and John is another shop manager. Their easygoing attitude seemed to mask the enormity of the jobs these guys do. I wondered out loud if they didn't have some warehouse and call center where a team of people processed the phone and Internet orders. They both laughed loudly and set me straight. If you wander into the store, call on the phone, or order in ones and zeroes you’ll end up dealing with one of these two.
I’m told that yes, they do in fact have a warehouse, just across the parking lot and that there is in fact one other person named Eric that works there. I imagine to myself that his job must suck. (I tried to box up a raft once and it didn’t end well for me or the raft.)
I got the hint that they’re too busy right now with the hoards of people yearning to get some time on the water before things dry up this year. I bought the straps I needed on my way out. As Matty rung me up I couldn't help but notice the sign next to the register that said: “We do wedding registries.” And I can’t help but find it ironic that a place that’s probably ended its share of marriages offers wedding registries.
[For more information on Down River Equipment, click here. Marriage counseling and more, talk to this guy.]
Paragraph Free!
Try this on for size. Close your eyes and imagine a flyshop more interested in amplifying experience than sticking you with spools of $14 tippet, dozens of hyperanatomical flavor-of-the-day flies, and pearl strands of pink thingamabobbers. Imagine that this same flyshop has invested in this “experience giving” commodity for 25 consecutive years, pushing things like fisheries preservation over bottom line. Now picture its founders weighing the notion of wildfire growth—in an industry hell bent on driving it to the brink—with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Now open your peepers, and behold Western Rivers Flyfisher—not your typical flyshop.
I first met Steve Schmidt, owner of Western Rivers, during another time, on assignment for another fishing magazine. The gig brought my brother and I to Salt Lake City, navigating a thick February snowstorm at midnight. Over the course of a wintry week, we scarfed pow days at Brighton, Solitude, and Snowbird and when we trudged down canyon to the Provo, air temps climbed and the skies turned from white flakes to grey midges. On the banks of the river, Schmidt didn’t fish much. He watched browns slurp bugs for hours on end. He may have made a half-dozen casts, sticking a handful of trout. I kept catching him gazing off into somewhere else. Catching fish is one thing but for Schmidt, it quickly became evident, it’s only a small part of a much bigger picture for this flyfishing soul-searcher.
Schmidt put pen to paper creating Western Rivers Flyfisher in October of 1986, alongside partners Emmett Heath and Dave Lattimore. They sold their first products in a shop sans fixtures, and minus the register they’d eventually need to handle transactions. The doors officially opened about a year later, when Schmidt received a clunker computer as a gift from his parents, “which we built and ran the store from.”
During that time, Heath (aka the “Dean of the Green”) was one of Schmidt’s mentors. Together they embarked on extended work missions exploring Utah gems such as the Weber, Provo, and Green rivers.
“We had a lot of fun in those early days. Not that we still don’t have fun, but a lot’s changed since then,” Schmidt says. “Anyone who has been at this for a while knows that times aren’t what they use to be. So I feel incredibly fortunate to still have Emmett as part of our team, and to still have Western Rivers after 25 years as my home away from home.”
Having been involved in this industry at myriad levels, Schmidt’s philosophy of what the sport should be, and how to effectively advocate it, is what makes Western Rivers remarkable. As an industry, and in the name of capitalism, Schmidt feels flyfishing continues to suffer. “We put numbers on fish, sold them down the road, and in many respects stripped flyfishing of what made it special,” he says. “It’s the reason we aren’t seeing any growth. The [lack of] growth thing in my mind isn’t all bad since we don’t really have a lot a room to put more bodies on our waters. But it’s ironic that the image the industry portrays isn’t what it sells.”
As for the notion of selling experience over commodities, Western Rivers has made its name by heavily investing in community—whether it’s with local clubs and non-profits, or being at the forefront of environmental and conservation issues that impact resources in Utah and beyond. The return can be measured in customer loyalty.
“I’ve always felt that you build a sustainable business one customer at a time,” Schmidt says. “My philosophy hasn’t changed. For a small business, that’s an important concept. Again, I’m at odds with an industry that puts incredible resources into growing our sport with no regard for those that are already in it or the impact that growth will have on our resources. Our customers appreciate that to a fault.”
The Fishing
Long before the Green River attracted the attention of the world in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the Provo and Weber rivers were consider two of the West’s best fisheries. They’re still pretty damn good. The Provo was likely the most well known, Schmidt says. Back in the ’40s it produced some of the country's largest trout—fish pushing 20 pounds. “The Weber has probably changed the most over the years and is now a shadow of itself—drought, very poor land practice, and dredging have led to its gradual demise," Schmidt adds. “But lately it’s been making a comeback. Given the access issues we’re having, it’s been nice to have it as an additional resource.”
