The Current 2022 by Trouts Fly Fishing

THE

TROUTS FLY FISHING

CURRENT

STORIES FROM LANDON MAYER REID BAKER MARK RAUSCHENBERGER + MORE

me i T t s Th e Fi r

2022

THE CURRENT MAGAZINE

CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS 19

fuel your fire

when education became important

carp fishing on the dsp: then & now

new to fly fishing

where my dog now sleeps

tarpon juju

town and high country

cashing in on the stimi check

an ode to failure

chuck

high country 201

the sipping points

SALMONFLIES: A FAMILY AFFAIR

MARK RAUSCHENBERGER

with umpqua

by courtney despos by will rice

by tanner smith

by will rice

A GUIDE TO EURO NYMPHING

RUSSELL MILLER

by zeke hersh

by zeke hersh and will rice

by brandon rodriguez

by tad ingles

FABLE OF THE SALT CAMERON SCOTT

by kirk deeter

by will rice

by reid baker

44 + more

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PRECISION SIGHT FISHING

LANDON R. MAYER

AND

Paul Puckett

CONTRIBUTORS

Paul Puckett, a Texas native, studied art at The University of North Texas while working in a Fly Shop in Dallas, Texas called, Westbank Anglers (Blue Drake Outfitters). There, he gained further knowledge of the fly fishing world. He went on to finish school in 2000 and moved to Jackson, Wyoming for four years where he soaked in some of the most beautiful scenery and trout that a 25-year-old could. During a brief time in Atlanta, Paul worked at The Fish Hawk and was determined to make art in the fishing world his life. Finally, moving to Charleston, South Carolina, where he currently makes his home, he is constantly pursuing the next creative challenge and gets distracted by the Low Country tides and tailing redfish. Paul has been fortunate to fish all over the world with some of his good friends in places such as the Seychelles, Honduras, the Bahamas, Argentina, Cuba, Yucatan of Mexico and the greater US.

Cameron Scott

Cameron Scott currently writes, teaches, and guides in NE Oregon where he lives with his newborn daughter Magnus (Maggie for short), wife, and two Potcakes from South Andros. If he could catch a flight tomorrow he would find himself standing in saltwater. However, like breathing oxygen, most any chunk of water will do.

Russell Miller

I’m committed to a life of adventure with a fly rod in hand. When I became obsessed with fishing at a young age, I had no idea where it would take me and who I would meet along the way. After spending nearly 20 years working in the industry split between guiding, working at a fly shop, and now on the manufacturing side with Umpqua, I consider myself lucky to pursue my passion. As an active member of Fly Fishing Team USA and lover of anadromous fish, I find balance between those two pursuits in my personal angling. Between that and chasing my two sons around the river fishing has never been more fun.

Mark Rauschenberger Mark Rauschenberger is a writer and creative from Denver, Colorado. Over the years, he’s created content for powerhouse brands like Yeti, Abel, and Ross, and his writing has been featured in places like The Flyfish Journal, This Is Fly Magazine, ESPN, Powder Magazine, and Freeskier Magazine, among many others. A lover of the written word, Mark has a tireless work ethic and a penchant for punctuality. When he’s at his laptop with a cup full of coffee, bourbon, or some combination of both, you can find him adventuring around the country with his wife Claudia and son Bridger. An admitted slave to hyperbole, he’s on a neverending journey to find the next greatest place.

Landon R. Mayer Landon Mayer’s angling success is fueled by an addiction to pursuing selective quality trout on the fly. Mayer enthusiastically teaches and demonstrates his techniques and on-river knowledge to fellow anglers and has developed innovative strategies for sighting, hooking, and landing selective trout. He shares these tips and secrets in his books How to Catch the Biggest Trout of Your Life (2007), Colorado’s Best Fly Fishing (2012), 101 Trout Tips: A Guide’s Secrets, Tactics and Techniques (2015), Sight Fishing for Trout (Second Edition), and The Hunt for Giant Trout: 25 Top Locations in the US to Catch a Trophy (2019), Guide Flies: Easy to Tie Patterns for Tough Trout (new for 2022) in addition to a new instructional video Mastering the Short Game.

Kirk Deeter

Kirk Deeter is the Editor-in-Chief of Trout Unlimited’ media group. He’s also an editor-at large for Field & Stream, and the editor of Angling Trade, the business-to-business media group that covers fly fishing in North America. He is the author of several books, most notably The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing. His work has also appeared in Wired, Outside, Men’s Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, Garden & Gun, and many other publications. Known for his offbeat, “out there” story angles, he’s covered fishing on five continents, from the tip of Tierra del Fuego in Argentina to north of the Arctic Circle in Russia, from the Tasmanian highlands to the Amazon jungle. He lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, with his wife, Sarah.

Reid Baker Reid Baker grew up split between Oregon and Ohio before moving to Colorado in 2004. He believes this variety of landscapes led to a diverse love of chasing a wide variety of fish. Whether in a rocky mountain river, the bow of a flats boat, thigh deep in a PNW steelhead run, or walking the Denver South Platte looking for carp, he believes any setting with a fly rod in hand is goodness. A contributor to The CURRENT since 2019, you can also find his work on the Trouts Journal online, The CURRENT Podcast as well as in The Flyfish Journal. He currently lives in Arvada with his wife and toddler son who has already taken to claiming the front seat of the boat every time.

THE CURRENT MAGAZINE

THE CURRENT

2022 EDITION

PRESENTED BY TROUTS FLY FISHING

PUBLISHER TUCKER LADD

EDITOR WILL RICE

COVER PHOTO MARK RAUSCHENBERGER

ALL PHOTOS UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED IVAN ORSIC

PHOTO EDITOR IVAN ORSIC

LAYOUT AND DESIGN BRANDON RODRIGUEZ

CONNECT WITH US

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A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR.

“No ‘fishing in print’ can ever take the place of time on the water – but it adds to the pleasure of the thing itself.” Nick Lyons, Spring 2010 The first time I read that statement it made me pause. After a few moments I reached to the top of the page and dog-eared the corner. This is an archaic habit I have when I read stories in books and magazines about fishing – a reminder to myself that something special was written and at some point in time I should go back to it.

Not too long before that quote was penned, a small magazine published a story I wrote - one with a cult-like following that I eagerly consumed every time it hit the bookstore shelves. It was my first time being published in a print magazine, and I was proud of the work. Back then, reading about fishing was at the same time exciting, inspirational and educational. When I read information about fly fishing for the first time – I learned about fishing. In the beginning, the written word inspired me and showed me the amazing possibilities beyond the small creeks and rivers where I first started fishing. Later, books and magazines were a motivation and they pushed me to pursue new species, new techniques and new locations across the globe. Stories and images literally pulled me out the door to try to replicate these new things that I read about. Now, when I go back to those old books and magazines with their creased corner pages, fishing stories are there to remind me of what first connected me to the sport. These writers, photographers, illustrators and poets remind me that there are still new aspects of fishing to explore and they help rekindle the spark I initially felt when fly fishing changed my life.

In the 2022 CURRENT you are going to read about first time experiences – from writers and creators who have a lot of expertise in our sport. My hope is to showcase and highlight the talents and passions held by all of our writers, photographers, artists, and technical subject matter experts. I asked each one to dig deep and think back to the first time a different aspect of fly fishing impacted them in a meaningful way. You’ll hear about the first time Russell Miller gave European Nymphing a shot (pg 15), hot tips from Landon Mayer that helped him reach his pinnacle game of sight fishing for trout (pg 45), a breakthrough moment from Reid Baker as he connects with his first large trout sipping bugs on a river’s surface (pg 73), and a few quick questions posed by Kirk Deeter and answered by Colorado Rockies’ Outfielder Charlie Blackmon (pg 64). Plus, a whole lot more. As we wrap up this year’s issue, I certainly don’t intend for The CURRENT to replace any of your fishing or time on the water, but I do hope the words and images in this book add to the pleasure of “the thing itself.”

Will Rice Will Rice, Winter 2021

And then there is the fishing itself. I know the fire is still there every time I roll up on a river bank – either new or well known – and I have that feeling of wonder like the first time I fished a new lake or pond as a kid.

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SALMONFLIES: A FAMILY AFFAIR

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It’s the last day of May and we’re on a very

by mark rauschenberger PHOTOS by mark rauschenberger

familiar drive. The morning sun is spilling over the Williams Fork Mountains to the east and some big dry flies are dancing on my visor as my wife and I speed across the Trough Road washboards. Instead of the customary Black Sabbath or Bone Thugs, though, we’re running a playlist dedicated to the third member of our group: two-and-a-half year old Bridger Lee Rauschenberger. “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” blares through the speakers as our truck continues toward the mighty Colorado. My son taps his knees to the beat of his favorite song and smiles out the window from his car seat. He knows a long car ride almost always ends up with his favorite activity: spending the day outside. We’re in the midst of my favorite insect hatch of the year: the mighty salmonfly. Late last night, I checked the flows and noticed they were just a fraction of average. Under normal springtime conditions, I’d never consider bringing a little kid along to hang around a river swollen with runoff. This year, however, the river is low, clear, and I know there are dozens of riverbank rocks that are practically begging to be thrown in. “Do you and Bridger want to go fishing tomorrow?” I asked Claudia. “Are salmonflies hatching?” she asked, knowing very well what time of year it was. She hates the big bugs; well more accurately, she hates how it feels when they land on her neck. I told her that I thought the lion’s share of the hatch was over. Not so secretly, I really hoped I was wrong. We began the time-consuming and all-important task of packing for the young man. We’ve taken

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Bridger fishing before so we knew the list would be long but never for a full day so it was even more important that not a single item be forgotten. Extra clothes, snacks, towels, a blanket, more snacks, a few more extra clothes, a strider bike, and some toys all went into the bed of the truck. I packed the grill for a tailgate lunch and I made sure to bring a pack of hot dogs: our secret, and undefeated, weapon against toddler tantrums. Back at the river, I try with some futility to get the rods ready. Rigging up with a toddler is a horse of a different color. As Claudia stuffs a mountain of nonsense into our Osprey kid carrier, Bridger and I spend what feels like a lifetime sitting at a picnic table with the dry fly box. He insists on removing each dry fly, inspecting it, then flying it around like a little airplane, complete with tiny engine noises. It’s all I can do to sneak a fly away, turn around, and quickly tie a knot before Bridger notices my absence and demands more attention. There’s no time to tie on a multi-nymph dropper rig today. “Single dry flies, it is!” I yell to Claudia, somewhat in jest. When the water is low and clear, I actually prefer to fish the salmonfly hatch this way. A wise fishing buddy of mine once said: “You know how to make them eat the dry? Don’t hang a goddamned nymph off the back of it!” I couldn’t agree more so I’m happy to save myself a few feet of fluoro and the handful of stones I’d have inevitably surrendered to the riverbed. Not to mention, with only one dry fly in the mix, I’ll feel a lot better about handing the little man the stick and letting him wave it around for a while.

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It doesn’t take more than a few steps away from the truck for the salmonflies to appear. The first one lands on Bridger’s hand and he loses his mind. Claudia comforts him as I reach for the bug and begin a more controlled introduction. It doesn’t take long for Bridger’s inquisitive nature to take over and before we know it, he’s smiling at the salmonfly and watching intently as it slowly crawls up his arm. I’m happy, too, because now we’re back down to only one member of the team with an aversion to these gentle giants. We grab our fly rods, Claudia dons the enormous backpack, and together, we continue toward the river. Fishing with a kid, while very different, is still fishing, so Claudia and I take turns entertaining Bridger while the other casts their way up the bank. The only thing Bridger likes more than his new salmonfly friends is trying to help net brown trout, which is convenient because they’re being quite cooperative today. The fish keep biting, Bridger falls in only every once in a while, and has largely done pretty well entertaining himself with bugs, rocks, and the gentle, flowing water.

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After a late lunch of hot dogs and apple slices, we settle down for a brief snooze in the bed of the truck. The sun is warm but the breeze from the west keeps us cool enough to catch a few z’s. I wake up first, or maybe I never really fell asleep in the first place, and the peace and quiet offers me a few moments to take stock. It’s three in the afternoon, I’m hanging out in one of my favorite places with two of my favorite people, and I’m even going to get to do some more fishing. I don’t know what I did to get so lucky so I make sure to stop myself from asking too many questions. The team rises and we all head back down to the river to soak up the remaining sunlight and hopefully catch a few more fish. I offer to hang with Bridger so Claudia can go fish upstream. She obliges and rounds the bend to fish what I know is a promising stretch. I’m excited for her but I’m just as happy for myself. I hand Bridger my 6 weight. He stands on a large, flat boulder about a foot away from the bank and begins to wave it around. “Like Dada,” he says as he swings the rod, back and forth. His cadence is a little too fast but his charm is spot on.

I notice he’s trying to unhook the fly so, perhaps in a moment of poor judgement, I let him cast with a few feet of line and a giant dry fly. Within a moment, he’s managed to hook the highest branch on the biggest cedar in the county and is yanking on it so hard it looks like he’s going to snap the rod. “Hold on, dude!” I shout, in a carefully crafted tone designed to capture his attention without scaring him off his rock and into the shallow water. Slowly, I wade out toward the tangle of branches and do my best to unwind the tippet from this ancient, riparian cedar. As I work on the mess, I hear a splash from behind me and almost immediately, crying. Against my best efforts to prevent him from doing so, Bridger has fallen in again. This time he’s soaked through his third outfit of the day. I run over and quickly help him back to his feet. Together, we walk up the bank to a patch of grass. Salmonfly shucks crunch beneath his tiny, wet shoes. I wrap him in my flannel shirt, the last dry item in my bag, and wipe a few tears from his cheeks. We sit together in the warm, evening sun and watch Claudia cast just

upstream of us. A few remaining salmonflies buzz around us as we wave to one last raft full of partiers that drifts by. Bridger’s focus shifts from observing the world around him to his wet clothes. “Dada, I’m cold” he says in a demure and overwhelmingly adorable tone. A couple of years ago, the idea of leaving the river in the midst of my favorite hatch of the year would have been unimaginable and even a little bit insane. My life has changed a lot since then, however, and today, I’m happy to take us home. Hopefully next time, he’ll be doing a little bit more fishing and a little less falling in. One thing I know for sure is that the future is bright: salmonflies will be back next year, and so will Bridger, a little bit taller, with a better cast, and hopefully an even more insatiable appetite for being outside.

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A GUIDE TO EURO NYMPHING Nearly 15 years ago I started competitive fly

fishing while working at a fly shop. A coworker who was on Fly Fishing Team USA wanted to check my shop kid ego. I had become a ‘hot shot’ with an indicator, or so I thought at the time, and he suggested ‘you should come out and see how you do.’ As an ego driven kid, I agreed to the new rules that I had to play by and registered. Well, I got absolutely destroyed and only through pure luck, I did not finish dead last. These competition guys and their techniques showed me that clearly, I had plenty more to learn about fishing for trout. It was then I decided to make the commitment to improve this side of my angling and checked my ego. At the time, there was limited specialized tackle, virtually no flies that were commercially available, I had one book, a mentor, and a lot of self-discoveries along the way. I bullishly committed to learning these new techniques knowing that there would be a moment for me, an ‘aha’ kind of moment where the lightbulb would go off. Because for a period of time I didn’t catch any more fish than I normally would and there were days I was sure I caught fewer fish. After a full year of strictly forcing myself to commit to Euro nymphing I had my revelation. Thank goodness, I was starting to question everything. Now, this is just the way I prefer to fish nymphs and find that in many cases it out fishes the once bobber loving kid of 15 years ago, although that kid still might win some days. For anglers who have made the jump and bought one of the specialized rods, appropriate leaders, bought or tied Euro style flies, and are waiting for their moment when the tide turns, read on and hopefully you find a few nuggets to help get you to where you want to be in your journey. Learning and understanding the when and how behind these competition techniques will add a few arrows to your quiver and open more opportunities to hook fish.

