00 january

FARM STORE FLY FISHING EXCLUSIVE:

The SIMPLICITY of WHY WE FISH with Rick Matney

JANUARY 2014

ALWAYS FREE

NEW YEAR’S

SLAY DAY Our Central Montana Tradition

MISSOURI RIVER Wade Guide

Sterling Ranch Access, Bloomquist’s Bridge, Stickney Creek

SOUL RIVER Design by Nature Urban/Outdoor Performance Apparel

Creature Feature:

Hogan’s Red Headed Step Child p.24

Product Analysis: Loop Xact 7130 Spey Rod p.14

DEAL OF THE MONTH: GET 25% OFF MATERIALS WHEN YOU BUY A NEW VISE

1

JANUARY 2014 • VOL 7, ISSUE 1 bigrflyshop.com

CONTENTS 00

FEATURES

The Simplicity of Why We Fish by Rick Matney Pro Steelhead Guide ick Matney gets back to basics

00 Design by Nature by Chad Brown

Soul River urban/outdoor performance apparel founder talks cultural genesis

00 Mo’ River Wade Guide (cont.) by Brian Neilsen

Sterling Ranch Access, Bloomquist’s Bridge, and the Stickney Creek Ramp

DEPARTMENTS

00 Employee of the Month:

Fly Tying

Denver at the Great Falls Fly Shop ties the Fire Bead Sow Bug

00 Product Analysis:

Spey Rod

00 Product Analysis:

Cold Weather Socks

Calvin Fuller reviews the Loop 7130 Spey Rod

Rob Guevarra reviews Fits Expedition Boot Ski/Snow Sock

00 Rod Tips with Fred Telleen

Wading with cold feet? Just bag ‘em up!

Deal of the Month

BUY A NEW

VISE

.........

25% GET

OFF MATERIALS

Creature of the Month Fire Bead Sow Bug p.xx

Guide Profile F2O p.xx

What the heck is this?

Product Review p.xx

2

Deal of the Month Buy Any Vise at Regular Price and get

Your Entire Tying Materials Purchase

Buy any fly tying vise at regular price and receive 25% off your materials purchase.

Excludes clearanced, discountunied, or already sale priced items. Discount to be applied at time of vise purchase. Limited to stock and quantities on hand. Sorry, no rain checks.

Employee of the Month Fire Bead Sow Bug

We would like to recognize the Fire Bead Sow Bug for its exemplary achievement, contribution, and performance as a valued teammember of our fly box.

MATERIALS: • Mustad S30-3906 - Size 16 • 3/32" Tungsten Bead - Fluorescent Orange • UTC 70 – Fluorescent Fire Orange • Sow/Scud Dubbing – Shrimp Pink • Hen Saddle Hackle – Dun

PLAY

CENTRAL MONTANA

TWO THOUSAND FOURTEEN

Every New Year’s Day for the last 5 years,

we here at the Great Falls Fly Shop and Big R Corporate Office have gone fishing. Regardless of weather conditions or temperature, we shake off the cobwebs from the previous night’s festivities, don our warmest, techiest base layers, and make our way down the 60 or so miles to Bull Pasture, the fishing access temjust below Holter Dam. Some years, the tem perature dips below zero, where ice crusts over rod guides and facial hair. During our 2014 excursion however, we were fortunate enough to have a day that was just above freezing, which makes me wonder why we all didn’t show up in shorts and flops.

Every year we show up for Slay Day reaffirms the notion that our ritual is, and has always been less about catching lots of big fish (which always happens anyway), but more about camaraderie. For us, the day represents our passions, our fortitude, and the common thread that makes us all brothers.

The Simplicity of Why

We Fish

After fishing the world, one Angler rediscovers the purpose of his passion in his own backyard

ooking back at the last ten years in the world of fly fishing as I have seen it, I can’t help but notice the trend to go further, deeper, and more exotic. Words like “hardcore” and “extreme” are now common place. I will admit that I have been guilty of this mentality from the start. My excuse however, is that I come from a background of professional skiing and motocross. It’s in my blood and a part of who I am. The modern day fly angler has now earned a new title of “Bro” and long gone are the days of the gentleman. When did fly fishing get competitive? Or cool?

