Big R Fly Shop eMagazine - December 2013

FARM STORE FLY FISHING EXCLUSIVE: Q&A with Detonation Studio’s Ian Majszak

DECEMBER 2013

STEELHEAD, STURGEON, and FRIENDS Big Fish, Good People

Heavy Metal Idaho Gem State Steelhead

SAMPLE SALE .SUPER . . . . . . . ........... ...........

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DAY • Saturday • December 14th GRE AT FAL L S LO C AT I O N O N LY

BIG R FLY SHOP DESTINATIONS SIX days of fly fishing, TWO locations in BELIZE p.27

CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2013 • VOL 6, ISSUE 12 bigrflyshop.com

FEATURES

13 Detonation...Blasts Off! interview by Rob Guevarra

Filmmaker Ian Majask talks past, present, and future of his Detonation Studios

29 Steelhead, Sturgeon & Friends by Denver Rathbun Old friends meet up in Idaho to land big fish

37 Idaho Heavy Metal by Sam Wike

Sam Wike and his crew travel west of the Divide for Steelhead in the Gem State

Big R Fly Shop Destinations BELIZE p.27

December Deals p.3

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Rathbun’s Dead Drift Sculpin p.9

Telleen’s Foxy Jig Minnow p.11

FROM THE

EDITOR

GREAT FALLS

A

MONTANA

s we come to the end of yet another incredible year at Big R Fly Shop, I look back at 2013 with a great deal of fondness. I try to recall the stellar times we’ve had, the breathtaking new places we’ve been, and all the fantastic new friends we’ve made. So to wrap up the year, we share these last few memories of 2013 in the December issue.

This month, Sam comes back with an envy inducing story from the Salmon River in Idaho, Denver tests his mettle on Steelhead and Sturgeon on the Grand Ronde, and award-winning filmmaker Ian Majszek takes a moment to talk to us about his Detonation Studios.

Just because we’re waxing nostalgic on the past doesn’t mean our sights aren’t keenly trained on the future. Because if you thought 2013 was an epic year, you won’t believe what’s in store for 2014!

Rob Guevarra ON THE COVER: Christy Wike with her slab of Idaho Steelhead. Photo by Sam Wike THIS PAGE: Loop Army General Klaus Firmor, one of the most skilled spey casters in the world, instructs bank side at our Omak, WA class. Photo by Jake England

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GURU 2

149

95

Regular Price 20999 444812

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Guru reels are the newest and lowest priced, fully machined reels in the Lamson line. The signature arm-style element frame combines open spokes to minimize weight while maximizing structural strength, which is a feature that you'll find on much more expensive reels. Like other Lamson reels, the Guru features true large-arbor ratios. The reel incorporates the proven conical drag design and components Lamson is known for.

MODEL DIAMETER WIDTH WEIGHT ROD WT LINE CAPACITY

Guru 2 3.30” 1.10” 4.90 oz 5, 6 WF6 100 yds 20#

www.waterworks-lamson.com

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Artist Series 6oz Stainless Steel Flask

features the work of Montana artist Derek DeYoung

16 686600/689597

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95

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Quality Fly Rods for Everyone

GREYS RODS

on Your Holiday Gift List

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Take a look through any fishing catalog or fly shop rod rack, and you will find a multitude of “entry level price point” rods - so why should you select a GS or GS2 from this huge offering? Greys doesn’t simply buy a rod “off the shelf” and change the name and logo. Even on their entry level range, they design and develop everything from scratch at their facility in Alnwick, England. From the 4 piece blank - built to their specification, to the shape of the handle, Greys designs the lot.

Greys GS2

GS2ROD10/857XXX 7ft6 3wt GS2ROD10/857XXX

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The Temple Fork Outfitters Pro Special 4-Piece Fly Rod is the gift that just keeps on giving. Whether you're eyeing this beauty for your partner, buddy, or yourself, this medium-to fast-action fly rod with progressive taper has you casting, hooking, and fighting browns and rainbows in no time. Plus, you'll have funds left over for a new reel or fly line.