How exactly is Euro style different from indicator style? There are differences between the two styles but, the main ones are how they are rigged and fly choice. A traditional indicator rig has a striker indicator, split shot, and is typically built from a tapered leader and rigged in line – either eye to eye or off the bend. This system is what I sometimes call suspension nymphing and works great in many situations like when fish are holding in slow deep water, in big broad water, when you want to keep your flies as far away from you as possible, or in the wind. With the addition of split shot, flies can be weighted or unweighted on the rig depending on what type of presentation you are trying to achieve. The downside to the indicator rig is that you have ‘dead points.’ In saying ‘dead points’ I mean where it takes energy to move the split shot as well as the indicator in an inline system. If a fish bites the last fly in your rig, a fish has to eat so aggressively that it moves the next fly up, the weight, the water tension of a tapered leader, before registering a bite on the indicator. The other major downside to this is the tapered leader and how it creates drag in the water. Now let’s look at the Euro rig and how we got to the rig that is sold in fly shops today. The difference between the indicator rig and a Euro rig, is that everything is tied inline and it is

extremely sensitive since all the weight is removed. Remember it takes mass to move mass and when you remove mass on your leader strike registration goes way up. A Euro leader is a continuous leader, without any breaks, that tapers down finer to your indicator and levels out with very fine tippet to your flies to assist with sink rate because there is far less drag on fine tippet than a tapered leader.

by Russell Miller

Flies and fly weight become extremely important because tungsten beads and lead are built into the fly and are how you dive down to your preferred depth. This is the same way you would add or subtract weight from your indicator rig. Here is a pro tip – learn how to fish as light as a fly possible, not just grab the bombs. Doing so will teach you how to sink a fly vs creating vertical drag with too heavy a fly. Having a great selection of flies with varying weights will ensure you can fish a variety of water types.

What about leaders? Much of the secret sauce when it comes to fishing these techniques is what type of leader you are putting on the end of your fly line or the level fly line. The leader you pick is more important than the fly line in my opinion. Your leader will need to suit your needs for versatility and sensitivity. For many years my go to leader was a great all-around leader designed to allow for all styles of fishing to happen. It does nymphs well, larger bushy dry flies, jigged streamers, and most anything else you want to fish. Here is the leader formula:

6’ 12lb butt section > 4’ 8lb, 2’ 6lb, 2’ 3x Sighter > Tippet Ring – 2-6’ level tippet 5-7X > surgeon knot > flies A micro leader is awesome for times when you know you will strictly be fishing nymphs when drift and strike detection need to be maximized. It is horrible to fish a single dry with or even casting fluffy dry dropper rigs. This one is not easily picked up and fished, but it is a performer for the task. There is virtually zero sag in the line and since the weight has been removed from the “leader” so flies do not get pulled back towards you at distance effecting their drift. Here is the micro leader formula:

14’ of 3X sighter material > tippet ring > 2-6’ level tippet 6-7X > surgeon knot > flies Trouble casting this level line and fine rig? This next section is for you. I love casting a fly rod and a line, watching a loop unfold is a thing of beauty. While you don’t get to watch tight loops unroll in front of you, you still get the opportunity to haul the line, do aerial mends, and be precise in your casting. All still rewarding and all require a high level of proficiency to achieve the best presentation possible. The mechanics of the cast are like any other single-handed cast; good casters will adapt to casting a level fly line and weighted nymphs. The secret to accuracy is waiting and not rushing the cast. How many times has that been said for any fly cast? Another pro tip is that you have to follow the 180-degree principal, where your forward cast can only go the opposite direction of your back cast. I see people try and defy physics all the time and accuracy just goes out the window.

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PHOTO BY Jakob Burleson

As with all things casting, your cast sets you up for actual fishing. When we perform a tuck style cast to drive nymphs into the water, we need to have a high rod tip to preform that action. That same high rod tip is what will set you up for depth control as well as strike detection as your nymphs fall through the water column. When your tip is high you can drop it, but when it has already fallen on your forward cast you have to pull line out of the water. This pulls your flies as a result, not something you want to do. A high tip allows you to sink your flies and feel early strikes with a taught line. So often when your flies crash through the surface it gets fish looking and they take a swipe, but far too often I watch strikes go undetected because of poor line/rod management.

Now that your flies are in the water, how do you go about fishing them? Instead of a bobber or a dry fly moving on the surface current, we have what is called a sighter. This piece of colored tippet is our visual cue to know how and where our flies are being fished, I consider the strike detection secondary to what it tells me about fly position. Reading the indicator is a key to success as it makes sure that you are drifting with the water speed that is below the surface, where your flies are, not reading the surface current. Watching a slight belly of the sighter is a mega pro tip. That belly will straighten out when you get a bite, but also tells you if you are pulling your flies too fast (it will appear taught or straight), or if it builds up, it means you are out of contact with your flies. To read the sighter you watch the belly and the angle of the

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sighter. In very shallow areas like riffles, I will have a low angle between the surface current and my rod tip, and my sighter will be at a 45-degree angle or less. For slow deep spots, I will keep a very high rod tip creating a slow deep presentation and my sighter will sometimes be dead vertical at 90 degrees. You can go between and blend these angles too. For instance, when fishing a drop off I can keep a low sighter angle as it comes through the riffle and as I hit the drop off and want to have my nymphs follow the drop I will hold my tip high in place, my sighter becomes vertical, and the nymphs roll down the drop. I tend to fish a spot in three ways when nymphing before feeling like I have covered the water. Dead drift - where I just match the speed of the depth of water I am fishing, as you go down through the water it moves slower. Thin tippet helps to cut through the surface tension and not affect the speed of your drift nearly as much, allowing your bugs to behave as naturally as possible. Active nymphing - is where I will take and bounce my rig gently off the very tip of my rod. The quick rising and falling of the flies can be extremely effective to elicit a reaction to a fly. Often times when the dead drift does not get a bite this technique will. Invert the sighter – to perform this one I cast and keep my tip high, let my flies begin to drift and instead of tracking the drift with the rod, I let the sighter start to pendulum and swing out underneath itself. This inversion of sorts allows the flies to

Russell’s Euro Recommendations Euro Fly Rod

Sage ESN 3100

Euro Fly Reel

Sage ESN Reel

Leader

The Phantom X Euro Leader is what I see most people using and for good reason. Flies from 20-12 fish very well with this leader. If you had to rig up one leader to go and fish for trout nearly any place in the world this would be the one. It does it all very well and allows you to really fish all methods well – single dry, dry/dropper, double nymph, swung soft hackles, or micro streamers. Once you become comfortable, consider moving to the micro leader.

Rigging & Tippet

6’ 12lb butt section – 4’ 8lb, 2’ 6lb, 2’ 3x Umpqua Sighter – Tippet Ring – 2-6’ level tippet 5-7X – surgeon knot – fly

Flies

Umpqua’s Bomb Series Umpqua’s Blow Torch designed by Devin Olsen Umpqua’s Silver Bullet designed by Lance Egan

really pause down deep before they start to swing up towards the surface. A completely different presentation once again. When people ask me about getting into Euro nymphing I ask them a couple of questions.

‘Do you like the tight line grab you get when swinging a soft hackle?’ ‘When streamer fishing, do you love to make your fly come to life and put it into fishy spots and swim it out?’ Well, this technique is a combination of those things. You get to fully manipulate your drift and put flies directly into the spots you believe fish to be living and when they jump on the hook, you feel the take into the cork the same way that a swung fly feels. It can be addictive. Consider this technique as an opportunity to expand your angling horizons. Learning to Euro nymph is a great way to add a rod to the quiver and do something different. Consider this the yin to the yang of casting. I enjoy doing this as much as I like fishing my two-hander for steelhead. For me, as a student of the sport of fly fishing, Euro nymphing has provided the opportunity to better understand trout and the sport of fly fishing by using an approach pioneered and ably practiced by our friends across the pond.

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TAKE OUT THE

LOWER FOUR

STAND UP FOR THE SNAKE RIVER SALMON 18

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WWW.TU.ORG/LOWERSNAKE

UMPQUA FUEL YOUR FIRE Our “Fuel Your Fire” series examines what motivates us to get out on the water whenever the opportunity presents itself. In this year’s edition, we talked with our friends at Umpqua Feather Merchants who are located right here in Louisville, Colorado. Umpqua is a key partner as they continue to drive innovation in fly design and production, hook design, pack innovation, fly storage and the tools we use every day on the water.

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Jeff Fryhover – President/CEO WILD PLACES What started as an exciting adventure for a young boy spending time with his grandfather, has turned into a lifelong journey of chasing wild places. In those days, I never dreamed that I would have the opportunity to fish all over the world, but that’s part of the magic of chasing wild places. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that ‘wild places,’ doesn’t necessarily mean a desolate river on the Kamchatka peninsula, or a pancake flat in southern Belize, although they most definitely qualify. Sometimes it’s hiking to an alpine lake in the dark, just to start the morning with sunrise coffee from a Jetboil stove. Finding a new wild place can simply mean turning down that dirt road I’ve passed so many times on the way to the river. Sometimes, it’s taking a break in the middle of the green drake hatch to admire the rings on the water. For nothing says God like spending time in his creation, and for me, these wild places are my church.

Jakob Burleson – Marketing Coordinator The American West There are a select few places on this blue planet of ours that command my thoughts and passions as much the American West does. A land once inhabited by nomadic native tribes, larger than life characters and an incredibly rich history both tragic and celebrated. It just so happens that there are seemingly endless fisheries throughout this region that offer incredible sights and beautiful fish. Exploring these lands via waterway and with rod and camera is the fuel to my unwavering passion for fly fishing and the places it takes me. From the banks of central Oregon rivers, the shores of Yellowstone lake to local waters here in Colorado, I live for these places and the cast of a rod and the flick of a shutter.

Mike Brewer – Regional Sales Rep THE EAT Look the other way to check up on a buddy or grab a snack out of the cooler and you may miss it, but those few seconds when a fish rises to your dry fly or smashes a streamer are tough to beat. Sure, they could miss the fly completely, give it a bump or take a natural bug close by to leave you hanging, but it’s tough to beat the feeling once you’ve successfully fooled and hooked a fish. Whether it’s trout in a tailwater, a tarpon on the flats, or bluegill in your local pond, it’s hard to beat anything else quite like it that sends shivers down your spine and keeps you up at night planning your next trip.

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Geri Norton – Administration Manager Emersion I could make a near endless list of things that fuel my fishing fire. Throwing hoppers at the banks of the Madison, the salt spray while on plane in a flats boat, or chasing monster browns on those notto-be-named rivers that so few know about. One would be hard pressed to find a better way to spend a morning than waist deep in the Yellowstone during a drake hatch. Or, pulling off in an eddy on the Colorado and watching trout continuously sip those miniscule bugs swirling in the foam. If one is truly passionate about fly fishing, it’s hard not to find things that fuel your fishing fire…even something as simple as the almost overwhelming smell of sunscreen when you flip the lid open on the boat bag. And although the list is near endless, the top of that list is in no doubt…those long drives down washboard, dead end, dirt roads that lead to a remote campsite and miles and miles of near uninhabited river on public land.

Cameron Johnson – Dealer Services EXPLORING ALPINE LAKES Being in Colorado we have endless amounts of high country to explore. There is nothing I enjoy more than packing up the ol’ backpack and heading out on the trail for a weekend of backpacking and catching cutthroat trout. The hike, elevation gain, and weight of the pack are all worth it once you get to lay your eyes on that lake and ridgeline you’ll be fishing under. Watching a cutthroat come from the depths to take a dry fly while being surrounded by jagged peaks just makes me feel like I am right at home and where I should be. The serenity, mountains, and joy of having a fish on just never gets old. Top that off with a campfire, friends, and cold beer you are in for a good time that make you look forward to the next alpine adventure!

Will O’meara – Buyer Travel Fishing for me has always been my catalyst to travel, it has taken me to beautiful glacier fed rivers, high alpine lakes, sagebrush filled mountain landscapes, and desolate desert oases. I’m pulled toward the remote dirt roads, that lead to middle of nowhere trout rivers, have little or no draw for anyone other than fishermen and I would never have had the opportunity to see these places without the draw of catching trout. But what makes fishing so special is that it creates a bridge that allows you to go from being an observer to interacting with these environments, from the intimate feel of wading and casting a 3wt in a small canyon creek, to floating though the wide-open landscapes of a large river. Despite fishing being the end goal, the travel, planning and locations that are a part of every fishing trip are part of the greater overall experience that fuels me to keep fishing.

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WHEN EDUCATION BECAME IMPORTANT Historically, I’ve been a learner and teacher.

My background as a Physical Therapist has always lent itself to teaching. When I dive into something, I go head first, to the tilt, and want to learn it all. Naturally, fly fishing was no different for me. As I entered into the sport and it quickly took hold of me, I knew I needed intentional mentors, information, and education. When I sought out good avenues for this, it was difficult to find, seemingly intimidating, and oftentimes not convenient. Through this experience, I realized there was not a good place or organized format for learning to fly fish. Our sport and lifestyle have grown by the thousands through a unique time. During this time, Trouts has been fortunate to interact with many new and advancing anglers. While traveling the path of helping the new angler find their best options for their journey, I’ve been brought back to what influenced me as I stepped into the flyangling world. There were so many basic, intermediate, and advanced skills and information to learn, gain confidence, and be competent in. In light of this realization, I took advantage of what information was available online in social media formats, courses, and learning from those I interacted and networked with that I recognized as experts in their lane. I quickly decided I wanted to help fill this gap for others and myself in a similar situation.

people to experience a journey within a lifestyle that had meaningfully and positively affected me. Enter Trouts Fly Fishing. I started with Trouts in 2019 with an intent to grow an already established education program. The Trouts team knows the impact of learning to build trust and provide a high-quality customer experience. In the past two and a half years, we have added multiple in-store classes, on-water schools, and varying private and group education experiences. With the variation of interests and expertise among our staff, we are able to cover a larger variety of topics – fresh, salt, warm water, specific fly fishing techniques, learn to fly fish experiences, and more specialized topics like fly tying and knots.

by courtney despos

We have created pathways for any angler, never-ever to advanced, to seek out additional information and hone their skill set. We have made our classes approachable and accessible through in person, online, classroom, and outdoor styles. Our instructors and their specialties are paired with the right information and we aim to create personal relationships. When you participate in our classes and schools, we want to meet you where you are, understand your goals, and have you leave feeling more knowledgeable.

