New YouTube Video

Check out my new video on one of my trips I took this past fall. You can read the story on this fishing trip here. Lots of beautiful cutthroat and tigers were caught, and the setting was spectacular.

I Met a Fly Fishing Celebrity

About a month ago, I met what I would call a fly fishing celebrity. Although the setting we met was mediocre, it was awesome to meet him nonetheless. During our conversation, we talked fly rods, places we have fished (mine is very sparse in comparison to his), how long we have both been in the sport, and where we were from. I learn that he knows and is friends with many people in the fly fishing community. It was fun to hear him talk about people I have read about in magazines and seen online.

I also had the great privilege to meet his wife. She was very friendly, just like him, and we had fun talking about fishing. She, like him, was very well known in the fly fishing community. I learn that she has held records in salt water fly fishing, and has been featured on fly fishing television shows. "What an awesome couple", I remember thinking to myself. And they couldn't have been nicer. Before we said our goodbyes, they were kind enough to give me one of their newly released books. I was ecstatic. Needless to say, I will cherish this book for the rest of my life. I also exchanged information with him so we can stay in touch in the future. Turns out, he owns some property on a river that I frequently fish. Score!

Easy Sculpin Pattern

Well, the first winter storm has just unleashed its rage throughout Southern Utah, dumping a few inches of snow.  With lakes and streams freezing up, its time for evening hot cocoa and a lot of time on the vice. I hope to post many fly tying articles throughout this winter. In hopes that I can teach others, and I myself become a better tyer. To start things off, I have listed an easy sculpin pattern. It is a knock off of Davie McPhail's sculpin. If you are a fly tyer you will most likely have heard his name.  If not, you better check him out. The guy is a genius at the vice, and has great videos. The only difference in this pattern is that I did not use a sculpin helmet for the head. Instead, I used Fly Tyers Dungeon Bull Frawg dubbing. Happy tying.

Hook: Allen B200 #6
Thread: Black UTC 140
Eyes: Dumbell eyes
Tail: Hareline Magnum Rabbit Strip Olive Variant
Body: Same as tail
Head: Bull Frawg Dubbing: Fall BWO

Capturing the "Hero Shot" in Fly Fishing: Doing More Harm Than Good?

Take a scroll through social media these days and you'll find lots of great fish photography within the fly fishing community. Captivating images showing underwater photos of fish, the increasingly popular half in half out of water shot, and close up macro shots certainly add another dimension to the sport. You will also find lots of sub-par photography, some you might even cringe at the sight of. Shots where anglers look like there strangling the fish as to keep it from getting away. Or another I'll call the gill shot, where anglers are holding the fish vertically with there fingers through the fish's gills. While looking at these images, either good or poor, have you ever asked yourself- I wonder how much time and effort went into getting that shot?

It is just about impossible to judge as to whether someone treated a fish poorly or not by looking at an image they post. But this question has been flooding my mind lately, namely due to the explosion of social media, and how many fish pictures abound in the fly fishing community.  Do we put fish in harm when we set out to get a great fish picture? Are we seeking the "hero shot" to see how many likes and/or comments we can get to further our followers? All the while disregarding the care of the fish?

I remember when the recent Montana Wild fiasco hit social media, and how many angry people it brought about. Anglers were asking themselves, how could such an organization as themselves, who promote ethical hunting and fishing, act in a manner to harm fish? All for the sake of a good fishing video? Future information on the debate eventually came out, leaving some to think they did nothing wrong, and never put fish in danger. However, some still believe that they did harm fish by keeping them on the line too long. Regardless of what happened, it raises the question as to how far we will go to get that "hero shot".

Social media has enabled anglers from across the world to share their images and stories. It is a wonderful thing to see an image of a permit caught on Christmas Island, or an angler barely able to hold onto a monstrous golden dorado in Bolivia. For anglers like me who mainly fish for trout and bass, it is a nice change of scenery, and enables a slice of experience that I may never have in this life. Like most things however, with social media, there are good and not so good things that come about. I am not writing this to judge as to whether anglers are respecting fish or not during pictures. The goal is to bring this debate to thought, in hope that anglers will practice good fish handling skills.