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Denver’s

SCULPIN PLAY

Denver at the Great Falls Big R Fly Shop ties his Dead Drift Sculpin. Wake up big lethargic fish with this fun, quick-to-tie pattern. The use of a jig hook allows this fly to ride flat in the water and skip and bounce off structure.

MATERIALS: • Spirit River Real Eyes Plus 5/32" - Nickel Pearl • UV Polar Chenille - Copper + Olive • Magnum Rabbit Strips - Black • Daiichi 4660 Jig Hook - Size 4

Denver gets mean. Photo by Jake England

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PLAY

Fred at the Great Falls Shop ties his Foxy Jig Minnow. This Clouser-style, jig pattern utilizes arctic fox fur, a bit of flash, and some UV materials which are great for triggering fish. When tied at the end of a floating line, the eyes allow for convincing movement in the water column.

MATERIALS: • Daiichi 4660 90˚ Jig Hook - Size 4 • Spirit River Real Eyes Plus - Size 3/16” • UTC 140 Ultra Thread - Olive • UV Krystal Flash - Pearl • UV Large Eye Guinea Feather - Chartreuse • Arctic Fox Body - Olive • UV Ice Dub - Red Photos by Jake England

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ARTIST

SPOTLIGHT

Blast

FF

Since the company’s inception in 2005, filmmaker Ian Majszak has taken his Bozeman Montana-base

Detonation Studios

from college daydream, to award winning outdoor media giant.

We spend some time with the native Michigander as he tells of the genesis, the workings, and the future of his explosive film company.

Interview by Rob Guevarra & Denver Rathbun

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Q& A

with Ian Majszak

Big R Fly Shop: Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, Ian. Let’s start by having you introduce yourself.

IM: Well, I am a Polish man who was born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan.

The one and only Lake Michigan was my backyard, so fishing was a natural activity to pick up. I started fishing at about 4 when my dad would set me on his shoulders, stream fishing the Boardman River and Kid's Creek. We also had a creek on the back of the twenty acres I grew up on, and I spent quite a few days back on that creek messing around and enjoying growing up. The transition to the big water, boats, and salmon happened at 6 years of age. I guess what I am trying to say is Michigan's natural resources planted the seeds for an outdoor lifestyle. Then moving west to Bozeman, MT in 2000 elevated and opened up so many more opportunities and experiences that I am forever humble and grateful for. Detonation Studios was a dream that took root in my mind in 2005 and it took me a few years to muster up the courage to go back to school and learn about film and photography, but that is what I did in 2009. I started DS my freshman year of school.

The rest, as they say, is history.

BRFS: Why film and photography?

IM: I guess the basis of that answer would lie with my mother. She always had a camera or camcorder growing up and filmed and documented everything, and I do mean everything. She was always buying me cameras for Christmas and my birthdays, and I believe she planted

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the seed to go back to school and expand my knowledge regarding digital film and photography. I am so fortunate to have a father place the love of the outdoors within me and have my mother plant the preciousness of time and capturing our time together and pursuing what we love to do. Thanks mom, thanks dad.

BRFS: You partnered up with Bozeman photographer Brian Gregson on “The Last Salmon Forest”, which got a lot of attention in 2013; IF4 Official Selection, Best Conservation Film nomination, winning Best Cinematography at The Drake Magazine’s Fly Fishing Video Awards. What was all the attention like?

IM: Unexpected. I think I can speak for Bryan here when I say we did not expect to win anything. Our singular goal with "The Last Salmon Forest" was to raise awareness about the Tongass National Forest located in S.E. Alaska and the threats that this forest and fishery are facing. We saw The Drake Magazine awards as one more platform to reach more anglers and further our goal of raising awareness about the Tongass. I think it is safe to say when Tom Bie called DS's name for the cinematography award neither of us really knew what to do. Let it be known that Travis and Ben of Felt Soul Media have been wildly inspiring to me and having a film of ours in the same category as those boys was a dream realized for me personally. In the end, I just want to see anglers get involved with the conservation of the last few wild places we have left.

