Update on R.M.N.P.

It's almost July and the water is still rolling.  The west slope is under water, Yellowstone shops are closed, and some shops in the Midwest are still at a stand still with trips.  We are blessed to have fishable water to put clients on.  Over the past two weeks I've been out quite a bit, and we've had some great days on the water.  One of my favorite trips was a father/son combo.  Scott and Josh spent four hours with me in the park, and even with high water, we caught some nice fish.  Scott landed the nicest fish I've scene on Glacier Creek in quite some time.

I left him alone on a nice bend and when I came back to check on him, his rod was bent over near some willows.  I assumed that he was stuck under the bushes, but then I started seeing his rod tip bounce, and it seemed he was focused and a little nervous.  As I got closer I witnessed a nice brown flash and head down river.  Due to the faster than usual water, it took a bit to land the fish, but to my surprise it was a beautiful wild brown.  The rest of the day we picked up some brookies, rainbows, and smaller brown trout.  Most fish looked at adult stones and the trusty "Barnie."  It looks like we will be guiding in high water for another two weeks.  It's going to be gangbusters once the water starts to drop and hold for the rest of the summer.  These fish are going to be on!

Cheers,

A.J.

Two Guys, Some nice Fish

Both Christian and Doug endured some classic spring weather in Colorado.  Rain, High Wind, and the beginning of our run-off season made for some challenging fishing conditions.  

As a guide you work as hard as you can to ensure your clients have a fun, safe, and successful day on the water. These guys were great listeners and students.  We worked hard for the fish we landed and it was well worth it.  The park yielded some beautiful brown trout, and I was pleased with another great day on the water.  The season has begun!   

Thanks Christian and Doug for a great day!

Cheers,




A.J.

First fish on the UBT for the year!

The Colorado Rockies have scene quite the snowfall and precipitation this year.  The West Slope has over 125% snowpack and the Front Range just had four days of solid rain.  The rivers are high and off color.  The run-off season has started here in Colorado.  This past week I was able to sneek up to the park and fish the Big T.



The flows were under 65 cfs and all the fish that I landed were browns ranging from 12-16.  These fish were beautiful and it felt good to bend the Winston on my home park water.  Water temps didn't allow for any great hatches, but midges and baetis patterns took most of the fish.  The spring brings great signs of wildlife and I'm blessed to guide in a such a beautiful landscape.  Let's get this run-off over with!

Tight Lines,

A.J.

Some great trips ahead, new flies...

Egg Sucking Leach

Over the next month I will get the chance to fish some awesome water.  From working to spending time with the family, its hard to find time to sit down and hammer out some flies.  Next week we head to the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork, and then towards the middle of May its Delaney Buttes!  Both places offer quite a variety of hatches and water types.  The Pan will feature some great BWO hatches, and North Delaney should see awesome streamer fishing with some great Chironomid action.  Today I was able to pump out some new streamer patterns, one of them being a great fly that Kelly Galloup designed for the Madison River in Montana.  I'm excited to see if it will yield some results.  I hope you guys are doing well.

Tight Lines,


A.J.

Wild Game Dinner Events

Over the past five years I've been able to establish great relationships with churches that offer "Wild Game Dinner" outreach events.  These events are tailored towards men who enjoy hunting and fishing.  Great food, good prizes, and a positive message is presented at these events.

This next weekend will be my second trip to Green Bay,WI for Spring Lake Church's Wild Game Dinner. This annual event is one of the best in the country.  The men at Spring Lake have done a great job in planning these events.  It's grown to the point where they will be offering Friday and Saturday night dinners.  It's going to be a great event, and I look forward to seeing some old friends!  I will be doing seminars on Fly Fishing Rocky Mountain National Park, and River Smallmouth.  Seminars start on both Friday and Saturday afternoons.  If you happen to be in the Green Bay area, stop by and say hello! For info check them out on facebook under "Wild Game Dinner by Spring Lake Church", or email me.

On another note,  I'm truly getting the itch for the guide season.  We received a dusting of snow this morning in Denver, but the fish are getting ready to spawn and we should start to see some of the best dry fly fishing of the year.  I hope to fish the Big T or the Blue within the next two weeks.


Tight Lines,

A.J.