Don't get me wrong, I occasionally have kept fish for too long, seeking to capture a great shot. It takes practice to get both a quality image, while also keeping the fish unharmed. I'll admit I have work to do, and want to be able to take great pictures with minimal distress on a fish. I also keep fish every once in a while and enjoy eating some of them. There is nothing wrong with that in my opinion. However, if the intent is to catch and release, we as fly fisher's should strive to leave the fish in the condition we found them. After all, the majority of fly fisherman pride themselves on safe fish handling and catch and release.

Some of you might be asking yourselves- who really cares if anglers use safe fish handling? If you are, that is your opinion and I respect that. However, I would hope that you do care, if not for the sake of the fish, then for the future generations of fly fishermen and women.

Fall Fly Fishing: In Search of Solitude

As the sun made its course over the rim of the mountain, and the cool mountain air began to chill my body, I made my way across to a fishy area on the corner of the lake. I spotted two submerged logs, and knew I had to land a fly right in-between. I launched a couple casts in the area, but came up either too short or too long. I honed in and made another cast, this time landing my chironomid right on the mark. Heart racing, eyesight keen on the target, fingers numb, I slowly yet anxiously begin stripping line. Within a matter of seconds I feel the tug and my senses erupt. This had to be a tiger from the way that it pulled, and my biggest of the day. A minute later, resting in the cradle of my net, I confirm both. A perfect way to end the trip.

Maze of Colors

Rewind four days:

Once again, fall arrived and Mike and I set out for the mountains. A cold spell had crept in a few days prior, unleashing the crisp air throughout Utah. Knowing it would be cold, I packed for the elements.

As per tradition, and not always intentional, we roll up onto the mountain at nightfall. While stepping out of the jeep at our intended campsite for the next four nights, a cold fifteen degree wave hits my body and I quickly reach for the fleece. It was a wake up call to my warm, southern Utah body. Luckily, I was prepared.

The following mornings cold sting was briefly halted with a cup of hot chocolate and oatmeal-my go to meal for the following mornings to warm my cold body. It was soon fishin' time so we rigged our three weights and made the short trek to the nearby lake, only to find it basically frozen over. While not surprised due to the cold spell we were dealing with, we kept our heads up and searched out to find the inlet to the lake, knowing there had to be some open water there. We did find open water, but the fish were weary and scattered at even the most delicately presented fly. Mike eventually went subsurface and fooled a couple twelve inch brookies, while I stayed on top and drifted numerous dry flies with no avail. I then tied on my trusty shuttlecock midge emerger, and first cast had an immediate explosive hit that my freezing hands were not prepared for. I eventually did end up fooling a few fish to the net, and it was nice to get on the board with these small, yet beautiful char.

Frozen over

This lake we were fishing was quite low, and clearly the division was going to release about all the water prior to winter. Being now lunchtime, and knowing these fish would winter kill, we caught and kept a few and spent a good time preparing them for tasty brook trout tacos. All the preparation was worth it, as they were spicy and flavorful. It had been years since I had eaten trout, let alone cleaned and prep them myself. It was worth it.

Bring on the meat

Headed for the fire

With a few hours of daylight left, we trekked up to a lake that had been good to us this past Spring. I rigged a reliable leech pattern and worked my way around the lake. I fooled one cutthroat on the leech, and a nice tiger on a chironomid.

Go to fly

The following morning I ate a hefty breakfast, and readied my gear for what was to be an eight mile round trip hike to a favorite lake of ours. It was now time to chase some char, and I was excited to feel the bend of big brookies at the end of my line, as I had this past Spring. We approached the lake from a different direction this time, and encountered many rocky climbs. At the halfway point, we were welcomed with this exquisite view and were able to give our muscles some relief.

One step at a time

After a long hike, many changed flies, and only one fish to the net, we eventually left the lake scratching our heads. What happened to the fish? We did see a few, but not the quantity we saw in the Spring. It was a total bust. Luckily, the views were nice.

Lots of boulders, no fish in sight.

Due to the lack of fish, I shot some bug photos.

After a cool late evening hike through the woods, we eventually made it back to camp. Prior to the hike, Mike downed a half full unopened five hour energy, which apparently was a bad batch and not sitting well. We got back to camp and within the hour Mike was hunched over and puking. Luckily, he felt better afterward and was able to eat and return to bed.