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BRFS: How was working with the talented Mr. Gregson?

IM: HAHAHAAAA!! Bryan is something else. When I called him up and asked if he wanted to help me with a conservation film in Alaska, he said "yes". I mean he barely knew the details and was already all in. That is my favorite part of working with Bryan. He takes risks and goes so far above and beyond the original scope of work. What most people don't know about Bryan is he possesses an incredible work ethic. I was thankful to have him sign on and help execute The Last Salmon Forest.

BRFS: What’s in store for Detonation Studios going into the new year?

IM: Oh man where to start, well it seems as if DS transitioned into and started exploring making TV shows for the Outdoor Channel. I recently hired on as field producer for a show titled "Steve's Outdoor Adventures". I have spent almost 3 months this year in Alaska filming hunts and experiencing some pretty wild adventures. I have all sorts of irons in the fire for 2014 in both the fishing and hunting industries. Time will tell which iron gets hottest and yanked out of the fire and into creation.

BRFS: Sounds like you’ll be busy. How does the operational tempo of your profession suit you?

IM: The lifestyle is bittersweet. It is in my DNA to explore. I live to see new places and experience new things and meet new people. The traveling makes me feel free and I love that. However after 29 snowy,

sometimes below freezing days in a tent with camera batteries crammed down your crotch in your sleeping bag and eating freeze dried meals until you never want to look at another one, the glamour and fun wears off. I have learned, that is life. No matter how awesome or thrilling a job is, there are also crappy parts to it.

That is life and that is the reality of any job. To answer your question succinctly, I honestly have no idea what else I would be doing with my life. I love what I do, even when the going gets tough.

BRFS: You’ve been doing this for a few years now. Which has been your favorite project thus far?

IM: My favorite project so far would be "GOLDFISH" for reasons I probably shouldn't explain.

BRFS: Your work inspires a lot of people.

Who inspires you?

IM: Travis and Ben from Felt Soul have, and continue to be the guys I look up to and am inspired by the most. Gnarly Bay productions are masters of media and I truly admire their work as well. On a personal level I travel with an old photo of my great grandfather who died many years ago in my camera case. He goes everywhere with me and has been a source of inspiration for me my whole life. My great grandfather was the pioneering outdoorsman in my family and one of the many reasons I carry that photo with me is to never forget where I have come from.

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Watch Detonation Studios’ films on Vimeo.

Then follow Ian and his crew on Facebook.

ACCOLADES • Winner SIMMS Ice-Out Shoot Out Filmmaker Competition 2012 • Winner Best Cinematography Award The Drake Fly Fishing Film Awards 2012 The Last Salmon Forest •Nominee Conservation Film of the Year 2013 The Last Salmon Forest

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six days of fly fishing in two parts of

Tides Resort, San Pedro

March 29

&

Water Caye, Dangriga

th thru

March 29 March 30 - April 1 April 2 April 3 - 5 April 6

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April 6

th

Arrive Belize City Fish San Pedro @ the Tides Resort Travel south to Dangriga Fish outer island of Water Caye Depart for the US

What to Expect

$

2,850 10 LESS THAN

Once in Belize City, transportation will be provided to the regional air carrier for the 15 minute flight to San Pedro. There is a 10 minute taxi ride from the San Pedro airstrip to the Tides Resort.

Two anglers per room. An orientation will be given on the town of San Pedro; how to find a store, restaurant, bar etc. Anglers will be briefed on what to expect during the fishing program.

.00

PER ANGLER

SPOTS AVAILABLE

Call to book TODAY Big R Fly Shop • Great Falls

406 761- 7441

First 3 Days in San Pedro • Breakfast at 6:30am at the resort. 7am start to your day of guided fly fishing. Two anglers per boat • Lunch will be provided by the guide along with water and soft drinks.

• Dinner will be on your own in town Day 4 is Travel Day Guests will be taxied to the San pedro airstrip for the flight down to Dangriga. From the Dangriga Airstrip a cab will take guests to the harbor for the boat ride to Water Caye. Total travel time is approx. 2hrs, 20 min. Once checked in at Water Caye, (two anglers per room) an orientation will be given on the island and what to expect.

