For Our Non-Effeminate Readers

Click on photo for full size image.

I couldn't resist sharing this with you. This is a piece out of Favorite Flies and Their Histories, by Mary Orvis Marbury (1899). The Orvises, like many sporting writers of the day, were savvy marketers, and included in their books personal testimonials by fishermen from all over the country.

This one is written by a Montanan who has "never cast a fly east of the Rocky Mountains," and who calls himself "Tamarack," presumably after his first beloved home made fly rod.

Trust me, this is great stuff, and provides a tantalizing glimpse of fly fishing in the paradise that was the Wild West. I think you'll like it. (Remember, you can click the page for a full size view.)

Money Quote (and barely veiled threat):

"Kid glove and 4 1/2 ounce ryestraw anglers I am not writing for, neither do I want them to agree with me. When a man is so effeminate as to use such light rods, and then worry the rod maker for something lighter, he had better stay at home. The trout stream is unhealthy for him."

Basketball Report: Honey Bees and Butter

Jeremiah told us after last night's game that his coach said, "You guys looked like pygmies out there!" Another team that towered over them and got the win. But, again, our guys had their moments, especially on defense. There were times it looked like honey bees swarming a bunch of lumbering bears.
Jeremiah finally made some points. He also got a taste of playing point guard. He liked it. Sounds like Coach is going to let him play that position some more.









Isaiah played, even though his throat was still sore. The eighth graders didn't have to deal with the size differential that the seventh graders did, and our guys won convincingly. Isaiah too, like Jeremiah, finally started to find the range, but he missed more than he made.
But, if you will indulge a proud father, he's like butter out there.

Fire Time

Click on photo for full size image.

It has been a fairly mild fall, so much so that we have managed without a fire in the wood stove. A few strategically placed electric baseboard heaters have seen us through the chillier nights.

But now....well, looks like another turn in the weather.

Fri

36° | 27°

Sat

35° | 21°

Sun

27° | 15°

Mon

24° | 14°

Someone told me today that they heard it was going to get down to zero next week.

Now that's gettin' down.

So I cranked up a fire tonight. Very nice indeed. Feel free to bask for awhile in its warmth.

Oh, and I still hope to get out for a little river fishing, assuming it's not completely ice locked. Nice to know I'll have a fire to thaw myself out by when I straggle home.

Basketball Report: First Games

The boys had their opening games last night, something they, and their parents, look forward to. It's nice to watch them play a sport indoors where it's warm. The boys have their games on the same night, a problem for my present memory card and camera battery. Jeremiah is on the seventh grade team, and they play first. Isaiah's eighth grade team closes out the evening's entertainment.

Jeremiah and his team had a hard time of it with a much taller team. They were also handicapped by the fact that three of their starters were ineligible because of grades--including the coach's son. Still, they played hard and persevered even though they were frustrated at every turn. Maybe you can see it in Jeremiah in these clips. He made the right moves, had good shot selection, but either got stuffed by a much bigger man, or rushed his shot.
After the game I complimented him on his play and offered a high five. He refused, and said, "I sucked!" He takes his sports seriously. But I think he felt better after going over the videos, something he loves to do; and he's ready for game two tomorrow. Even though it will be a different team, think payback.









Isaiah has been fighting off a sore throat and cold, but he played last night. His team led after the first half, but their opponent finally outlasted them for a close win.
Isaiah played well in spite of not being a hundred percent healthy, and it's amazing how much difference a year makes in the play of eighth graders compared to seventh graders. Isaiah was the leading rebounder for his team, and seems to have finally figured out how to box out an opponent.
He was happy with his performance--except for his shooting. Tonight, though, his throat was killing him. We'll see if he'll be able to play tomorrow night.

If You Like Big Trout On a Dry

If you like big trout on a dry you owe it to yourself to watch this. Unbelievable.


Home For Salmon Outtake 3 - Big Trout from Danica Film AS / Kristian Topp on Vimeo.

River Report: The Wish to Emulate Kingfishers

Click on photo for full size image.

Back to the river today. It was a beautiful afternoon and evening, rainy when I got there--the mountain's head swathed in cloud--then clearing off for the quarter moon.

Probed the bridge run then waded up to the glide and made a couple passes.