My transition into industry positions via the retail (shop) setting and the beginning of my Women’s Program was my first step to do this. I focused on making basic and intermediate information approachable and accessible. I also focused on connecting and networking people – something I have always enjoyed and found to be natural for myself. As my program grew upwards of 100-150 women, I began receiving inquiries from people outside of this specific setting wanting the same valuable information to listen, learn from, and apply. It was through these repetitive inquiries that I began to grasp the need to serve a wider and more diverse crowd. I did not need to know it all or even be good at it all, but I did want to influence, impact, and lead others to high quality knowledge. I wanted to empower and increase competence directly or indirectly. Ultimately, this would allow

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CARP FISHING ON THE DENVER SOUTH PLATTE: THEN AND NOW by Will Rice with Barry Reynolds and Rick Mikesell There are a lot of things fly anglers might disagree upon when it comes to fishing for carp on Denver’s South Platte River. One word that might be an exception: evolution. Things have certainly changed on the river over the years. I sat down with Barry Reynolds and Rick Mikesell to talk about fishing for carp – then and now – and the evolution of the South Platte River. Will Rice (WR): Can you tell readers about how and when you got into fly fishing for carp on the South Platte River? Barry Reynolds (BR): I grew up catching carp in the creeks of Texas so fishing for carp has long been in my blood. Fly fishing for them was another story and one that evolved over time and with experimentation. I’d rather not date myself but since you asked, the first time

I started fishing the South Platte River in the metro area was 1978. At first it wasn’t for carp but instead I was fishing for brown trout. We had found an area just below Chatfield Reservoir where there was a big bend that produced really large brown trout on a regular basis. I figured there must be more pockets of these fish further downstream and closer to Denver. While I didn’t find any more hidden pockets of big browns, I did discover carp and the occasional bass. I found solitude, and in some areas picturesque water loaded with big untouched fish. And so, the obsession began with river carp and it continues still today.

in the river and quickly became determined to catch them.

Naively thinking the fly rod was the only way to do it, I got a cheapo Scientific Anglers 8-wt package, and dove in headfirst. After struggling for about three months without success, I distinctly remember the first grab, just below the pedestrian bridge at Confluence Park. I put a Beck’s Supper Bugger way in front of a fish, it moved about six feet to the fly, and the fish absolutely lit it up. Not knowing how to fight big fish, I snapped the tip of the cheapo combo rod and had to fight it with just the butt section. I walked away shaking Rick Mikesell (RM): In college, I was doing in excitement. From then on, of course with a lot of conventional bass fishing at the local some upgrades in gear and thinking, it was lakes and ponds around town. Between classes, all consuming. To this day, it is a constant, I would walk to the South Platte River right nagging, unwavering desire to find fish and to next to campus and see huge carp swimming see them eat my fly.

“THE OBSESSION BEGAN WITH RIVER CARP AND IT CONTINUES STILL TODAY” 24

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WR: What’s your approach to fishing for carp now? Have things changed fundamentally on the river for the good or the bad? BR: Let’s start with the river and the water quality. Today the river is much cleaner as tremendous amounts of debris and trash have been removed making the river through town much more visually appealing. With the efforts of Denver Trout Unlimited it is cleaner than it’s ever been. Along the same line, the water quality continues to improve for many of the same reasons as well as the fact that there is less dumping going on. In addition, some of the stream improvements that have been done in different sections have also helped improve the fishery. Other things that have changed include the evolution of fly designs that are specifically geared for carp. These imitate specific carp prey items such as crayfish, clams, and leeches. More importantly these flies are designed to be fished where the carp feed most often, close to the bottom in the substrate. The downfall to all of this is quite simple though, more anglers equal more pressure equals smarter, tougher carp. The carp in the South Platte are becoming spookier and harder to catch due to the pressure and the number of anglers pursuing them today. RM: The fishing itself has not changed much at all. The recipe for success remains the same: find happy fish, present your fly and make it look like food, and if things all align, watch the fish eat and set. The river

itself has become more challenging, as pressure has increased over the years. Of course, flies, and gear quality and angling ability has increased greatly, but aside from being a better caster, I still fish very much the way I did in the early days. WR: Have your on-the-water strategies changed from when you began? Do you still find fish in the same places?

“THE CARP IN THE SOUTH PLATTE ARE BECOMING SPOOKIER AND HARDER TO CATCH...”

BR: Locating carp is a fairly simple process, find any slack water areas or sections of the river lacking much current and you are likely to locate some carp milling about. That said, we’re not just looking for any carp but instead we are looking for feeding carp. Once you learn to locate prime feeding areas you will be well on your way to success. Feeding areas consist of pools, flats, tailouts, bridge pilings or any other area where the carp can hold and feed comfortably without fighting strong currents.

RM: The river’s geography has changed quite a bit and continues to do so. Much of it is natural, as sediment moves, and fills, but also there has been a ton of positive stream improvements. That has made it a much more hospitable home for all fish species. The good news in carp fishing is that it doesn’t really matter that much. Carp do not assign themselves to named runs and holes as trout do. They are good at eating and move where there is food. A flat that was flush with fish a few days ago, or even a few hours ago may be vacant when you get there, as the fish have moved to where there is more food. As such the strategy remains the same: pick a walkable stretch, walk it looking for happy, actively feeding fish, present to those fish, and once all shots are exhausted, jump in the car or or back on your bike and move to another walkable stretch. Editor’s Note: to learn more about sight fishing and “viewing lanes” in rivers, check out Landon Mayer’s article on page 45. Alot of those same trout sight fishing tactics can be applied on Denver’s South Platte River for carp. WR: What were some of the biggest fishing challenges you had back when you started? BR: My earliest challenges with carp on the fly mostly stemmed around fly selection followed by presentation. Early on there was very little information about “fly fishing for carp” and most information found stemmed around bait fishing techniques. As I began the slow tedious (but fun and challenging) self-education process I began to experiment with flies that would mimic what was available in the South Platte River.

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As I began the slow tedious (but fun and challenging) self-education process. I began to experiment with flies that would mimic what was available in the South Platte River. I found everything from crayfish to clams and leeches. I tied a variety of wooly buggers in size and color and I experimented with flash as well. I quickly learned both color and flash were vitally important in carp flies, too much flash and the fish spooked, too bright of color and the fish spooked. I quickly settled into more subdued tones of olive, black and rusty browns and found the carp far more receptive to the flies in these color ranges. I then turned my attention to how to properly weight my flies so I could get them down in front of feeding carp. There is one more very important factor we have to work through: observation. You need to watch the fish and how they behave and how they react. How a carp moves can and will teach you everything you need to know about how, when, where to present the fly. RM: The biggest challenge for a long time, and still so today, was not being that great of a caster. The window to present is so tiny, and multiple false casts will spook a fish, so learning to be accurate and present quickly with only one, maybe two false casts is critical. As I became a better caster, I caught more fish. It’s always a joy to fish with Barry as he is an excellent fly caster. I love watching him work, as he is so direct and efficient with his presentations, and that is where I’d like to evolve someday. WR: When I first started, I was throwing a 9-wt and chartreuse clouser minnows (without much success). Now I’m primarily using a six weight and much smaller flies. How has gear, equipment, tackle and flies changed? RM: Fly rods and reels, leader and tippet are the best they have ever been, and maybe ever will be right now. For all but the biggest and fastest of fish, gear is stronger, lighter, more powerful, and more durable than ever. I can choose any American made fly rod or reel off the rack, and know, outside of personal action preferences, that I am getting the best. You cannot ask for much more from a gear perspective. BR: For me this is where very little has changed. I started with a six-weight and still use a six-weight today. Fly lines, specialty lines are now designed for specific types of fishing and this allows us to present weighted flies better and more accurately. For fly line colors, I started with greens and yellows and now have started using more subdued colors like moss or khaki (stealthy colors). Obviously there have been big improvements in leader quality and types since I started and primarily use fluorocarbon leaders that are 9ft in length. Fluorocarbon is more abrasion resistant and that is really important in the harsh conditions of the South Platte.

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WR: I remember when I first started fishing I never saw anyone fly fishing on the metro section of the South Platte – except that one time I ran into a guy named Barry Reynolds and he had a film crew with him. Now we have a lot more anglers on the river. In addition to just the volume of anglers, has the culture changed? RM: It’s crazy how we define pressure. In the old days, it was exciting to run into another angler on the river, as there were so few of us doing it, it was nice to meet someone like minded. Now, if I show up in a stretch and there is one other angler, I get flustered. While we don’t have it to ourselves anymore, it is very exciting to see the Denver South Platte finally getting the respect it deserves. It is not an easy place to fish and requires some dedication to learning its intricacies, and the more invested advocates we have for the fishery, the bigger the voice for continued attention and improvement of the river. BR: This has probably changed more than any other aspect of carp on the fly. When I first started giving seminars and presentations about fly fishing for carp, I actually had people get up and walk out. Some twenty years later I have given talks on the same subject to full houses where 300 or more people would cram into an area to watch the same presentation. As anglers slowly began to experiment with warm water opportunities around the metro area, they caught the occasional carp and soon learned and discovered what a select few of us knew all along: South Platte carp are big, strong fighters that will test your tackle and your wits at the same time. What’s not to love?

To learn more about fly fishing for carp or to start your own evolutionary journey on the South Platte River, stop by Trouts Fly Fishing. Or, check out page 77 for more information about Carp School. This is a comprehensive fly fishing class where our expert instructors provide you with the knowledge and on-water tactics to increase your success when pursuing this worthy gamefish.

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CRUSH VARIABLES. We partnered with Elite Ambassador Mike Schultz to develop the ultimate action for tucking accurate casts under obstacles and properly animating large articulated streamers on the retrieve. Built to Schultz’s specifications, these ultra-versatile tools are designed from the ground up to crush variables and maximize angler performance on the water.

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NEW TO FLY FISHING?

First and foremost, let’s be clear about one

by tanner smith

thing: we are here to help. Just like any introduction to a new hobby we understand being brand new. You should see some of us play golf or ride a bike. Our goal is to help customers break down any preconceived notions about fly fishing being overly challenging to learn or cost prohibitive. When it comes to fly fishing, it is easy for new and novice anglers to research things online. Youtube and blogs can be great resources to get started in fly fishing. However, there is also so much content out there that the same benefits of these sources can create a ton of questions. What do I need to get started? Is a fly rod and reel all I need? Where can I even go fly fishing? How do I set up my fly rod? What flies are the fish biting on? Well, where should I start? At Trouts, we believe in keeping it simple. Fly fishing should always be fun and relaxing. Nothing ruins a day on the water more than overthinking it. Below are a few gear essentials to consider. Fly rods come in an almost endless variety of sizes. Here in Colorado the most versatile fly rod is a 9-foot, 5-weight. This will have you covered from the countless small creek, high alpine and major river fly fishing opportunities Colorado has to offer. For the reel any corresponding 5-weight reel loaded with a floating 5-weight line will suffice. Generally, 5-weight fly reels will come in a 4-5 or 5-6 offering. Both options will work. Tapered leaders and tippet are next when it comes to gear essentials. Leaders are what anglers use to connect their fly line to tippet and flies. The most common leader sizes in Colorado are 4X and 5X in either 7-½ or 9-foot lengths. Corresponding tippet sizes in 4X, 5X or 6X in either nylon or fluorocarbon will get the job done. Now to the fun part. Flies are what the fish eat. Many people are already familiar with dry flies; this is the classic fly fishing image of a fly floating on water when a fish comes up and eats it. Dry fly eats are great, but in reality, 80% of a fish’s diet takes place underneath the surface of the water. Subsurface flies are called nymphs and will generally be your most productive flies.

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Are there different types of flies? Yes, there are hundreds of different fly designs. The good news is that a well-presented fly will often trump having the right fly selection. As a beginner, be observant on the water. If you see fish feeding on the surface, pay close attention to size, shape and color of the insect the trout are feeding on. If there aren’t fish feeding up top then nymphing will be the best option. Arguably the most enjoyable aspect of fly fishing is simply being on the water. Being comfortable while you are fishing is an often-overlooked aspect. This is where a good pair of waders and boots come into play. During the hot summer months these are not necessary pieces of gear, but if you plan on fishing in Colorado year-round a good pair of breathable chest waders and wading boots are worth the investment. Wading boots will be appropriately soled to provide stability while walking on uneven terrain or wading across slick boulders. Another essential piece of fly fishing gear is a good pair of polarized sunglasses. Sunglasses have many functions on the water. First, they protect your eyes from a potentially errant cast which can lead to a hook in the eye. More functionally they cut down surface glare and allow you to see into the water in effort to better target fish. Lastly, having the ability to cut down the glare, sunglasses will help you navigate the river when wading. This will help you see where you are stepping and keep you solid on your feet. Below is a quick checklist before you head out on the water, here’s the essential gear to consider for a successful day of fly fishing in Colorado. • • • • • • •

9-foot, 5-weight fly rod, reel and line Tapered leaders & tippet Dry flies, nymphs & streamers Breathable waders & wading boots Polarized sunglasses Line nippers Pliers/hemostats

Remember, Colorado’s fishing season is 365 days a year. With more than 6,000 miles of rivers and streams, 200 lakes and reservoirs spread throughout the state there is no shortage of places to fish.

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PHOTO BY Erik Myhre

FABLE OF THE SALT By Cameron Scott

Lover of the long-shot, under-dog, inexplicable. Curious way this round globe is held in space like a dream, and how un-dreamlike some days are. Evaporated, crystalline, stinging as this body loses and accumulates, accumulates and loses. An ocean of life. An unattainable star. To extract each fish from memory and build a fallible mound is to be buried in history. Accumulation of sweat. Accumulation of tears. This single, impure conception of self.

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PHOTO BY Erik Myhre

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WHERE MY DOG NOW SLEEPS A small creek runs just a few yards behind my

by will rice photo by copi vojta

house. When I first laid eyes on the water it was late spring and the flow was raging. It doesn’t look like a fishy creek – it’s too skinny, there are too many random boulders, very few long runs and it is claustrophobically overgrown with conifers and other twiggy branched trees. Later in the summer as the flows relaxed and the grass turned from dirt brown to rich green, I noticed the white fin tips of a small brook trout tucked behind a rock resting in an equally small pool. I observed him quietly as he ate small midges and doomed blue-winged olives that floated lazily into his kill zone where he picked them off, one-by-one. My dog and I sat and watched him for at least thirty minutes. Then the sun began to set and cast a dark shadow over the water, erasing the trout’s existence to the naked eye - and my old dog fell asleep. Not far from my house the same small waterway runs into a larger yet rather short freestone river. Here, the water opens up and provides some solid fishing opportunities. High peaks loom overhead and provide habitat and winter grazing for elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. High above peregrine falcons, bald eagles and red tail hawks soar and hunt. Rainbows, brown trout, brook trout and cutthroat, all share this water. This was one of my dog’s favorite rivers and she loved getting her feet and belly wet whenever she had the chance. Although she was my first, she wasn’t really a good fishing dog. But she certainly liked to fish. This was a conflict she shared with her master. Many a perfect fishing hole was trounced, a few fish were knocked off the hook, and other anglers were barked at for encroaching on our fishing waters. I’ll admit I didn’t mind her barking and scaring off other anglers. From that larger freestone creek that my dog so loved, the water flows and meets up with a proper river. This is predominately rainbow and brown territory and the brown trout will show you a thing or two if you are not on you’re A game. And that bigger river eventually dumps into the largest river in our state. It starts as a trickle on the spine of the Rockies and runs to the border of Utah. From there the Colorado River flows southwest all the way to Mexico. Last fall we lost my not-so-good fishing dog.

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After a few weeks on my mantle, we poured her ashes into that small creek behind my house and watched the plume of grey tumble down around those crowded rocks and boulders. Almost every day I walk by that creek and wonder how far she’s made it. Is she swimming in the Colorado? Has she reached the border of Utah? Is she doggy paddling in Lake Powell? Is her spirit running, jumping, and barking at people somewhere near the Sea of Cortez? But mostly I think of her when I look at a photo hanging on my wall. I put my two fingers together. I reach out - I touch that front paw. And I know that this is where my dog now sleeps.