Due to the not so fishy day we had prior, our hopes were high on yet another lake we had success with this past Spring. It was to be the same lake we went to in the evening on our first day where I caught two fish. The plan was to fish this lake all day, and really study and figure out where and what these fish eat.

After a short hike, we arrive at the lake to find that no one was there, which was awesome. We began working the outer edge of the lake with no success, and decide to venture out for deeper water. On my first cast, I get a small hit on my line, but do not connect. Mike, after a couple casts, experiences the same outcome. We decide to head over to the other side of the lake, where we had such great success last Spring.

My arsenal

The following hours of the day can be summed up with one word, epic. About an hour or so later in the day, an October caddis hatch erupted bringing fish to the surface.

Next time ill be bringing some size 8

Mike and I each found a solid rock to stand on in the lake, and spent hours casting to cruising fish. It was a moment I'll never forget. Dark colorful fall Bonneville cutthroat were eager to take just about any dry fly we offered. The tigers, though more elusive, showed there colors and sipped our dry flies as well. Mikes first fish of the day, taken on his trusty reliable purple haze, was a hefty tiger. He could see the fish come up from the depths and erupt on his fly. It was a tough battle to the net, but within a minute we were both looking at an amazing specimen.

Big and bold

With nighttime upon us, the crescent moon illuminating the surrounding trees, our minds shift from delicate flies, to big hairy meaty specimens. It was now time for the mouse game.

Mike rigs a knock of Fly Fish Food pattern and sets out to his designated rock out on the lake. I wait on the shore, camera ready, taking in my surroundings and contemplating life. My mind wanders as I think about all the fish I caught today, and how blessed I am to be here, It's constantly interrupted by all the explosive hits Mike was having on his mouse, but no connection. I think of my family, and how much I love them. I think of Gods creation, and how grateful I am for the mountains he created. Without them, I would not feel the sense of escape and ease they bring into my life. My thoughts are interrupted again. This time from the distant howling of coyotes over the rim of the mountain. I am reminded of how wild of a place I am in, and that there's no where else I'd rather be.

After about an hour, we decide to try a different area on the lake, and I get it on the mouse game. Mike starts out on a spot he had a solid fish hit earlier in the day. Within a couple casts, an explosive flush disrupts the quiet dark water, but again no connection. I work my mouse along the edge against logs and structure, but tonight I never experience any hits on my furry concoction. As I keep chuckin' my mouse to fishy lies, Mike heads out to his trusty rock yet once again. His drive amazes me. Though, its not hard to understand, considering all the action he was getting earlier. Within a matter of minutes, the quiet mountain air was intensely interrupted with a loud scream. Mike finally connected, and he was ecstatic. Being all the way across the lake, I could only hear the splashing and see the distant light from his headlamp hitting the water. Though I wish I was there, taking in the excitement next to him, I was smiling and happy that he finally tricked a fish on a mouse. One day, I will do the same.

Mouth full of meat

Being now close to midnight, we make the short trip back to camp. Walking through the woods at night can be creepy. At one point, walking side by side through the thick trees, we both hear an eerie sound like a low growl. We both immediately stop. My heart pounding, I look over to my left, only to discover it was the sound of a tree swaying ever so slightly in the wind. I could of sworn it was an animal. After a sigh of relief, we trudged on and safely make it back to camp.

The last couple hours of our night, I take advantage of the magnificent night sky and shoot some photography. Mike, still seeking the tug, heads out to our nearby lake and fools many more fish. It was a great end to what was another memorable trip.

Fly Tyers Dungeon Review

Fly Tyers Dungeon "Fly Tyers Box"

When thinking of places and/or companies to buy fly tying materials, the following are ones that most of us tyers think of: Hareline, Wapsi, Flymen Fishing Company, Loon Outdoors, Whiting, Umpqua Feather Merchants, Montana Fly Company, and Orvis, to name a few. These are all well known companies who each sell quality materials. But, have any of you heard of the company Fly Tyers Dungeon? Chances are most of you have not. I certainly hadn't, that is, until Mike (FishEatFlies) told me about them.