Sky full of hawks.

Got a small fish bump on the Owl Leech, and one on the Flash Back Pheasant Tail. Nothing on the Eggish Nymph or the Black Brush. Two more to try next time.

Waded back at dusk with moon shards glittering at every step. 

Kingfishers flashing up and downriver rattling their call the whole time I was there. Bet they caught some fish.

From the Vise: A Veritable Grab Bag

Click on photo for full size image.

I sat down at the vise this afternoon and again tonight and tied up a few more flies to take along to the river this week. Don't look for great art here; these are intended for the river, not a shadowbox. As I've pointed out before, my flies are workmanlike--and they work. For trout, most of the time. For steelhead, some of the time.

I'm still trying to find that sure thing for steelhead. My stonefly nymphs come the closest but there must be other flies they'll take in this river. So, a veritable grab bag for their consideration.

Call this one an "eggish nymph" fly. I've caught steelhead on egg flies, but I also once had one slam a little orange caddis nymph. So this fly is inspired by both of those experiences. I also sometimes just get the urge out in the river to tie on something small. This is tied on a Daichi #4 3X short shank hook.

Another marabou fly. I'm wanting to believe the "purple theory," namely that steelhead are suckers for purple, but I also threw in a black tail, a black dubbed body with a silver tinsel rib, and a few grizzly hackle tips. Tied on a Gamakatsu #6 salmon hook.

I believe in nymph patterns for steelhead, so, following the success of stonefly nymphs, this is a version of the flashback pheasant tail nymph. The legs came out long but I like that swept back look. I'll try it like this and clip them off shorter if need be. Tied on a #10 White River 3X long curved shank streamer hook.

This one was inspired by a little panfish fly I bought in northern Indiana many years ago. It's got two things going for it: it's nymphy, and it's black. Tied on a Gamakatsu #8 4X long streamer hook.

I seem to keep coming up with versions of this fly. Again, it's nymphy. I've caught smaller fish on smaller versions, so maybe this bigger version will bring in some bigger fish. Tied on the Gamakatsu #6 salmon hook.

Finally, a fly that follows pretty closely an actual steelhead pattern sometimes called the "Starlight Leech." I used marabou and dubbing instead of rabbit strip (got to get me some of that), the saddle hackle is too short and the eyes are a wee bit big, but otherwise it's completely faithful to the original. I kind of like those big goggley eyes. Think I'll call this one the "Owl Leech." Tied on the Gamakatsu #6 salmon hook.

I will definitely let you know if any of these flies end up in a steelhead this week.

River Report: Cold

Click on photo for full size image.

Remember that game, "Button, button, who's got the button?" When you got close to the hidden button everyone shouted, "You're hot!" And, of course, when you were wandering far afield, the shout was, "You're cold!"

Today at the river I was cold.

By a fine coincidence, I was also cold. Low forties with just enough breeze to cut a bit, and numb wet hands. The river temp was probably in the low forties, too, if not colder, so my feet were also numb after a couple of hours in the water.

But that's the game, and it was good to wade out there and play again.

Inspiration From the Past

Click on photo for full size image.

These are sample pages and plates, compliments of the Internet Archive, from Favorite Flies and Their Histories, by Mary Orvis Marbury, published in 1892. This gentleman is C.F Orvis, her father. And a hell of a fly tier.

I love the flies, I love the beard, I love the hats, I love the porch.

I love everything here. Good to remember we're fishing in a stream that has been flowing for a long, long time.

Henry's Fork Call To Action

Click on photo for full size image.

The Henry's Fork needs your help. I've copied a piece from Tom Chandler on his Trout Underground Blog that outlines the issue and suggests helpful action.

The Henry’s Fork Motorized Access Issue Boils Up (or, Yet Another Public Official Thinks You Don’t Spend Money)

by TOM CHANDLER on NOVEMBER 11, 2010 · 1 COMMENT

The Henry’s Fork of the Snake is one of the best-known fly fishing destinations on the planet, yet – astonishingly – the Fremont County Commissioners (at least one of them) would have you believe its recreational value is negligible.

Thus continues the fight over motorized boat access to one of the world’s best-known fly fishing destinations, which has boiled over recently – and with the ugliness that rural fights seem to engender.