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THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING

PROUDLY MADE IN MONTROSE, CO, U.S.A. ROSSREELS.COM

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TARPON JUJU JUJU [JOO-JOO] NOUN - AN EMANATING AURA OR SUPERNATURAL FORCE It’s often questioned by people not so enamored by

fly fishing and its various techniques and species: what is the allure of catching a fish only to release it? For a fly fisherman this is not a hard question to answer. It’s the pure thrill of finding the fish, using the right fly and then tricking the fish into eating and more importantly, maybe seeing the fish eat your fly. I’m on an airplane, not going anywhere overly glamorous. But the glamour and excitement of the species I will be hunting for the next ten days will keep me plenty occupied. What species? Tarpon. In my opinion, tarpon are the most addictive species you can fish for on the fly. I’ll be honest though, if it’s in the salt or a new place or species, all fly fishing can be quite addictive. If you have ever had a “shot” at a tarpon, you might just have this addiction. Whether it was the perfect cast or one that wasn’t so perfect, you probably understand the feeling of the adrenaline rush. And most importantly, you were able to see the beast we call “the Silver King.” Just seeing one can give anyone anxiety or “buck fever.” Then, if one of these fish actually eats your fly…well your life as you know it, will be changed forever. First off, let’s talk about gear. This gear is not your ordinary fishing gear. This gear needs to stand up to some serious beasts. The fly rod needs to be a whuppin’ stick. Think of a ten to twelve weight fly rod. Some people are using ten weights, but I would recommend an eleven or twelve weight to help yourself and the fish. You don’t want to have to fight these fish longer than you have to. Then pair this whuppin’ stick with a finely mechanically engineered piece of fish fighting gear -a machined fly reel to match your rod's weight and fly line. Think of a big game sealed drag system to keep out the salt water with lots of stopping power.

Match your fly line to your rod and reel and in most situations, a floating line is preferred. But if you have multiple fly rods, sometimes a sinking tip and or intermediate line can be used for certain situations.

by zeke hersh

Now we want to talk about the leader and tippet. There are a lot of pre-made leaders out there. And if you are going for world records or tippet class records those prefabricated leaders exist. That said, these options can be hard on tarpon for how long you may have to fight these fish to get them in without breaking the line. For myself and a lot of tarpon anglers, just using straight fluorocarbon is all you really need. Have a couple spools of sixty to eighty-pound fluorocarbon in your bag. My friends like to use eighty-pound and call it “straighty.” It’s literally just ten or so feet of eighty-pound fluorocarbon. Learn to tie the perfection loop and nonslip mono loop knot and now you have your connections down. What flies to use? There are a lot of options out there including cockroaches, toads, and traditional patterns - then add in all the different colors. In my experience, having a few tarpon toads in purple and black, red and black and pink and black should cover many situations. I like flies to not be too heavy or too light. Just heavy enough to sink a couple feet deep in a few seconds. Sure, heavier and lighter flies can have their place but most of the time something in the middle seems to work best. Lastly, you need a good pair of polarized glasses. I like a blue mirrored glass lens with a grey tint. These seem to save my eyes some fatigue at the end of the day. Another good option is a glass lens with a green mirrored lens in a brown tint. These lenses are a good all-around and perform well in multiple light conditions. Now, let’s talk about execution. Tarpon fishing is hard, uncomfortable, exhausting and time consuming. You will spend all day staring at the sea, literally staring at the sea, or shallow sandbars where you expect the fish to be swimming. You will see things, see illusions, you will see tarpon sea grass, and if you're lucky and in the right spot, you’ll see a fish – and sometimes many. If you see fish, you may have to pole after them, or your guide or buddy may pole the boat to a better casting position. Then you take your shot. The trick is to be patient enough to not cast too soon as the fish may change direction. Then get the fly in the right position, let it soak for a few seconds before you give your strip and hope the beast is interested in your tiny offering.

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This all sounds easy enough, but after hours staring at the sea and finally seeing one, this can be quite challenging with “buck fever” coming over you and the pure sight of this amazing creature. Oh, and did I mention you can’t be too patient and let the fish get too close. Or boom! ‘She gone!’ You might see large pods and groups of fish. These fish could be “daisy chaining” or cruising in large numbers. These large groups can be quite exciting to see but tend to be somewhat challenging to get to eat your fly. You literally might get ten casts at a group and not one will be interested. The hope is to get a fish to peel off and eat your fly. Any shot at a tarpon is cherished like gold, but I have only coaxed a few off these larger schools in my life. What I am really looking for is the smaller groups. Groups of ten, five, three, two and singles. I’m looking for slower moving ‘happy fish.’ If you see these groups, you

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have a great chance of putting it all together. A funny thing in my experience and with many people who fish for tarpon, is you can literally see a fish or group coming down the bar and just know, ‘Oh these fish are eaters.’ Is this going to happen on your first and only tarpon trip? Maybe – if you have some good tarpon juju working for you. But the reality is that you have to put your time in for tarpon. The first time I visited Florida and was shown around by a good buddy, I saw fish, had shots at fish, but just could not find a happy fish. Even though I didn’t ‘jump’ a fish, I was hooked on tarpon fishing. Over the years, I traveled to Florida many springs and early summers to fish with my buddy Mike. At the time this guy was doing stuff no one was doing. Mike was going after tarpon off the beach in canoes and setting ladders up on the sandbars at passes. This was

a precursor to what most people are doing with skiffs and fly fishing in many parts of Florida. We jumped many fish using those unorthodox techniques and the addiction was there. As life goes, it was quite a few years since I had been back to saltwater fishing. Then I had a couple invitations from Mike to visit the Everglades on a houseboat adventure. A year or so later, I found myself with an open winter and Mike invited me down to stay on the houseboat, get some sea time and get a captain's license. I did just that with anticipation of the spring and early summer tarpon season. The addiction was back! That winter in Florida pursuing an achievement and a creature I have always wanted to immerse myself in, was a dream come true. I learned so much, met great friends and cultivated an addiction for the salt and tarpon fishing.

Then next winter, I found myself with a year-round job with Trouts Fly Fishing. Now my addiction would have to be fed in small doses with meticulous timing. This timing is usually late May and early June for me. The tarpon are getting fired up and there usually is a lull in the action back in Colorado during the spring runoff. So, for a couple years now, that's what I have been able to do. It’s pretty hard to single out a couple of weeks and hope that the weather is good. It has to be good enough to have the sun out for a portion of the day. The real fun is seeing the fish cruising the bar, getting a cast to them and seeing them eat your fly. Sounds easy right? Well expect some disappointment.

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Somehow the last two trips have been nothing short of amazing. The first year, we probably fed twenty plus tarpon in a day. Don’t ever expect this! It just was one of those times you had to be there. My friends, who grew up in Florida, had never ever seen anything like this. This trip also broke three fly rods, two fly lines and a fly reel. When I started writing this article on my flight to Florida, I was filled with trepidation and anticipation of what might - or might not - happen. It was nothing like the trip two years ago, but better in many ways. I managed to jump one fish a day and leader one in the first three days (to ‘leader’ a fish is to get one close to the boat to touch the leader before a fish releases itself). My friends were telling me that I had ‘the good juju’ as this season the fish had been tight lipped. Good juju or not, in tarpon fishing that juju can disappear quickly. Or maybe it’s the self-doubt that appears quickly. I found myself on day four having four fish eat, but I could not come tight. This brings all kinds of questions to the mind. The first one: ‘Am I trying to trout-set a tarpon?’ This is the biggest saltwater no-no! Then, more questions of self-doubt. ‘Do I need to let them eat and then wait to come tight? Did I pull it out of the fish's mouth? Am I stripping too fast?’ There are so many thoughts that just start messing with your head which can bring a serious turnaround in your

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confidence and potentially a case of bad juju. Day four did a number on my confidence for sure and all of a sudden, I found myself on my last day tarpon fishing with my friends. I had already leadered a fish, jumped three and fed six. A huge victory in itself. But I was hoping to get my hands on a fish and the time was running out. Kevin told me to bring the good juju and I said: “I’m not sure I have it anymore.” The confidence I had from the year before was clearly shaken. Not long after that, what any seasoned tarpon fly fisherman likes to see - a single, kamikaze fish, that one hundred percent looks like an eater. I was able to make the cast, she turned, she followed, so close to the boat, she ate, I set the hook, she jumped, she took off a couple hundred yards of line, the reel screamed, she jumped again, we chased her down, we fought her hard, we pulled her head, we got down and dirty, and we put hands on her to remove the fly. SUCCESS!!! Put your time in, take the defeats and the triumphs with grace, sprinkle in a dash of good juju and you’ll fortunately (and unfortunately) have a sickness for life.

FI S Y L

ADVENTURES

GET BACK IN THE GAME

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PRECISION SIGHT FISHING One of my favorite times to sight fish for trout is

toward the end of a day when most people who tried to match the hatch are calling it quits. The blue bird skies and sun do make it easier to see trout, but it is just as easy for the fish to see you, and to be honest the true predator trout like to hunt under cover. On this specific day a storm was brewing in the distance from all the heat and I knew that the afternoon adventure could turn into a predator hunt in low light while dodging rain and lighting. The bite was slow at first while the winds cranked up to a challenging 30 mph as the storm showed its intensity and the skies above turned black. Just then - like someone hit a switch - the wind stopped and it was like we were standing in a dark room with the door cracked and a sliver of light crept in. With the dark sky reflecting off the water, the window of vision opened up on the river’s edge creating a chance to see if any predators were looking up. Within minutes we had our answer as a fish crashed at one of the bouncing caddis on the river’s surface. A few casts later I watched a butter-colored brown lift up and slash at my dry fly and the fight was on - running down river 100 yards through structure and watching the brown trout cartwheel two times. Finally, the prize fish slid into the net and it was such a sight knowing that I was the only angler on the water sight fishing in one of the biggest storms the summer had to offer. After a few more fish in the bag and after knocking back a cold Fat Tire Amber Ale, I reflected on the efforts to find fish under the cover of darkness and started planning the next trout hunting adventure. The following tips are techniques for sighting trout that go beyond looking for a detailed view of the whole fish. Once you build the confidence of knowing what to look for, the days will be filled with more targets than you can imagine.

Viewing Lanes and Windows A viewing lane is the most effective way to find trout in various waterways. It is a section of water upstream, downstream or in front of the angler that allows you to see into the water without glare or reflection of color on the surface of the river. The lane can often be four to eight feet wide, and the length can stretch from five feet in front of the angler to the other side of the river. Remember to position yourself on either side of the river until you have found the largest and clearest lane. Once you have found a good viewing lane you want to use that as your window to scan the river in search of trout. To do this walk upstream constantly looking into the viewing lane. This will allow you to approach the fish from behind and help to prevent spooking it.

When looking for fish, visibly cover the entire lane in front of you before walking upstream until you have thoroughly scanned all the water you are fishing. If the viewing lane is positioned downstream from you, keep a low profile and slow your pace down. Thoroughly cover the water; this will help to keep the fish from detecting you. Once you have located a fish in a lane angled downstream, remember the area the fish is in and reposition yourself parallel or at a downward angle from the fish before you make your presentation, this will again keep you from spooking the fish. By understanding viewing lanes when hunting trout, you will increase the chances of you seeing the fish before it sees you, this will increase your chances of hooking that trout.

by landon mayer

Searching for Body Parts The first and most important things to look for are the most visible parts of the trout’s body; they are closer to the surface and thus easier to detect. I always hunt for the top of the tail or the dorsal fin. Another advantage in locating these body parts, especially the tail, is that they move when the trout holds its position against the current or swims as if in still water. In dark water or locations with contrasting colors of water, the white of the trout’s mouth is a big giveaway to the fish’s location and a sign that it is actively feeding. I have found over the years that I sometimes see brighter colors of orange or pink inside the fish’s mouth. This is most common in large trout that have a high-protein diet, which changes the pigmentation of a trout’s body and the inside of its mouth. Instead of relying on body color to see fish, I look for mouth color of trout that are either feeding or so big that the inside of the lower jaw is exposed even when the trout attempts to close its mouth. Pectoral fins are another giveaway of holding trout. Because much of the trout’s belly color extends down into the pectoral fins, these objects are often exposed. Some of the best times to hunt trout are early and late in the day; these times supply great angled light that will penetrate the translucent fins, giving away the hidden target.

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Back Support The top of any trout’s body is designed to blend in with the river bottom, unlike the brightly colored undercarriage. It is common that the dark shades of blue, green, and browns will stand out in the river especially when it contrasts against a light portion of the river bottom. In the spring locating the dark targets of blue and green will help you not only locate more trout, you can also identify what species the trout is from the blue back of a rainbow, the green back of a brown, and a brown back of a cutthroat. Imagine a picture of a trout with a dark outline and detailed markings and color along the body. Now erase the outline and replace the detailed color and markings with watercolors of light blue or green. This is the subtle visual you want to keep in mind when looking for the silhouette of the trout below the surface. A silhouette is a rough, distorted, ghostly image that typically displays a light pastel shade of the trout’s body color. top photo by landon mayer

I think of the term “ghostly image” because every time I see a picture or video of a ghost, it has similar features: a light white color and a hazy image without an outline. These shaded objects are great for anglers that are color blind. Instead of seeing the color you are seeing the shade of the color whether it is bold, or soft.

Landon’s “Dotted Line” Method Once you have spotted the trout, the next challenge is to get into position to start casting. When you are approaching the fish, the most important thing is to keep a low profile. Often the excitement of seeing a quality trout in the waters will rattle the nerves of most of us. This makes it difficult to keep your cool and think of observing the area to find the best spot to be in position for casting to the fish. By keeping a low profile, you reduce the chance that the trout may detect you and get spooked. If you rush the situation and spook the fish, you lose the chance to cast to a feeding fish.

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When large trout are spooked, it often will take them up to five minutes to settle down and return to a feeding lane. By staying low and not making yourself visible in the trout’s viewing window, you will get the chance to cast to a happy, pressure-free fish. While trying to keep a low profile, it is critical to keep and maintain a constant visual of the fish if possible. This will give you the advantage of being able to adjust in case the fish moves while you are getting into position. Another benefit of keeping a visual is observing the fish’s behavior and seeing the fish take your fly. Most importantly by knowing where the fish is in the water, you will be able to find the best area to be in and the best place to approach and to cast to the fish. The “Dotted Line” technique is used to properly present the fly in the fish’s feeding lane, laying the foundation for a natural presentation, proper hookset, and ultimately, a successful hook-up. The “Dotted Line” technique consists of locating the trout, determining its depth in the water, visualizing the target area to cast to (which is accomplished by drawing an imaginary line from the trout’s mouth directly upstream approximately two to three feet), and then making the cast. If the correct cast is made and the fly lands in the target area, it will be perfectly aligned to drift right to the fish’s mouth. This technique can be used in all kinds of fishing scenarios (nymphing, dry flies, streamers etc.) and with a variety of fishing rigs. To get started with this technique, try a rig that consists of a single fly, a micro shot weight, and a pinch-on strike indicator. Seeing is believing, and once you start sight fishing the waters you believe trout are holding in, the rewards are endless. Give these visual tips a try and you will become a believer. I wish everyone success on and off the water.

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LIGHTER STRONGER SUPERIOR

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TOWN AND HIGH COUNTRY Who doesn’t enjoy a beer after a fun day of fishing? Whether you are in the high-country chasing trout on the Blue River near Frisco, or exploring the urban section of the South Platte river near downtown Denver, you are never far from a number of super-high-quality breweries.

by zeke hersh AND WILL RICE

Here are a few of our close-to-the-river beer picks – both in town and in the high-country.