Fly Fishing was something I did between physical therapies and recoveries from the last pile up that left me with broken bones and impalements. It’s funny how the older you get, the more you simplify your life, and find yourself settling into a safer trench.

After re-connecting with several of my old friends from the ski and motocross world via social media, it was very interesting to hear what they are doing now. Amazingly, many have become fly fishing guides. Not sure what the connection is, but there seems to be a trend. Very few have actually grown up. Most

have found a way to make a living not having a real job. There seems to be a lifelong trend to be a kid. Kind of a “Peter Pan” sort of mentality.

With that in mind, lets take an extreme bro brah adventure to get stoked, and not use an exotic location, helicopter, or unlimited funds. New rules; go find a spot within 10 miles of your house. Target a species that won’t ever be on the cover of The Drake, and get back to why you started “fishing” to begin with.

snatched it so fast, I didn’t catch it with my eyes. I was onto something. Fly chance to a Pink Soft Hackle (maybe like the color of fish food). Repeat.

Plucked again! I strip set of course, about how I would on a tarpon. Turns out they have these little paper mouths that are very soft and not strong.

Making the proper adjustments, I was able to actually hook up and see the fish struggle back. Off. Pulled the hook. Ok, so I have managed to catch most of the worlds most challenging game fish.

{ My location will remain unnamed. My target, the common goldfish. }

by Rick Matney

After being taken to school, the author hoists up his prize; humble Carassius auratus, the common goldfish.

As I approached the pod, I found them to be much more wary than the permit of Boca Pila. I pondered the fly choice. I decided on a Pheasant Tail Nymph; size 18. After several failed attempts at an approach, I made it to within 50 feet of a group of 20 or so.

Mostly orange, but some white/orange, brown/white, and one that was red, orange, and white. I layed down a cast with the 4 wt slightly past and to the left of the pod. Damn! All spooked. New pod, same results. Ok, game plan change. I noticed that the pods would move back and forth down the bank in a small territory. New plan was to find the boundaries of their territory and wait till they were at the opposite side of their range and place the fly. Success. As the pod approached, I started with small, slow strips. One charged out ahead, power refused my fly, and returned to the pod.

Now the entire pod was surrounding my fly, all of them being very prudent about avoiding it. Fly change; Bloom’s Soft Hackle, black, size 18. Pod lap number two. Again, one charged out ahead only to stop 1 inch shy of my fly and not eat it.

These little $#%&@ were more picky than a Hawaii bonefish. Next pass, another fly, and now a sharp, short strip.

Again refusal. Fly change again, and now a long fast strip. Pluck! What! The second the fly slowed from the strip, one

These little $#%&@ have me broken down into a 8 year old throwing a tantrum. At about hour two I’ve had countless refusals, and have been officially schooled by Johnny’s little pet that he didn’t want to flush down the toilet, so he released it into the neighborhood settling pond. Assuming that I have educated this pod, I moved to another pack of urban piranhas. Cast, strip, hook up! Appling a smaller amount of pressure, I battled the tangerine beast. I pulled him into the shallows and observed my fly hanging on by a thread to his already torn mouth. I scooped him up with one hand. Finally! I have captured the little $#%&@. Next target.

You may never see a goldfish as an angling target, but the point of the story is not about the fish, but the simplicity of why we fish. When it comes right down to it, we can’t forget the little kid in us. Of all the places and fish that I have been fortunate enough to see and catch, that little pet escapee gave me one of the harshest mental beat downs of my fishing career. Don’t let the glimmer of the big screen’s gnarly fish, exotic locations, and helicopters cloud your perspective of why you fish, bro.

Thank God it’s ski season again.

Dope, shred, gnar, bro brah’s!

