My Dream Trip...

Red Like Winter: the Trailer from Waterline Media on Vimeo.

Bass Pro Shops Spring Classic

I will be spending the weekend down at Bass Pro Shops in Denver for the annual Spring Fishing Classic. Myself and many other local professionals will be tying flies all day Saturday and Sunday, so stop by and chat if you get a chance!  

For more information, click here!

Shellshocked Adventure

The stage was set - snowy weather, sunny skies, and a plan to meet at 9:30 that morning by the river.  As the brakes squealed and both cars came to rest, anticipation hovered above like fog, and friendly handshakes were exchanged as Sanders and I shivered violently in the frosty morning air.

Slightly torn waders and trusty wading boots were slid onto my frozen body, and an overflowing hip pack was strapped to my waist as it tightly hugged the over-sized wooden net also known as the 'Pig Stick'.  Worn laces were cinched tight, and a few weapons for the day were selected from the diligently organized rows of my fly boxes. The moistened knots were then drawn tight, securing the meal courses to the tippet.

Approaching the water, flows became a concern whether we said it or not, but determination drove us forward without looking back.  A mere fifteen minutes into the day, I dropped to my knees as I screamed "Holy S**t Sanders, We got a 25 inch fish right here!"  What usually spans the course of 20-30 minutes of presentations took only a single cast as the fish turned without hesitation to slam the easy meal.  A smooth lift of the rod resulted in intense runs, but after around 45 seconds the big male brown was brought to net, and we both stared in disbelief.  The colors were astonishing, and my day had been made.  After a series of photos, and a dramatic increase in morale, the beautiful fish was released, and we knew that Sanders' turn would come next.

4.5 pound brown

My best Brown to date!

Continuous searching resulted in few fish, so a swift decision was made to proceed to the next area, giving us a shot at different fish.  Rods were loaded into the cars, and off we went.  Upon arrival, it appeared that every person in Fort Collins had decided to try fly fishing that day, seeing as there were exactly two spots left in the lot.  Crowded water resulted in minimal fishing, but as fellow anglers left whistling the signature Super Bowl anthem, space became plentiful.

As the afternoon midge hatch entered full swing, a single fisherman sat perched right in the heart of the action.  Sean and I tried above him, and quickly brought three fish to hand.  Frustrated, the man left the perch, giving us a shot at a few fish.  A single rise was spotted and after a few refined presentations, the dry fly was slowly tugged under, and what seemed like a 12 inch stocker at first suddenly showed itself as an 17 inch cutbow thrashing below the surface.  Directing the fight while chest deep in the river with the net, I watched as Sean bravely battled the fish.  A few minutes later, the chance presented itself, and the gorgeous fish was scooped into the net.  Sean's face lit up like a kid in a candy store - an image I will never forget.  Sean proudly hoisted his biggest trout from this particular watershed, and after many pictures, the camera-friendly cutbow was carefully released. 

Sanders with his gorgeous cutbow!

Poor guy's jaw was ripped up...

Favorite pic of the trip

 What had been my best day on the water so far this year came to an end with handshakes and talk of the next outing.  Sanders is a great guy, and I could tell he learned a lot about the river that day.  Check out Sanders' blog here!

To Sanders - that was a badass day dude.... we are definitely going out again soon!  This time though, we have to try and beat the fish from this trip... ha!

Tuesday Tie ~ Rio Grande King Special

I figured I would mix it up a bit today, and go back in time a few years.  Nowadays our boxes are filled with stimulators, copper johns, and many more synthetic creations.  Back in the day, the Rio Grande King Special was a staple amongst fly fishermen, and has recently been "updated" by local experts like Charlie Craven.  The pattern pictured here is the original version, tied in black.  Enjoy!

Side View

Quartering View

Recipe

-Hook: Sz 14 Dai-Riki #075

-Thread: Black 70 Denier Thread

-Tail: Golden Pheasant Tippets

-Tag: Gold Tinsel

-Body: Medium Black Chenille

-Wing: Duck Quill, White

-Throat: Brown Hackle Fibers

Gear Ideas...?

While at the Colorado Trout Unlimited youth camp, I was fortunate enough to win the windwalker chest-pack from fishpond in the raffle that we had.  I love the pack because of how roomy it is, but now that I am  moving into this new pack, I am also looking for any good gear items that should not be left out of my set-up.  Remember, I am fifteen, so mowing yards, tying flies, and doing chores provide income, so I am looking for things that sell for a decent price as well.

It can be things that make life easier, things that are durable, things that are aesthetically pleasing, etc.  Also, I am looking for a good scale to weigh fish.  Does anyone have suggestions for that?

Anything helps, and I appreciate all of your time.  Again, I am just looking for some items that I may be missing that are essential to any fishing vest.

One more thing. I did some Stillwater fishing awhile back, and forgot to post pictures. For what it's worth, here are a couple of pics for entertainment.

Fat Female 'Bow

The Release

Bent up hook

Thanks!
-Jake