-
Montana Angler supports clean water
Brian McGeehan is a business guy. He and his wife Ann own and operate Montana Angler Fly Fishing, a full-service fishing outfitting business in Bozeman, Mont. But Brian is also a conservation guy. Montana Angler’s “30 Back” program contributes 30 percent of retail profits to support local outdoor education and conservation. Being an advocate for…
-
National Volunteer Week: Kicking off year-long gratitude
I love saying thank you. It is an odd thing to say but I do—I love sharing a genuine thank you. I truly enjoy sharing sincere appreciation. Not only do I usually see a smile appear but I, too, get inspired to continue my efforts. It is important to recognize the power of appreciation. Each…
-
Trout is King
It's getting warmer outside. Spring is actually springing, and that means summer isn't far off. Soon, it'll be time to camp next to high-country trout water and sight-fish to feeding fish. I can't wait. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL6CTypRGrc And short films, like this little gem above from Carpe Dieme featuring wild brown trout fishing in Scandinavia, don't help…
-
Seine the water
My best tip to finding the right fly, especially if you are nymphing, is to seine the water before you start fishing. Spend $3.97 for a two-pack of five-gallon paint strainers at Home Depot, which will fit right over a net. Get a buddy to stir up rocks and river bottom a few feet upstream…
-
Helping the Wood River to breathe
The room is full for the banquet. I first came across the Narragansett chapter of Trout Unlimited seven or eight years ago, when a few frustrated members contacted me and complained that the chapter was assisting the state in stocking over native fish in violation of TU policy. After a time, the chapter stopped, but…
-
Five flies for April
The guys at Trouts Fly Shop in Denver hit the Colorado River recently, and they did some serious damage to the river's lively browns and rainbows using baetis imitations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWumZ51uwOo Five Flies for April Baetis, often imitated in the dun form by the venerable Blue-winged Olive, are great springtime flies, and among the first mayflies…
-
The Western Coachman
I love old-school flies. I think it comes from my involvement, many years ago, with the Trout Unlimited chapter in Salida, Colo., when I was the news editor of the local paper there. After penetrating the initial crustiness of the "old timers" at the chapter meetings, I made some great friends there, and these guys…