The Reaper

This week's pattern comes from the creative mind of Mike Schmidt over at Angler's Choice Flies. The pattern presents a large profile in the water, and draws highly aggressive grabs from big fish. Dig out some hooks and get tying!

The Mufasa

As most have probably noticed, streamers are pretty common on this site. This week highlights the Mufasa, a pattern created by none other than Mike Schmidt. This is an excellent pattern for slightly deeper water, and it has tremendous movement in the current. I'll be tying lots of streamers at each of the fly fishing shows this year, so keep an eye open for any upcoming demos and shows!

It's been awhile

It's interesting how things can consume one's life. For myself, school has been the consumer of my life as of late. As those that actually pay attention to my site have probably noticed, my posting activity has been minimal since August. Oddly enough, August marks the first month of school. At any rate, I have just enough time to post a few pictures from the last few months of fishing before my next class starts. 

I managed to do some guiding this summer too, the above pictures are of a particularly special trip. It was my first ever trip out with paying clients... One could say it was a good day.

Forrest, a good friend and mentor of mine, asked me to help him out with getting his first carp. So... we did exactly that. Forrest, I can't thank you enough for putting up with my annoying questions, and teaching me all that you know about both fishing, and hunting.

Of course, I had to catch a few myself...

Grayling got checked off of my to-do list finally...

Most beautiful fish of the summer

My good friend Quinn with an eager mouse/gigantic caddis eating brown.

High country hiking and fishing were a must...

And of course what would pictures be without a fish of the summer. This beast of a common wins the award for big fish of the summer by far.

So, to those that enjoy reading/viewing my site, I apologize for the lack of activity, just know that if school wasn't consuming my life, I would be posting every single day. "Like" Fins on the Fly on Facebook, and keep reading!

The Chub Hatch

Heifer Groomer

The Signaling of Summer

The wind howled through the willows as they doubled over seemingly to shelter themselves from the brutality of the imposing force.  Waves crashed against the grassy shore as we pulled into what would become our home for the next two days.  Vincent had already landed a fish by the time we got there, and sat proudly beside his perfectly assembled tent, as if to give casey and I an extra incentive to get going.  A mere ten minutes passed as we threw together our tents and changed into our waders.

"I hope this dies down, there's nothing I hate more than fishing in the wind" Casey muttered under his breath.  I watched as he forged a perfect path through the wind bitten air with his masterful casting stroke, admiring the simplicity his methods were fueled by.  Chironomids buzzed like a power-line around the lake, signaling the start of a long summer to come. Chuckling as the lake began boiling with eager fish, he looked around in appreciation, seemingly lost in his surroundings.

About a month earlier, a few of us had made plans to spend the weekend camped out at Delaney Buttes, and it was sure to be an unforgettable time.  Both Casey and Vincent have been and still are mentors of mine in the sport, and have taught me much of what they know, a gift I cannot thank them enough for.  I have spent countless hours annoying them both with my methodical questions, trying to unlock anything and everything they hold within.  As the nights get warmer, there is nothing I love more than sitting by a campfire with friends, and looking back at this trip, I'm reminded that these are the times that will never escape my best memories.  Sometimes you just have to say "screw it, I'm going camping this weekend."

Casey watched intently as his tiny dry fly sat perched on the still surface, trying its best to support the offering suspended below.  Without losing focus, he sat, perched like a heron waiting to strike.  Time passed, and before long, a trout fell victim to his offering.  setting confidently, he buried the hook in the corner of the fish's jaw, and fought it quietly to the last burst of energy the fish could muster up.  Delicately removing the hook, he placed the fish back into the water with the upmost appreciation for its natural beauty, and smiled as it flicked water at his face signaling its departure.

The satisfaction could be seen in his face, a sight unparalleled. He checked his rig, and continued fishing, the way it was meant to be.

Of course, he didn't catch the only fish...

Vincent Su Photo

Working it...

Doubled up!

Todd with a dandy

The Ice Pick

Check it Out!

With school coming to an end for the year, textbooks become my new friends, and time is limited.  Instead of writing, I figured I would just post up a few pictures from the last month's fishing adventures. Enjoy!

Tim Mack with a Beautiful Brown!

Dad with a beautiful snake river cuttie!

My biggest brown to date!

For those of you that have yet to land a carp on the fly, I encourage you to go give it a whirl.  It is one of the most entertaining things do do, and each fish has the potential to take you into your backing!  The above fish was caught during my 45 minute lunch break between classes!

The hat must be good luck...

The above fish is a special one.  My brother is eleven years old, and landed this fish on a fly without any help whatsoever.  I am really glad to see the increase in interest amongst younger kids these days.