Product

ANALYSIS Reviews you can use

Our resident spey guru and Ponderay Big R Assistant Manager, Calvin Fuller, took the Loop Xact 7130 out for a test throw on the Clark Fork River in Northern Idaho. He used for his test: • Loop GCD Floater 7wt 417gr with a 5ft poly leader • Skagit compact 450gr with 10 ft of T-10 Watch the review video below to see the Xact 7130 in action.

PLAY

XACT 7130

The new Xact Series by Loop has a smooth, deep, medium fast action that seems to be pretty forgiving. The 7130 features a traditional round handle in a cork mix that's tougher and longer lasting that traditional cork. This cork blen resists mold as well as everyday wear and tear. The Xact Series also has durable chrome snake guides, double coating, and the rod model inscription and dot mark is on each ferrule so you won't get mixed up with other rods.

It's a great in-between rod for Skagit and Scandi casters that handles both lines effectively and can be loaded deep with a Skagit, or off the tip with a Scandi line. A couple things about this rod that I feel could be improved; it does feel heavier in your had than higher price point rods, the cork mix handle is stiffer than traditional cork, so it gives you a different action when casting the rod, and the feel of the cork is a little rougher in your hands than traditional cork rings.

A couple of good things about this cork handle on this rod is that it's a lot tougher than traditional cork. Even though it is an entry-level rod, it casts as good, if not better than other manufacturer's higher priced rods. Overall this rod is unbeatable for the price. I would say it'd be a perfect rod for a spey ďŹ sher who's on a budget or it'd be a great back up rod.

2013 Class

RECAP PONDERAY, ID

Dustin Bise in Ponderay, ID hosted a Winter Nymphing Workshop in December that could set the tone for many future classes offered by Big R Fly Shop

T

he winter nymphing class we held at the Ponderay Fly Shop in early December went great. We had five students, with one not able to join us on the water. We started out the day with a good fly tying session here in the shop and did some leader building as well. We tied Pat’s Rubber Legs and Snowcones. Leaders where made with 30 and 15lb maxima, followed by a swivel and 3x/4x fluorocarbon tippets to the flies. Then we went out into the cold (~32˚ and snow/sleet) and spent about 2.5 hours on the water covering techniques and safety. Everyone enjoyed their time out, and learned a lot.

The information learned in the class could potentially extend the student’s fishing season by two or three months. The style of fishing we were doing is very particular in terms of flies and gear. Heavy nymphs, powerful line tapers (GPX) and 10 foot medium-fast action 6wt rods get the job done well.

Water temps where 45 degrees and it took some searching before we found fish hanging out in the slowest deepest parts of the run. We got a bit cold and wet out there but we still we managed to put a fish in the net.

Everyone stayed safe and departed in high spirits. A few of the students even stayed to

fish longer. To improve future classes, we would probably add a second instructor to allow more time for individual coaching, and potentially make the clinic span over a weekend, with tying one day and fishing the next, so we have more time to hone our skills on the water. Our youngest student at age 14 seemed to have a really great time. I can’t stress enough how important it is for our sport’s long term success to get kids out on the water and interested. Concerned anglers using and respecting the resource are the best protection we have for delicate fisheries.

His father was very thankful for the opportunity for his son to go out and get some one-on-one instruction. Overall I think the class was a great success.

As I look towards the future, I believe these clinics could definitely become an important part of our fly shop offering, as it has really helped to develop strong personal connections with our customers as well as help them diversify their skill sets. Other classes we are considering to hold in the future include ice fishing, bass fishing, dry fly fishing, spey fishing, lake trolling, and more.

The possibilities really are endless.

TIPS

ROD

Fred Telleen with

Big R Fly Shop Great Falls

Cold feet? Just bag it.

So you now own a fantastic pair of breath breathable waders and have all the layers you need to keep your legs and core warm, but what about your feet? They are still stuck in those non-breathable neoprene booties and the reality is that 35-42 degree winter water is going to chill your feet quickly. What can you do? Here is a trick I’ve been using for years, borrowed from some ice climbing and winter camping days. Try adding a vapor barrier around your feet. Simply put, slip on a plastic bag.