Two years ago the Utah legislature came back after having their asses handed to them regarding a Supreme Court decisions that gave public access to all moving water. Subsequently the “bad guys” birthed the rights-stripping bill called HB 141. In reaction, the Utah Stream Access Coalition was formed and has since filed several lawsuits challenging the bill. Schmidt and Western Rivers have been onboard since the beginning. The “good guys” recently won the first round. The results of the lawsuits will ultimately end up in the Utah Supreme Court, regardless of who wins.
Back in the shop, that do right ethos permeates throughout—all the way down to the companies represented on its shelves. Several Western Rivers’ brands support 1% for the Planet. And the shop and its staff tend to stock companies that have an environmental conscious and who make products in America. The list goes something like this: Abel, Lamson, Tibor, Nautilus, Sage, Winston, Scott, St. Croix, Sweetgrass Rods, Mountain Khakis, Patagonia, Simms, ExOfficio, RIO, SA, Fishpond, Smith, Kaenon, Costa, and more. In the fridge, you’ll find beer.
“I have two kids that live outside of Utah, in Colorado and Montana, so I’m always stocked with good ones,” Schmidt says. “They aren’t allowed to come home unless they bring beer. That said, we have some good breweries in Salt Lake: Epic, The Pub, and Redrocks in particular. These guys also like to fish, so when we run out of PBR, a shop staple, we always have some microbrews around. Want to get an in at the fly shop, a few cold ones will get you there.”
Finding an in at a flyshop should be as simple as sourcing some solid beers, and that’s part of how Western Rivers has struck a winning balance between good times and fostering a healthy respect for the resource. If you dream of a flyshop concerned with our future, the future of fish in publicly accessible rivers, and one that’s consistently questioning the prevalent attitude that permeates flyfishing, Western Rivers is a reality.
“I truly enjoy what I do. I love our sport, and move forward with a great awareness that we have and always have had an impact on the experience anglers have when enjoying our past time. I don’t ever want to loose sight of that,” Schmidt says.
For more information on Western Rivers and fishing Utah’s finest
Side channel Brown on the Jefferson River Montana
Not too many other guides know the Jefferson River like Greg Smith of Four River Fishing Co. If in the Twin Bridges, Montana area it would be worth hooking up with one of the FRFC guys!
Adipose Boatworks
Experience Breeds QualityWe build drift boats that are tough, stable, safe, comfortable and perform better than any other drift boat or skiff on the market. While the name “Adipose” may be new to you, we’ve been building and running fiberglass, aluminum and wood drift boats and power boats for years. Experience has taught us what works and what doesn’t. Our Flow skiff has the widest bottom of any drift boat on the market. Why? Because the wide bottom increases stability, aids in draft and maneuverability and increase floor space in the cockpit. Just one reason that our drift boats outperform all others.
Guide Input
No one spends more time in drift boats than professional fishing guides. That’s why we continually seek out their advice on both hull and interior layout design. Ask any guide who rows an Adipose, and he’ll tell you it’s the best boat he’s ever owned. Ask his clients and they’ll tell you it’s the nicest boat they’ve ever fished from. We’re not surprised, our network of guides represents some of the most experienced oarsmen and anglers in the country.
Born in Montana
Our drift boats and skiffs are built right here in Montana, the center of the drift boat universe. When we’re not hand laying our skiffs in our Helena factory, we’re just down the road using them on rivers like the Missouri, Madison, Blackfoot and Big Hole. When we test new ideas and designs on our home water, flaws become apparent right away. We’re guides ourselves, and we analyze our boats just like we would anybody else’s. We never quit thinking about how to design and build a better drift boat…
Part II. of II. Animas River, CO.
The Caddis Company guys had the privilege of fishing with Tim Linehan host of Trout Unlimited TV and the Barrett Production guys June of 2003. This clip was part of an epic fly fishing day throwing streamers to the bank. Both Tim Linehan and Brian Capsay hook up with a double while Rory Donovan calls out "doublay" then Tim loses his fish only to catch another one with his rod hanging off the side of the boat.
Part I. of II. Animas River, CO.
Animas River is a 126-mile-long (203 km)[2] river in the western United States, a tributary of the San Juan River, part of the Colorado River System. The Spanish named the river "Rio de las Animas Perdidas", "River of the Lost Souls". It is also the last free-flowing river (un-diverted) in Colorado. The river's free-flowing status will soon end as the Animas-LaPlata Project nears completion. The project will pump water over a low pass to fill a reservoir, Lake Nighthorse, in Ridges Basin to satisfy Southern Ute tribal water rights claims associated with the Colorado Ute Settlement Act amendments of 2000.The Animas River rises high in San Juan Mountains of Colorado at the confluence of the West and North forks at the ghost town of Animas Forks and flows south past the ghost towns of Eureka and Howardsville. At Silverton, the river flows into the Animas Canyon. The Durango and Silverton Narrow gauge railroad follows the river through the canyon to Durango. From Durango the river flows south into New Mexico through the town of Aztec to its confluence with the San Juan River at Farmington.
