Home Blog Page 214

Short Bus Diaries Volume 1: BUILDING OUT THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE BUS [Behind the Scenes]

Wild Fly Productions
-
0
Short Bus Diaries Volume 1: BUILDING OUT THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE BUS [Behind the Scenes]

We needed a distraction. We had been furloughed, slow at work, etc. We had a Montana trip planned around July and August, but we didn’t know what it would look like yet. At the start, we didn’t know if we were just going to fish or to film as well. During a call with the fellas, the idea of buying a short bus for the trip came up.

Short Bus Diaries

Buying something big just for a trip wasn’t a new concept for us… a few years ago we wanted to go fish an area and didn’t have the right boat. So we did what anyone would do. We hopped on Craigslist and bought a boat on the way into town, and sold it on the way out of town. Another time in Montana, we decided we needed a bigger boat while we were on the river. We hopped out and took some pics and posted it on Craigslist, by the time we got off we had a buyer lined up and had found a raft that was 2’ longer. We met the new buyer and seller in the same parking lot and made a deal. So the idea of grabbing a bus for this trip wasn’t a novel concept to us.

We didn’t know what it would turn into. After a few more phone conversations, the film Short Bus Diaries was taking shape. We would buy a short bus, convert it to a camper van, and take it on our trip while filming the shenanigans.

Below are some steps we outlined for filming Volume 1 of the Short Bus Diaries.

Step 1: Find a Short Bus.

Like many of you reading this, I wasn’t up to date on the short bus market. How much was this idea going to actually cost us? Within 24 hours I’d located a suitable short bus at an auction. It sold for way, WAY more than we were expecting a short bus to sell for. Looked like this could cost more than we hoped. But in another 24 hours, I had located another short bus on Craigslist. This thing looked like it would fit the part and the price was right. After a quick test drive, a walkthrough (and crawl under), and a trip to a bank, it was in my driveway the next day.

Step 2: Now what???

Well…..We were the proud owners of a New 2U Short Bus. I went to work pricing out repairs and parts that it needed. After many more brainstorming conversations with the boys, an idea of the bus really started to take shape. We did the routine maintenance and checked all fluids, discovering leaks. We fixed a coolant leak, which I fixed for $7 thanks to the help of some J-B Weld (if you’re reading this J-B Weld, we need to talk about sponsorship because this bus is mostly your product).

After the repairs and maintenance were complete, it was time to get on the camper conversion work. One of the biggest issues I found was that nobody makes a trailer hitch for a 1993 short bus. I know, surprising right? So after some interesting phone calls that went something like: “Hey, can y’all make a trailer hitch for a 1993 short bus?” *Silence* or “click…. Dial tone,” I located a fella who would weld one up.

This guy did a fantastic job for us and we were lucky to have him so close. After the bus itself was ready for our maiden voyage, we got to work gutting and rebuilding the interior. Sleeping, fly tying, cooking, and storage were all on the checklist. We built some bunk beds with storage lockers. We put astroturf in the living room and found a suitable futon. Located some storage bins that would fit perfectly. Fixed some foam mattresses to go on the bunk beds, it was pretty much set for its first run.

Step 3: “And, uhhhh, holy cow, it’s slow”

It was finally time to run this thing up to Idaho for a trial run. I normally make this drive in 3.5-4 hours. In the bus, it took about 6, thanks to a max speed of 55 and a gas stop every 2 hours, but we finally made it. The weather forecast was bleak and since it was the first time using the bus, we decided we ought to bring my truck along just in case.

Step 4: Fish.

Shout out to the folks making the weather reports in Idaho because it was spot on. The weather was generally crappy most of the time. But we managed to embarrass some good fish. The first day, all fish were on streamers and nymphs.

The second day, it snowed all morning, turned to rain in the afternoon, and never let up all day. But despite the weather, we caught some good fish on streamers and nymphs again.