Here’s the overview: County Commissioners originally refused to implement a new motor ordinance on the Henry’s Fork (for years, everyone thought motors were forbidden, but they were wrong), but after angling groups voiced a lot of concerns, they’re finally offering up a plan, though it seems they’re not going far enough.

How far is not far enough? Imagine trying to fish a PMD hatch on a wadeable version of Fall River – with motorboats zooming through the fish.

That’s what Henry’s Fork fly fishermen are facing from Vernon Bridge to the Fun Farm area – at least under the proposed ordinance.

First, this from InTheBackEddy blog)

The proposed ordinance would allow motors up to 10 horsepower on several sections of the river, including the very popular stretch of the lower river below Vernon Bridge and the stretch upstream from Mack’s Inn. While this proposed ordinance protect The Ranch and Box Canyon, Fly Fisherman will have to hope the effect on these other important sections of river will be minimal.

Perhaps even more disconcerting is this line from the story:

Commissioner Skip Hurt said he doubted a Henry’s Fork Foundation study of the economic benefits the sport of fly-fishing brings to the county.

I remember the quote that spawned this line. Hurt questioned the validity of the study after Trafton and the other HFF folks had left the meeting.

This is the kind of attitude I have often encountered in Eastern Idaho (unfortunately). Many folks fail to recognize they live near one of the most iconic, beloved, and famous trout streams in North America.

And lest you think the proposed ordinance – which the county commissioners seem to favor – is a solution, then read this email comment from a fly fishing local:

because the proposed ordinance, though it is far better than the absence of any regulation, allows motors on a section of the lower Henry’s Fork from the Vernon Bridge to the Fun Farm area, a very heavily used stretch of the river (and excellent fishing, early and late summer). Motors would disturb fish, wading and drifting anglers, trumpeter swans and other wildlife.

Motors on the river are totally unnecessary, with plenty of boat access, ease of drifting from one launch to the next. Private landowners along the stretch are opposed because of noise from motors and shotguns, poaching and litter on their land from the same guys who would use motors (individuals known to many of us).

The local newspaper has covered the story thusly (though adds an odd comment at its conclusion):

From the Island Park News:

In a recent discussion with the Island Park News about motorized watercraft, Commission Chairman Paul Romrell said he thought it has been the most divisive issue the county has had to deal with. When the county decided not to pass the original ordinance but to let a nearly 20-year old ordinance stand, public outcry from the fly fishing community was fierce. The original ordinance and an amendment to it essentially allowed motorized watercraft in nearly all the county by not restricting it in most places. But for years, the public thought motors were off limits because fishing regulations erroneously stated that they were not allowed.

… It also revealed that some county residents do not want any restrictions and some resent favorable treatment toward the fly-fishing community.

The newspaper story ends with: “The News is awaiting comments from the fly-fishing community.”

Here’s What You Can Do

In the past, the local politicos responded only after a massive campaign (this around the issue of park closures), and that’s what’s probably needed here.

1. Stay tuned to the InTheBackEddy blog, which offers the best coverage of the issue.

2. Write a simple email to these three commissioners, reminding them (nicely) as a fly fishermen, you don’t vote locally but you do visit one of the world’s best-known fly fishing destinations (checkbook in hand), and want to see it protected.

Commissioner Paul Romrell, Chairman
Represents St. Anthony
208-624-4304
512 Park St
Saint Anthony, ID 834451122
promrell@co.fremont.id.us

Commissioner Le Roy Miller
Represents rural St. Anthony
233 N 2400 E
St. Anthony, ID 83445
208-458-4528
lmiller@co.fremont.id.us

Commissioner Skip Hurt
Represents Island Park & Ashton
208-623-4271
shurt@co.fremont.id.us

The more they hear from fly fishermen, the better the odds you won’t be dodging jet skis on the Henry’s Fork next year…

See you writing three emails, Tom Chandler

A New Look

Click on photo for full size image.

Same mountain, new aspect.

Same blog, new look.

Hope you like it.

River Report: Oh Boy

Click on photo for full size image.

The weather has turned. Temps are barely breaking 40 during the day, and nights are frosty. It was rainy in the valley today and snowy in the mountains. Maybe that has made a difference.