Last 2 Days on Water Caye • Breakfast provided each morning • Lunch provided on the boat, two anglers per boat • Dinner provided each night on the island • The island has a bar for drinks. You will need cash or credit card Day 8 is travel day back to Belize City for everyone to catch international flights back to the states.

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Steelhead

Sturgeon Camp

by Denver Rathbun

It’s December and we’ve managed to survive another year at Steelhead camp. As per usual, many camp veterans made their annual migration from places all over the Northwest. We even welcomed a handful of new participants and first time Steelheaders. Typical with Steelhead camp, fish were caught, great food and company was had, and we even managed to make a few camp firsts.

Double Up

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ura Jenkins

nver Rathbun. Photo by La

Matney, Eric Speer and De ! From left to right: Rick

Laura Jenkins and her Sturgeon.

Photo by Michelle Houle

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An early 3am start time kicked off the trip for myself, Rick Matney and Nick Fish. With Matney behind the wheel and his sled in tow, we sent it Westward towards Washington. The trip over went relatively smooth despite hitting a deer in Lolo and consuming far too much gas station food before 6AM. None the worse for wear, we arrived in Washington to find nice weather and a few buddies already fishing the river.

Report had the river fishing well and getting better by the day. The river was busy, but we all managed to pick up multiple fish each day. As mentioned before, a few new steelheaders and attendees even

d Ka tr ina Mo on . Ph ot o by "S te an a, eli Em n, to es Pr : ht rig to It’s a fa mi ly th ing . Fro m lef t 31

b. Pho to by Mic hel le Hou le Den ver Rat hbu n and a pre his tor ic sla

managed to pick up their first ever steelhead! By mid week the crowds were beginning to increase and finding good water to fish was becoming tougher, so we decided to challenge ourselves to a new species.

This particular species can be large, scaly and sometimes older than the angler who is fortunate enough to catch a big one. This species is straight from the dinosaur era and North America’s largest freshwater fish. This is of course, The Great White Sturgeon. These incredible fish can reach enormous sizes and are amazing to see in person. Their numbers are no longer considered abundant in most areas how-

ee lie Mi ke " Da vid ch ick 32

Ph ot o b th e Ac ipe ns er ida e Fa mi ly. of er mb me a d an ule Ho Mi ch ell e

Well hello, lad 33

ra Jenkins, Jennifer Phi ies! From left to right: Lau

lipps and Michelle Houle. Pho

to by Eric

by Aa ro n Ro ge rs -R ic ht er

c Speer

ever, so anglers must use caution when catching and handling these native fish.

As a group, we were fortunate enough to land many fish ranging from 24 inches up to nearly six feet in length. Single barbless hooks were used as to not destroy their soft mouths. We were also fortunate enough to have Eric Speer as our local guide and friend; which played a large role in our success. With Speer’s help we were able to get into fish our first day and did surprisingly well each time out.

Sturgeon fishing was so fun we all decided to target Dinosaurs for the remainder of the trip. In fact, it’s amazing how exciting the

. Ph ot o by La ur a Je nk ins up le ub do n bu th Ra er nv Ri ck Ma tn ey an d De 34

whole process really is. The way a Sturgeon plays with the bait keeps you very attentive to the tip of your rod. When fishing is good, you are constantly picking up your line and using your best judgment to decide whether the fish has actually sucked up your offering. Even if you’re not the angler attached to the rod, sturgeon fishing is really a team sport. Everybody is somehow able to play a part in landing each fish or setting gear. Sturgeon fishing was definitely the highlight of my camp this year and I look forward to next year.

Tea m Wo r

o by La ur a Je nk in s ot Ph s. hi ts ge r ee Er ic Sp 35

n, and Eric Spe er. Pho to by Lau ra Jen kins hbu Rat ver Den , ney Mat k Ric ra, Kla t k. Fro m left to rig ht: Mat

Once again camp has proven to me that huddling around a fire 30 yards from a Steelhead river is one of the best ways to catch up with old friends. It’s December now, and I’ve got almost an entire year before Steelhead Camp 2014. Fortunately, this year’s camp held up to be one of the best trips of 2013.