RIVER NORTH BREWERY (2 LOCATIONS!)

photo by NATE SMITH

BLAKE STREET TAPROOM 3400 BLAKE STREET DENVER, CO WASHINGTON STREET TAPROOM 6021 N. WASHINGTON STREET DENVER, CO It is hard not to include River North Brewery in this review because it’s like giving our readers a BOGO if you are fishing the Denver South Platte and looking to cool off with a cold beer before, during or after a fishing session. If you’re fishing up river and closer to town you can drop by the Blake Street Taproom. If you are fishing further downstream you have the Washington Street Taproom option. Both serve up a fantastic variety of beer and are exceptionally close to the DSP. I have two personal favorites here. It will probably be of no surprise to anyone who knows me that I gravitate towards New England Style IPAs. This is typically my first choice whether I’m at the taproom or in one of my local wine, beer, and spirits shops here in Denver. River North’s “Mountain Haze” IPA hits the spot, especially if you are looking for a filtered IPA that isn’t too fruit and citrus forward. Released in 2016, here is what River North had to say about the “Mountain Haze” at the time it was introduced: “If you’ve hung out at our place at all recently, you know this beer. We’ve brewed half a dozen batches for the taproom, perfecting our technique and testing different hops, all building toward this release. Brewed with barley, wheat, oats and more than two-and-a-half times the dry hopping in Colorado IPA, Mountain Haze blankets the palate with an avalanche of Citra. Low on bitterness but big on juicy aromatics, it’s a haze fan’s newest obsession.” On hotter days or if I’m looking for something a little bit lighter and lower ABV, I’m wrapping my hand around a cold pint of their “Pils.” Fun Fact: the area around River North’s Washington Street taproom as well as this section of the South Platte River is crisscrossed with train tracks. Rumor has it, if you’re sitting at the bar when a train blows their horn, you’ll be rewarded with a shot of beer. Whether you are up or downstream on the Denver South Platte or just looking for a solid afternoon getaway, River North is a good stop to add to your itinerary.

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THE LONG TABLE BREW HOUSE 2895 FAIRFAX STREET DENVER, CO 80207 The Long Table Brewhouse is a short 4 miles from the banks of the South Platte River in the Park Hill neighborhood of Denver. This newly restored building has a taproom that can seat 50 inside and a spacious patio that serves up to 75 (fly fishing dogs are welcome). This seven-barrel brewery is relatively small but brews one of my favorite India Pale Ales in town – the Jazy (not “Jazzy”…. think “Hazy” but “Juicy+Hazy”). If you like vibrant and bright Northeast style IPAs, you’ll want to add the Long Table to your post-fishing itinerary. Here’s what the brewers of the Jazy had to say: “Hazy IPA is the moniker for New England IPA, which are turbid, or cloudy, by design, and feature the aromatic properties of the hops that are used, as opposed to traditional IPAs that once promoted the bittering nature of hops. The water is also “soft” from a dissolved solids standpoint. Some may argue that these soft, cloudy, fruitforward beers are not IPAs but another style all to themselves, but that is not for us to decide.” In addition to their tasty IPAs you’ll also find Ambers, Lagers, Saisons, Wits, and Porters. “Authentic to ourselves and our community, Long Table Brewhouse in Park Hill provides a beer for every palate,” said Nate Smith who works at Long Table. “We look forward to having a pint with you!” Stop by and sit down for a pint or take away a crowler of your favorite suds. The Long Table is open 12p-9p Tuesday through Saturdays and 12p-8p on Sundays (closed on Mondays). Fun Fact: before becoming a brewery, the building used to manufacture coffins – you can’t make that up!

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DENVER BEER CO 1695 PLATTE ST DENVER, CO 80202 Not that brewing beer is rocket science, but it can’t hurt to have a physicist and engineer from Lockheed Martin as one of your Master Brewers (AKA… a Rocket Scientist). It also doesn’t hurt to have a 5th generation Coloradoan at the co-helm to fully grasp and embrace the evolving landscape of the Mile-High City, local denizens as well as millions of visitors. For proximity points scored for being close to the river combined with great brews, and local vibe it’s hard not to stop by Denver Beer Co (DBC). "Our taprooms specialize in brewing innovative and seasonal beers made with the best ingredients,” said Steve Kurowski, Marketing Director at Denver Beer Co. “Along with our core menu, you can always expect a lineup of small batch, one-of-a-kind beers that pair perfectly with the Colorado lifestyle." On a recent visit to DBC I dabbled in two such fresh beer experiences: The Juicy Freak and the Incredible Pedal. Both are IPAs but pretty diverse on the nose and the palate. The Incredible Pedal is an American style IPA with floral and citrus aroma notes. It is not a “hop bomb” and ends the ride with a mellow grapefruit finish. On the flip side, it will be no surprise that the Juicy Freak – an East Coast style IPA – brings the juicy-juice (think mango, creamy orange, pear and other stone fruits). DBC is also a big supporter of the South Platte River and other fisheries here in Colorado – for good reason.

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"Clean water is important to Denver Beer Co and that is why we are members of Brewers for Clean Water, which protects the Clean Water Act and advocates for measures that safeguard our water source - the primary sources for the water we use to brew our beers include the South Platte, Blue River, Williams Fork and Fraser River watersheds,” said Kurowski. Fun Fact: Woof - dogs are always welcome at Denver Beer Co.

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OUTER RANGE BREWING COMPANY 182 LUSHER CT. FRISCO, CO 80443 This year I was asked to write a “Brew Review” of some of my favorite breweries in Breckenridge and Frisco. This was a no brainer and my answer was: ‘of course!’ I do love beer and the brewery environment. Maybe too much, I really don’t need any more excuses to indulge in tasty beer. For my first review, we are going to stick close to the Trouts Frisco location. The Outer Range Brewing Company is in the Lusher Ct. retail plaza – not far from the Whole Foods right off of I-70 and also close to the Blue River. The original brewery space was quite small, but in the last couple years they have added a huge amount of space, and the addition of Bird Craft, their in-house eatery. There is plenty of outside seating and also some great indoor dining seating as well. The Outer Range Brewing Company is well known for its hazy New England style IPAs but has some great Lagers, Belgiums and Sours. On top of the great beers and ambiance, Outer Range is now offering some excellent food options with their new eatery Bird Craft. Their Chicken Sandwich and Half Bird are the rave and they also have some pescatarian and vegetarian options. Pair any of these with a pint of “In the Steep” and you have a winning combination. They also have a great selection of their beers as cans to go if you want a few beers for the comfort of your home. Outer Range Brewing is open 3pm-10pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm-10pm Friday through Sunday. Fun Fact: These beers pack a punch, so make sure you hydrate as you might not be seeing straight after you leave.

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BROKEN COMPASS BREWING (TWO LOCATIONS!) BROKEN COMPASS BREWING 68 CONTINENTAL COURT UNIT B-12 BRECKENRIDGE, CO 80424 BROKEN COMPASS BREWING 520 S. MAIN ST. BRECKENRIDGE, CO 80424 Now we are going to make our way towards Breckenridge. I happen to live there and there are a few of my favorite breweries along the way.

As we’re headed to Breckenridge we can make a slight detour on Airport Road to the original location of the Broken Compass Brewery. They now have a location in town but the original is probably my favorite place to enjoy their beer. The warehouse feel of this taproom is what makes this experience unique. There is just a laid-back feeling and dogs are welcome inside and out. There is also outside seating and drinking options, you can bring in your own food or order from the various food trucks that frequent the location. Broken Compass Brewing offers a good mix of super tasty beers. Everything from Kolshs, Pilsners, Pales, Porters, Sours, East and West Coast IPAs. A couple standard favorites of mine are the Ginger Pale Ale and Coconut Porter. Stop by and sit down for your favorite style beer, pet some dogs and enjoy the Colorado weather, scenery and brewery scene. Broken Compass Brewing is open 11am-11pm Monday through Sunday at both locations. Fun fact: If you like beer as much as I tend to, the Broken Compass offers a free shuttle service on the weekends from 1pm-8pm. It’s called “The Lost Bus” and operates from downtown Breckenridge out to the taproom on Continental Ct, running primarily between the two taprooms.

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THE BRECKENRIDGE BREWERY 600 S. MAIN ST. BRECKENRIDGE, CO 80424 Well I made it home, but I am still thirsty and hungry. So, I might as well walk to another favorite watering hole and eatery, the Breckenridge Brewery. The Breckenridge Brewery is located at the very south end of main street in Breckenridge. The freestanding building has tons of indoor seating, a great bar, and seating outside as well. This is the original location of the brewery which opened in 1990. The Breckenridge Brewery offers a full run of beers from Lagers, Pilsners, Wheats, Ambers, Porters and IPAs. If beers are not your thing, the Breck Brewery is also offering some super tasty and potent seltzers. On top of the great beers, they have some of my favorite food in Breckenridge. I’m talking about honest pub fare and comfort food. You can’t go wrong with one of their burgers and a Vanilla Porter or my favorite double IPAs unique to the Breckenridge location. The “Two Planker” is simply a delicious double IPA. There have been a few occasions, I might have had one too many “Two Plankers” and was glad that I live within walking distance from the establishment. The Breckenridge Brewery is open daily from 11am to 8pm. The bar usually stays open later, but if you want to eat here, make sure you get there before 8pm. Fun Fact: Some great friends of mine work at the bar and there is a very good chance you might see me over at the local's corner (the very north end of the bar). Come by and say hi!

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR INFORMATION ON THESE BREWERIES

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ORVIS FLY RODS

INNOVATION AT EVERY LEVEL Rodsmith Lance Gould rolling magic in the Orvis Manchester, Vermont Rod shop.

The Orvis rod design philosophy has always begun at the end. It starts with the fish—or variety of fish—you’re targeting. We then back the design of every model out in a linear fashion, moving from fish to fly, then to what the cast ultimately needs to achieve and feel like. These are just a few of the many thoughts that consume our design teams as they balance strength- and accuracy-enhancing new technologies against the need for lighter weight and lean into years of conversations with anglers of all levels. Patterns start mediocrit is off-the-table in our process. Pushing the forefront of repeating themselves. Dots begin to connect. And nothing, save for mediocrity, modern rod design and development has additional benefits, and they go bigger than just celebrated Helios 3, Recon®, and Mission series. You’ll also notice even Clearwater® and Encounter rods cast and fish better than comparable models. That’s because Orvis rod innovations progress at such an incredible pace, technologies that were once new trickle down at an epic rate. True, our team’s relentless pursuit of innovative new technologies and industry-leading design may appear obsessive. But for 165 years, we've refused to have it any other way.

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MADE IN THE U.S.

SPECIALTY SERIES

Technical Euro Nymph

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CASHING IN ON THE STIMI CHECK In fly fishing, there are a host of flies that almost resemble a modern art piece. Then there are the other types, the oddball, the misfit toys, and the ones put together with just about anything you have laying around. These are what I like to call guide flies. These flies catch more fish than you would have imagined and are, more importantly, easy to tie, especially after a couple of neat bourbons. This pattern fits that ticket.

BY BRANDON RODRIGUEZ

The Stimi Check (short for Stimulator Check) came at a time when money was tight, supply chain issues were rampant, and the desire to tie big foamy flies that worked was paramount. Here is a step-by-step process for tying up the Stimi Check. STEP ONE: Once your hook is secured inside the vise, start by making thread wraps rearwards. Stop once you reach the bend of your hook.

STEP TWO: Next, take a snip of orange-colored foam (2mm) and secure the end with thread wraps. Make sure to compress all the foam down. With your foam attached, begin to make evenly spaced wraps forward. You will want this to lay evenly and present almost a stacking shape. Once you reach a distance of about a hook eye between your foam and the eye of the hook, secure your foam with thread wraps and trim the excess foam.

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STEP THREE: Trim 2-3 strands of Krystal Flash (Opal Colored). Once you find the middle of the Krystal Flash, wrap them around your thread. When your Krystal Flash is wrapped around your thread, it should resemble a horizontal letter "V." With this step, complete tie in your Krystal Flash; when determining length go no longer than a hook gap distant in length.

STEP FOUR: Trim off about a pencil's worth of coastal deer hair, clean it, and place it into your hair stacker. With your hair now clean and ready, measure out the length of hair needed. Your deer hair only measures a couple of centimeters beyond the bend of the hook. Now that you have the correct hair length, cut with your hair scissors at a roughly 30-degree angle. Now that you have your deer hair cut and ready, secure your deer hair just behind the eye of the hook with several thread wraps.

STEP FIVE: With your deer hair in place and thread base established, it is time to tie in your saddle hackle. Pick out one single feather and remove all but the last 4-5 inches from the tip. With the shiny side of the hackle facing away from the eye of the hook, begin to make stacking wraps forward until you have covered the thread-based you established in step four.

STEP SIX: With your hackle secure, you can finish your fly with a touch of head cement followed by 3 three whip finish turns. When you finish this fly, it will be easy to tell that it is far from being considered a work of art. It is the complete opposite; this fly came from when you had to make do with what you had available. This fly represents a handful of bugs from a salmonfly to a plump October caddis. I love this pattern because of its versatility to the tyer and angler who uses them. Want a green caddis? Sweet, swap out the orange foam for green and opt for white-bleached deer hair alternatively. I will leave you with this, always remember that there are two sides to fly tying, those that resemble modern art and then there are the misfit toys, half put together but still usable. It is your job as a tyer to decide what side of the coin you want to fall on.

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AN ODE TO FAILURE I often find myself in a conversation, be

it face-to-face or over the phone, about specific rigging techniques or specific places to fish. I am happy to impart any nuggets of information that I have gleaned over my limited fishing experience. I do, however, wonder what my fishing experience would be like if I had only fished based on what I had been told. We all develop a set of tricks and a list of familiar places we can go to tilt the odds of netting our quarry in our favor. Gathering these strategies is rarely a practice or spot handed directly to us. It is true that we can improve with education. The most valuable education that sticks with us the longest is failure. We learn because we problem solve and explore when we are not getting our desired results. I want to lift the veil and open a conversation about the specter of failure. It is an important part of our process. It is not the reason we spend time on the water, but it is a catalyst for our increased enjoyment and enthusiasm. Each discouragement pushes us to learn. What did I do wrong? Why aren’t the fish looking at my fly? Where can I go to find big fish? All these questions come from a non-success. In my past life, I was a chef. I was trained in culinary school. The program there was to first make us recipe dependent, and then move us to a phase of recipe independence. We first had to grasp the fundamentals, but we could then use that understanding to learn how to manipulate foods to achieve our desired results. There is a lot of trial and error in that transition. We had to learn how to properly tune a stove to cook duck breast and that marinating shrimp in a citrus product will result in fishy flavored erasers if you intend to cook them. Angling can be similar. Our goal is to be self-sufficient. Getting there requires advice, education, and, above all, trial and error. Discussing failures and seeking answers to our questions is admirable. Everyone I have ever fished with has been skunked… on more than one occasion. We all come to some magic realization point about a specific tactic. I’ll go through an example to illustrate exactly what I mean. The first day I ever fly fished I was completely on my own on the Fryingpan River. There is no doubt that I crashed my way through vast swaths of trout stacked up. Trout that were eager for me to feed them. Just the act of me getting into the water ruined my chances. This is to say nothing of my nonexistent casting ability. I was fishing at the mile marker recommended to me, with the flies I was told to use, tangling my rig, snagging trees, and chopping wood. It must have been a sight. I know now what it looked like, but at the time, the only thing I knew was that I couldn’t catch a fish. I wasn’t reaching my goal. To top it off, I was told by the people that I purchased my rod from that I shouldn’t remove the plastic wrapping from my cork until I had caught a fish with the rod. That would be, “bad juju.” Get the picture? To aid in my quest, I sought professional help. I hired a guide for a full day. When we got out, he laughed and removed my cork’s protective wrapping. He had me set up and taught me to fish the areas I was about to walk through before I stepped in. We were on fish in no time.

