St. Vrain Angler News & Muse August 30, 2005

Greetings!

I hope this finds you well, enjoying the tasks at hand while thriving in life.

Life is a good thing. Where there is life there is hope.

Hope is good, too.

Greetings to all of our new readers. Thanks to everyone who's signed on to receive this weekly missive. There are now over 4,000 of you on the email list and I appreciate each of you for taking a few minutes to read and to respond to what I write.

Every week a new person says something nice to me about the emails and this newsletter and I genuinely thank each of you for words of encouragement. The internet is kind of a funny way to communicate, but it sure is a neat way for me. I love writing and trying to communicate and enjoy practicing by writing each week. Everyone who does something that takes skill needs practice and I enjoy practicing words.

Labor Day was probably observed so folks would take a day off to relax, enjoy their families and the fruit of their labor. What can you remember? What can you imagine? What would you like to do?

I'm going to encourage folks, as always, to get out and do some fishing. There are many things that will take our time, affection and so on, but fishing ought to be on our list. Water levels are lovely, fish are fat and lovely and time on the water is soothing to the soul, and that is lovely.

It would appear that our friend Bob was relaxing and enjoying Pepsi rather than the bananas along this Montana trout stream. That's a good idea for Labor Day - relaxing along a trout stream. (Never take the bananas on the boat, though. Just ask a captain why.)

I just finished reading The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis. I've read it before, but it has been some time. The book is, in part, about loveliness versus dreariness and the choice to thrive in one or remain in the other, generally out of stubbornness or some such thing.

Now I admit to a stubborn streak. While fishing with my friend Russ on Sunday he confirmed it when I told him I could out-stubborn the trout and make them come to the surface to eat a fly.

"Yep. You're stubborn, " Russ said.

Then, a rainbow came from the depths and ate the Royal Coachman Trude I was offering. Who won?

I don't care. The point is that Russ and I were fishing on a river with flies and enjoying every minute of it.

I hope you'll enjoy a few days of rest and relaxation. We'll be in Longmont at the St. Vrain Angler each day this week from 9:30 until 6:00PM waiting to help you fulfill your fly fishing dreams. For many of you, that just means getting out for a few hours. We've got flies and everything else you'll need to go, so come by, bring your stuff so we can check it out and then head out to a local trout stream and enjoy time on the water. All of us will be glad of it, and all the other stuff will probably still be there, but with a new and fresh perspective.      Back To Top

When I'm on the water fishing, whether by myself or with a friend, I'm almost always teaching or trying to figure out how to explain something to you, my reading angling friends. It seems there are lots of questions out there about the "how" of fly fishing as well as the "why" of the how.

When I'm with someone I invariably find myself alongside them trying to explain how to get the fly in the right spot, and then how to make it drift properly.

That's what Russ and I did on Sunday. Now Russ has been fishing for a long time - like me, he does not remember when he did not fish - and fly fishing since the early 1990's. He loves the outdoors and his passion for it is contagious. He almost has me convinced to go camping again; something I haven't done for some time.

Russ got his first gear from St. Vrain Angler back when we were on 4th Avenue in Longmont. He went through the process - "I don't want to spend too much to start with just to be sure I'm going to like this. I'm pretty sure I will." and bought a beginning outfit. About a month later he was back, "Tell me more about those Winston Fly Rods, will you please?" and bought an 8-1/2' 4-weight, which was the rod he fished on Sunday. Same reel, too. (That is so pleasing to me when I see folks get good stuff and keep using it for years and years!)

The point is this: Russ made a commitment to fly fishing. A solid one, too. And he fishes often. Still, he had some questions and asked if we could get out one day.

"What I need to know is how to get a better drift. I think I'm putting the fly in the right spot on the water, but I'm not hooking as many fish as I think I should be hooking." That's how we started our day.

After watching him for a bit and making a few comments I asked Russ if he wanted to watch me for a bit, just to see how I did it and he said, "Yes!"

I talked with Russ about using different casts and demonstrated how to do them. He was using a basic overhead cast, then trying to mend line to get the fly to drift properly.

Here are a few tips for fishing with a dry fly. Make adjustments for fishing with nymphs or wet flies. Please think about and practice these tips, and watch for more info as I am able to write and publish it:

What Russ learned was that fly fishing is about inches. Even in big water flies are relatively small and the spots fish live in are, too. I think of the fish as living in a shoe box; even a large trout can live there. The fly has to drift through that shoe box in order for the fish to see and then eat it. Accuracy is important. Line control is important. Being in touch with the fly at all times is important.

