The new American Angler should be hitting the shelves soon and there are some good reads to be had in its pages. The theme is DIY and adventure. And there are few adventures that rank as high as going into the mountains with a pack and a tent on your back, whether to find fish or for other reasons. When you’re in the crags anything can happen, whether that’s wildlife invading camp or
mountain storms bearing down. Most anglers never make it into the high country with a rod and reel, and they miss out on some seriously fun fishing. High country trout aren’t too skeptical and they can grow to good size. You’ll learn that in the story, If I’d Ever Been to Iceland, which recounts author Jeff Day’s hike into the Wind River Range for golden trout (and you’ll meet two memorable characters—Flu Guy and the Iron Haired Lady). You’ll also read about big time Continue reading
The New American Angler’s Adventure Issue
Posted in Backcountry, Culture, US & Canada
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Fine Sticks for Sale
I am trying to make my life a little easier these days and part of that equation is handing off some of my gear so that I can make room to try some new items. Over the years I’ve accumulated a nice quiver of fly rods, but some now have to go. If you are interested in any of these Continue reading
Posted in Culture, Gear
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Georgetown Rainbows in the Shallows
Took a drive over the weekend and saw these brutes doing their spawn at Georgetown Lake. Can’t fish for these right now—nor should we while they’re doing this—but they are fun to watch. Dipped the Go Pro for a few seconds and came up with a little footage for you. GT
The New American Angler, May/June Issue
As most of you know I took over American Angler last summer and have been ripping through manuscripts, trying to bring the mag into the modern world. How-to is fine, which is what American Angler was, but I feel like you can get that info online or in book form and that magazines should offer something better . . . like a story to go along with the dirt.
You’ll find that in the coming issue, which should hit newsstands in the next week or so. I took a warmwater focus with this one, because there is more than trout and salmon and steelhead swimming around out there, and because I think Continue reading
Land and Water Conservation Fund Reauthorized
From Backcountry Hunters and Anglers here in Missoula, Montana. This is a group, among many groups, that you should support. However, if you can’t support many, chip some dollars in here. If you do so, you’l support an effort that influences our experiences, whether you hunt, fish, bike, hike, camp, etc., and you get a good mag as part of the deal. But the news: The Land and Water Conservation Fund has been permanently reauthorized. Continue reading
Posted in Conservation
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Guys Night Out for the Smoke ‘n Can
If I were living in Anchorage, there’s no damn way anyone would be keeping me at home on Wednesday night. That’s because a bunch of mostly like-minded fishheads, who also like to eat some of their catch, are meeting at the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery ( 941 North Reeve Boulevard) on Wednesday, from 6 to 8 p.m., to learn about smoking, canning and pickling fish. Attendees can also ask about canning methods for game meat, and if you are successful in canning any of those Sitka blacktails, or moose for that matter, I know someone who will taste test it for you.
Here’s the only problem: advance registration required and I don’t know if this class is booked out or not. Here’s the Continue reading
Looking Back, at Manitoba Moose
Came across this short clip from a trip to Manitoba a few years ago. One of the most exciting trips of my life and what a moment . . . returning to camp after a successful hunt and a one-shot kill. Lots of meat for me and my girls, the leanest and healthiest you can find. Treasure this memory and hoping to repeat in 2019.
Posted in Hunting
Tagged Canada hunting, Canadian moose hunt, Manitoba moose hunting
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Review: Simms’ Outdry Insulated Glove
I could not pay 80 bucks for a pair of these gloves. These things could come with all the sophistication of Ironman’s right hand and I still couldn’t pay 80 bucks for them. Single father with two mouths to feed, exorbitant AAU basketball dues to pay, and college resting dead ahead. Thanks for your condolences.
But . . . if I were an Alaskan fishing guide, or any other angler/guide who spent a lot of time on the water during late winter, early spring and fall, I’d pay 80 Continue reading
Swinging, for British Columbia Bull Trout (Video)
Spent some time in British Columbia in October and recently put together a little video on that trip for American Angler. The target was bull trout because I’d gotten word that there were some brutes eating streamers, including patterns that specifically imitate landlocked kokanee salmon. I found that these fish didn’t exactly eat on a deadline swing, like a steelhead or king salmon might, but they were plenty aggressive if I added a little action to the fly. Looking forward to going back and hitting it again this coming summer or fall and Continue reading
Posted in British Columbia, Northwest, Videos
Tagged British Columbia, bull trout, Fly Fishing For bull trout
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Fall On Western Montana’s Rock Creek
There aren’t enough September’s in a guy’s life. It’s the best month of the year, by far. Bird seasons are open, archery for elk, too. Big bulls ripping up trees and barking at their cows. Call one in, feel your knees shake, knock an arrow and hope for the best. Continue reading