It is counter intuitive, especially when we are using breathable waders to keep us dry, but hear me out. A vapor barrier around your feet helps keep you warm and dry in a very different way. It keeps your perspiration from wicking out to the non breathable neoprene where it will get icy cold and continue to build up. The small amount of perspiration remaining within your bag fools your skin into thinking it’s in a warm and wet environment where further perspiration is unnecessary.

The easiest thing to do is to simply slide a bag over your sock when you slip into your waders.

This makes it easy to slip your wader booties on and makes it easy to slide them off later. After you remove your feet, the inside of your neoprene wader booty will be dry and remain funk-free thanks to the vapor barrier bag.

If you want to get more technical, start with a thin liner sock, slip into the bag and then add a heavier insulated sock over the bag. This is the method climbers and winter hikers typically use.

You can even purchase specific vapor barrier socks, but I simply collect my plastic grocery bags and use them.

FOOT

BOOT COLD WATER

The skill and talent of our Big R Fly Shop Crew

never ceases to amaze. Fred Telleen (top) and Paul Considine (below) demonstrate their understanding of spey physics on the Missouri River during 2014 Slay Day. Both are examples of casting eloquence.

Design by Nature Nature

by Chad Brown

Our lives are journeys.

Oftentimes we are not fully aware of our surroundings and how they alter and influence our physical and spiritual beings, but we naturally take the journey. Many of us are fortunate to have the lifestyle to get outdoors and explore a variety of recreational activities. It’s easy to take this part of our journey for granted and see the sport as one of pursuit not realizing what is right in front of us. Then again, there is also a handful of people who do not have the lifestyle to do such a thing. For me, getting outdoors has become not only a journey but a pursuit of opportunity waiting to be discovered and even challenged. I take this journey every chance I get when I go to the river to fish. I appreciate what is around me and in the water of what I may be chasing at that time; fishing simply becomes the by-product. The vehicle of scientific exploration leads me to a self-discovery of “change” which is my transformation, my balance, and my church. Whether I’m chasing trout or steelhead, wadding through the river with fellow anglers scanning the pockets and feeding lines or eddies on the river, I am metamorphosing as a pupil of what Mother Nature is revealing and how I am being shaped.

Author Chad Brown and Friend

Soul River was given life as I was standing waist deep in water, filling my lungs with the pure fresh air, being humbly embraced by Mother Nature’s theater, and ultimately fighting my PTSD from my years serving in the U.S. Navy. Throughout the development of Soul River, a connection of art and design between the outdoor world and the urban world was inspired from the art of fly fishing. The intention is to fold both worlds into a creative, urban, outdoor fashion apparel brand. The brand of Soul River represents an embodiment of nature interplaying between fashion art and design and the beauty of our environment.

Brian Chou

Today, Soul River designs are based on nature and share the eclectic journey of what we see in the outdoors in its rawest form of beauty. Distinguished by rivers, trails, aquatic life, and the urban world, Soul River captures textures and shades compilations of colors with contrasted stark patterns of lights and darks. The brand is the soul of nature that is a reflection of ourselves, where we are at in that exact moment in time. It speaks to your individual lifestyle, no matter who you are, where you are, or what your passion is. Soul River represents everyone’s experiences that are interpreted like a unique thumbprint. The brand is viewed differently to each individual who embraces it because each person has their own adventure. Each experience on the water, on the trail, or in the city streets is different based on what is seen or breathed. My Soul River is different from your Soul River with diverse perspectives and experiences. My reality is the healing that water brings to the soul, the medicine to the mental, physical, and the spiritual world. At the end of the day we all stand on a common ground of interest and

respect for Mother Nature, whether she’s seen in the urban world or the natural world. The brand welcomes the uniqueness and individuality, as Soul River is unconventional in its approach to the consumers just as Mother Nature is unconventional in Her approach in the outdoors.

