Waders Deep

I DO

2012-02-21T21:32:00.000-08:00

Yup, she must be crazy for wanting to marry me!!!! I work a lot, fish as much as possible, have been known to be little hyper-active, and yet, she still said, "I DO"

Hilary can fish too! Did I mention that? I'm thinking honeymoon in AK and a steelhead bachelor party with the boys. I know steelies can bend a rod.

OoooWwww Hi-5

Unionville, NV

2012-02-20T18:25:00.002-08:00

Captain's Log- Star date 4576.09- Today we came in contact with the Borg...

Ooops!!! Wrong blog. If you are interested in reading about my adventures as the Captain of the Starship Winnemucca- I have nothing for you.
Tip of the Day~ While driving on I80E through Nevada, you may think to yourself, "Damn, this place is desolate". So, instead of the harsh judgement, go explore off the beaten path & find some of the many treasures of Northern Nevada. Stop in Unionville, 20 miles west of Winnemucca.

Unionville may not be much, but it does have some cool history, as you can see above. It was home to Mark Twain, and has lush greenery (in the spring) and for those who keep up with Hollywood; Sandra Bullock often stays (stayed?) at the B&B in the town.

This post has nothing to do with truts or angling, although, Nevada is home to some great fisheries.

I also wanted to gloat, that I had the opportunity to sit where Mark Twain spent a lot of time pondering his books. While I am showing you his "thinking room", I implore you to go for yourself and check out his home. You might even hook a few mini truts, from the creek above.

Hi-5

Kodiak Island, AK June, 2000

2012-02-18T11:19:00.001-08:00

This photo is from many moons ago. Back when I commercial fished on the F/V Laguna Star. Also, I long line for halibut and pot fished for cod in this same year.
Memories, at the corner of my mind...
Hi-5
Next post will be from the hometown of Winnemucca

Wickets First Fish- WOW

2012-01-10T06:43:00.000-08:00

No Snow! Might as well Float...

2012-01-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

Tip of the day~ While rowing in winter, your feet will tend to freeze- due to lack of movement. Invest in "Little Hotties Adhesive Toe Warmers". OoooWwww

Up here we still are lacking in the snow department. I have seen more anglers out this winter than ever before. I suppose with no skiing opportunities, the fishing is on like Stevie Ray Vaughn. The truts have been excellent and the gate master has opened a couple gates on Tahoe, keeping the flows nice. Here are pics from the last two weekends of floating.
Hi-5

Trinity Metal

2011-11-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

Tip of the day~ Every angler should be respectful of others and understand fishing/river etiquette.

Hilary and I headed up to the 'ol Trinity this weekend with the vessel "Hoof Arted". We met Chuck on Friday night, and at 5:00 a.m. Saturday it was on like donkey kong.

Started the day off wading, with Chuck landing a nice one early in the day. Hours after wading we decided to get the boat wet and drift Sky Ranch. This was the first time Hilary or I have floated the Trinity and we were pumped. I took the sticks while Chuck pointed out the runs and provided knowledge. Steelies were there but a little inactive; only a few takes and a few hooks. The day was rather sunny, warm and the water- well- a little too clear.

Later, we arrived at one of Chucks' favorite runs and waited 45 mins to get in. While waiting we saw many boats and all were friendly and didn't feel like waiting for the hole. However, one boat (Redding Fly Fishing Guide Boat-guess who!) totally cruised in and low holed the other guide we were waiting on. We were pissed! The "good" guide (with etiquette) waved us in to the run, so we jumped in. The "low holer" came and offered us the run as if it were his; I mean- come on- as a guide, you should know better than to jump in on other anglers. By the way- his client hooked into a nice one and lost it, which appeared, by the guides hands (poor netting?). As soon as his client was done we set the anchor and fished it hard. A few casts in I had a nice one on but one head shake and off. We pulled anchor, I rowed upstream, set anchor, and two casts in WHAM! I had it again. This time the steely launched over a log and I fought for ten minutes before Hilary was able to net. I can't believe the fish wasn't gone after launching over the log, amazing fish.

Landed on a Kaufman's Stonefly

Go Float the Humboldt

2011-10-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

Tip of the day ~ The highlight of I-80 is Winnemucca...
Ya buddy- you know it...

Fishin' Buds

2011-09-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

Tip for the day~ If you are on the water, find that your waders are leaking, and can see the hole.
Tree sap can temporarily stop the leak- in a pinch situation and you can't handle a little moisture...