He would say things like, “Let me see that. Your fly isn’t riding high enough,” or, “Let me change this bug. It’s too dark.” He also commented at one point, “I think we need to drop to 6X.” It was Greek to me, but we were catching fish. I did learn things on that excursion that still stick with me. I still fish my way through the water. I still carry floatant with me. I learned things to look out for. I did not however learn how to apply these lessons or when to make changes. That much took time on the water. Now, if I see fish rising to my fly and turning away, I make sure that the bugs I am fishing appropriately match the hatching insects. I make sure that my flies are sitting nice and high on the surface. I can better identify differences in color and size of bug life, and I can see when my fly is beginning to sink. Those things took the process of failure, identification, adjustment, and success. I had to fix my way through my problems on the water.

BY tad ingles

There are so many things that I have figured out this way. The list is too long to address them all here. Many of them are second nature now. It’s a constant journey of discovery on the water for a person that embraces the failures, many failures in my case. The exploration is one of the things I love the most about the sport. Hunting down new places is just as rewarding. There is a special bond we share as anglers. We all have “secret” spots. When someone shares a honey hole with you, they are sharing a piece of their passion. It is given with respect. There is nothing wrong with getting some advice normally held in the vest. Asking for it is another story. Looking for some help on google maps with where to park and areas to wet a line through is fine. Just don’t expect someone to share their area with no competing anglers and giant dumb fish. Go find those spots. You may have to go to another state. You may have to pull up a map and look for alpine lakes. It is certain, however, that you will have to go out and try new water. It is certain that you will have tough fishing days. You will most definitely get skunked. If you continue to explore and improve, you will find a place that you get to share with only your nearest and dearest. It will be YOUR spot. Ask anyone chasing permit about failure. That can be the catch of a lifetime for some anglers because the failure rate can be so high. Success is only rewarding because of failure. Continue to seek tips and ask questions, but more importantly, get out on the water and learn how to apply all the information you gather. We should all be more open about what we have done wrong. Come into the shop unafraid to tell us about the problems you are having with your rig or gear. We have solutions because we have experienced those frustrations before. It’s up to you to explore and change things up based on what you glean. Fail, identify, adjust, succeed. Beginner to master, we are all equalized by failure. Be open about it. To that end, if you would like to hear more about any of the lessons I have learned, or you want to laugh with me about the goofy things I do on the river, drop by. I will be able to tell you about something new I have realized I have been doing all wrong.

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GEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME

UMPQUA UPG LT HIGH WEEKENDER FLY BOX

UMPQUA PERFORM X NYLON TIPPET

AIR-LOCK STRIKE INDICATORS

UMPQUA PERFORM X TROUT LEADER

ORVIS CHEST PACK

SIMMS G3 GUIDE BOOT - VIBRAM

SCIENTIFIC ANGLERS MASTERY INFINITY FLY LINE

ROSS REELS ANIMAS FLY REEL

RISING ULTRALIGHT PLIERS

SHIMAZAKI DRY SHAKE

TIEMCO DRY MAGIC

SIMMS FREESTONE STOCKINGFOOT WADER

TEMPLE FORK OUTFITTERS BLUE RIBBON FLY ROD

6 THE CURRENT MAGAZINE

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CHUCK

KNOCKIN’ IT OUT OF THE PARK AND INTO THE RIVER WITH CHUCK NAZTY

Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon is a four-

time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger, and former National League batting champion. He holds the MLB record for RBIs by a leadoff hitter and most hits in a four-game series.

He’s also wildly passionate about fly fishing. TROUT magazine editor Kirk Deeter spoke with Charlie about what gets a professional athlete at the top of his game fired up about chasing fish with flies, where those two worlds intersect, and what sits atop the “to-do” list.

Kirk Deeter (KD): I used to fish with ball players who would

KD: So how did you get into fly fishing after you started playing in Denver?

CB: I think Instagram was really the key. I just wanted to find the

fishiest dudes I could find. I grew up fishing for bass on small farm ponds in the South, and I wondered at first if I really wanted to take something I like and make it hard by using a fly rod. But I eventually wound up with some buddies at Trouts. And we’ve fished all over Colorado, even traveled some. Fly fishing has become something I really enjoy on a number of levels.

KD: So now, honestly, do you ever get fired up, or feel the nerves

come to Denver on a getaway day, then have a day off before a series with the Rockies. A lot of them were into fishing and they shared places to go to fish near the ballpark. Is that still going on?

in a fishing situation? I mean, you step up to the plate under the bright lights all the time with 30,000 people watching you… but do you ever see a trout rising or a fish tailing on the flats, and feel the butterflies in your stomach?

Charlie Blackmon (CB): Really? I don’t know about that… I

CB: (Laughs) Well… it’s funny… as a professional athlete, I’m

only know a handful of guys (players) who are really interested in fly fishing. We don’t have a secret society or a “little black book” of places to go—but they do have that for golf courses. I think some of that has to do with the fact that we have spring training in Arizona. There’s a little more fishing going on among the players who have spring training in Florida.

BY KIRK DEETER ILLUSTRATION BY PAUL PUCKETT

supposed to deal with nerves. That’s a huge part of the game of baseball. But yeah, when I see a permit tailing in front of me, I have noticed my heart rate going up a bit. And that’s strange because I’ve spent years training myself to not let myself feel the pressure in big moments. But that’s hard sometimes! And I’m not trained to be a great fisherman, so many situations like that are new and exciting.

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One of my favorite things about fly fishing is that it is so immersive, my senses are totally filled and I can’t be worried about other things.

KD: In that light, do you find similarities in fishing and baseball,

or is fly fishing a total escape from all that? Are they philosophically related in any way, or are they two completely different worlds, and that’s the real appeal of fishing for you?

CB: The thing about fly fishing is that there are so many different

variables. When I’m out there, I’m thinking about things like the current, and the weather conditions, my tippet, my fly and all these factors that matter. I’m always learning something new about all these variables. And the reason why baseball is such a super-hard sport to be successful at is also because it’s a game where so many factors and so many variables matter. Is my body in shape? Is my swing good? Have I scouted as well as I should have? The best part is that fishing fills my mind with all those other variables and takes me to a place that’s different from my baseball world.

KD: Okay, you don’t have to answer this if you don’t want to, but

have you ever been standing in the outfield at Coors Field, maybe between innings or whatever, and had even little tiny thoughts of fly fishing creep into your mind?

CB: Oh yeah. Especially in center field, with the fountain and the

water right behind the fence. We’re actually not too far from the South Platte River (at the stadium) and I’ve actually had things happen like a little size #18 blue-winged olive land on my arm in the middle of a game, and I think, “wow, how’d this guy get here?” It’s one of the cool things about playing here.

KD: As a professional ball player, you obviously put a lot of thought into the gear you use, like your bats, your gloves, and all that. Do you have the same level of detail when it comes to your fishing setup?

CB: To be honest, I’m really not much of a gear guy at all when it comes to fishing. I just find the bare minimum I need to function and be effective. Eagle Claw sent me a rod when I was just getting into it, and that was great as I was getting the hang of this fishing

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thing. I eventually got a nice Orvis rod which I love, but long ago I conceded that my ability might never get to the point where I’d be better than my gear.

KD: What piece or pieces of gear do you find most interesting? CB: Flies. I buy way too many flies, and I have more flies than I’ll

ever be able to fish, but I’m not super-organized with them, and not a lot of the guys I fish with are either. I’m the kind who will hang them on my hat, put them loose back in the box and all that. But with the limited amount of time I get to go fishing, I’m more excited about getting that fly in the water as often as I can.

KD: What’s your bucket-list fish or fishing trip? What’s the one place you want to go most, or the one fish you want to catch?

CB: I’m really intrigued and interested in everything I’ve heard

about New Zealand and chasing those big brown trout. But right now, I’m a little embarrassed to say that I have not landed a permit yet, and I have spent a number of days trying. I hooked one once… got another to eat I think, and had some chases. But that’s become a big thing for me. And I wonder if, after I do catch one, how I will feel. Will I say, “do I really want to put myself through that again?” Or will I want to move on, have a beer, and go chase bonefish or tarpon or something else? I’d like to chase permit and tarpon—and trout—more in the summer, but I play baseball in the summer. KD: Oh, I have a feeling, Charlie you’ll catch plenty of permit. And no, I doubt you’ll ever move on from that completely.

CB: Think so? You may be right… we’ll see what happens down the road.

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HIGH COUNTRY 201

“Ka-sploosh! Ka-sploosh! Ka-sploosh!” That’s how I started an article published in the 2021 CURRENT about strategies and tactics for fishing creeks and lakes at higher elevations here in Colorado. The story began with a quickly-stripped deer-hair hopper in front of an aggressive and hungry cutthroat trout at 11,300 ft, high in the White River National Forest. To get to that lake: a four-mile hike and 2800 ft. vertical ascent with all of my fishing gear. Quite a bit of work for a day trip. In addition to a few basic concepts for someone who is new to high-alpine fishing, I mentioned that adding a backpacking component to your program can greatly increase your range as well as ability to see more remote and beautiful places. “Once you have a few successful trips under your belt, you can think about extending your range by including a multiday/night backpacking element into your program. This will increase the amount of water you can cover, but it will also increase the complexity of your planning as well as your due diligence required to ensure a safe trip.” – The CURRENT 2021 In this year's magazine I’d like to take some time to expand on this backpacking and fishing concept as an alternative option as we press into the hotter months of the summer especially for anglers who have never backpacked before. If you're backpacking for the first time or if you have not spent much time under the stars in the high country or want to get a better understanding of the basics…. Read on.

by will rice Start with a Plan As mentioned in my first article, there are a lot of great resources to point you in the right direction from a “where to” perspective. Doing your own research is key. Obviously, you want to target creeks or stillwaters where you will have somewhat easy access to fish once you’ve completed your trek and set up your camp. Take the time and do your research (more on research and getting started below) – it will pay dividends from a fishing and pay-off perspective. Also realize that different areas have different rules about camping – and it is your responsibility to understand and follow those rules (including fire bans and restrictions). One strategy I like is to focus on is targeting a single lake and use it as a “basecamp” where I set up my tent – and then for follow-on days venture further out to different creeks or lakes as day trip opportunities. Or, you can get even more detailed and plan an out-and-back multi day trip or a loop if you can piece together a number of different potential fishing targets along the way. The options here in Colorado are literally limitless. Make Sure Your Gear Supports the Plan I’ve included a fairly straightforward list of backpacking gear that you can use as a checklist. I try to balance the amount of weight I have to hump during a five to eight-mile hike with

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the creature comforts I enjoy at camp. For example, do you really enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning? I do. You can go super lightweight and bring instant coffee – or you can grind out a hike fully loaded with a French press coffee maker. Depending on how many miles you plan to cover and the days you will be in the backcountry, you might make different weight-based decisions. And yes… I’ve been known to carry a French press. The same weight-based philosophy goes for food and beverages. I’m usually willing to hike in a more premium dinner for the first night knowing once consumed, that weight disappears. For follow-on nights I’ll use a much more basic and lightweight backpacking meal.

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You’ll also need to make sure you have a solid water filtration plan and backup plan for hydration. This usually consists of a water filter as you’re A-game and iodine tablets for a B-plan (in case your filter fails or breaks – trust me, it happens). Print is not dead! Make sure to do your research ahead of time so you understand where you are going and what you are you getting into. Four miles over a 1000 vertical foot gain is a whole different ball game then 3 miles over a 3000-foot altitude gain. Take the time to purchase a topo map for the area you are going to explore and take the time to learn how to read it. GPS units are great but I suggest carrying both a physical topo map as well as a digital device.

Case in point: I just ran into a guy who was on a multi-day trip as I ascended a trail going toward a new lake. He asked ‘Hey, do you know where the XXX trailhead is?’ We were at least five miles from the trailhead and parking area he was looking for. He said ‘I’ve been out here for three days and I left my GPS on my first night and it ran out of batteries.’ He didn’t look panicked – but he looked a bit tweaky and out-ofsorts. I was able to explain the basic route back to where he needed to go for a safe egress from the backcountry. Getting Started If you’re looking for a general area to explore with hiking, backpacking, and fishing options - where a lot of online and print resources are currently available - you can start to research Rocky Mountain National Park. If you’d like a more detailed book to begin your research journey you can

pick up a copy of A Fly Fishing Guide To Rocky Mountain National Park by Steven B. Schweitzer either in the shop or via our online store. The book contains “Over 150 fishing destinations in Rocky Mountain National Park have been detailed with topographic maps, trail profiles, fishing tips, destination notes and photographs.” One last friendly public service announcement, if you plan to explore the backcountry on your own make sure to let someone know your game plan. Let them know where you are going, what trailhead you plan to leave from, how long you plan to be gone and what day/time you plan to return. Get out there and explore, fish and enjoy Colorado’s natural resources.

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Will’s Backpacking Gear Picks The below is a fairly basic checklist of backpacking gear you can think about to support your high-country multi-day aspirations. You can certainly add to this list as well as shave a few pieces off if you want to travel as light as possible. This list does not touch on fishing gear, for a quick review of that gear list hit the QR Code at the end of the story and check out the original article in the 2021 CURRENT. EQUIPMENT

NAVIGATION

AT YOUR CAMP

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•

3-Season tent (and light weight plastic ground tarp)

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Down or synthetic sleeping bag

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Sleeping pad

• • •

Waterproof backpack cover

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Topo map of the area you are exploring

FOOD & WATER

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Meals, snacks (I plan for three meals a day)

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Food storage bags and anti-bear food storage system

Backpack

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Pillow (or stuff sack you can convert into a pillow)

40-60ft rope, large sack (for hanging food)

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Water bladder / water bottle

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Water filter or water treatment drops or tablets (see above)

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Gas/canister stove

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Lighter / matches

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Cookware (i.e. titanium or ultralight aluminum cookpot with lid)

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Mug, fork/spoon

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Backpacking boots (you’re going to be carrying a lot of weight – sneakers won’t cut it)

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Compass

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GPS

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Watch

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Whistle (in case you need to call for help from others in the distance)

CLOTHING

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Rechargeable headlamp (extra batteries)

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Polypro or merino wool underwear and socks

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3 ft duct tape

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Small/light First aid kit

Polypro or merino wool base layer top and bottoms

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Pocket knife / multi-purpose tool

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Midlayer top - fleece or puffy jacket

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Toothbrush/toothpaste

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Goretex rain jacket and pants

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Camp soap

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Hiking pants / shorts

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Sunscreen

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Gloves/beanie Sunglasses

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Insect repellent

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Gaiters (for the hike in and out)

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Small towel

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Fishing/wind shirt

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Small shovel/waste removal system

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Flip-flops / camp shoes

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Toilet paper

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Stuff sacks/dry bags (for clothing or gear)

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Bear spray

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Lightweight lantern/flashlight

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Lightweight camp chair

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Hammock (optional – but nice to have)

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Journal / pen or pencil (record conditions and results)

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR INFORMATION ON HIGH COUNTRY FISHING GEAR.

THE SIPPING POINTS.

PHOTO BY KATRINA BRISBIN

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BY REID BAKER

I can still remember what it felt like seeing the fish rise. Frankly, it can only be described in one word: dumbfounded. Like many novice fly anglers in Colorado, I was more accustomed to nymphing tailwaters in my first year or so of fishing. So, to watch a fish I would be over the moon to land under a weighted indicator rig suddenly glide up gently to a small BWO dun pattern was something I never experienced before. But it happened on that crisp fall day. The fish tipping, slowly rising, delicately sipping off the surface. A thing of beauty. The hook set going snug. A few bulldogging head shakes, reel spinning. And just as the fish neared my net, the hook pulled and I can recall just like yesterday the distinct feeling of gut-wrenching heartbreak watching the fish disappear. I wish I could tell you it was the last time that happened. But despite the loss, this experience would kick off a love of technical dry fly fishing I still hone today. As I think back on that fish now, there are a few things I think I could have done differently to land it. Then again, maybe not. But as anglers find themselves in situations of sipping fish using smaller flies and light tackle, there are a few key points to keep in mind that hopefully improve your odds.