The brand of Soul River is unique and unconventional, educational and inspirational not just to showcase, but to give the consumer insight that is intertwined with a short story. We draw appreciation to artistic approaches by integrating music, mythology, poetry, and art to demonstrate the connection from the urban world into the outdoors encouraging the younger audience to recognize the natural world is a hip, cool place to be. Soul River uses film as a vehicle for expressing this mindset with the intention to draw upon the next generation. It is believed that through Soul River Films, conservation can be communicated through a youthful perspective and voice teaching the lessons of responsibility in protecting our environment as ambassadors to Mother Nature.

Brian Chou, Chad Brown, and Michael Davidchik

The voice of the brand also advocates our opportunity to stand and fight for the injustices that younger generations face, with intention to inspire exploring the outdoors, becoming ambassadors for tomorrow, understanding that nature is freaking cool and hip. It’s the journey of all groups, including age, race, and socio-economic status, which we take as a universal reminder that we are inherently connected. Part of the brand also gives back to veterans fighting PTSD. New Currents Outdoors (NCO), the nonprofit arm of Soul River, provides rich opportunities such as expeditions that are one day to one week. One annual expedition co-led

Soul River challenges traditional media by embracing the unconventional with their production of Conservation - Consciousness Runs Deep. Created and written by creative director Chad Brown, Conservation captures modern urban mythology with the message of consciousness and awareness of responsibility we have as urban dwellers and environmental protectors.

This short film mixes art, mythology, music, and poetry to provide a fresh perspective through the personal lens of environmental justice and the outdoors inspired by the sport fly fishing. In this film, a young man goes through his life in the city and morphs with his consciousness by the guidance of a Naiad. Conservation provides a breath of fresh air from a young, urban, and hip approach and inspires our consciousness to run deep and become ambassadors of the outdoors.

between NCO and Sierra Club coins the term “Iron Sharpening Iron.” Ultimately, one “iron” is U.S. veterans transitioning into society post-war in hopes that they will find peace and comfort in the healing waters. The other “iron” is community youth transitioning from a troubled past seeking alternative methods of healing by embarking into the outdoors, joining conservation efforts, and gaining a new respect for Mother Nature. Both veterans and youth have similar trials – whether it’s a literal war or a war of his/her own, struggling with street life, drugs, and gangs. By merging these two groups together, they’ll have the opportunity to mentor, learn from one another, and teach through their challenges.

Michael Davidchik Photo by Brian Chou

Soul River is unique in that it is a boutique, urban, outdoor fashion line, meaning we don’t stick to the traditional seasonal roll-out of new product lines. Rather, Soul River relies on the evolutionary approach by respecting the artistic design it embodies to introduce new lines as they are created. All apparel and products are in line with what is current or future in style. The desire is that each product design conveys a message of art and design as well as supports your [life]style at all times. To stay current on what’s happening with Soul River you can follow us by linking to our Facebook page where we post news, updates (including the blog), events, deals and promotions.

Conservation - Consciousness Runs Deep

PLAY

LINKS soulriverrunsdeep.com vimeo.com/soulriver facebook.com/SoulRiverRunsDeep

Product

ANALYSIS Reviews you can use

by Rob Guevarra

Fits Sock Co.

Expedition Boot Ski/Snow Sock We take our feet seriously. Comfort, breathability, and warmth are two key features we look for when we’re shopping for, say, wading socks. Now, these socks aren’t specifically for wading, but they sure are the best socks for the job that we’ve ever seen.

Manufacturer’s Claims: FITS Expedition offers mid calf height perfect for taller hiking boots.

Heavyweight for warmth and protection. Nylon reinforced exterior for extra durability. Heaviest sock available in the FITS line.

Technology: Full Contact Fit™ Dynamic Toe Cup - Conform to the natural shape of the toes for a close, individual fit. That means there is no extra fabric to cause chafing. The top stitching is placed so there are no hotspots.

FLY

SHO P

2014

Heel Lock - The Y-shaped stitching creates a deep pocket that locks in the heel. The sock keeps its shape and stays put.