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Ida o HEAVY METAL ............

by Sam Wike

The Wikes and friends venture west over the Divide to swing for Steelhead.

T

here are lots of great places in the northwest to swing Steelhead in the fall. For us Montanans, getting to these places requires a red-eyed drive after work on Friday night in an attempt to get as far west as possible, calling the cheapest, cleanest hotel near a river that will still leave a key in the door for a 2am arrival, and still waking up pre-dawn to slug coffee and swing ies that don't resemble anything--to most likely catch nothing--and freeze. Fun!

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Christy Wike and her slab of Idaho Steel

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The closest Steelhead opportunity we have to Great Falls, Montana is Idaho, which doesn't boast the purest strains of wild Steelhead, nor the largest. They aren't silver, and lost any clinging sea lice about 750 miles down stream. Idaho steelhead are impressive nonetheless.

They have traversed 800 miles of fish ladders, fishermen's nets, and every other possible hurdle to make it there. So for those reasons, I can't imagine a better fish to chase.

My wife and I have made the promise to make at least one significant Steelhead attempt a year. I'm lucky to have a better half who will stand in a river all day with me and throw double hand cast after cast for days and actually enjoy it.

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The only feedback I get is when I don't dress her warm enough. She is getting to be a great caster and I usually get a thumbs up from across the river when she knows she made a really good one.

Our good friends Paul and Alyse joined us on your trip this year. We packed up our spey rods, heaps of Patagonia and Simms apparel, more flies than I'll use on the next dozen trips, our labrador Hatch, and headed west. We left Great Falls at about 7:30 pm, got some drive-thru, almost hit an elk, ate a bag of sunflower seeds, and rolled up to our hotel at around 2 a.m. The key was in the room, and we all passed out immediately, except for Hatch who still had plenty of energy. The next morning we were

Top Left: Paul hooking up with Steel. Sam on the net Right: Alyse hooking up something that looks like lunch

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greeted by an FWP Official at the boat ramp who informed us that the girl's Internet version of a Steelhead license was not going to cut it. We also happened to be one life vest, and one invasive species boat decal short of hitting the water.

We returned to town, got legal, and got our boat in the water.

We had a great day swinging runs and nymphing out of the boat, catching Dogfish, Cutthroat and even some Bull Trout between Steelhead tugs. Our first Steelhead came near the end of the day when most of us were ready to pack it in.

While the rest of us were relaxing in the boat with an evening beverage, Christie

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was hooked up in the middle of the run, completely silent. We made plenty of noise for her as the net and cameras were called to action. With the first fish swung, the intensity in the group suddenly returned. Paul was getting pretty determined, and we stopped at almost every run left on our float. At our last stop, Paul swung down and I got in behind him. The hottest Steelhead I have ever hooked on this river took my fly less that 10 feet in front of Paul and ran so aggressively that I was sure I had hooked a Salmon.

Below: Sam and his hen Right: I’m gonna get you, sucka!

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The next day, Paul was out for revenge. We've been fishing rivals since we were kids and it hasn't lessened with age. He was working hard all day to get one, but also took the time to give Alyse some casting instruction. Alyse hooked her first steelhead in the first run that day, but was so surprised by it that she forgot to tighten the line and

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lost it. Towards the end of the day, I let out a holler across the river as I hooked another Steelhead. Paul didn't even look up. It was getting dark, and while I was smiling ear to ear, the others were not. At last casting light, Paul's rod bent.

Minutes later, I netted probably the largest Steelhead of the trip for my friend Paul.

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CLICK • READ • SUBSCRIBE

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MISSOURI RIVER • CENTRAL MONTANA

Rob Guevarra casts streamers to the bank as Alfonso Martinez rows Photo by Alfonso Martinez

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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.

Under the Dearborn Bridge Photo by Rob Guevarra