If fishing is important, that is. Robert Traver said that he didn't fly fish because he thought it was all that important, but because it was equally unimportant as other pursuits but not nearly so much fun.

Russ also learned to fish faster water.

Fish like cover, protection from predators and access to food. They also don't want to expend much energy to get their food, but they have to expend some. Less is better on the expenditure side, and more is better on the food side. Maybe trout are economists: buy low and sell high.

When I showed Russ the water I liked to fish - the hooked a very nice rainbow in one particular spot - he said he'd be changing his casting stroke and style and where he put flies.

During the rest of the day Russ said he caught more fish than he should have, and finally just quit. He fished dries all day long and caught more and larger trout than he thought he would on the Big Thompson, which was where we fished.

Moose, at one time gone from Colorado, are abundant and thriving. If you'd like to see a few take a drive to top of Cameron Pass, to the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park or through North Park along the Michigan River. They are all over the place. These particular pictures were taken by our friend Kent K and he was kind enough to share them with us. Thanks Kent!

A reminder: to me, a moose is the single most dangerous animal in the Colorado wilderness, such as it is. The pictures shown here are of moose in velvet, when they are relatively docile. They are not in velvet anymore. Never get in front of a bull; never get near a cow with calves. If they are in the area, stay clear!

Dave grew up in Colorado, but has lived the past 40-odd years in California. He is an interesting man who has passion. Past seventy Dave still loves fly fishing and the wildness of trout. Most of the time he fly fishes in very small streams near Mammoth, CA with his children, who share his interest in wild places and trout on dry flies.

When we fished on the Poudre last year it was an adventure for Dave, and we repeated it along the Big Thompson on Sunday. This is big water by his standards and there aren't nearly enough trees and brush to get tangled in, although he did figure a way to do just that.

I enjoyed fishing with Dave, and, as always, learned a few things about life. He's gotten older - we all have - since I met him in the early 1990's and in some ways his body is beginning to betray him. Still, his mind is young and enthusiastic and he's learning to cope with his body not obeying all the things his mind tells him to do.

The day and fishing conditions challenged him in an interesting and curious way. The casts, which were longer, caused problems in seeing the fly from time to time, and fish took the fly and got off before informing him that they were there. Sometimes he set the hook to a rising fish that did not take his fly - we all do that, too. Finally, after a time when the fish didn't seem to want anything, I tied on a Goddard Caddis.

Now I cannot tell you why this fly is one of my go-to patterns when fishing is tough, but it is. As soon as I tied it on the fish started to take it. I tied one on for Dave, too.

We worked on his casting and drift - see above info, which we discussed in detail - and at last a drift brought the perfect take.

The big brown rose slowly from deep water. Dave had his eyes riveted to the fly at the time and as the fish took the fly, then turned to head back to its lair, Dave set the hook. Hard. The fish was angry and chased about trying to get off, but Dave stayed the course and landed the fish.

As you can see, the fish was lovely and Dave's smile says all of what needs said about friends, fly fishing, lovely places and beautiful trout.

That is a beautiful, colorful brown trout, bred, and raised in the confines of the Big Thompson. It is probably at least four years of age and will have a successful spawn this year. Water conditions are great and still very cool. The river bottom is in good shape along this stretch, with plenty of clean gravel for redds.

Life will go on and I hope Dave and I will hook a few again one day soon. He gets back to Longmont one or two times a year and always stops to say hello and buy a few flies. Still, I wonder how many more days we have together, and how many each of us has fishing.

I'm waning philosophical again, as you know is my wont. While Dave and I fished I looked at the sun. It was setting and shadow crept up the rock formation above us. I had to wonder if we'd see this sun set again on this spot, and in reflection, if we'd hook another great fish like this one. A wild brown trout, full of life and vigor and preparing for its annual spawning ritual that will continue its life into the future.

It made me wonder how important all of the other things I'd do this week were by comparison, if that's fair. I know we built a great memory that neither of us will forget. That has great value for me.

The sun glistening on the water above and through the trees that hung over the river gave promise of light to come. At that point, our brown trout on the Goddard Caddis was yet to come.

Now many of you know Uncle Thomas because he's in the shop tying flies and taking things from my tying area many days. In addition to his great love for his wife of over forty years and his son and grandsons, Tom really likes tying flies. He has more boxes of flies than most folks and is always filling them with more. Many of you have fished with his patterns from time to time as he ties a few for the shop.