These summer days have been extremely busy. I haven't even touched the river in 4 weeks. To busy with that whole work thing (bummer). Yesterday, Wicket convinced me to step away from the craziness and head to the river after work. He also convinced Andy to come out too. What a night- the three of us haven't been on the water together in a long time. The best part is we all landed fish.
I pulled mine with the 'ol Big Hot Butt- even though they are tapering off for the year, the fish were very keyed in on them.

Hi-5

"Know When To Fold 'Em"

2011-08-17T20:18:00.000-07:00

Tip for today~ No matter how burnt out you are, a few hours of fishing will ease the wearied mind...

It's has been quite a while since I have hit the wall- today is that day. If you are normal, you would understand...
You had a long day, month, year-whatever; you head to the river expecting to land the lunker, to relax. Only to realize, that your not quite into it.
I headed to one of my favorite holes- which is flowing at 5 to 600, prime time dry fly- where I have landed some lunkers. Tonight was no different. I hooked into quite a few, including a brown that was definitely picture worthy. Wouldn't you know it; I lost them all. After the brown loss, I came to the realization that it was time to "Fold 'Em". Rather than continue to poke them- on an off night-, I decided to save them for a later date.
Now, although I was skunked; I still walked away satisfied. After all,- it's not about the fish you catch, but the fishing you do... Right?....

Dam Beaver

2011-08-13T21:38:00.000-07:00

Over the years I have grown quite fond of a beaver. At first he was rather annoying- always spooking my runs- but non the less, pretty interesting... for a river dweller. For some reason he looks like a Wally, as this I named him.
This evening I headed out for the evening hatch and without fail, Wally was there to toy with me. I started low, tied on a "Big Hot Butt" and landed a few truts. Then- leave it to beaver- Wally shows up and slaps his tail like Hi-5's during a "Need for Speed" session. I said hi, continued upstream and land a couple more. Wally & I danced back and forth about 5 times; right up 'til the sun was gone. I think we have an understanding...
Anyone else have a river dwelling buddy?
Hi-5

Big Hot Butt

2011-08-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Today's Tip (story first)~ I was chatting with another angler in the Hirsch, and he asked about leaders- length, knot-less, weight etc... I mentioned I am not rich so I build my own, with his response being- "How do you measure your length?"
So here is your tip~ I hope most are aware of this fact, but just in case. Your arms extended out, are the "rough" length of your body. For instance, I am 6'3"; it's safe to say my arms are around 6'. If I need a 9' leader, I will run line from my fingers to the center of my chest (being about 3 feet) 3 times (9 feet).
The guy was surprised so I thought this is a great tip...

The Hirsch is one of my favorite zones, so after a day like today (extremely busy at the ol' lumber yard), I love to unwind here. I saw the Hot Butts were out, and I tied one of my designs on. I call it the "Big Hot Butt" for the fact that I tie on a length of red chenille for the butt. I think it gives the fly a little taste of life, like Johnny 5 stays alive. It was a decent decision, and I landed a bakers dozen. No hogs (biggest about 14") but it's not about the fish you catch, but the fishing you do...

Hi-5

Rice Bag

2011-08-03T17:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,
North and I had a lovely walk down to the river, what an amazing day. Do you think North...
Ya right... KIDDING

Tip for today~ If you drop your electronic device in water- place it in a rice bag, the rice absorbs the moisture. I hope this proves helpful.... Have any of you tried it?

Today is a great day...
Last Thursday Wicket and I took the muts to the river and enjoyed a fish session. Unfortunately, I lacked the information that we would be mountaineering to get there. So -as usual- my summer attire is equipped with board shorts and Chacos. Which on this day proved to be a poor decision.
Once we finally made it to the river -me feeling like a miner who forgot his shoes- I spotted a riser and laid my caddis. Wham!!! Fish-on!!! This continued on for three nice truts. By the third, Wicket had cruised down river. While on my way to catch up with him, I decided to throw one more- Kaboom!!! another. Only this time- Kerplunk, I went down faster than the Titanic. My first instinct after emerging from the water, was to pull my phone out. In the midst of the excitement, I totally spaced my camera. When I finally remembered it, I pulled it out realizing that it had more water on-board than a submarine with screen doors. DAMMIT!!!!!!! Completely soaked and bumming I called it, said later to Wicket and I was out.
Then why is today a great day? You ask! Well, I have been trying to revive the camera since the incident
by placing it with rice in a Ziploc. And- voila- today I put the batteries in and now is back in action.
The fishing is hot right now, and a camera is very much needed...
Hi-5

"Fish Face"

2011-07-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite things that go along with Fly Fishing, are pictures and the "Fish Faces". Check out this one for instance...