On day 3 the weather finally relented and allowed us to chase some big bugs (salmon flies). And boy did they produce. It was one of the best days fishing dries any of us have ever had. When we put on the water it was still cold out so we rigged up some nymphing and streamer rigs to start as the salmonflies weren’t out yet. Shortly after launching, we started having fish come eat our indicators…. Ding ding ding.

After a quick pit stop to tie on some big foamy dries, we were rolling. Scottie pinged the first bow, a pretty big one, out of some weird water and it was on like Donkey Kong the rest of the day.

Day 4 was a repeat of Day 3 but we added a fifth crew member for a day, a buddy from the area who we met in Canada while filming the Northern Native series.

Step 5: All good things have to come to an end sometime.

We had to leave fishing bliss earlier than normal because the bus is so slow. From the inaugural Short Bus run, we found some things that need to be changed, adjusted, and fixed. I’m currently taking a quick break from installing solar power in the bus to write this for you.

Hopefully you enjoyed hearing about it, and we look forward to showing you the full film from it and the upcoming Montana trip with the bus. If you would like to stay up to date with the bus and see behind the scenes from the trip follow @shortbusdiaries on Instagram.

There’s not a single person following the Short Bus Diaries who is having even half as much fun following us as we are making these for you. We can’t thank y’all enough for the support. See you soon.

Article by Adam from Blue Line Company. Be sure to check out Wild Fly Productions on Instagram or on their Youtube Channel here. Stay tuned for the next installment of the Short Bus Diaries!

7 Best Cars For Fly Fishing

Michigan Arctic Grayling Reintroduction Initiative

Tia Kelliher
-
0
Michigan Arctic Grayling Reintroduction Initiative

Students from Troy Athens High School created the above documentary to raise awareness about the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative.

Arctic Grayling are native to only three states in the US: Alaska, Montana, and Michigan. Unfortunately, the last known Grayling on record in Michigan was from 1936. The loss of Grayling came from years of habitat destruction, overfishing, and fierce competition amongst other fish. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were attempts to reintroduce Arctic Grayling, but it was to no avail. Another attempt was made in the 1980s by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and it was also unsuccessful.

The Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative was announced in 2016 by the Department of Natural Resources. It is in conjunction with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. The initiative has over 50 partners helping to reintroduce this lost species. They are currently deciding where the Grayling should be introduced, as well as making sure mistakes from past attempts are corrected. Below are watersheds that the Michigan DNR is considering for Arctic Grayling establishment.

For more information on the reintroduction of Arctic Grayling in Michigan check out the Michigan Grayling Initiative website.

Continue

The Mayfly Project and Confluence Collective Team Up For Fly Tying Event

Dan Zazworsky
-
0
The Mayfly Project and Confluence Collective Team Up For Fly Tying Event

We’re teaming up! With both The Mayfly Project and Confluence Collective spending more time behind the vise than usual this year, we’re especially excited for our next Virtual Noob Fly Tying vise takeover — together.

2020-06-14_09-33-11_859.png

THE MAYFLY PROJECT: The mission of The Mayfly Project is to build relationships with children in foster care through fly fishing and introduce them to their local water ecosystems, with a hope that connecting them to a rewarding hobby will provide an opportunity for foster children to have fun, feel supported, and develop a meaningful connection with the outdoors.

With a simple goal of creating space for everyone on the water, Confluence Collective focuses work on fostering accessible and inclusive learning spaces and community building opportunities through fly fishing. Connecting people holding different identities through a shared passion helps put understanding into action, and allows more perspectives to curate what the fly fishing community and culture should look like to truly be welcoming of everyone.

Both knowing more can be achieved when we work together, it was clear our overlap in mission would result in some awesome collaboration. The learning and healing power fly fishing holds for anyone is undeniable; the ability to build relationships through this connection is perhaps even more prominent.