Full Contact Cuff - stays in place due to a tighter ankle and looser calf (proper gradience) Composition: • Wool 74% • Nylon 13% • Polyester 3% • Lycra Spandex 2% • Acrylic 8% Final Word: Fits hits the mark with their Expedition Boot Sock. These durable, moisture wicking socks fit incredibly, making them one of the most comfortable socks I’ve ever worn.

We graded these socks on a scale of 1 to 5 in the following catagories; 1 being dreadful, 5 being absolutely dreamy.

Comfort: Cushion/Thickness: Value: Recommend to a friend?

5 5 4 Yes

We asked Big R apparel buyer, Kayla Williams, how some of the other brands hold up to Fits socks, and she stated very matter of factly that they are “not comparable. We carry decent socks, but FITS is called fits because they literally fit so well, its unreal. I would also add that the use of synthetics, wool, or “non-cotton” materials has been done. Every high-end sock is doing that already, and then those companies try and differentiate themselves via marketing, lifetime warranties, unique color offering and designs, etc. But most of those items don’t provide tangible benefits in the sock that are different. That’s where FITS stands out.

They are doing things no one else is that are visibly different in the product, and now others are trying to copy them.

Visit them on the web @ fitssock.com

Creature of the Month Hogan’s Red Headed Stepchild

Hogan Brown designed the Red Headed Stepchild to take the place of two general attractor nymphs; the Red Copper John and Red Headed Prince. The Red Headed Stepchild employs proven fish attracting elements like the color red and a flash back. Most important to the success of this fly is its accurate silhouette of a mayfly or small stonefly. He fishes this fly as a dropper behind bigger stoneflies or caddis pupae. The Stepchild has also worked well for steelhead when dropped off an egg pattern. He has had consistent success on rivers where fish get a lot of pressure from Pheasant Tail Flash Back, Red Copper Johns, and Red Head Princes. The Stepchild will perform in just about any fishing conditions, but it shines most at times where fish are not keyed on a specific hatch and are in an opportunistic feeding mode.

Hogan Brown - Stepchild Designer (from Idylwilde website) MATERIALS: • Dai-Riki #070 - Size 16 • 1/16" MFC Lucent Bead - Tungsten Red • Ringneck Pheasant Center Tails - Natural • UTC Ultra Thread 70 - Brown • UTC Small Ultra Wire - Red • UTC Medium Tinsel - Pearl • Grizzly Krystal Flash - Black/Red

PLAY

W

E

G GUI N I D D A

The

Missouri River

From the Sterling Ranch Access to Stickney Creek Ramp

Missouri River fly fishing guide and reel friend, Brian Neilsen, gets on the keyboard to walk us through the next three, highly productive, incredibly fun spots on the Mo’. Just below Craig, Access, Bloomquist’s Bridge,, and the Stickney Creek Ramp Ramp.

MT we have the Sterling Ranch Access The aim of this guide is to introduce you to walk-to wade spots on the Missouri that you may have always wanted to fish, but never knew enough about, or never had the opportunity to fish. If you do follow our suggestions and hit these spots, we hope that you always go out with safety and conservation in mind. That said, read on, have fun, and fish hard.

to Great Falls

stickney creek ramp

Bloomquist’s Bridge

sterling ranch access Craig Frontage RD to Helena

Sterling Ranch Access - (First Bend above Bloomquist Bridge)

Easy access to side channel from here. This water can fish quite well using multiple tactics. During low water and winter conditions, this spot is an awesome location to swing streamers using your favorite two hander and skagit rig. During high water, the side channel is ideal for pitching streamers into the rip-rap or nymphing the soft seams. It always seems possible to catch fish here, however. Due to the high bank behind the angler, overhand casts can be difficult along the length of the side channel.