It appears as though I just told him that trout are relatives of sharks... "Eeeehhhh? Really?". Or possibly, he may even be wondering why the sky is blue. Either way I truly enjoy a great fish face. If you would like to see what Nate looks like after he sat on the oar, go to Anglers Path under my "Fish Buddies". This photo isn't so bad but if you guys had an opportunity to humiliate a friend; would you do it?
Hi-5

Stay Tuned for this weekend. After work I will be headed for Hirsh and laying the caddis smack down.(I would like to not work 7 days a week, and fish 24/7- retire one day?) The river is currently fishing well...

Binky

2011-07-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

Matt (my brother) is totally new to Fly Fishing, but he is learning pretty quickly and I can tell he has interest. Do any of you have siblings and taught them something new? If so, you are well aware of how interesting it can be.
We floated for around 6 hrs, with our take out in the Hirch. We saw Gill on the river with his buddy who just landed a big brown (check it out on Gilligan's Guide Service blog-under my "Fish Buddies"). Although Matt didn't land any he had quite a few on. He was getting a little overly excited with the initial hook up and they would spit the fly. From my perspective it was hilarious; watching the look on his face and shaking as though he was have a seizure. Good job Binky.
Hi-5
Here are a few photos of the trip.

"RoadKill"

2011-07-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

The flows on the 'ol Truckee are finally becoming awesome and the caddis are on like donkey kong. Put in a hard days work in the Dispatch world and today is Thursday, which have become boating days...

Chris a.k.a Roadkill was next in line for a float, so today was his day. He isn't totally new to our world but wasn't very familiar with it either; that is until today. Worked with him the whole trip and by the end he was a master. He managed to land one and I'm pretty sure he enjoyed every second of it. I am super stoked at the fact that I can say I floated "Roadkill" on the Truckee. On a side note, notice Roadkill did not have the super death grip on the trut..I am realizing that owning a raft comes with one down fall- less fish and more oaring. Which is totally fine because navigating a river and getting friends into fish is pretty much just as fulfilling.
If you haven't had the opportunity to float fish, it is highly recommended...
Hi-5

Rookies a.k.a. F.N.G's

2011-07-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

Took our buddy Derek out today for his first ever Fly Fishin' experience. I gave him some lessons, also some basics of fishing on a boat, some excitement yelling and landed him fish. He now will be hooked on our world. His next lesson will be, how to handle a fish; notice the death grip, and awkward stance...
Atta boy Derek
Hi-5
Stay tuned for Saturday, Binky (my brother) is next up...
Wicket landed some nice fish too (check out his blog Anglers Path), but this post was to discuss F'n New Guys. Anyone else have a good F.N.G. story?

The "White-Fish Float"

2011-07-04T20:37:00.000-07:00

The Truckee is still pumping between 4-6 hundy, and still over 2 grand below Boca. The sun has been high and hot, still melting the snow-laden peaks. There is hope though, as the river is slowly coming down and the fishing is picking up. You still will have to hunt for the aquatic gold, but they be hungry and the food is on the rise...

On this July 4th, we had ourselves an 8 hr float and loved every minute of it. The put-in around Truckee provides a boater with a white water adventure (mainly Truckee Falls which are not quite falls/ Class II-) to Glenshire. Once you pass the Martis confluence, it's game on for the truts. This is why I will now call this run the "White-Fish Float", since you can enjoy a straight white water run and finish off the day with a fish run.

The boat is still relatively new, but today I think I worked out most of the kinks. Mainly, I figured out the gear situation and keeping it all secured.

The pics are just two of many fish caught today; all of which were landed on the "Pussy-Cat Baetis"...