A recipe for reward. And heartbreak. Technical dry fly fishing usually applies to a specific subset of aquatic and terrestrial fly imitations, namely mayflies in their various stages as well as midges, beetles and ants. These natural food sources are very vulnerable on the surface or film layer of the water - they are sitting ducks and not able to leave the water quickly, if at all. The fish has greater ability to closely inspect the fly as it rises up to eat because there is no rush to “pounce” such as with a caddis, for example. Combining inspection time with smaller flies and lighter tackle, your approach and presentation needs to be accurate and thoughtful.

Bogey acquired: now slow it down

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an almost regular cadence. Is the fish rising, fully cresting its nose out of the water, or porpoising? Perhaps you can make out only a swirling boil underneath the surface. Observations like this can help you identify the type of insect life stage the fish is keying on. If the nose appears to fully crest the water, you should use an adult, dun or spinner imitation. Remaining fully sub surface but boiling in the film will point more toward an emerger or cripple stage. A trout will also generally be feeding in a very narrow space window. Unlike attractor dry fly patterns (like a hopper, chubby, or stimulator), where a fish may move several feet outside its holding lane to feed, in a technical scenario you will need to think of ensuring your fly passes within the area of a plate, or in some cases a teacup saucer.

The presentation: make it count Those who have read my articles in the past know I’m a bigger proponent of presentation than exact fly selection. This rings true even for technical dry fly scenarios. As said earlier, you have a narrow visibility window to present the fly. Furthermore, in higher angling pressure rivers, your best chances are in your first several casts as the more swings at the plate needed increase your chances of spooking the fish. If the fish is holding in a smooth tailout, where less surface disturbance means greater visibility, you may need longer leaders with even lighter tippet. Combining these elements, I find it is especially helpful to utilize a reach cast or aerial mend. This helps allow your fly to land delicately and set up to avoid mid-drift line management. Furthermore, you do not usually need to lead the fish by a lot. Long drifts run the risk of flubbing presentation as well as completely missing the feeding window. In very rare scenarios I lead a fish by more than a rod length or length-and-a-half, and usually I’m much closer.

The hook set: what makes the hero

Technical dries go hand in hand with sight fishing, which is what helps make this technique so rewarding. It becomes as much stalking as it is fishing. Yes, you could use a size #22 sprout midge as a general searching pattern I suppose, but it is best utilized when you have a slow sipping trout deliberately feeding in a lane or holding only a few inches below the surface.

Hook sets always play a critical role in our landing success, but in a technical dry fly setting it is easier to make mistakes than other techniques. You have a slow rising fish that eats a fly at a near glacial pace. Combine that with light tackle, smaller flies and intense anticipation and there are a few ways things can go very wrong, very fast.

When you find a fish feeding in this way, it's time to slow things down. Don’t just start frantically casting. Instead, pause and watch the way the fish is behaving. You will find that these fish tend to feed rhythmically on

The most common mistake for beginner anglers is the dreaded “Bill Dance bass hookset” which is a near guarantee breakoff. Nothing more really needed to be said on this one, just don’t do it.

I arrived at the late end of prime evening fishing-- only about an hour of fishable light left if I was lucky. To make things more interesting, there were clouds of caddis returning to the water, PMD spinners falling, and even a few drakes pulling into the air like Huey helicopters. I had lots of options to choose from, but not a lot of time to dial it all in. As I walked downstream along the grassy high bank, my straining eyes caught a delicate swirl ahead of a submerged rock midstream. Fish riding pillows are usually an indication of a larger trout in my experience, as it is a prime feeding lane that typically only supports one fish at a time. Only the most bullish can claim that lie.

The other mistake that still happens to even the most tenured dry fly enthusiast, is to set too quickly and pull the fly out of the fish’s mouth before they’ve fully eaten. In slow sipping scenarios, allow the fish to completely take in the fly and turn back below the surface. Once more, remember a larger fish, with a larger mouth, will probably need even more time to fully close around the fly. Once the fish has turned and closed its mouth, hook sets should be almost always a direct straight up lift of the arm. Do not think of the set so much of a jerk, but more of a snugging of the line, allowing the tip of the rod to absorb the energy of the lift- which protects light tippet especially. No matter how experienced you are, you will not hook up on every fish, especially in technical dry fly eats. Nor will the hook always hold no matter how patient you are on the hook set - remember my little anecdote at the start? But without a doubt, technical delicate dry fly fishing is one of the more exciting and challenging ways to grow as an angler.

Flash Forward This past summer I found myself on the mecca of technical dry fly water- the Railroad Ranch of the Henry’s Fork River. Known for its glassy water, prolific hatches and stout fish most effectively targeted using sight fishing and single dries, this stretch will put even the most experienced purist to the test.

Wading my way to a comfortable casting distance, and despite the waning light, I simply watched the fish rise every 10-15 seconds for multiple cycles. I knew I was probably only going to get a few shots here, so it was worth taking a moment. At no point did I see a nose, dorsal or tail - just a deliberate boil, signaling this fish was likely sucking off the surface film and not eating fully on top. Given the bugs I saw earlier, I decided to start with a cripple drake pattern and hoped my gut instinct was right. I remember it like it happened only a few moments ago. Despite the strain of my eyes in the low light to clearly see my fly, I made out a gentle swirl just at the end of my leader on the third or fourth cast. I lifted the rod and was delighted to feel the line go tight. By the time I exhaled, my slack line has completely cleared and my reel was spinning as the fish peeled directly upstream. I had little control, and despite angling my rod downstream hoping to turn the fish around, I felt the hook pull as my rod popped straight after a few seconds of chaos.

Fish off. Though we all remember plenty of the fish we’ve landed, it's funny how the fish we lose can stick with us just as long. Sometimes more. Standing in the water I chuckled and uttered a four-letter word as I stripped in my line knowing the lost fish will be one that I think about while staring at the ceiling on a sleepless night. No matter how much planning, preparation, perfect execution learned, sometimes you still get your ass kicked. Nonetheless, I inspected the fly to make sure the bend was still good, blew the water off of it, shook it dry and started looking for the next boil on what would ultimately be a very successful evening session with several great fish to hand.

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LEARN NEW SKILLS. FOR THE NEXT LEVEL. EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS 2022 It has been said by countless anglers that one of the greatest aspects of fly fishing is that you’re never truly done learning. We also understand that fly fishing certainly isn’t the easiest pursuit to venture into, and we respect the complexities facing any novice angler. With all of this in mind, we have curated a comprehensive educational curriculum designed for ALL anglers, at all levels. Whether you are brand new to the sport, have travelled the world countless times over with a fly rod, or fall somewhere in between, we are confident you won’t find a better selection of lessons, seminars, and schools anywhere.

CLASSES & LESSONS: FLY FISHING 101 Fly fishing 101 classes are the perfect class for beginners of any age. In our 101 class, we cover an array of information including setting up your fly rod, terminal tackle, basic fly selection, knot tying, and reading the water. We understand that fly fishing can be frustrating and at times intimidating, we want to remove that for you. We want to be an integral part of you becoming a self-reliant and accomplished angler. With that in mind, the goal of our 101 class is to provide people the opportunity to successfully wade into the lifestyle of fly fishing. For upcoming dates, check our Customer Events Calendar on our website troutsflyfishing.com. Price: $50 per person Location: Denver

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Duration: 2 hours

BUGS FOR BEGINNERS At one point or another, we have been on the water and watched fish seemingly jumping all around us, gorging themselves on the thousands of bugs. As fly anglers, we have heard the expression 'match the hatch' yet we continue scratching our heads while casting to fish uninterested in our flies. Without question, a better understanding of a trout’s diet will help improve your success with fly fishing. Our Bugs for Beginners class will help demystify the major food sources trout key in on throughout the year. In this class, we will focus on midges, mayflies, caddis, stoneflies, terrestrials, and general attractors. Our class is designed to help you better understand the major insect groups including how to effectively identify and fish them. You will leave our class with the capabilities to successfully 'match the hatch.’ Price: $50 per person Location: Denver Duration: 2 hours

BEGINNER CASTING Fly casting is the cornerstone of the sport of fly fishing and a necessary skill for any proficient angler to master. With that said, there is something unnatural about the fly casting motion. As a result, learning the correct form, action, and muscle memory up front is important to the success of any angler. In our Beginner Casting Class, we strive to make learning the art of fly casting an enjoyable process. To do this, we have curated our Beginner Casting Clinics to be an encompassing experience that provides value to anyone who participates. We will focus on the primary casting types and approaches to set you up for success on any trout water.

ONE-DAY BEGINNER SCHOOL Our One-Day Beginner Fly Fishing School is the perfect culmination of our Beginner Fly Fishing Series (101, Bugs for Beginners, Beginner Casting). This on-the-water day is built around the goal of empowering you as an independent angler. Our Guide Instructors will meet you on our permitted water to assist you in putting into action the skills you have learned through our previous beginner classes. This class will allow you to practice and apply your skills with the support of a knowledgeable instructor while focusing on rigging, safe wading practice, fighting, and landing fish! Come to the water with your skills and gear and walk away feeling confident in your ability to get out independently or with friends. Class size is limited to six anglers and is offered out of our Frisco, CO location.

Price: $50 per person Location: Denver

Price: $250

Duration: 1 Hour

Location: Frisco

Duration: One Full Day Wade

TWO-DAY BEGINNER SCHOOL Our Two-Day Beginner School is designed for anyone looking to fast track their introduction into fly fishing. We have taken everything that you learn in our Fly Fishing 101, Beginner Casting, Bugs for Beginners, and our One-Day Beginner School, and condensed it into two back-to-back days. By immersing oneself in fly fishing over this school, participants can expect to leave this class as novice to intermediate self-sufficient anglers that are ready to spend a day on the water. Classes are held out of our Frisco location. Lodging, equipment, terminal tackle, and flies not included. Price: $595

Location: Frisco Duration: Two Full Weekend Days

FLY TYING 101 Have you always wanted to learn how to tie flies? There’s never been a better time. Trouts is excited to collaborate with Umpqua Feather Merchants to offer introductory classes geared towards the budding fly tier. Topics covered include general terminology, tool identification and application, basic materials and their uses, and tying flies. Upon completion of the class, you'll walk away with several hand-tied fly patterns that are ready to fish on our local waters. Offered out of our Denver location. Cost: $50 Location: Denver

Duration: 1.5 hours

FLY TYING 201 If you've started your journey into fly tying and feel comfortable with general terminology, tool identification, application, basic materials and their uses, our 201 is your next step. In our Umpqua Fly Tying 201 class, you'll build on your foundation by spending the class learning versatile, box filling, fish-catching, fly patterns that will expound upon your burgeoning fly tying knowledge base. Each Umpqua Fly Tying 201 class will take place over the course of two hours with materials provided. Price: $75

Location: Denver

Duration: 2 Hours

KNOTS 101 Come join us at our Denver shop as we spend time reviewing, demonstrating, and helping you - hands on - to work on the most important knots needed to be successful in rigging and on the water. During this hour class, you will have visual, verbal, and tactile education around the clinch, double surgeon’s, loop to loop, blood, and other knots. This class is perfect for the new or experienced angler looking to work on initial education or dial in an already existing skill set. Price: $50

Location: Denver

Duration: 1 Hour

SPECIALTY SCHOOLS: CARP SCHOOL Catching carp on a fly rod is considered the ultimate freshwater challenge by many anglers. These fish are smart, spooky, and at times downright challenging. During this onwater school, our expert instructors will provide you with the knowledge and tactics to increase your success when pursuing this worthy gamefish. In order to provide the best experience to this very specific species, we limit our class size to provide the best learning environment. This class will begin with an approximate one-hour presentation the night before the on-the-water portion of the class to include appropriate gear and flies.

Following this pre-presentation, you will spend the full day following at the designated location focusing on presentation and tactics. The remainder of the class will be spent targeting and catching our quarry. Bring your favorite 6 or 7 weight rod, appropriate reel, and the recommended flies for a great day dialing in a difficult species. Price: $325 Location: Denver Duration: Friday Night Class & Full Saturday Wade STREAMER SCHOOL As one of the most exciting ways to chase trout, "hucking meat" or streamer fishing is becoming a well-known phrase around Colorado. Hooking a fish on a streamer is a detailed memory you will maintain for years to come. Have you recently found yourself looking at your fly boxes and thinking something is missing? Or, why don't I have anything that's big, flashy, and articulated in here? If these are things that you contemplate, then you will be excited to know we have just the class for you. Streamer School is designed around a full day float with some of our best Frisco Guides. During the float, our guide instructors will teach you the basics of fly selection, retrieval methods, presentation and setting, fighting, and landing a trout on a streamer. As one of our most popular schools, we suggest signing up early to grab one of our limited spots. Price: $325 Location: Frisco Duration: Friday Night Class & Full Saturday Float PIKE SCHOOL Pike can produce some of the most explosive and entertaining eats of any fish that calls Colorado home. Fly fishing for pike is one of the most addicting pursuits in the sport. While they can be aggressive, pike can also be difficult to catch. If you have been looking to chase the so-called ‘Water Wolf’ here in the Centennial State, then make sure to make room in your schedule for our Pike Schools. These classes begin with an instore presentation Friday evening including seasonality, fishing locations, fish behavior, appropriate gear and flies. Saturday morning, class will resume at a designated location and cover presentation and tactics on the water. The remainder of the day will be spent targeting your quarry. Price: $325 Location: Denver Duration: Friday Night Class & Full Saturday Wade NYMPH FISHING SCHOOL When we begin to approach the colder months, we tend to see less dry fly activity. Although this may be the case, this should not keep you from getting out to fish. It’s no secret that trout spend upwards of 80% of their time feeding subsurface. In order to more successfully fish to the subsurface trout, nymphing is the most common and productive technique. Nymphing School will introduce and dial you in to rigging, roll casting, presentation, mending, and proper drifting techniques. Our goal is to create anglers who are more confident in their nymphing technique and improve success on the river! Price: $325 Location: Frisco Duration: Friday Night Class & Full Day Saturday

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SALTWATER PREP SCHOOL To help ensure our customers are ready for their upcoming saltwater adventures, we started our Saltwater Prep School. This class provides our clients with the necessary skills to make sure your fly presentation counts. During this class, we will cover loop formation, line speed, double-haul casting, and most importantly PRESENTATION! We will review best practices that help you and your guide work as a team. This school is offered exclusively out of our Denver location. Price: $325 Location: Denver Duration: 6 hours DRY FLY SCHOOL For most of us, it’s hard to beat classic dry fly fishing. The visual appeal of seeing the eat is addictive and just flat out fun. Many refer to this type of angling as 'purist' as it is one of the most classic presentations to learn and implement on the river. In this class you will learn dry fly rigging options, set ups, the ability to recognize and 'match the hatch', and education and training on an effective cast and presentation to get you those top water sips and eats. We will hold these throughout the spring and summer months allowing us to teach to varying hatches based on season, month, and temperature. Bring your dry fly fishing game up to the next level through our skilled focused experiences. Price: $325 Location: Frisco Duration: Friday Night Class & Full Day Saturday

INDIVUAL AND PRIVATE OPTIONS PRIVATE LESSONS In addition to our extensive list of classes, lessons, and schools, we are proud to offer a variety of private lessons designed around what you are hoping to accomplish in your fly fishing education. From casting to fly-tying, rigging to improving your on-water skills, give us a call and tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll be more than happy to design a program tailored to your exact needs. Private lessons are offered through both our Denver and Frisco locations. GROUP/CORPORATE LESSONS Whether it be for a corporate outing, team building, or just a group of friends looking to get into fly fishing, we are pleased to offer custom group and corporate lessons. From fly tying, to fly casting, to a full day spent on the water with our professional Guides, we’re pleased to assist in planning your next group outing. Group/Corporate Lessons are offered at both our Denver and Frisco locations. WOMEN ARE FLY POP-UP EVENTS In addition to our regularly scheduled classes, stay tuned-in through our email newsletter and social media outlets for our Women Are Fly (WAF) events scheduled throughout the year. We will host women from Denver and the surrounding areas to come socialize, learn, and build relationships in a comfortable, accessible, and non-intimidating environment. Come and meet other like-minded lady anglers seeking information and community!