GURGLER_vnft.jpg

While COVID-19 has interrupted regular programming for both The Mayfly Project and Confluence Collective, we still want to support finding community and sharing experiences as best we can from a distance. Part of this effort manifested as the Virtual Noob Fly Tying series hosted by Confluence Collective and welcoming varied perspectives to step up behind the vise and learn together. Meanwhile, The Mayfly Project had shifted from in-person programming to create fly tying kits for their kids in program to keep learning, and expanding their fly boxes. It just made sense to welcome The Mayfly Project into the series for a vise takeover!

slim_VNFTbanner.jpg
For more information, head over to Confluence Collective’s website, here!
Continue

Best Flies to Fish: The Gunnison River

Landen German
-
0
Best Flies to Fish: The Gunnison River

There’s no task more daunting in a fisherman’s life than fishing a new river.  Whether it’s a new stretch of tailwater or a roaring torrent of fish and bugs, there’s nothing quite as gratifying as hooking up on an unfamiliar lip and feeling as if you’ve conquered a new beast. To make such an endeavor slightly more palatable, we’ve compiled a list of a few flies you might want to find at the end of your line on new waters. With advice from local shops, guides, and the fishy folks who know these waters best, here are the best flies to fish the Gunnison River.

brown trout on the gunnison river
Image courtesy of Matt McCannel

The Gunnison River. This river is the largest tributary of the Colorado River in Colorado, with a length of 180 miles, multiple hydroelectric dams, and many confluences with other bodies of water. The upper river or the Upper Gunnison is a classic freestone river that flows from the confluence of the East and Taylor rivers and into the Blue Mesa Reservoir. This river can rival the mighty Colorado in terms of its flow into the Grand Junction during high water. Its most famous stretch is below Crystal Reservoir where Gold Medal Water and Wild Trout Waters converge into the Black Canyon, one of the world’s longest, deepest, and narrowest gorges in the world. The river is home to Rainbow trout, Cutthroat, Cutbow, Brook trout, Tiger trout, and Brown trout. There have even been quite a few records pulled out of the Gunnison such as a 26-inch Brook trout, 33.5-inch Cutbow, 31-inch Cutthroat, a 40-inch Rainbow, and a 28-inch Tiger to name just a few.

FLY GYDE:

DRY FLIES

NYMPHS

STREAMERS

The river has a multitude of hatches from Salmonflies, PMD’s, to Gray Drakes. To help with these hatches Dragonfly Anglers have a full hatch chart on their website. Below, we’ve listed some of the most influential hatches on the Gunnison.

stoneflies in hand
Image courtesy of Matt McCannel
  • Salmon Fly (Pteronarcys Californica) Hook Size 4, 6, 8
    • Gunnison River (Black Canyon) – – – – – – – – – – June 20 to July 1
  • Pale Morning Duns (Ephemerella inermis) Hook sizes 14, 16, 18, 20
    • Gunnison River (Blue Mesa – Almont) – – – – – – – – – – June 25 to August 20
  • Blue Winged Olives (Ephemerella cornuta) Hook sizes 14, 16, 18, 20
    • Gunnison River (Black Canyon) – – – – -April 15 to May 15
    • Gunnison River (Blue Mesa – Almont) – – – – April 20 to runoff
  • Gray/Slate Drake (Siphlonurus occidentalis) Hook sizes 12, 14, 16
    • Gunnison River – – – – – – – – September 10 to October 10
  • Caddis (Tricoptera) Hook sizes 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
    • Gunnison River (Black Canyon) – – – – – – – – – -June 15 to August 30
    • Gunnison River (Blue Mesa – Almont) – – – – – – – June 1 to September 1
  • Terrestrials 
    • July 15 to September 30
  • Green Drakes (Ephemera Guttulata) Hook Size 10, 12 ,14
    • Gunnison River (Blue Mesa – Almont) – – – – – – – – – – June 20 to August 10

Now keep in mind that river conditions and flies change regularly. You won’t be throwing the same bugs in 2 months. Below is a list of universal flies for the year, but remember to always check in with the local shops to get an idea of the hatches and what the fish are keying in on.