The only major tributary of the Animas River is the Florida River which confluences just north of the Colorado–New Mexico border.
The Animas is a freestone fishery well populated with rainbows and browns and a few cutthroat and brook trout. Fly fishing the Animas is available year-round due to moderate winter weather. Steady insect hatches of midges and beatis occur In the winter and spring months. In late spring, summer and through fall the Animas is alive with caddis, PMDs, tricos and hoppers. Animas trout are strong and average between 12 to 16 inches. Larger trout in the 17 to 22 inch class are also available for the anglers willing to put in the time. Brown trout as large as 36" have been caught from the Animas.
Big Hole River Montana
Montana's last best river, the Big Hole River, starts in the Beaverhead Mountains south of Jackson at an elevation of over 7,300 feet. The river is 160 miles in length. Travelling through the canyon stretch in Divide and into the farmlands below Melrose this freestone river changes faces several times before reaching Twin Bridges. With over 3,000 trout per mile, it is a world class blue ribbon trout river for many fly fishermen.Whether we're fishing the lower river above Twin Bridges, or taking the High road over to Melrose - each day we spend on this river leaves us with a new appreciation for the fish, the water and the land that it flows through. By the time you get to the river, you're definitely in a "Montana Time" state of mind.
If you have never "chased a hatch", you may not be able to say that after a day with us on the river. Wind direction, weather patterns, and previous reports may have us looking for stonefly shucks at Browns Bridge. spotting sippers at Pennington during a trico hatch in July, or kicking hoppers in the water below the Notch. This freestone river changes its moods often requires some homework before we launch the boat. How often does it change? My friend Bob Chadwell, after spending three days on the Big Hole in the spring of 2004, determined that we fished three different rivers, all with the same name!
Big Hole River History in Brief
The Lewis and Clark Expeditions traversed through the Big Hole Valley in 1805 enroute to the Pacific Northwest. Captain Lewis had originally named this river the Wisdom River, but through the years, the river became known as the Big Hole. In August of 1877, the famous Nez Perce Indian war was fought in the Big Hole Valley near Wisdom.
The new game in Big Sky, Montana
Now in our tenth season, we have been providing anglers with some of the greatest fly fishing Southwestern Montana has to offer. After a day spent with our guides, you will walk away with an understanding as to why we do what we do and truly love the fisherman's life here in Montana. Our guide staff is composed of enthusiastic professionals who share the same love of fly fishing as you. Efferson Outfitter guides are a well rounded group of hand picked professionals who are all accomplished fly fishermen, fly tiers, writers, casting instructors and teachers of this sport. If your goal is to cast a longer line or understand our rivers' ecosystems better, we will be happy to share our knowledge.
Our service allows us to utilize over 1200 miles of the finest trout water in Southwestern Montana. Our base of operation is centrally located in Bozeman - within easy reach of the many famed rivers like the Madison, Gallatin, Jefferson, Missouri and Yellowstone rivers. We offer full and half day walk wades as well as full day float trips. Whether it is float fishing through spectacular Paradise Valley or wade fishing a legendary Spring creek, we will mix up the venues to offer you a well rounded trip. Let our professional and dedicated staff give you a memorable Montana fly fishing experience.
After a day spent with our guides, you will walk away with an understanding as to why we do what we do and truly love the fisherman's life here in Montana.
Our guide staff is composed of enthusiastic professionals who share the same love of fly fishing as you. Efferson Outfitters' guides are a well-rounded group of hand picked professionals who are all accomplished fly fishermen, fly tiers, casting instructors and teachers of the sport. If your goal is to cast a longer line or understand our rivers' ecosystems better, we will be happy to share our knowledge.
The day will start at a preferred fly shop in Bozeman, Montana. We utilize several fly shops in the Bozeman area and make them our base the morning of the trip. Such things as flies, terminal tackle, licenses, etc. can be purchased at this time. Details such as time and place to meet will be discussed when you book your trip. Our guides will provide transportation to and from the river as well as a delicious lunch, soft drinks and a memorable day of Montana fly fishing.
