Featured Photo: Native Colors
Monday, February 04, 2013
Help Me Out Please
So, I know there are some good sources out there for cheap tungsten beads and was wondering what the best deal (quality + price) is out there? Anyone have a good source for tungsten beads that you would be willing to share? I'm not looking to buy in quantities of more than a hundred at a time at most. Thanks!
Poll Extended!!!
The poll on how much fishing you hope to do this year has been extended. I know there are lots more readers who have NOT voted yet so please take just a moment to give me some feedback. Just a couple of mouse clicks is all it takes. Find the poll over to the right near the top of the page. You only have a couple more days so do it now!
Sunday, February 03, 2013
Moraine Park: After the Fire
For the first time since the Fern Lake Fire burned through Moraine Park, I returned to see what damage occurred. Not sure what I would find, I was probably more apprehensive than anything else. The first glimpse went a long ways towards encouraging me.
The meadow is changed, that much is for sure. The vast majority of the tall grass burned while the fast moving fire rolled through. A wet spring will help a lot though and the meadow is ready for a lot of new growth.
The fire obviously did not burn hot for very long as it made the run down the valley. Islands of unburned grasses were to be seen throughout the meadow. Stream-side willows and other vegetation were a bit charred towards the ground but not dead, at least not in the small area I saw.
Here are a couple of pictures I took. You can tell that the meadow was burned but it should recover nicely once the growing season returns assuming we have some moisture...
The meadow is changed, that much is for sure. The vast majority of the tall grass burned while the fast moving fire rolled through. A wet spring will help a lot though and the meadow is ready for a lot of new growth.
The fire obviously did not burn hot for very long as it made the run down the valley. Islands of unburned grasses were to be seen throughout the meadow. Stream-side willows and other vegetation were a bit charred towards the ground but not dead, at least not in the small area I saw.
Here are a couple of pictures I took. You can tell that the meadow was burned but it should recover nicely once the growing season returns assuming we have some moisture...
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Fishermen's Excuses Go Big Time
We all know that fishermen are creative story tellers, not to mention that they come up with some of the most creative excuses. From the classic "It must have been the moon phase" to more unusual excuses such as "there weren't enough cows standing," fishermen have an excuse. Occasionally we even take responsibility along the lines of, "I just wasn't on top of my game and couldn't figure the fish out."
Now, in a sure sign that our beloved sport is on the verge of going mainstream in pop culture, the Federal Reserve is borrowing from a classic fisherman's excuse. In a statement released today, the Federal Reserve says that "Growth in economic activity paused in recent months, in large part because of weather-related disruptions..."
My question for you is this: Is the weather now an acceptable excuse for a poor fishing day since the excuse has gone mainstream or is it okay to call your fishing buddies out when they attempt to claim that a trip was lame due to weather?
Now, in a sure sign that our beloved sport is on the verge of going mainstream in pop culture, the Federal Reserve is borrowing from a classic fisherman's excuse. In a statement released today, the Federal Reserve says that "Growth in economic activity paused in recent months, in large part because of weather-related disruptions..."
My question for you is this: Is the weather now an acceptable excuse for a poor fishing day since the excuse has gone mainstream or is it okay to call your fishing buddies out when they attempt to claim that a trip was lame due to weather?
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Tying Season
As spring approaches at a now rapid pace, the warm days with hatching bugs and rising trout are not so much a distant hope as a soon to be reality. Lots of snow is finally falling in the mountains, although still not "enough" (is there ever enough?). My spring break fishing excursion is looming closer as is an early summer Yellowstone excursion if everything works out the way I hope. In preparation, things are definitely starting to happen at my tying desk. I'll be cranking out more and more flies in the coming few weeks with only a couple of fishing trips planned.
Also upcoming here at the Trout Zone is a review of a new book by Randy Kadish, entitled "The Way of the River." When first contacted about a possible review, I was excited since I enjoyed his last book. This book was a good read as well and in fact I could hardly put it down once I started reading. Reading Randy's books always encourage me to contemplate my own life more including both my successes and failures as well as how to continue growing as an individual.