Tom is always interested in learning new tricks and, as you can see, even gets to use a few from time to time.

On Monday we met for breakfast and headed to the river, not knowing how long we'd be there or what would happen. Of late, the Big T has not fished all that well for me in the morning. This day would change that.

We started on a lower pool that brought, "Wow! What a great looking run this is!" from Tom. He tied on two nymphs - that's how he likes to fish - and began drifting them through the water.

"Why don't you tie on a dry fly, Tom?" I asked. I tied on an Adams - I'm no longer waiting to do so these days - and within four drifts had two fish swirl at it. I missed both.

"Maybe I will," he said.

He did.

And, he left his vest pocket open. Later, he would cuss and whine about the loss of the new box he'd assembled the night before, and rightly so. It had a lot of good flies in it, and they were gone.

In the meantime and before the discovery, Tom hooked some fish on dries. When we got to a big riffle/run area of the river he changed back. I watched how he fished the nymph rig, and asked if he'd like me to show him a trick or two. (Tie Frank's Flashy BH Fly, at right.)

To answer, he handed me the rod. I explained what I was going to do and on the second drift hooked and then landed a 20 inch rainbow. (He took pictures on his camera, and we'll have them another day.)

I handed him the rod, pointed out another spot and he hooked and landed the brown, shown above, on about the second or third drift. (Notice the perfect rod position in this shot as Tom fights another trout!)

"That's why I don't fish nymphs very often, Uncle Thomas." I said. "Too easy. I like the challenge of getting them to come to a dry fly."

We hooked lots of good fish. I even fished with a nymph rig a few more times, just to show Tom something with where we were. He did great! In the end, I sat on the bank. The sun was hot, the sky bright. I have the sunburn to prove it, too! Tom hooked a few more trout and we both decided that was enough for that day. We needed a cool drink of water.

For an old feller, he was pretty happy and the smile proves that!

Tom's an excellent fishing partner, and that's something of great worth. I hope we get out again soon.

Who's your fishing buddy? When will you encourage fishing together again?

Soon, I hope.

GO FISHING! YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO GO FISHING!

Andrew says you can still hook great carp which are tailing in the flats! Try it; you'll like it!

In case you didn't know, the end of August is nigh. It's tomorrow! Did your New Year's Resolution include learning more about fly fishing? If so, there's still time to take a St. Vrain Angler class!

Here's a note from a fine young lady who attended Saturday's Casting Class:

Our classes continue and we'd love for you to attend and learn from our friendly, helpful, informative instructors. Please check the link for dates and class descriptions and let us know what will work for you! 303-651-6061 to ask questions and register!

I'm going to teach the first fly tying class of the fall season beginning next Tuesday, September 6, 2005. There's still space for a couple of folks. Get a friend and join the fun! I promise you'll learn to tie flies and have great fun in the process. 303-651-6061 to register.  

Guided trips at the St. Vrain Angler and Estes Angler are the best around. To say they've been rewarding for all involved is to be too modest. People have a great time both guiding and being guided on our trips. The water is still so good, the fish so healthy - and getting fatter every day - the bugs so active and so on that its TIME FOR YOU TO REGISTER FOR AND TAKE A GUIDED TRIP!

Here's a comment from a trip taken on Saturday:

This is one of the beautiful spots our guides might take you to hook beautiful fish and create beautiful memories.

Did I mention it will clear your mind and renew your spirit?

It will. I promise.

I've been thinking about this for awhile, and am going to make this offer. It is special, at least I hope you see it that way.

Anyone who purchases a new Winston fly rod from St. Vrain Angler or Estes Angler in the month of September will be entered into a drawing. The winner will receive a day of fishing with yours truly - Dale Darling - on the Big Thompson in early October.

The Blue Winged Olives will be emerging and the fishing should be very good at that time. I'll show you some ins and outs of casting, line control, mending, fishing and tying if you'd like. The day will be yours.

To take advantage of this offer, please drop me a line at angler@peakpeak.com and let me know what type of rod you are considering. I'll help you make the right choice!

I have so much more I'd like to say, but at this time I'm going to say:
Hello, I must be going. I'd like to stay, I'd like to stay I must be going...

With much thanks to Groucho, I wish you the best. If you are fishing and catch a trout in your pajamas I don't know if there's much hope for any of us.

Best wishes for a safe, restful holiday. We'll be closed in Longmont on Sunday and Monday of next week, and will reopen on Tuesday. Estes Angler will continue to be open every day from 9AM to 5PM.

Good fishing! Good living.