Fly Tyers Dungeon is a small company based out of Montana. The guy behind the company calls himself the "Mad Scientist" namely because he creates most of the materials that he sells. Some of the materials include various dubbings, flash, bug legs, tails and wings, and synthetic hair. The dubbings he creates are very unique. They are extremely "buggy" if you will, with a good majority  containing micro bug legs in the mix. This makes for great nymph patterns.  He also has a soft dubbing that reminds me somewhat of Hareline's Senyo Laser Dub. It is a long synthetic fiber that is good for streamer heads. Something newer on the lineup he's developed are UV enhanced dubbings. When shining my UV light on them, they clearly contain small micro streams of dubbing, just as you'd buy from other companies.

The flash that he masterfully creates is great stuff. Everything from stiffer fibers to extremely soft for all your tying needs. I have incorporated a lot into my streamer patterns. He also makes his own krystal flash that looks like the quality you'd find in every fly shop.

One of the coolest items you can purchase from the dungeon is the synthetic hair. Similar to EP fiber, the fiber he creates is called Congo hair. It is great for baitfish patterns, and comes in just about any color or blend you could ask for. He also makes a few even softer type of hair with higher sheen and glow.

Congo Hair Baitfish

Another great item are the eyes he sells. They come in three different kinds and resemble just about any baitfish pattern you could tie up.  I particularly like the frog eyes.

One of the greatest buys you can get from the dungeon are the Fly Tying Material Gift Boxes. He puts together various boxes from the Fly Tyers Box (which I purchased), to the Baitfish Box. These gift boxes are a much better buy, and are even cheaper than if you individually bought each item from his store.

In conclusion, one of the greatest things about Fly Tyers Dungeon is the PRICE. Simply unbeatable. To this day, I have not found another company with cheaper materials of the same good quality. For instance, individual dubbing ranges from .75-1.00 a pack! Beats paying $2.50+ for other dubbings! Another great buy are the eyes. I cannot believe the price for eyes from other companies (upwards of 3.50 per pack of 12). At the dungeon, you pay .75-1.00 per 20! That is a much better deal if you ask me.

All in all, Fly Tyers Dungeon is a great place to check out unique fly tying materials for awesome prices. Yes, you may not find some of the very unique materials that other companies supply (specialty dubbings, flash, streamer heads/popper bodies etc), yet you will find great products and customer service. All of the material comes in a great quantity, and has made awesome flies for me that catch fish. When I placed my most recent order, the Fly Tyers Box, it arrived three days later and was an enormous amount of material for twenty five bucks. I recommend for all fly tyers to check out and support this small business. Check out his site here. 

Solo Mission

A much needed break from work finally came, so I set out on a solo mission to chase some nearby browns. The destination was a slow winding stretch of river known for easily frightened fish. Though these fish scare easily and are difficult to catch, the size alone draws me to this stretch at least a few times out of the year.

The usual method I choose to fish this section is with streamers. However, it had shown to be rather unsuccessful. It seemed as soon as the rabbit strip and flash hit the water, the browns would flee for protection. A change of strategy was needed. Since it was mid August, my strategy this time would be a meaty hopper patterns with delicate presentations. With dark clouds to my north, I hurried and readied my gear, knowing lightning would be here soon.

I came upon a stretch that has a nice deep hole with a big brush blossoming out surrounded by five inches of scum. I just knew there had to be a fish in there. I have fished this hole before, but each time never felt the bend I was seeking. This time, there would be no stripping of streamers. Instead, I landed a soft presentation a few feet above the brush, and patiently watched as my hopper drifted toward the obstruction. As soon as my fly kissed the scum, a nice brown unveiled itself and engulfed my bullet head hopper. Gotta love fishing dries.

By  now, and much too early, the storm I previously feared was now raining on me. Not wanting to end up getting zapped, I headed back to the car for cover and some lunch.

My next destination  was a creek just down the road that was similar to the first one. Thunderstorms were all around me but I just couldn't settle on only that one fish. Only one more cast right?

The rain was crashing down and tailgaters on highway 89 were pissing me off. I needed to get to this creek and fast before I lost my sense of calm that the day had brought. I finally arrived to see the water in good condition. I had forgotten how much water comes from this natural spring, and was reminded that I need to fish there more often.  I caught smaller rainbows and a sixteen inch brown that fought like a twenty. Again, the storms raged in with lightning and thunder so I booked it out of there. Overall, the day was a success and it provided the sense of relaxation and rush of a tighline.