The Weekend of Many Firsts

What a weekend. The cold Fall weather hit me the first night as I slept in my 30 degree summer down sleeping bag 4 hours after we landed in Northern CA. I shivered through the night waking almost every hour due to the combination of 1. excitement because I was far from home and so close to wild trout, and 2. the reality that I am used to sleeping with the wifee in a comfy bed in ideal Southern CA weather.

I knew this Weekend was going to be a special one once El Pescador, the infamous author of wayupstream, found two pennies head's up on the ground as we loaded our gear into the back of the truck.
Mikey Wier, a true fish-head, fly connoisseur, and brains behind Burl Productions, picked us up at the airport in his rig and pontoon boat tied to the trailer. I rarely have opportunities to float sections of rivers so my excitement and giddiness was apparent. This didn't help me sleep much the evening before the expected float down the *unknown* river but that didn't matter.

The following morning we met up with Mikey's fellow comrade Chris to begin the mini floatzilla. The boys got their rigs together as I watched. I quickly realized I didn't have the same gear they were rigging up. No 4 wts, No stimulators, no fancy, little size 18 Adams in 6 different variations. I knew this trip was going to be different when they pulled out big, furry, ugly streamers from their fly boxes and secured their 6 and 8 wts on their boats. I grew up fishing small mountain creeks and streams with primarily small dry flies in technical waters.
Luckily, I was able to borrow their setups as we pushed off the bank and headed down river. My world of fly fishing was shattered. It was the first time I chucked an 8 wt streamer rig for trout. The first five minutes into the drift, El Pescador lands a beautiful, greenish shade Rainbow right out of the gate. I am not talking the usual 8-10 inch wild CA trout; this is a nice, hefty trout. As I begin to get the hang of throwing and stripping the hairy beasts, I eventually landed my first trout of many for the day.

I was so excited catching all these fish that I somehow let Chris's net float down the river ( a first, oops) as I managed to pose for a picture. Funny thing was that El Pescador and Mikey, while playing a fish downstream from us, grabbed the floating net and used it to land the trout they were fighting. Can you believe that?


We came around a large bend in the river halfway though the float where schools of fish curiously stared and scattered around our boat. I chucked the hairy beast near the bank and stripped wildly as I saw what was coming right for my streamer. I will never forget the moment I watched a rather large Rainbow aggressively chase and take the fly. In my momentary bliss, I realized that fish was a personal best- the first largest trout I have ever caught on a fly.

A few minutes later Mikey sets the hook on a decent trout ever so casually. I couldn't help myself but grab my 4 wt and cast out into the same seam where I proceeded to land a similar size trout on a 14 elk hair caddis. This was another first - My first double hook up.

That night I slept like a warm baby as I recounted a stellar day of fly fishing with many firsts.

My Beloved

Who understands me more than anyone.
Thank you for all of your love.

Fall is here

Fall is here
I love the colors of this season
From red to burnt orange splotches
To strips of white
To an infinite number of shades of brown
To the iridescent shimmers of water and light
Like the big Browns who come out from the depths
Fall is here

The Big Trip

I was looking through some older photos when I came across some photos of our Big Trip through Central America, the East coast, and Western Europe. We, like most college grads, scrapped some cash together to head to Europe by backpack. My wife, Anna, and I also wanted to surf some warm water at the time. So the trip began with 1 month in Central America getting by on public bus transportation through the borders with a board in one hand and a bag in the other. We finally made our way to Manhattan where we met up with some great family friends for a week doing fancy things like running in central park, seeing a few shows, eating at a restaurant that serves 10K + bottles of wine, and the like. We lived it up for a week in NYC as we gathered warm clothes to head to Europe for over two months. There are so many stories I could share backpacking through Europe but I will share one of the highlights of hiking and a little fishing in the Swiss Alps. The fishing wasn't great b/c the fish apparently don't speak English but the views and the memories shared were priceless. We finally ended the trip 4 months later in London where I was quasi-hired over the phone/email to work at a little joint we call Patagonia.