Dry Flies:

  • Caddis (Elk Hair, X caddis, Butch Caddis)

    x-caddis-olive
    Image Courtesy: Slideinn.com
  • Green Drake (Adult Green Drakes, Coffin Flies, Extended body Green Drakes)

    nymans-doa-cripple-green-drake
    Image Courtesy: Slideinn.com
  • PMD *Pale Morning Dun* (Tilt wing PMD, Extended Body PMD, Improved Sparkle Dun, Rusty Spinner)

    galloups-compara-spinner-pmd
    Image Courtesy: Slideinn.com
  • BWO *Blue Winged Olive* (Parachute Blue Winged Olive, RS-2, Blue Wing adult, Hatchmaster Blue Winged Olive)

    rs-2-cdc-wing
    Image Courtesy: Slideinn.com

Nymphs: 

    • Caddis (Pupa, Hares ear, Birds nest, Net builder)

      unwired-caddis
      Image Courtesy: Slideinn.com
    • Green Drake (Deep dish Green Drake, Green Drake nymph, Defcon 5 Green Drake)

      wilcoxs-green-machine-pheasant-tail
      Image Courtesy: Slideinn.com
    • Stoneflies (Pat’s rubber legs, Prince Nymph, Wired Stonefly, Jighead Pat’s rubber leg)

      pats-rubber-legs-coffee-beige
      Image Courtesy: Slideinn.com
    • BWO (The Barrs Emerger, Slim Shady, Pheasant tail)

      galloups-bwo-nymph
      Image Courtesy: Slideinn.com

Streamers:

  • Leech (Classic leech black or Olive)

    simi-seal-leach-peacock
    Image Courtesy: Slideinn.com
  • Baitfish (Montana Mouthwash white or olive)

    vUlQs-Montana-Mouthwash---Olive
    Image Courtesy: Montanafly.com
  • Baitfish/Sculpin (Dirty Hippie (*single or double* tan, olive, black, white)

    A459D7C2-1F74-47B3-96AA-0ABEF86FB382-e1520558008227
    Image Courtesy: Headhuntersflyshop.com
  • Baitfish/Sculpin (She Demon baby gonga gray or baby rainbow)

    fulling-mill-kellers-she-demon-bugger
    Image Courtesy: north40flyshop.com

With this information and a general introduction to one of the country’s most iconic rivers don’t let it be intimidating. Get out on the water, explore new rivers, and more importantly learn. Nothing betters you as a fly fisherman more than taking a leap of faith and continuing to learn.

Featured Image Courtesy of Matt McCannel

Rowing for Fly Fishing – Complete Guide for Rowing Drift Boats and Rafts

2020 F3T Behind the Lens: Project Rainbow

Get Wet: A Guide to Wet Wading

Organization of the Month: Captains for Clean Water

Will Poston
-
1
Organization of the Month: Captains for Clean Water

For this installment of “Organization of the Month,” we chatted with the folks at Captains for Clean Water and learned about all the great work they do for Florida’s marine ecosystems. For decades, poor water quality, harmful discharges, and toxic algae blooms have plagued Florida’s water and vibrant tourism and outdoor recreation economies. Captains for Clean Water was founded by fishing guides to correct the missteps and restore the natural flow of Lake Okeechobee water south into the Everglades and Florida Bay. Follow along for more!

Flylords: When and why did Captains For Clean Water start?

CFCW: Captains For Clean Water (CFCW) officially started in 2016. As fishing guides,
we saw the decline of our local estuaries for years and recognized the need for the
outdoor community to have a voice in regard to our state’s water mismanagement.
By providing an outlet for these voices to be heard, we are able to advance
solutions to these issues through Everglades restoration.

Flylords: Care to give us the spark notes version of Florida’s water issues?

CFCW: During the early 1900’s, there was an effort to transform “useless swampland” into suitable land for agriculture and industrial development. This mainly consisted of draining the Everglades and was viewed as progress toward the settlement of Florida. However, these changes disrupted the balance of the Everglades ecosystem, sending too much fresh water to the east and west coast while starving the Everglades and Florida Bay. As industrial agriculture continued to grow, the powerful special interests of the sugar industry worked to gain control of Lake Okeechobee. In doing so, they have prioritized the needs of their corporation over that of the natural ecosystem and general public. These actions treat Lake Okeechobee as a private reservoir rather than a natural lake, which only exacerbates the existing damage to the greater Everglades ecosystem and estuaries around the state.

