It has been cold around here. The good news is that there is lots of snow in the high country. Some areas are way above normal for this time of year, and the water content is excellent. Maybe some of the reservoirs in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah will fill this spring. I wonder if the additional moisture they are getting to the west of us will help them, while allowing more water to stay in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah? I guess we'll see. During all of the drought frenzy we forgot that a few years ago Lake Powell - or one of those huge impoundments along the Colorado River - had water flowing over the top of the dam! If that happens again, will the media make such a fuss over it that we forget about the drought? Who knows. At times, we certainly live in the tyranny of the immediate. Oh well.

The bad news is that not as many folks have been out fishing. However, as you can see from the picture of our friend Larry, taken by Chuck, there are some fine fish out there that will take flies. (That's a 9' rod next to this big brown behemoth!) This fish took one of Larry's orange scuds. He and Chuck caught plenty of fish that day, and a fine time was had by all - all being the two of them and the trout.

Isn't that the way with fishing trips? Once you are out there, you wonder why you beat yourself up so much about going in the first place, and then you have a great time, find yourself refreshed with the other things you do and say, "I've got to do this more often."

Remember: 2005 is the year to get out fishing soon and often. We'll help you in any way that you'll allow us. Please ask. Mark, Jay and I thrive on fulfilling your fly fishing dreams.

Our January Shop Trip is this weekend, once again to 11-Mile Canyon. Call Mark if you are interested in going. I think the trip is pretty much full - as far as the cabins and all - but there might be space remaining. Also, if you decide to join us for the day - either Sunday or Monday - we'll let you know where to find us. Join the fun; let's go fishing.

I'll report in next Tuesday on this trip. If you have updates on spots that you've recently fished, please let me know. In the near future, I'll set up a blog for us to share info.

Ever see one of these guys? That's our friend Ron, who also joined the festivities in Mexico last week, with a Dorado from Argentina. He was there in early December and enjoyed the trip very much.

The Dorado - which is Spanish for gold; gee, I wonder where the fish got it's name? - is found in warmwater rivers in Northern Argentina and other South American countries. I think most of the rivers are tributaries to the Amazon, and also have piranha (below, at right) and other species of fish. Ron saw lots of wildlife, too, and said the trip was really great. We're thinking of doing one of these next year, including fishing for Dorado for a few days, shooting birds on a ranch for a few days, and then floating a trout stream for a few days. We'll see how all of this comes together over the next few months. It would be an odd trip, but hey, what else would you expect from me?

Dorado take flies, jump like a crazy tarpon and are very aggressive. They are beautiful fish, found in beautiful areas surrounded by beauty.

While I love talking about, writing about and going fishing during the winter, there are those of us who prefer to tie flies in preparation for Spring, Summer and Fall fly fishing. That's fine. I'll admit that I now hate the cold, all in all. I'm getting older, and sitting inside, practicing the piano, composing, writing or reading are just fine activities for me. Still, I get out this time of year because the midge fishing is so much fun.

Our Fly Tying Classes are in full swing right now. Mark has Introduction to Fly Tying Classes going every month, and I'm starting the first of several Intermediate Fly Tying Classes tonight. (It is full, by the way. If you are in it, I'll be joining a few folks at 5PM at O'Shay's for dinner. Class starts at 6:30 sharp, and we'll be done at 9:00.)

Please sign up for the next sessions, which are listed here. Tying classes usually fill fast, so let us know what works for you as soon as you know what works best for you. (?)

Introduction to Fly Tying Class Schedule

February 8, 2005

March 15, 2005

April 19, 2005

Intermediate Fly Tying Class Schedule

February 8

These are all Tuesday evenings and the dates are the night class begins. We meet for four consecutive Tuesdays. The shop provides materials for all the flies tied during class sessions, and we're building small tying kits that have the materials you can use to tie flies during the week. They are inexpensive and useful.

We are willing to add more classes as there is interest and demand. Also, either Mark or I will do private tying classes for you or a group of friends. Last year we did several for Tying Alaska flies, and for Tying Saltwater flies. Let us know what you'd like, and we'll do it.

Things are moving ahead swimmingly for the St. Vrain Angler's chapter of Trout Unlimited. This month a group of folks were nominated for the Board, and elections will be held at Thursday's General Meeting, which will be held this Thursday at 6:30 at the VFW on South Main Street, in Longmont. Call us for more info at 303-651-6061.

In addition, a smaller group has formed a committee to study the St. Vrain from Lyons to Longmont. The group is going to do scientific research on water quality, bug life and so on, asking St. Vrain Valley science teachers and students to participate. They will have a short presentation on Thursday to explain this program, as well.

Chuck Howard is going to do his delightful program on Fly Fishing Argentina Trout. I promise you will enjoy it very much.

I'll be tying flies at 6:30, the general meeting will begin at about 7:00 and the program will start at 7:30.

Please join the fun! The VFW is on Main Street (287) north of 119 - Ken Pratt - and south of Downtown, on the east side of the road. Look for their sign. Pull in the drive and go around to the back of the Hall. There's plenty of parking. We meet downstairs. The club will provide snacks, and there is an open bar with pop and beer.

Well, that's all I've got in my for this fine day. Thanks for being there. Thanks for reading.

I hope you'll join us for a tying class and the Saturday Clinics. And, I hope to see you this Thursday evening at 6:30 at the VFW in Longmont for the Trout Unlimited meeting.

See you soon!