Hi-5

Pussy Cat Baetis

2011-06-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

Today feels like spring is here. Unfortunately, it is June and the vernal equinox should have been here in March/April...
With the river still pumping over 1000 below Boca, I headed above the bridge to one of my favorite hollows where the flow is around 300. The morning was filled with a down pour, in turn allowing the surroundings to lush out with spring colors.
Around the beginning of winter (while I was laid up from having two of my ribs removed) I fooled around with my own baetis pattern for the Truckee; a muddle of various baetis patterns out there. When I figured out my own rhythm and became well enough to fish; I tied it on and landed some fish. Initially the truts landed with the pattern, I figured were a result of first cast luck... Today was a different story- I landed the two browns (pictured below) in the same hole with the same baetis. They are not fish to right home about but now I have the confidence to name the fly and know I can tie it on with pride.
In light of being from Winnemucca-Proud Of It- I decided to name my prototype after one of the fine establishments designed for truckers- The Pussy Cat Saloon, now called Wild West Saloon. Considering I am an original gangsta from the town, Pussy Cat Baetis is the name destined for the fly...
Hi-5

Extended Spring

2011-05-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

Up here, the weather is still saturating the area. Seems to be never ending, but there are benefits to a longer spring... The creeks that normally do not flow more than a trickle are raging, which the truts enjoy.

We headed to a zone we have not hit up in years. The last time we were out here, we woke early in the morning, had a shot of jack or two, fished for about an hour (skunked) then passed out for about 2 hrs and headed home. This go-around, thanks to the crew prospecting for a couple weeks now, we know the freshwater sharks are in. Yesterday, after work, we had a great time in the rain-hail-snow and mist. Landed this guy, Ryan had a nice 3 jumper and we were on our way. Soon enough we will be on the main rivers, but may be a while.

How many fish stories do you have?

2011-04-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

Awoke this morning to the sun shining for the first time in weeks. Here in the mountains where the rivers flow, April can be a serious extension of winter- a long one it has been. As I made my way to the "office", I looked to the left of Glenshire Bridge and saw that the Truckee was raging like Arnie on steroids. The flow looked as though I was gazing upon a great summer run fishery.

This time of year most of us anglers would question the worth of even dropping a line in the Truckee. Truth is, these flows make the fishing a little bit more interesting. Usually the gear involves big bugs and mucho weights to get down fast. When you do get a take, the line will run from your holder like a cheetah chases its prey.

After my first 9 hours of this beautiful day, I was saddened when I had to depart from work- the place that I go to because I have nothing better to do (nope). Early on I had asked Hilary and Ryan if they wanted to hit the river; Hilary went for a walk, and Ryan had softball with his girls. Away I went on yet another trial to test my skills of taking a photo- solo style.

I headed to my favorite hole, waded out, dumped my line and made my first few false casts to the run. With the river moving this way, I had a #12 March Brown with a #12 Blue John dropper and a lot of weight. The run is no better than 30' right now, and moving fast-fast-fast!!! After making 3 sets through, I added one more BB and got right back in it. Then WHAM!!!!!!!!- away we go. The line ran with a few good trout hi-5s' in the spray, as I slowly worked her back to me. Trembling like Kevin Bacon running from Tremors- I land the Bow, lay down my rod to measure her and break out the camera. The second I have the camera in my hands-FLOP- she was gone.

This fish measured and honest 22" and was a stocker from the lower section. My reason behind writing this, is to ask how many of you have this same "Fish Story"? Do you tell your friends or keep them to yourself, from fear of all the "Hecklers" you know?

Do you remain truthful when you tell your story?

Or do you embellish?
That's right, I am the photoshop masta!!!

Trinity Fish Stix...

2011-04-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

Mmm...Fish Stix

Got Tartar Sauce?

Headed up to the Trinity this past weekend for some R&R. The section from 250' below Lewiston Dam to the Lewiston Bridge is a "Fly Fish Only" section and has been a mystery to me for quite some time, and wanted to check it out. As we arrived-expecting some late run Metals-we were very surprised when we noticed that nobody was with big gear in hand; turns out, this section is a Dry fly-Little Guy mecca. Within minutes Hilary had two fish stix landed and I decided to make use of my new Switch-Rod and practice swinging some bugs with the Rio Switch Line-thanks Gill. We landed at least 3 dozen fish stix ranging from 12" to 4"; if the family needed to be fed, they would have been with perfect bite size morsels-- "Fish Stix".

All in all, the trip was not a bust. Enjoyed some camping, relaxing, and scenery. Not to mention I am in love with my Switch and have it down. Early Saturday, we did see one guy -down stream- land at least a five pounder, and up from camp I saw one spent steely. Apparently if you do decide to fish this section, bring light gear and don't get your hopes up for a buck/hen. On the flip side, there are some later runners in there-if you are fortunate enough to hook into one.