Flylords: How far back do these water issues go?

CFCW: Florida’s water issues started almost a century ago and have grown exponentially
worse over the years. For too long, the public was largely unaware of these issues, which meant there was little to no political will to drive solutions.

Captains 1

Flylords: You guys are on the water more than most, how drastic have some of the
environmental changes and impacts been?

CFCW: As fishermen, we see impacts to water quality and surrounding habitats first-hand
and are often referred to as the “canaries in a coal mine.” We’ve witnessed thousands of acres of seagrass loss, reduction of oyster beds, toxic blue-green algae blooms, and massive marine life die-offs. These environmental impacts directly affect Florida’s economy including the marine, fishing, tourism, and real estate industries.

 

Flylords: What are some of the ways Captains For Clean Water works towards repairing the damage done by years of water mismanagement?

CFCW: CFCW works to educate both the public and stakeholders on our water issues and
the importance of their actions in advancing long-term solutions. By taking action, we are able to push representatives at the state and federal level to advance Everglades restoration projects that have been stalled and stagnated over the last 20 years.

Flylords: Is there a solution for Florida’s water and affected ecosystems?

CFCW: The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and Central Everglades
Planning Project (CEPP) encompass a suite of 68 projects that will reconnect the historical flow of water from Lake Okeechobee to the central Everglades, southern Everglades, Everglades National Park, and Florida Bay, benefiting the entire connected system. In total, these projects make up one of the largest restoration efforts ever undertaken in the United States.

Flylords: What is preventing this from quickly happening?

CFCW: The influence of the powerful corporate sugar industry on our political system
keeps Lake Okeechobee managed for their benefit, which delays progress for Everglades restoration.

Flylords: I know the upcoming House of Representatives’ Water Resources Development Act has some major implications for Florida’s water and everything Captains For Clean Water has worked towards. Can you tell us a little about this?

CFCW: A recent political scheme was being led by certain members of Congress to add
language to the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020 that would prioritize the irrigation needs of the industrial sugar industry over all other water users and undo decades of restoration progress. These are the types of back channel road blocks that have historically delayed progress. Together with other conservation groups, we’ve been making the public aware of this and giving them an easy way to contact Congress and urge them to reject the effort.

Flylords: What does the future look like for the Everglades and South Florida?

CFCW: Today, more people than ever understand the importance of Everglades restoration and the role they play. As a result, we’re starting to see progress toward getting restoration projects back on track. Completion of Everglades restoration is years if not decades away. The future of Florida’s water depends on more people getting involved and staying involved until restoration is fully achieved.

Flylords: How can Flylords’ readers help further Captains For Clean Water’s mission?

CFCW: By learning about the efforts of CFCW, sharing that knowledge with others, and taking action, Flylords readers can help to grow the grassroots effort that is finally moving the needle in the right direction for Everglades restoration and protect these unique estuaries for future generations to experience.

Learn more about our organization and join the fight at captainsforcleanwater.org.
You can also stay up-to-date by following @captainsforcleanwater on Facebook and Instagram or @capt4cleanwater on Twitter.

Organization of the Month: Wild Steelhead Coalition

Nonprofit of the Month: Elevate Youth

How to Strip Set with a Fly Rod

Grant Michaels
-
1
How to Strip Set with a Fly Rod

Lets be real, one of the most satisfying feelings in fly fishing is setting the hook only to feel that line tighten up as the feisty fish on the business end takes off like a bat out of hell. As anglers, it is imperative to become knowledgeable in hook setting based on the species and location in which you are fishing. Whether stripping large streamers in fresh or salt water, the Strip Set is an effective technique all anglers should have in their bag of tricks. Unlike your typical nymph or dry fly hook set, the strip set ensures the fly is driven into the chompers of the species eating your fly. In this weeks tips and tricks tutorial, Jason Grande of Reef & Ledge explains how to effectively perform the strip set.