The Bishop

We recently hooked up with some friends, Ryan and Cammille, on their last leg of their big trip, to beautiful Bishop, CA.

We took a little adventure to one of the hundreds of high alpine lakes in the Eastern Sierras. We also hit a number streams, ate well, sat in some natural hot springs, and slept hard.

I wouldn't call the fish large by any part of the imagination but it was a trip where the size of the fish didn't matter.

A Jaunt Over to Some Blue Ribbon Water

Third cast, first fish of the trip. A nice way to start a fishy weekend. A nice Cutt in a creek no large than 5 feet wide and knee deep.
The Cutt was landed in a trib. near The Big Hole.


And a little taste of the Beaver Head
I love Montana.




"He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecc 3:11

A Jaunt Continued #2

A little float down some Hopper Lovin' water. There is nothing like a middle of the day drift with trout rising to the surface for some tasty hoppers along the banks and seams. Cast, Mend, Recover baby. Many thanks to Mark for the float.

A Jaunt Continued #3

A gnarly hike up to a 'secret' high alpine lake. Elevation approx 10,000 ft. This is not the average Montana fishing trip - I wouldn't have it any other way.

5 grueling hours hike in + a few hefty Cutts + good conversation + 4 hour hike out = Priceless.

I consider myself a connoisseur of landing small trout but I definitely don't mind trout in this size range either. ;)





Notice Mark, a Patagonia comrade, with this nice one.<

Photo Shoot

This sure beats a desk job. I love what I do.





Photos by Tim Davis

Leader Formulas by Bo Cash

This is taken by permission from Bo Cash on the Winston Forum.

All written by Bo Cash, aka the Guru of Winston and all that relates. Enjoy.


I just finished typing up a more refined series of my hand tied leaders. Give these a try:::::::::::::::::::

#############################

MAXIMA/RIO LEADER TIE FORMULAS © Table Rock Angler 2007 - “Bo” Cash

The following leader formulas have proven to turn over, out cast, and outlast any tapered leaders I’ve ever used. They were developed while experimenting with different length/diameter sections over a period of 36 years. The formulas may be varied slightly without loss of performance. On smaller streams, the shorter leaders tied with Maxima leader material are the most accurate for getting under overhanging limbs and rock structures. Maxima has the stiffness and scratch resistance that makes a perfect basic leader on which to attach chosen tippet sections. On long, flat pools and tailwaters, I use the longer formulas. The Maxima sections help to turn over the longer leaders well. I have changed to Rio for all the tippet sections. Rio has the breaking and knot strength, suppleness, and low visibility that I desire.

Unlike many leader formulas that have such short middle sections, tippets can be replaced several times on these leaders without having to replace the sections immediately next to the tippet. Some substitutions can be made. Damaged sections can be easily replaced without having to discard the whole leader. Try not to vary the sections more than .003” difference between leader sections to get proper turnover. If your leader is to be attached to a 7 weight line or larger, consider using a short 30 pound section of Maxima between the line and the 25 pound section. If your leader is to be tied to a 2 weight or less, you may want to start out with a longer 20 pound butt section instead of using 25 pound.

*Maxima leader material given in POUND TEST and unlabeled below. Rio tippet is labeled with name and “X” rating.

Tie your own leaders for performance and economy. You can tie a better leader, cheaper. Let’s go fishing !


1. 7’ – 4 X

14” 25 #
14” 20
14” 15
12” 10
12” 6
18” 4x Rio

2. 7 1/2’ – 6 X

14” 25 #
14” 20
14” 15
10” 10
10” 6
10” 4x Rio
18” 6x Rio

3. 7 1/2’ 5 X

14” 25 #
14” 20
14” 15
10” 10
10” 6
10” 4x Rio
18” 5x Rio

4. 6’ 1 X

14” 25 #
14” 20
14” 15
10” 10
10” 8
10” 6
*if using streamers larger than # 6 or heavily weighted, consider omitting the 6 # section altogether to get proper and accurate turnover.