I went to the river, waded in and started working the bridge run. 

I have a 3 foot sink tip that I loop onto my floating line, but I had taken it off on the last trip. Today I brought a 6 foot length thinking I might need to really dredge the depths. Before putting that on I decided to stay with the floating line and see what that would do first, then work my way down the water column.

I've been fishing some flashy marabou/crystal chenille flies, but I have rarely, if ever, hooked a steelhead on those. So I went back to the natural look and tied on a stonefly nymph with just a touch of flash.

It's funny how a day can seem just like so many other fishless days, when the water seems barren and each cast fruitless. And then, with a sudden thud, everything changes.

That thud came halfway down the run, and there was no mistaking what it was. He hit the fly on the swing and seemed securely hooked, but I hit him a couple times to make sure.

He went deep and held in the current while I waded through water over my waist to get to the bank where I'd have a chance to beach him. Funny how you bust through water when you have a fish on that you'd think twice about braving any other time.

He gave me some fight at the end, but I got him up in the shallows and lifted him out onto the bank. He made a pretty picture. Or two or three.

Oh boy.

Rapture

TimeScapes: Rapture from Tom Lowe @ Timescapes on Vimeo.

River Report: An Extra Hour

Click on photo for full size image.

I took advantage of another beautiful, mild day and headed for the river.

I got there a little earlier than last time, taking advantage, too, of the last evening before the time change.

I started at the bridge run again and took my time. I covered a lot of water but raised no fish.

I was eager to check out the other run, so I waded across at the bridge and headed upstream.

I worked this run pretty well, too, and got a grab at the tailout. The fly was deep, but It didn't feel like a steelhead grab. I switched to an unweighted fly and concentrated on the tailout. I had two big swirls at the fly, but no real take.

Steelhead? Playing it cagey? Don't know. I tend to doubt it, but I won't know until I manage to catch whatever it is. It's one of the things that gives my life direction from day to day.

At dusk I waded across a gravel bar at the tailout. It's shallow but very swift, and dumps into a deep trough on the downstream side. The current took my feet out from under me here last year--or, more accurately, took the gravel right out from under my boots--and I took a bath. This time I made it safe and dry.

I fished my way back to the bridge. It was dark before I was halfway there, but I kept thinking about the possibility that fish might be moving upstream. It's all about playing the long shots. So I cast blind and waded carefully.
I didn't raise anything, but I figured it was a good way to use that extra hour we get tonight.

River Report: Transformation

Click on photo for full size image.

This has been one of the more beautiful autumns we have experienced here, as the world transforms itself once again, summer to fall, beauty to beauty. The river this evening was a beautiful part of it all.

I knew I wouldn't be able to get there early enough to do any real fishing, but there was another reason to go: time to make the transformation.

I hung up my 4 weight and got down the 6 weight. I went through the vest and sorted through the fly boxes. Some I put away until next spring, some I reorganized and consolidated, taking out some flies and adding others. I dug into a drawer and pulled out some boxes that I had put away last spring.

When I waded into the river the lake fisher was once again a river fisher, and once I got my wading legs under me again, and found the rhythm of that 6 weight with a sink tip and big weighted fly, the transformation was complete.

I saw two big rises that made it all the easier to form that mental search image of steelhead. I tried out a couple of new flies on two passes through the bridge run. I caught leaves rather than fish. This time.

A new season begins, and I'm ready.

A Jump On the Holidays

There are many new online fly fishing magazines out there these days, something I am happy about. I still have stacks of the old paper variety that I haven't been able to throw away yet; they might be valuable collector's items some day. But these new online magazines save a lot of space, they're free, and they're just as good as anything you can buy in print.
I discovered a new one today. I like it. It doesn't seem to have an ax to grind or a point of view it's trying to shove down your throat. It doesn't seem to be trying to convince some target audience that fly fishing is just as hip/cool/extreme/arty/superior as they are. This one seems to be predicated on the fact that fly fishing is what it is, and if you love it you'll love the writing and photography of people who love it, too.
That's refreshing.
Thought you might want to take a look, if not for April Vokey, then for...well, for the rest, I guess. You can also check out their website via the link in Favorite Sites in the right margin of this blog.

Blood Knot Holiday Issue