STILLWATER SCHOOL Stillwaters are often overlooked by fly anglers. These bodies of water are dynamic, insect-filled, trophy trout holding areas that can produce some of your most memorable days fishing from a boat or on foot. Stillwaters aren't just an escape from the high flows of runoff. Often these waters fish the majority of the year and are a fruitful choice for your next day out. If you’ve been looking to dial in stillwater fly fishing here in Colorado, then make sure to make room in your schedule for our Stillwater School. The school is designed around a full day float or wade (dependent on conditions) on one of Colorado's stillwater fisheries with our very best Guides. During the class, our guide instructors will teach you the basics of fly selection, presentation and other details you need to know when it comes to fly fishing these bodies of water! Price: $325 Location: Frisco Duration: Friday Night Class & Full Day Saturday

LOOKING TO BOOK A CLASS? SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE INFORMATION!

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Why not have it all?

Better than textured. Better than smooth. Better for the planet.

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GUIDED TRIPS, OFFERINGS & RATES - 2022

One of the best aspects of fly fishing in Colorado

is the abundance of fishing options and destinations, many of which are available year-round. We are proud to offer guided fly fishing trips 365 days a year. Trouts Fly Fishing is committed to offering our clients the finest guided adventures. We cater our trips to our clients' needs to ensure that their time on the water is relaxing, enjoyable, and most importantly, memorable. Whether you are looking for a quick half-day outing, a float trip down the mighty Colorado River, or perhaps looking to organize a unique corporate event on a world-class private ranch, look no further than Trouts Fly Fishing. The following is a list of fly fishing trip options and associated pricing. To maintain a quality experience for all of our clients, we try to keep the client-to-guide ratio at 2:1, but we are happy to accommodate up to three clients for every guide. All of our trips depart rain or shine, unless the guide deems the conditions unsafe. Our trip rates are also all inclusive, meaning the only thing they don’t include is fishing licenses and any gratuity you decide to leave for your guide. If you have any questions or you would like to book a day on the water with us, please call the shop at (877) 464-0034 or email us at info@troutsflyfishing.com. HALF-DAY FLY FISHING TRIPS: Half-day trips take place in either the morning or the afternoon, with the time and location of the trip fully catered

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to your needs. Half-day wade trips are offered year-round out of both our Denver and Frisco locations, with trips taking place on a variety of river options in and around the Denver and Frisco areas. Half day trips are ideal for families, those with limited schedules, or anyone looking for a few hours on the water. DURATION 4 hours of fishing (doesn't include drive time to and from the fishing location) TRIP INCLUDES Drinks/refreshments, terminal tackle (flies, leaders, tippets, etc.), waders, boots, rod, and reel. PRICING: 1 Person: $395 2 People: $450 3 People: $650 SEASON: Year-Round * Lunch is available for half day fly fishing trips upon special request and for an additional fee. Please make sure to discuss this at the time you book your trip.

FULL-DAY FLY FISHING TRIPS: Full-day fly fishing trips are a great way to experience the sport of fly fishing with one of our experienced professional fly fishing guides. Full-day trips are offered out of our Denver and Frisco locations and take place on a variety of rivers depending on the time of year, and the needs of our clients. These trips are ideal for anglers looking to improve their skills, or anyone who wants to enjoy a memorable day on the water. DURATION 6-8 hours of fishing (doesn't include drive time to and from the fishing location) TRIP INCLUDES: Lunch and drinks, terminal tackle (flies, leaders, tippet, etc.), waders, boots, rod, and reel. PRICING: 1 Person: $495 2 People: $550 3 People: $750 SEASON Year-Round FULL-DAY FLOAT FISHING TRIPS: Our guided float trips are conducted out of a drift boat or raft, and are offered exclusively out of our Frisco location on the Colorado, Eagle and Roaring Fork Rivers. Float trips are ideal for anglers looking to see and fish water that they wouldn't have access to on foot, as well as those looking for a unique and memorable day on the water. Due to the logistics of these trips, they are only offered for full-days. DURATION: 6-8 hours of fishing (doesn't include drive time to and from the fishing location) TRIP INCLUDES: Lunch and drinks, terminal tackle (flies, leaders, tippet, etc.), waders, boots, rod, and reel. PRICING: 1 person: $650 2 people: $650 SEASON: Year-Round GROUP AND CORPORATE (7+ PEOPLE) FLY FISHING TRIPS: Group trips can be conducted as best-of-day or full-day trips. They include: Lunch and drinks (cold sandwiches, although hot lunches are available upon request), terminal tackle (flies, leaders, tippets, etc.), and any necessary fly fishing equipment. In addition, the cost of these trips includes a 20% gratuity for the guides, and all trips are billed in full in advance.

The abundance and quality of public access is unmatched. Trouts Fly Fishing is proud to offer the most in depth and encompassing resume of public water options of any outfitter in the state. Whether you're looking for a close to town option for a quick getaway, a challenging tail-water fishery to enhance your angling abilities, or a relaxing day spent in a drift boat, we have the water and resources to meet your needs. But don't let this list of angling options overwhelm you, as our seasoned and qualified guide staff will determine your fishing location based upon experience level, angler goals, and seasonal conditions. However, in the event you have a certain piece of water you've always wanted to fish, don't hesitate to formally request one of these world-class fisheries when booking your next trip with us. TROUTS FLY FISHING IS PROUD TO GUIDE ON THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC WATERS: Colorado River, South Platte River (and tributaries), Arkansas River, Blue River, Williams Fork River, Roaring Fork River, Fryingpan River, Eagle River, Bear Creek, Clear Creek, Spinney Mountain Reservoir, Eleven Mile Reservoir, Antero Reservoir, and Clinton Reservoir. EXCLUSIVE PROPERTIES: In addition to our extensive list of Public Water offerings, Trouts Fly Fishing is pleased to offer our customers unparalleled access to some of the finest and most soughtafter private properties and ranches in the state. Our list of Exclusive Properties is ever-evolving and designed to offer anglers a wide array of fishing options and experiences. Does casting dry flies to wild brown and brook trout sound like your idea of fun? What about sight fishing to trophy rainbows that could exceed 30”? Do you have a group of 20 of your best clients that you want to show a day on the water that they’ll never forget? Our extensive list of Exclusive Properties will have you covered on any of the above situations. TROUTS FLY FISHING IS PROUD TO GUIDE ON THE FOLLOWING EXCLUSIVE PROPERTIES: North Fork Ranch - North Fork of the South Platte River Rawhide Ranch - North Fork of the South Platte River Shawnee Meadow - North Fork of the South Platte River Abell River Ranch – South Platte River Duck Lake - High Alpine Lake, Clear Creek County

ALL OR PART OF THIS OPERATION IS CONDUCTED ON PUBLIC LANDS UNDER SPECIAL USE PERMIT FROM U.S. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT.

LOOKING TO BOOK A TRIP? SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE INFORMATION!

PUBLIC WATERS: Colorado has some of the finest and most extensive public water options of any state in the Rocky Mountain West.

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SIGNATURE SERVICES Trouts Fly Fishing is more than just your neighborhood fly shop selling flies and guided trips. Our customers are traveling to the far reaches of the globe with a fly rod in hand. As Colorado's premier fly fishing retailer and outfitter, we know that we need a dynamic offering of services to meet the needs of all of our customers. Trouts Signature Services are a variety of services unique to Trouts Fly Fishing, and more importantly, differentiates us from the competition. Our focus is on the goods and services we offer our customers daily. From day one, Trouts Fly Fishing has strived to do things differently, and we are confident that you will find the experience offered at Trouts is far beyond what you will find at any other fly shop.

FLY FISHING TRAVEL The staff at Trouts Fly Fishing has long enjoyed traveling the globe with a fly rod, and we are proud to offer a variety of hosted fly fishing trips to our customers, family and friends. All of these trips are planned, organized and hosted by a Trouts Fly Fishing representative, and are a great way to enjoy a world-class fly fishing trip with other like-minded anglers. Additionally, we have partnered with Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Adventures to assist us with all our travel needs, as they are renowned in the industry as the leading experts in fly fishing destination travel. Our list of hosted fly fishing travel options is ever evolving, and we are constantly adding new destinations and itineraries. Don't see a destination that you want to explore? No problem, simply inquire with us here and we'll get you in touch with the Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Representative that is an expert on your desired location, and will be able to assist you with the entire trip booking process. RENTAL GEAR Trouts Fly Fishing is proud to offer a full selection of quality rental gear. Whether for a trip to Montana for trout, Belize to chase permit, or just heading up to the South Platte with some friends, we have a wide selection of premium rods, reels, waders and boots to fit your needs.

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We use only the top brands to ensure that the gear you rent is of the highest quality to maximize your experience on the water. All of our rentals are available at affordable daily or weekly rates, and we only charge you for the time the equipment is being used on the water. Travel days are on us! Rentals are available on a first come, first serve basis, however gear can also be reserved in advance to ensure we have what you need, when you need it. All rentals come "ready to fish", but things like specialty fly lines, leaders and tippets are not included and will need to be purchased separately. REEL RIGGING Properly rigging any fly reel, whether for trout or tarpon, is a technical and highly important factor when getting ready to hit the water. Nothing will ruin a fishing trip faster than equipment failure. We believe one of the most crucial elements of a successful fishing trip is the rigging of your fly reel. While this can be done at home, we always recommend bringing your fly reel into us so that we can ensure that everything (backing, fly line, leader) is properly loaded onto your fly reel and ready to hit the water. Whether you’re headed to a local, high mountain brook trout stream, Tanzania to chase tigerfish, or the Florida Keys for migratory tarpon, our team of experts will make sure your fly reel is properly set up and rigged to ensure maximum enjoyment during your precious time on the water.

With years of rigging experience, and countless trips across the globe to fish for a multitude of species, the staff at Trouts Fly Fishing is highly experienced and detail oriented when it comes to getting your gear ready. This is an often-overlooked aspect to any fly fishing excursion, but it is something we take very seriously. What does this service cost you? If you purchase your fly reel and/or fly line from Trouts, this service is free of charge for the life of the product. If you weren't fortunate enough to buy your gear from us, we charge $10 to rig any trout reel, and $20 for all big game reels (saltwater, salmon/steelhead, pike/ musky, etc.). The next time you're looking to purchase a new fly line, or just make sure your reel is ready for your next trip, be sure to bring it by Trouts Fly Fishing and let our expert staff make sure your gear is in fish-ready form. REPAIRS If you fish long enough, it’s not a matter of IF something will break, its when and how many times. Whether it’s a snapped rod, tear in your waders or a reel with a worn out drag, we have seen it all. A majority of the brands we support have great warranty programs and will do whatever they can to make sure their products are fulfilling their duties on the water.

6. 7.

TSRS has no expiration The rod model and size, rod serial number, customer name must match Trouts Fly Fishing's internal records 8. Trouts Fly Fishing reserves the exclusive right to accept or deny any TSRS that does not meet the specifications disclosed in items #7 9. Trouts Signature Rod Service is presently available for Scott Fly Rod, G.Loomis, Hardy, Winston, Sage, Orvis, and Epic products only 10. There are no exceptions to the above program rules, under any circumstances whatsoever The next time you're looking to purchase a new fly rod, be sure to remember that at Trouts Fly Fishing, we're dedicated to ensuring you're happy and pleased with everything you buy from us, no matter how long it's been since the purchase was made.

With that said, we know it can be time consuming and intimidating to pick up the phone and call a company like Simms, Orvis or Sage on your own. That is where we come in. Before starting the process of any warranty, we will gauge the situation and if it is fixable without sending it to the manufacturer we will take care of it. If it is deemed that it needs to be sent back for repair, we are more than happy to help you through the process or simply handle the entire situation for you. The next time you are looking for help with a repair, come by the shop or give us a call at 303-733-1434. SIGNATURE ROD SERVICE Trouts Signature Rod Service (TSRS) is a unique offering that signifies our confidence in the rod manufacturers we represent as well as our commitment to providing quality equipment and service to all of our customers. The Trouts Signature Rod Service means if your new fly rod breaks, we will cover the costs of repair (including related shipping and handling charges). It's our way of saying congratulations to you for purchasing a fine, USA handcrafted fly rod. It works this simply: buy any fly rod that is $500 or more from Trouts, and if the rod breaks, bring it back to us and we'll send it back to the manufacturer for repair, and cover all the associated costs. The following are the terms and conditions for Trouts Signature Rod Service: 1. The start date for the program is August 15, 2014 2. You must have purchased your fly rod from Trouts Fly Fishing 3. TSRS program is valid only for fly rods whose retail cost is $500 or more 4. Your repair must be processed through one of our store locations 5. TSRS is redeemable for one (1) complimentary repair

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CODA

I hope that you have enjoyed what is our

eighth edition of The CURRENT magazine. What started out as a humble catalogue that showcased the various services offered at Trouts Fly Fishing, has morphed into the pages that precede these words. And while The CURRENT has transitioned in look and feel over the years, the value of connecting us with our customers through the written word has only grown stronger through each edition. It has always been a part of Trouts Brand Promise to be distinctly different, and to offer our customers an unforgettable experience, whether that be in one of our stores, online, on the water, or through The CURRENT. As many know, I was a customer of the Trouts Fly Fishing prior to my current role as Owner. And at a time when Denver had an abundance of fly shop offerings, Trouts was always home to me because of the friendly nature and amazing customer service I always received. From day one as Owner, I have strived to replicate the same experience that always kept me coming back, and The CURRENT is an example of how we have evolved over the past 16 years. The past 2 years have been transformative for Trouts Fly Fishing, and the sport of fly fishing in general. Participation in our sport is at an alltime high, and being “outdoors” has never been more in style. There isn’t an outdoor pursuit that hasn’t grown in popularity, and we see the stress point starting to develop. But the answer to these issues isn’t to wait on the sidelines for things to calm down, as people have discovered the amazing mental, emotional and physical benefits you get from being in nature. Instead it is time for us all to evolve, and find our new place within our sport. And this is where Trouts Fly Fishing is committed to making a difference, as we view our role as a leader and innovator. Whether you’re looking to get into fly fishing, or you’re looking to learn a new technique, or target a new species, Trouts Fly Fishing is here to help you evolve as an angler. All of us at Trouts have seen the benefit and reward of evolving to meet our customer’s needs, and we look forward to taking our customers along a similar journey in their angling careers. In the end we have always strived to ensure our customers' time on the water was as meaningful and rewarding as possible, and that commitment is now more important than ever.

Tucker Ladd Tucker Ladd Owner/Publisher

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