5. 8 1/2’ – 5/6 X

14” 25 #
14” 20
14” 15
10” 10
10” 8
10” 6
12” 4x Rio
18” 5/6x Rio

6. 8 1/2’ – 4 X

16” 25 #
16” 20
16” 15
12” 10
12” 8
12” 6
18” 4x Rio

7. 9’ – 4 X

18” 25 #
18” 20
18” 15
12” 10
12” 8
12” 6
18” 4x Rio
add 5x Rio dropper tippet to dry fly


8. 9’ – 5/6 X

14” 25 #
14” 20
14” 15
12” 10
12” 8
12” 6
12” 4x Rio
18” 5/6x Rio


9. 10’ – 5/6X

18” 25 #
16” 20
16” 15
14” 10
12” 8
12” 6
12” 4x Rio
20” 5/6x Rio

10.11 1/2’ – 5/6 X

20” 25 #
19” 20
19” 15
16” 10
14” 8
14” 6
14” 4x Rio
22” 5/6x Rio

11. 12’ – 6/7 X

18” 25 #
18” 20
18” 15
16” 10
14” 8
14” 6
12” 4x Rio
12” 5x Rio
22” 6/7x Rio

12. 13’ – 6/7 X

22” 25 #
20” 20
20” 15
16” 10
14” 8
14” 6
14” 4x Rio
14” 5x Rio
22” 6/7x Rio

13. 15’ – 5/6 X

20” 25 #
20” 20
20” 15
16” 10
16” 8
20” 6
20” 4x Rio
48” 5/6x Rio

14. 3’ – HEAVY FLY

9” 30 #
9” 25
9” 20
9” 15
*when using 8 or 9 weights and heavily weighted flies over size 2, I generally drop the 15# section and go with the first three sections totaling only 27 inches. I use this leader with fast sinking sink tips (15 to 24 feet) to aggressively and rapidly jerk large weighted, saltwater type streamers from a moving driftboat. This takes place in the larger tailwater rivers of east Tennessee below TVA dams with turbines running. Some question the length and diameters. Once the predatory instinct and mood kicks into a large brown trout's head, he doesn't see the leader, only the big fly being rapidly moved. Once a solid hookup is made, the fish IS COMING to the boat. If the hookup involves a small log, it too may be brought into the boat.



# 4 = Streamer leader for # 10 – 4 size streamers
# 6 & # 7 = My favorite small stream leaders.
# 7 = Small steam leader for use with droppers tied to dry fly.
# 12 = My favorite tailwater leader for small flies over clear, still water.
# 13 = A leader designed for fishing dry flies “across and down” to drag conscious fish in large, very clear tailwater rivers.
# 14 = A special leader for # 6, 7, and 8 weights for jerking big, heavy streamers on sink tip lines.
_________________
*****************
Making friends with the Long Rod since 1957.

All I need

This is all I really need to hit the rivers:

Fly box with the assorted combo of flies,
Nippers,
A couple spools of tippet,
Small daypack with lunch, water, rain shell, sweater
Small Camera,
Hat/Visor,
Polarized Glasses,
Chacos / Wading boots,
Pliers,
Knife,
Rod,
& Reel.



Travel light, Play hard, Live simply.

Patty Weber

My mom took the hands of her Father 3 years ago to a bout with cancer. It was a blessing to spend the night at the family cabin over the wekend because it's filled with her watercolors and pictures. This place is very special to me yet this same place meant even so much more to my mom. She spent summers and winters here with her family, friends, and children throughout her life. Her favorite place was the Meadow across the river and a little downstream from the cabin. She showed me the simple joy of running through the Meadow with my hands stretched far feeling the tall grasses rush through my fingers. As children, my siblings and I gathered wildflowers and banana leaves from the Meadow to make bouqets for my mom to show our love. I would give her the most beautiful boquet of flowers right now if I could.

American River

Ahhh, yes it is good to be home.

