New Orleans - and glad I did! This was a great two days of fishing with Brian Carter and Uptown Anglers in New Orleans, LA. Much different fishing for reds than the Texas coast. Redfish on poppers - that's fun too! See for yourself!
Image:
July 9th
The heat has been hard on the humans, but not on the fish! Cool mornings have been much fun and productive using top water on the San Marcos, Barton Creek and the Colorado. Dark colors in low light (olive and black) and light colors (yellow and white) when the sun gets up. Subsurface has produced more numbers and we've increased the size fly to increase the size fish. Small minnow patterns are a favorite tied on a variety of size hooks. Increasing the hook size without increasing the size on the pattern keeps the Sunfish off the line (they're eyes are always bigger than their stomachs!)
Father's Day 2008
Though I'm not a dad nor do I own this dog, this was a great way to pay tribute to the dads. Fishing is great during the low light hours - it's also much more comfortable. The summer standards are always working on the perch. To focus on the larger bass, we threw larger, heavier, bulkier flies. Most would be attracted at the drop and would strike on sharp quick strips.. It's important to keep you rod pointed at you fly in order to keep a close connection with your fly's action - or inaction (STRIKE!)
June - 1st two weeks
Summer has hit here very quickly! We ahve already passed the average number of 100 degree days for an entire summer. This has been making us get on the water early and taking off in early afternoon - before the heat of the day. Good action on top water poppers in the darker color spectrum and we're still loving the crawfish patterns.
Remember: On the water early and off in time for an afternoon nap! Then carry on with the evening.
Middle Fork of the Flathead River - Spring 2008
This is the time your guide calls to say, "Well, you know, the conditions just aren't going to allow us to this today. Heck, it may not clear up for a while!"
This is running at approx. 25,000 cfs versus the normal of 10 to 11,000 cfs. It's going to be a fun ride, but it won't last long!
Jaw Rapid Middle Fork of the Flathead
There are rapids under there!
May 29th, 2008
Every January the first fly fishing consumer show is in Denver, CO. This year there was a new player in town competiting with the long time stand alone show. This arroused many throughout the industry and voices from everywhere in the field. Here's a good article to catch-up on the current events.
A day with the CedarPark Fire Department Station #4
“Do you want to ride along with a fire crew for a day?”I thought this was a rhetorical questions because it’s coming from a smart man.I was there in the morning and instantly on the engine on our way for a scout of the city – and a breakfast tacos.Carillo was to be “responsible” for me this day, but each of the crew (Mike, Patrick, and Kory) welcomed me into visiting and sharing their routine, as well as answer questions.We shared many stories, thoughts, and even more laughs.
I quickly realized I was seeing a job that is much different.Fire fighters spectrum of work, hours, and magnitude of their efforts are greater than I have imagined before.We visited the other stations in Cedar Park and even the training fields (sorry no pictures of the high angle rescues) and each crew was open, hospitable, and professional with a strong commitment to their gear, preparation, and learning in order to execute their jobs at any moment.
These guys are taking care of those who can’t take care of themselves, which encompasses heroic acts of persons trapped in a car or burning building to the elderly and sick (and dysfunctional may fit here) all to happen at any moment.They’re always on the ready when the call comes.
I would encourage you to visit your local station, shake their hands, and show them your support.These are the people who are looking out for your well being.
To Carillo, Mike, Patrick, and Kory
Thanks for this great opportunity and I look forward to seeing, laughing, and learning again.
Fly fish everywhere!
May 18th 2008
We finally found a day that we could get together on the water! It was sun filled, no humidity, and barely a breath of wind. It was also a full moon and happened to be the day which teams of canoeist were training for the next flood. The catching was slow, but the company was not! Stories of the beach, international shooting sports, and great food filled the day nonstop. Bruce form Tackle Box Outfitters in San Antonio and his friend Chuck were very much fun throughout the day.
I like my boat to be catching fish, so I was feeling a little rough around the edges. Never fear it was Sunday and that means Chicken Sh!t Bingo at Ginny's Little Longhorn. That will put anyone back on track before the next day on the water.
PS: The next day we fished to Guadalupe for trout in the morning and things were right again!
Cinco de Mayo!
This is always a great holiday that we look forward to in Texas. I was joined by a Montanan and a Texan down in the area for some bass fishing on this Hill Country river. This San Marcos smallmouth was celebrating and reaffirmed how great freedom is and a Montanan starting to our style of bass flies! Great day to Gus and Sean.
Celebraing Cinco de Mayo!
Fly Fishing San Marcos Smallmouth
Gus' Fly Rodding Bass
Think he's having fun!
There's No Discrimination in this World and everthing is has a Potential
April - Third week 2008
Some days fly fishing in central Texas will bring unusual occurrences during the day on the water.There’s always a theory available – weather, time, or (insert).This day rewarded us with a couple of the San Marcos’ rare species.My theory for this day – ‘Everybody has to pay their dues.” Thanks goes to these two anglers for this days' rewards.
Fly fishing is so much FUN!
Again, SO MUCH FUN!
April 22 - The Upper Guadalupe with Tosh
I thought my day started out on the wrong foot.I tend to be a good sleeper – my mom always said, “If you’re good at it, do it!”However, my eyes were open at 4am and weren’t going to close.Though functional, a daze took over the space inside my scull.Meeting Tosh at 7am, he mentioned with relief that he was even able to make it!A round of food samplings came up in the middle of the night for a second course!Get the picture?
This day was a scout of the Upper Guadalupe River above Canyon Lake and I was holding good company on this trip.Despite red lights and a wrong turn we were on the water.Tosh landed a few when I was running the shuttle.This was a good sign, right?Long story short, Tosh is a great companion on the boat when the fishing is slow.We changed tactics, lines, and flies to some wonderful stories and good conversation.Oh yea, and a squirrel was involved.But, more will come on that in the future!