How to Strip Set:

  1. Keep your hands extended away from your waist to allow room for the strip set.
  2. Make sure your rod tip is pointed down. This will help keep your fly down in the water column.
  3. Strip your line towards the hip of your line stripping hand.
  4. When the fish comes up and eats the fly, strip set your line hard back towards you. This will drive the hook into the mouth of the fish.
  5. Be sure not to lift your rod tip first as this will yank the fly right out of the fish’s mouth.
  6. Once the strip set has been locked in, now you can raise your rod tip and get your slack line on the reel.
  7. Lastly, hold on and enjoy the fight!
Continue

How To: Repair a Fly Rod Cork

Evan Garda
-
0
How To: Repair a Fly Rod Cork
Fly rod corks come in varying qualities but almost always contain some amount of filler due to the porous nature of the material. The filler (often a mixture of glue and cork dust) is used to fill any voids and imperfections at the manufacturer, resulting in a smooth grip when you first grab a rod off the rack. Over time, sun, salt, moisture, and other factors can cause the filler to degrade or fall out. This can leave unsightly and awkward holes in your rod cork. Some anglers choose to leave their corks worn with battle scars while others prefer a smooth finish. I recently had a large chunk of filler fall out of my Sage 5wt that was rather uncomfortable to cast with so I chose to repair it. The following quick steps will show you how to repair a fly rod cork.

Prepping the Cork

Fly Rod Cork Repair_Clean Grip
Use a pointed object or dubbing needle to clean out any loose cork particles.
The first step to repairing a fly rod cork is to clean the problem area. You can brush out any loose filler and cork pieces with a stiff-bristled brush or a dubbing needle. You will want to ensure that there are not any loose particles in the hole as this will prevent your replacement filler from properly adhering to your grip.

Mixing the Replacement Filler

Once you have cleaned your cork, the next step is to prepare your replacement filler. You will need some fine-grit sandpaper (somewhere around 220-240 grit), a wine bottle cork, a disposable container, and some wood glue (I used Titebond II Premium Wood Glue). Next, sand the wine cork with the sandpaper over the disposable container, collecting the fine cork dust.
Fly Rod Cork Repair_Cork Dust
Collect the cork dust in a disposable container.
Once you have collected a fair amount of cork dust (roughly 2 teaspoons here), you can slowly begin to mix in wood glue roughly to the consistency of cookie dough.
Fly Rod Cork Repair Filler Mixture
Mix the cork dust and wood glue to an even consistency.
I’ll admit, I could have used some more cork dust and my filler ended up a bit runny. Once it is thoroughly mixed, you are ready to apply the filler to your rod.

Applying the Filler

Fly Rod Cork Repair Filler Application
Apply the filler to the areas that you previously cleaned and wipe off any excess with a damp cloth.
Using a pointed object, apply the filler to each of the areas that you had previously cleaned. Try to be as neat as possible and apply the filler directly in the holes. Gently wipe off any excess glue around the voids with a damp cloth and allow the glue to cure as directed on the packaging.
Fly Rod Cork Repair First Application
Multiple applications of filler may be required. Patience is key!
As it dries, the glue will penetrate the cork leaving a depression (pictured above) and depending on the size will likely require additional applications of filler. I mixed my filler in a disposable plastic container with a lid and was able to use the same mix several times by covering it in-between applications.

Finishing Touches

Fly Rod Cork Repair Finished Product
The finished product after 3 applications of filler and some light sanding.
Once you have built up enough filler to fill any cracks and crevices in your fly rod cork, you can use a new piece of fine grit sand paper to lightly remove any awkward excess. This should leave you with a fly rod cork that feels like new.
As mentioned above, I could have used more cork dust in my filler to match the color/consistency of my rod cork more closely but it’s a little late now! Regardless, I no longer have a big hole in my cork as I aimlessly chase trout around. I hope you find this guide useful and would be happy to hear any other tips for fly rod cork repair.
Article by Evan Garda, he is on the Content Team here at Fly Lords. He can be found chasing trout throughout the west with his trusty fly rod. Check out his adventures at @evangarda.