I have been longing for some trout fishing for the past couple of months as I watched the rivers near Ventura dry to a point of despair. Getting away to spend time by myself for the weekend filled my soul. God speaks deep into my heart when I am alone with the fish far from anything resembling civilization. I am refreshed.

"Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert." Isa 35:6

Stuffed

The beast that started it all. I grew up with this stuffed Rainbow in my bedroom throughout my childhood. It was long forgotten until last week when I visited my parents. I glanced up at the Bow and it just hit me, this was my first fish I caught back at the weee, little age of five. This pig was caught near Silver Town, Montana in a small "kid's only" pond. Imagine this: a mikey mouse pole with push button release, a can of worms, and slough of bobbers, and watching the pole fly out of my hands while my Dad running into the water to save the catch. It weighed 7lbs, not too bad for a first fish, eh?

FLY n Head

The elusive Corbina are running close to shore this time of the year near Ventura and a few of us are surfcasting countless times trying, hoping, and wishing to land this ghost of the ocean.

Yesterday, Mark, one of our buyers at Patagonia and good friend, was on a mission to catch a Bean near his home in Carpenteria so I lent him my last sand crab imitation.  I asked him to please try hard not to loose my last fly.

I received this Voicemail on my phone late last night.

This is the sand crab fly that Mark gave me back today:

At least he didn't lose it.

Frog Hunting

A note from my cousin, Little Joey, at the age of 5. How great is this? An instant classic.

New Winston

Ahhh, the feel and excitiment of a new rod. This rod is a beauty. A bit too rich for my blood at first but man I love the way it casts, handles, and feels. The best part is when a trout hooks on - it's a blast.

This Winston 7 1/2' 4wt WT rod is a versatile powerhorse that can huck large dries at any reasonable distance while at the same time deliver a size #20 PMD on a 7x tippet beautifully into a still pool. I was sceptical of the 'medium' action Winston is famous for because I only knew fast action rods. I am now converted after using this rod on my home waters.

Green stick all the way!

I learned much about this rod and winston rods in general from the knowledgable people involved at the Winston Forum here: http://www.winstonrods.com/forum/. Many thanks to them - a great crew with the same passions - fish, flies, and rods.

What's in your Fly Box?

I have done some soul searching and fly searching for the Top Twelve Flies to always have in my trout fly box. Many thanks to John Giearach.

Here my top twelve list for the majority of trout fishing on small to medium western streams:






Standard Adams Dry size: 12-18
Elk Hair Caddis Light: 12-18
Elk Hair Caddis Dark: 12-18
Hopper (Tan, Olive, Natural): 6-12
Ant Dry: 14-20
Midge Dry: 18-22
Royal Wulff Dry: 12-20
Soft Hairs Ear: 12-18
Pheasant Tail Nymph: 12-18
Beadhead Prince Nymph (Tungsten Beadhead): 12-20
Muddler Minnow (at the last resort): 8
Stonefly Nymph (Black, Golden, Yellow): 8-14


The beauty of this list is that it can all fit into a small fly box that can easily fit into a shirt pocket. Live and Play Simply.

Never leave home without em.

What's your go-to flies?

British Columbia

I got back on Saturday from B.C.
I just now had the time to put together some pics from the trip.

The trip was amazing.
I did keep a few salmon, halibut, and ling for meat, so the dyed-in-the-wool fly fishermen need to brace themselves. It was hard for me to actually keep and kill a few fish, but they are tasty ;).

The highlight of the trip was when I had an opportunity to travel to a very remote lake on one of the many islands. I was dropped of by boat with a guide. There was no trail in the old-growth forest and we found a pile of bear droppings to get our hearts racing a bit. But it was all worth it when I made it to the tail waters as I watched hundreds of cutthroats rising to the surface. Wow. The little 4 wt got a workout.

Enjoy the pics.
Thank you for all your support -

Friends Catch and Trip

My friends, Ryan & Camille with their worthy catches.
See their blog here.

The Cabin

'the wilderness will rejoice and blossom' - Isaiah 35:1