Fun Day Fishing - with a camera
Fly fishing the Guadalupe River for trout between Austin and San Antonio Texas. This a work in progress and this being the beginning! Thank you to Gruene Outfitters and everyone at Gruene Hall - a wonderful place to be. Hope you enjoy!
San Marcos Smallmouth
Late April 2008
This is a typeof day that a guide waits for and is looking forward to through those slow times on the boat. This is the time to relax, to discuss, and to fish! This day included two good friends that are smart, experieced, and have quality input into a variety of life's situations.
The day started slow and could be seen with the constant fly changes and variety of tactics used. Theories would appear and observations were shared with whomever was on the sticks - sometimes you should take their advice! But, "Tibor" and I didn't. We went deep and Tibor ended up with this 3 1/2 lbs. Smallmouth that put up n incredible fight which was only out done by Tibor's fight with her rod. Quick reflexes and a lot of want to! There's the pic to prove.
Later, Tibor and I teamed up as she led with a loud boisterous popper to draw the attention and I followed with a diver to go down for a meet and greet. The 5wt. Winston LT did a great job casting the Whitlock Diver and it gave EVERYTHING to fight! These are great memories that nobody can take away. Thanks to Bill for putting the boat in the right place - we can't call him Circles anymore.
Fly rifhing for largemouth bass
Reel Bass
Leah's friend named Cat
Lippin' a trout? Not always!
Guadalupe River Trout
We know that shape!
April 23 Guadalupe River Trout Fishing
Sometimes it takes time to coordinate schedules and find THAT day to go fishing. It seems that with every conversation - the anticipation for the trip increases. This was one of those days! Leah landed a variety of species, caught a couple in random places, and made the trip unique. A small mouth bass in the hole below the wier!? A Yellow Catfish from my most consistant trout hole!? Most of all, Rainbows on dry flies!! The Spring puts a change in the air (and water) to make the unexpected happen. It's an excitement. Get out and enjoy it!
April15th 2008 - Guadalupe River Trout & Bass! Let's start by saying, we had fun with some fish! The morning proved a bit slow, but had a few strikes with some hook-ups, but none to the net. When you hook your first fish of the day, you get half the "stink off". However, two hooked fish or two halfs do NOT equal a whole! The stink was off well before lunch.
After throwing nymphs, we moved to buggers. Lloyd (out of kindness) fished my choice for a few casts, then turned to me, "Last time fished big ones! Let's fish with big ones." As I fumbled through my first "bag of buggers", Lloyd saw the one in my bass box. John Barr's Black Meat Whistle. Check it out for all you do - Trout, Bass, but probably not a hat ordiment. Lloyd chucked it with his 4 wt. in all types of water landing bass and trout (of good size).
Sorry for "messing up" on the photo of the big one. You tell the stories and I'll provide them with testimonies.
Lloyd w/ Guadalupe River trout
Lloyd & Banning at the take-out
Guadalupe Trout Fishing is in the focus starting December and in full swing January through April. Following is a bit of up-to-date reporting:
April 10th - 15th Guadalupe River Trout The torut fishing is not done on the Guadalupe. Last Thursday's front created great fishing throughout the day - especially since the expected wind of 35mph didn't hit. Thought: Weatherman get to keep their job if they are right or wrong. Not us folks. The high pressure moved in later and dropped the trout's activity, the morning and late afternoon producing more amibitous fish. Meaning, there were softer takes mid-day. Keep your eye on it and your fly in it! #18 - #22 black or olive nymphs and emergers.
April 4th - 6th Floated the Llano River near Mason with moderate success. First part and last parts of the day proved to be most productive with black being the color of choice. Used Teeny 200 and Teeny Bass lines, #4 to #10 buggers, clousers, etc. It was most enjoyable to run into the Ft. Worth Fly Fishers on their group outing. Thanks for the hospitality!
March 28, 2008 Guadalupe River Trout We had a wonderful day with little winds a great conditions today. Two beginners picked up the concepts quickly and with their persistance we landed 6 rainbows with a few misses. All were taken nymphing midge patterns on the bottom in moderate to slow current. Each fish had great color and a put a great fight. One jumped multiple times - one after another.
If you have questions, we'd be happy to give you an answer. Just keep it to fishing! phone 512.663.1053
Rainbow Trout
Guadalupe Trout
Fishing the Guadalupe
Trout Fishing
Guadalupe River Fly Fishing
Past Postings March 28, 2008 Guadalupe River Trout We had a wonderful day with little winds a great conditions today. Two beginners picked up the concepts quickly and with their persistance we landed 6 rainbows with a few misses. All were taken nymphing midge patterns on the bottom in moderate to slow current. Each fish had great color and a put a great fight. One jumped multiple times - one after another.
March 2008 Spent the majority of March rafting the Grand Canyon. 22 river days and able to experience "the flood"! A controlled release to increase the flow from 8,000cfs to 41,500cfs! More stories to come and more reports!
Guadalupe River Trout 2/21/08 Fishing and fighting have been great! Some of the fish this year are astonishing because of their size and quantity. They have put up some great fights taking a bit skill and luck to get them to the net. Remember: If they want to run - let them, but keep some tention on the line!
The river has been running around 200 cfs (on the low side) creating fish that are gathering in the pools. When wade fishing be patient. You probably are spooking fish when you first enter the water.
Nymphing has been the most productive, eventhough there are sightings of trout just below the surface. Productive flies: WD40 - olive, grey, and black #24 and BH pheasant tails #18. It has been worth throwing lighter colored streamers (white or light yellow) during the lulls.