BUFF Drops Brand New Filter Mask

Grant Michaels
-
0
BUFF Drops Brand New Filter Mask

BUFF has just announced their all-new Filter Face mask in response to demand for high-quality civilian PPE.

Made to be highly breathable, easily adjustable, and 98% airborne-pathogen-resistant, the BUFF Filter Mask hands down packs an innovative punch. The fit, function, and needs of a filter mask are all met in these new BUFF masks. Each one comes with five replaceable filters that can be recycled after each use. Each mask is available in kids and adult sizes.

View this post on Instagram

The BUFF® Filter Mask is performance packed. Designed with purpose and built for all-day active use. We listened and then went to work – reengineering the fit, function, and needs of a filter mask – and the technical ease of how to protect yourself and others while staying active.⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣ – Highly Breathable⁣⁣ – Easily Adjustable⁣⁣ – Blocks 98% of Airborne Particulates⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣ Each BUFF® Filter Mask is sold with five (5) BUFF® Replacement Filters that can be recycled after use.⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣ YOU ASKED, WE LISTENED – Can I wear the mask for a run? Will it work with glasses? How do I wash the mask? Those and many more questions have been answered by our product specialists in our FAQ’s at www.buffusa.com/filter-mask (LINK IN BIO)

A post shared by BUFF® USA Official (@buff_usa) on

 

buff filter mask

 

Want to learn more about the all-new Filter Mask? Click here!

Continue

Dam Removal Project Begins on Montana’s Rattlesnake Creek

Will Poston
-
0
Dam Removal Project Begins on Montana’s Rattlesnake Creek

Back in 2017, the Mayor of Missoula, Montana announced the removal of an inoperable dam on Rattlesnake Creek. Today, construction crews are preparing to bring down the 116 year old inoperable dam. This work comes after years of work and support from the City of Missoula’s Water Division and Parks and Recreation Department, Trout Unlimited, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, and dozens of local business.

The dam will come down in stages throughout the summer. Crews are waiting for spring runoff and high water levels to recede before fully removing the dam. Over the past weeks, preparation work frequented Rattlesnake Creek–buildings have come down and heavy machinery is ready to go. The goal is to have the dam out and flows restored by mid-October.

Rattlesnake Dam, Montana Fish & Wildlife

The restoration of Rattlesnake creek will produce many direct benefits for Missoula. The Missoula Department of Parks and Recreation highlighted these: “reduce Missoula Water’s work on maintenance and operations, reconnect 26 miles of habitat for fish and wildlife, create new opportunities for trails and other recreation and reestablish a natural river connection between the Rattlesnake Wilderness at the headwaters and the Clark Fork River for the first time in more than 100 years.” Restoration will also improve habitat for native westslope cutthroat and bull trout.

If you want to follow along this project and watch the restoration work progress, a webcam has been installed to give interested people a daily glimpse. Check it out here.

More info on the Rattlesnake dam removal project can be found through this Missoula Current article.

Cover picture courtesy of UC Davis.

 

Dam Removal Begins on Washington’s Nooksack River

 

What Exactly is the Land and Water Conservation Fund and What Just Passed the Senate?

 

Trout Above Treeline

Dan Towsley
-
0
Trout Above Treeline

As the thoughts of a warm trout-filled summer emerge, it’s time to sit down and plan the annual alpine fly-fishing/backpacking trips with my good friends Scott, Liz, and the life of the trip Paisley (seen below).

Questions quickly flood the air, like what new lakes can we explore? Which types of trout occur at each lake? Can the few cans of celebratory beer make the weight limit?! Let’s take a look inside what gear, flies, and essentials that will help make these trips successful and make memories that will last a lifetime!