In addition to preparing for the upcoming fishing "season," I also have a tentative trip lined up with Juan Ramirez of Hopper Juan fame. Yep! The next few weeks should be both productive and enjoyable.
Finally, I'm super excited about a new rod I ordered yesterday. After years of drooling every time I saw or was able to cast a Helios, I finally bit the bullet and bought one. I got a smoking deal from Taylor Creek over in Basalt or else I never would have justified spending the money. For all of you who are always on the lookout for a great deal, I recommend signing up for the Taylor Creek email newsletter. The deal (or was it a steal?) I got was highlighted in the newsletter and was not available on the website last I checked. Taylor Creek treats their customers right as well and I have always had positive experiences with them.
Finally, I want to give a shout out to my friend Byron Begley over at Little River Outfitters. He is working hard on the website and honestly I don't think he stops looking for ways to make it even better. Right now he is in the middle of a project to completely redo the "Flies" section of the online catalogue. It is a work in progress but the great photography (for you tiers out there this is a great way to see what the flies you are tying should look like) and new organization is going to be awesome. The flies are going to be divided into categories based on primary purpose and usage. There will be Smokies flies for each season as well as warm water patterns and tailwater flies, and don't forget the saltwater selection which is excellent especially considering that LRO is nowhere near the salt.
Also upcoming here at the Trout Zone is a review of a new book by Randy Kadish, entitled "The Way of the River." When first contacted about a possible review, I was excited since I enjoyed his last book. This book was a good read as well and in fact I could hardly put it down once I started reading. Reading Randy's books always encourage me to contemplate my own life more including both my successes and failures as well as how to continue growing as an individual.
In addition to preparing for the upcoming fishing "season," I also have a tentative trip lined up with Juan Ramirez of Hopper Juan fame. Yep! The next few weeks should be both productive and enjoyable.
Finally, I'm super excited about a new rod I ordered yesterday. After years of drooling every time I saw or was able to cast a Helios, I finally bit the bullet and bought one. I got a smoking deal from Taylor Creek over in Basalt or else I never would have justified spending the money. For all of you who are always on the lookout for a great deal, I recommend signing up for the Taylor Creek email newsletter. The deal (or was it a steal?) I got was highlighted in the newsletter and was not available on the website last I checked. Taylor Creek treats their customers right as well and I have always had positive experiences with them.
Finally, I want to give a shout out to my friend Byron Begley over at Little River Outfitters. He is working hard on the website and honestly I don't think he stops looking for ways to make it even better. Right now he is in the middle of a project to completely redo the "Flies" section of the online catalogue. It is a work in progress but the great photography (for you tiers out there this is a great way to see what the flies you are tying should look like) and new organization is going to be awesome. The flies are going to be divided into categories based on primary purpose and usage. There will be Smokies flies for each season as well as warm water patterns and tailwater flies, and don't forget the saltwater selection which is excellent especially considering that LRO is nowhere near the salt.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Fishing Trips Poll
Please vote in our poll on the right side of this page if you haven't already. The poll is running for a few more days before I take it down. I'm really impressed with the projected time on the water for at least a few of you. Someone out there is living the life (although perhaps you're on the water everyday as a guide and not fishing much yourself). Thanks for participating!
Handling Fish
I just came across a great article from Louis Cahill over at the Gink and Gasoline blog. Titled "14 Ways to Prevent Fish Mortality," there are tons of great tips for everyone from the beginner to the seasoned veteran. Over the years I have seen everything, including someone playing a 12 inch rainbow on the Caney Fork for over 5 minutes. One of my favorite all-time fish abuse stories is the South Holston body slam. After catching a big trout in the neighborhood of 26-28 inches, a man lifted the fish and slammed it to the ground (slight exaggeration because the fish probably squirmed out of his hands), at least that's what it looked like to me. The funny part about this story? The guy then proceeded to "wonder" out loud to his buddy for the next hour why the fish was just sitting in 6 inches of water behind a rock and not moving for the next hour. Regardless, I'm sure we could all treat fish with a bit more respect to ensure that they are healthy for someone else to enjoy. Check out the article, and if you don't already subscribe to Gink and Gasoline, I recommend you do that while you're over there...
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