We offer two different style of trips - Walk-Wade and Float Trips. Walk-wading a river entails fishing on foot and we will cover some distance. This is a great way to thoroughly cover "fishy" water. When float fishing you will fish from a MacKenzie style drift boat. We generally float river stretches between 6-12 miles in length depending on water conditions. This style of trip is our most popular and people tend to prefer this more relaxed pace. Both styles are fun and can be rewarding. Talk to us about your past experiences and expectations for your upcoming trip and we'll customize a trip that suits your preferences. It has always been our philosophy that guided fly fishing is a partnership. Share with us what you like and dislike, whether it be fishing on foot or from a boat or maybe dry fly fishing versus nymph fishing. The more we know, the harder we will work at exceeding your expectations. Also, talk to us about local lodging and dining options. We have an extensive list of favorite accommodations available to share
New Canvas Fish Merchandise Now Available!
The NEW Canvasfish Angling Accessories are in! New Pilsners, 15 oz. Mugs, Mouse Pads, Coaster Sets and Note Card Packs. Available on my website:
http://canvasfish.com/merchandise
Derek DeYoung
One of our favorite off season destinations ~ The Green River Utah
Utah's Green River, below Flaming Gorge Reservoir, is one of the finest trout waters in the United States. The river consists of a trout population averaging 6000-8000 fish per mile. It flows through a deep beautiful canyon which walls rise from the banks over three hundred feet strait up in many areas. Large brown, rainbow, cutthroat and hybrid trout all flourish in this big tail-water fishery.
The Green River begins its journey at Flaming Gorge Dam, which is a spectacular site in its self. The dam is approximately three hundred feet high making the parked cars below look like a view from an airplane. Below the dam, the river flows through Red Canyon and can be broken up into three sections. Flaming Gorge Dam to Little Hole (section A), Little Hole to Indian Crossings (section B), and Indian Crossings to Riverside (section C).
"Section A" which is seven and a half miles from Flaming Gorge Dam to Little Hole is the most popular stretch of river. It is the easiest section to access and has the best population of trout. Most people choose to float this section in either a drift boat or raft because of the access.
There is a walking path that traverses the river in this section as well which many people use to walk the north bank of the river. Rainbows, browns, cutthroats and hybrids are all in good numbers throughout this area. The area consists of swift deep pools broken up by fast moving riffles and runs. The water in the upper stretch of river generally runs "gin-clear" even after hard rains.
"Section B" is also a productive stretch of river with more brown trout then any other. The browns also average larger in size below Little Hole and get much less pressure then the trout in "section A". The float from Little Hole to Indian Crossings can be exceptional except after hard rains. After these rains Red Creek, which flows in about midway between the two access points, can make the Green River very off color from dark colored sediment. It may take a few days for the lower half of this stretch to clear after hard rains. This area contains more slow flat pools then the stretch above Little Hole although a serious stretch of rapids makes for an interesting float.
"Section C" is the last area people fish in the region. This stretch, like "section B", can be off color after hard rains because of Red Creek. It is a tremendous stretch when the water is clear. Large browns hold here and can offer excellent fishing when water conditions allow. There are not as many fish in this area but browns upwards of thirty inches have been caught here. This area is difficult to access unless you choose to float. The water in this lower stretch is much slower then the water in the upper reaches below the dam.
Hatches on the Green River include Blue-winged Olives, Tricos, Pale Morning Duns, caddis, and stoneflies. There are also many other insects especially cicadas and terrestrials like ants, beetles, and hoppers. Scuds and nymphs are also very productive and what many people fish religiously. Streamers and big woolly buggers can work well especially in the two lower stretches if the water is off color from Red Creek.
If you come to the Green River, make sure to stop into one of the fly shops in the area. They will be able to tell you what sections of river are fishing the best. There a few Special Regulations as well. If rains have not been a problem, then the lower sections are nice to escape from the crowds. During the summer weekends, the river is a huge recreational attraction, but the trout do not seem to mind the commotion.
Most people choose to fly into Salt Lake City and rent a car. It is a beautiful ride from Salt Lake to Flaming Gorge and the Green River. Make sure to bring along a camera to take pictures of this beautiful river and surrounding canyon.
Spring has sprung in Twin Bridges
Latest News
Spring has sprung, and we are enjoying some great early season fishing. It’s not crowded, the weather is super nice, and the fish are on the feed. It’s a great time to live in the Rockies – or make a visit. We are running some great incentives and early season specials…. Call the shop or send us an email for more details!
The Stonefly Inn
409 N. Main Street
Twin Bridges, MT 59754
(406) 684-5648
Big Hole, Beaverhead & Jefferson Fishing Well!
Folks of Southwestern Montana, some of your rivers are buffered from Spring runoff and fishing well. If in the Twin Bridges are, be sure to check out Four Rivers Fishing Co. These guy's are fishy!
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