The thought of a golden trout at the end of a fly angler’s mind may top the charts… That said, doing your research when it comes to this trip is crucial. Catching goldens out of their native range of California may seem like an impossible feat, but most western states have stocked goldens in high alpine lakes. Being able to get a hold of state game and fish-stocking records allow you to find the body of water right for you to catch what species you are after!

Gear for camping:

For me, a two-person tent is the ideal solo cover for many nights. A two-person tent allows for your gear to stay inside with you for the night as well. I use a 15-degree mummy sleeping bag all summer into early fall. I stay plenty warm at 10,000 feet during the cool summer nights in it.

The most crucial part that I’ve learned to change as a youngster while backpacking is my sleeping pad. I started out with a pad that was only knee height and up. Now I use a Klymit pad that is the length of my body. I’m 6’2” so I need something that can reach the length of my body. The Klymit Insulated Static V Lite is a perfect fit for me. Other essentials for the trip include freeze-dried meals, a water filter, and some sort of apparatus that boils water like a Jet-Boil.

Gear for Fly Fishing:

My go-to alpine fly-fishing rod is a 10ft 4wt. You will hear a lot of different choices on rods from many anglers, but from the many guided and self-alpine trips I have taken, this is my personal favorite. The extra length helps with ease of casting from the wind through the treeless terrain. Pair it with any 3-5wt reel with a power tapered line. A 9 ft leader with about 14-16in of tippet as well.

Less is more when you’re taking these long extensive hikes into the backcountry. A smaller bag to hold gear would be a great choice. Two extra leaders, some spools of 7x-4x tippet, some gink or drying agent, split shot, hemostats with cutters are the only terminal tackle I will bring to minimize weight. Add more or less of what you need depending on how light you want to go.

Where to Fish:

When fishing for alpine trout, I will first check out the lay of the lake. Inlets are always a great place to start, as trout will stack along the incoming water and wait for new food to get flushed in. Checking out rock points on the lake or ledges off chunk boulders can also pay off. Being able to locate structures that differ from the plain areas are key.

Fly Selection:

A few of my early season/ice-off choices are price nymphs, gold ribbed hare’s ear, pheasant tail, with varying sizes and beadheads based on the differentiating water clarity. Most of these lakes are crystal clear, so the more natural the presentation the better.

Changing it up often until you see a pattern is your best bet. Some extra shine on the fly when the sun is out may grab their attention or going beadless acts as a more subtle appearance. Your alpine trout box should have a lot of similar flies to your lowland flies due to similar forage for the trout.

A quintessential fly for all alpine lakes would have to be a black/purple wooly bugger with or without a bead head. I prefer one with a bead head for the extra shine to entice the fish. Size 10-12 in smaller lakes and size 8 with bigger fish in the lakes. Whenever I get to a new alpine lake and the fish aren’t rising, I will tie on a wooly bugger with a nymph trailing on about 14in of 4x or 5x tippet. Cast the line out, let it sink and then start stripping, you will learn what the fish are wanting to eat by what they take.

As for dry flies: purple haze, hoppers, beetles, caddis, mosquito patterns. With a lot of these fish not getting much pressure fly pattern is not a huge deal. If these fish do get picky, I find that decreasing in size will usually get them to eat. If you see rising fish cast right to the spot where they rose. The fish will still be in that general area and will see your dry hit the water and will be back to eat your fly.

After many days of camping, fishing, and exploring new waters each and every time I take a guided trip out or do some backpacking adventures solo or with friends, I learn new tips and tricks about trout. Keep an open mind while fishing, remember fly fishing is just for fun, enjoy yourself, and always remember what you pack in to make sure to pack out more.

Whether this is a trip you do many times a summer or a completely new adventure you are about to partake in I hope that this information can be useful.

Article and photos from Dan Towsley. You can follow along with Dan on Instagram at @dtowsley or on Vimeo.

Tips and Tactics for Golden Trout Success

6 Tips to be More Successful at Fishing High Alpine Lakes

Photo Essay: High Country Gems

1...213214215...360Page 214 of 360