Bloomquist Bridge

The first interstate bridge below Craig can be accessed by the frontage road. You can park under the bridge and fish downstream. You can find lots of heads here during the right times. The mid-river riffle is great for nymphing and swinging streamers. The first 400 yards of water below the bridge supports a wide variety of water to fish; long riffles, slow sipping water, deep swirling holes and some great bucket water farther downstream. This area is one of my favorites.

Stickney Creek Access

This access is fantastic at the right levels. When the water is low (at around 3000 cfs) you can access the island across from the ramp and have long channels to work. The far, big channel holds a pile of ďŹ sh. Risers will hold in the skinny water, so watch before you walk.

The long, rife/run is great for nymphing and stripping streamers. When the water is above 4500 cfs, be careful wading to the island.

Guide

PROFILE MONTANA

BRFS: So how‘s business?

BN: Fin Fetchers Outfitters is slammed as of late. I've had several big groups in this year and we've provided lots of people with fish, laughs and smiles. Many people return year after year and reserve dates the day they leave Montana. I am still concentrating on the Missouri and its tributaries, as I don't know if there is better water anywhere in Montana.

BRFS: Are you from around here?

Brian Neilsen

Owner of Fin Fetchers Outfitting out of Great Falls, MT says he’s an aspiring astronaut. The Bozeman born fly fishing guide, husband, and father, attended the University of Montana and received a degree in Environmental Studies some time later. “We don't need to go into details about the years” he adds.

Whether he finally makes the space program in 2014, or just settles for being a space cadet, we’re glad to have him here on Earth, guiding on the Missouri. He emails us a few answers to some questions we’ve had.

BRFS: How long have you been guiding?

BN: I started guiding in the Bob Marshall in ‘93, the Smith in ’94 and I did my first trip on the Missouri in ‘95. I got my teeth kicked in my first day on the Missouri, thank you.

I have literally been fishing the Missouri for 35 years and will be going into my 22nd year on the water. I love teaching. I come away from a day on the water happier when a client learns how to reach cast or mend properly. Much happier than them just nymphing up 750 trout.

BN: I'm actually a Montana native. Don't seem to be many around, there are a few guides I work with actually born in Montana, but not many. Lots of imports. I was born in Bozeman and grew up in Great Falls. I've been fishing the Mo’ in some form or fashion since I was in kindergarten.

BRFS: What made you decide to be a guide?

BN: I’ve actually always wanted to be a guide.

I used to annoy my buddies by asking them if I looked like a guide. I wanted to be a guide because I thought you got to fish all the time.

I was wrong. I watch and coach people fishing all the time. I've maybe fished five times this past summer...maybe.

BRFS: What are some of the causes you stand behind?

BN: Montanan's are proud of our stream access laws and I am with them. I'm tired of people trying to alter access to the best waters in the country. I’m with the Missouri River Flyfishers (MRF), and we work hard on a variety of local causes to help out; with kids education and restoration projects. It can be a lot of work, but it's a great group and we manage to get quite a bit done. Oh yeah, and we are alway looking for volunteers!

LINKS: finfetchers.com missouririverflyfishers.com nasa.gov

Clockwise from the top: Prime time with Brian Neilsen (left) and Fred Telleen on the Missouri.

Another day at the offcie. Gearing up.

{

45

MISSOURI RIVER • CENTRAL MONTANA Inside Brian

Pfile’s fly box

Photo by Jake England

}

CLICK • READ • SUBSCRIBE

46

In the eye of a rainbow Photo by Jake England

Great Falls, Montana 406 761-7918

4400 10th Ave S Ponderay, Idaho 208 255-5757

477181 N Hwy 95 Omak, Washington

www.bigrflyshop.com

509 422-9840

1227 Koala Dr

Big R Fly Shop e-magazine is a free monthly electronic publication bringing the latest perspectives, events, blogs and products related to the sport and art of fly fishing. This e-magazine is published online @ www.bigrflyshop.com every month. To receive email notifications when new issues are released, enter your email address HERE. All email addresses will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used for purposes connected with Big R Fly Shop. Š Copyright 2013 CSWW Inc., dba Big R Stores. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.