Also, another highlight of the trip. Once again I needed to borrow something from Ryan and once again, I managed to demolish it. Hint- it's the chair I am sitting in below- that makes number 3 for devices used while sitting...

One for the ladies...
A.K.A. The fish attractor
That's right, I did that...

Little Truckee- X-Country

2011-03-09T19:43:00.000-08:00

X-Skied into L.T. this evening after work... Not a bad mission, about 2 1/2 hr. turn around time and the river is looking fishy. So, the next journey will hopefully come this weekend, including a buddy, skies, adult beverages, camping, and last but not least-hungry fish... Stay tuned for fish porn...

Just a day in the life...

2011-02-19T07:36:00.000-08:00

Snow is how we roll...

2011-02-19T07:32:00.000-08:00

Back Deck

Path to back deck

Winter is back, non-stop 3 days. I need to get out and relax from all the snow blowing; so for fun it's snowshoes, switch rod, adventure-why not?.....

Steelhead? This could be you...

2011-02-08T14:42:00.000-08:00

SKAGIT/SAUK SPRING STEELHEAD SEASON:

CLOSED IN 2010 DUE TO LOW WILD STEELHEAD RETURNS.

HOH RIVER WILD WINTER STEELHEAD:

FAILED TO REACH ESCAPEMENT GOALS 4 OF LAST 7 YEARS.

QUILLAYUTE SYSTEM

(SOL DUC, BOGACHIEL, CALAWAH) WILD WINTER STEELHEAD:

20% BELOW ESCAPEMENT GOAL IN 2009.

PUGET SOUND WILD WINTER STEELHEAD TODAY:

1%-2% OF HISTORICAL POPULATION.

SKYKOMISH RIVER SPRING STEELHEAD SEASON:

CLOSED SINCE 2001 DUE TO LOW WILD STEELHEAD RETURNS.

BOGACHIEL, SOL DUC, QUINAULT WILD SUMMER STEELHEAD:

FUNCTIONALLY EXTINCT.

MILLIONS OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS SPENT ON HATCHERIES:

PROVEN DETRIMENTAL TO WILD STEELHEAD RECOVERY.

Time is ticking and the point of no return for wild steelhead inches closer everyday. If the facts above disturb you, if you're tired of watching your fisheries disappear, if you want to see a future that includes wild steelhead, we urge you to join the Wild Steelhead Coalition. There are reasons for hope, but reversing the decline will take a unified effort from all of us. Please forward this e-mail to anyone you know who fishes for or cares about wild steelhead. Then visit us at http://www.wildsteelheadcoalition.org/ to find out what you can do to help. Every little contribution is critical, every voice is vital--and your participation could make the difference. Thanks for your time, the fish need you now more than ever.

http://www.wildsteelheadcoalition.org/

March Brown

2011-01-30T15:02:00.000-08:00

A spin off of Gilligan's March Brown (mainly the Thin Skin abdomen-awesome idea)
His Flies will be available soon @ Mtn. Hardware, Truckee
Hook: Tiemco 2457 #12

Thread: Uni 6/0 Rusty Brown (This pic w/tan out of R.B.)

Tail: P.T. Fiber

Body: Thin Skin Brown

Body Dub: Superfine Brown

Thorax: March Brown Dub

Legs: P.T. Fibers (shown)or Partridge Feathers Natural

Wing Case: Thin Skin Brown

Storm Fronts

2011-01-30T10:12:00.000-08:00

Today we have a few inches of fresh snow. Took North to the river yesterday (more for him), set up a big bug, little bug and nothin. The storm front pushed in right around the time we hit the river. Needless to say, was not expecting much. So today it's all about tyin' up some flizies...

O.G.: Rogue River

2011-01-30T10:06:00.000-08:00

The Rogue offers some killer steelies. One of those trips you can never forget. Stop in Shady Cove, and enjoy the Rogue.

What happened to Steve?

2011-01-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

Oh! That's what happened! Waited all afternoon for him to show up on the river...

Waiting for the Sun: Fly Tying

2011-01-23T12:57:00.000-08:00

Winter time is the key time to prepare. When you wake up and the sun is not out yet, tie up a dozen or so flies. Today's choice was in preparation for some steelies...

Mountain Tarpon

2011-01-22T20:00:00.000-08:00

Another beautiful day... Wondering what happened to winter, but not complaining.
We were only out for an hour and landed this Mountain Tarpon.
With no upcoming weather, the river should remain fishy. For now...