Spring 2011 Shows and Seminars

This spring brings some great opportunities to see some informative presentations and seminars in the Front Range area.  I personally will be at  Bass Pro's "Spring Fishing Classic."  This event starts on Feb. 26 and runs through the first weekend in March.  There will be numerous presenters, fly tiers, and Colorado natives.  From Mike White to Landon Mayer, it should be a great event.

I will be doing two seminars.  One on Rocky Mountain National Park, and another on River Smallmouth Bass.  Both run about 45 minutes, and should be a great time to learn something new about fly fishing.

The First Adventure team will be traveling to Green Bay, WI for Spring Lake Church's "Wild Game Dinner" events.  They are conducting back-to-back dinners, with great prizes and quality seminars.  The dinners will be held on April 1 and 2nd.  The guide season is just around the corner and we are getting very excited for the summer ahead.  Tight Lines and get out fishing!

Cheers, AJ

Wisconsin Friends and 11 Mile Canyon

This post comes at a great time for most anglers.  Winter is starting to subside here in Colorado and my hopes for the spring couldn't be higher.  One of the higher points of this winter was my visit with my boys Matt, Caleb, and Brandon.  For the past three years we've participated in what we have called "Colorado Beer Night."  The whole premise revolves around reuniting, good conversation, and fine selected beverages (Colorado made of course).  Relationships are important to me, and although, as a group we only get to hang out once a year; the bonds of friendship are strong. Good work on the Gubna Matt!

Early January brought my first trip of the year.  11 Mile Canyon (South Platte River) was the destination, and I have to say it was tough going.  The canyon typically fishes well, but when water temps are under 40 degrees, it's hard to get fish to rise.  Before the actually trip, I had the opportunity to fish below the dam and caught some cuts.  The canyon typically experiences great BWO and Midge hatches.  I caught two fish on a sz. 26 Parachute Adams, and another couple on an egg pattern that I tie up.  The water temps forced fish down and most feeders were very spooky and non-interested.  I learned a lot and had a blast with Chris and his friends.  

I look forward to seeing my guys again, in fact most of them will be wetting a line with me this summer in Colorado!  Get out and fish, and try to engage with a friend this week.  Tight Lines, AJ

Exciting times ahead...

For most of us this past year had many ups and downs.  The Dudek family resided in four states, brought a new baby into the world, and settled back into Colorado.  There are chunks of 2010 that are still a blur in my mind, but I feel that its been a great year.  Although Jen and I had some of the most trying times, we have learned to look past the present and have faith for the future.
First Adventure is excited for its future in Colorado, and we anticipate a great 2011 guide season.  The spring couldn't come fast enough, but for now we prepare, fish a little, tie some flies, and dream about those epic hatches on the UBT.  May this new year bring joy to you and your family.

Cheers,

A.J.