California friends Ben Byng and Steve Potter stopped by in route to the East Idaho Fly Tying Expo that takes place tomorrow and Saturday. Both Ben and Steve are unbelievable fly tiers and will be giving demonstrations both days. If you’re able to make this show you will not be disappointed. Despite the fact that … Read more
Dale Hollow Reservoirstraddles the line between Kentucky and Tennessee. It’s a huge reservoir and famous for its fishing, particularly its smallmouth bass fishing. On a slow fishing day in 1955 this old artificial lake produced the world record smallmouth bass of 11pound, 15 ounce. Smallmouth is one of my favorite fish and I’ve been aware of … Read more
I’m constantly asked why I’d want to “waste time” trout fishing anywhere other than around home. Sure, trout fishing at home is remarkable. But it’s not so much about the catching for me as it is the experience. And a chance to explore a new piece of water with fly rod in hand never lets … Read more
April 5, 2013 Granny and I arrived in Kentucky yesterday for a four day visit with good friends John and Betty Reesor. The Reesors were once customers of mine at the fly shop in Jackson Hole but have turned into great friends. This visit to Kentucky is one we’ve been trying to schedule for a … Read more
The snow melted faster than I can ever recall this week. Our yard was completely covered five days ago. The pictures show the snow yesterday around noon and then sunrise this morning. Truly amazing how fast it went. It’s forecasted for 57º today so I think other than snow banks along the driveway the snow … Read more
I had the privilege of meeting and fishing with some future fishing guides over at South Fork Lodge the last two days. South Fork Lodge is amidst their annual Five Day Guide School. I was invited over Tuesday night to give my talk “The Evolution of a World Traveling Fly Fisherman” then today I helped with a … Read more
I’m first to notice the blog is lacking in the fishing reports. I apologize deeply, but you can only imagine how things pile up after three months on the road. My body also craved some hardcore exercise and with some March snowstorms the x-country skiing has been hard to resist. It’s wonderful to be home. … Read more
When I turn 50 I hope to celebrate at K2 Base Camp in Pakistan. For some reason it’s a place calling me – a demanding hike I want to conquer. There’s a gorgeous looking river there that no one seems to know anything about. Granny however, who hiked to the Base Camp of Mount Everest with … Read more
To say the incredibly straight-lined Mad River looked mad today would be an understatement. Mike Schmidt and I left Baldwin, Michigan at 7 PM last night and drove 7 hours to his home in Dublin, Ohio. We did this for two reasons; one because I was speaking to Central Ohio Fly Fishers in Columbus tonight and the … Read more
March 11, 2013 After the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo ended yesterday, friend Mike Schmidt, owner of Anglers Choice Flies, and I drove four hours north to Baldwin, Michigan located on the banks of the Pere Marquette River. We’re steelhead fishing tomorrow! However, what started as an enjoyable drive ended difficult. As we traveled north it … Read more
March 9 & 10, 2013 The Midwest Fly Fishing Expo in Michigan was fantastic. It was incredibly special to be working along side with Bob Clouser, Ed Engle and A.K. Best. These three guys have been mentors to me for more than 25 years. And a special thanks to Dan Finstad and the rest of … Read more
A solid week at home got me some rest. I was exhausted from two months of constant travel. Not only rest, but the homestretch included some great back county skiing, college basketball and spring training baseball. The only thing it didn’t include was fishing, but I’ll get a day of steelheading on the Pere Marquette … Read more