Out There

Ennis Dam Endures Major Damage

Posted August 31, 2010 - 10:29am

Ennis Lake fishery could be in peril?

A couple years ago it was Hebgen Dam and last night it was Ennis Dam—according to PPL Montana a bus-sized boulder slammed into the dam, which is located about 10 miles from Ennis, caused a small oil spill and is now lodged on the dam where it created a 30-foot wide crater.Myka Thomas fighting a good one on Ennis Lake in July.Myka Thomas fighting a good one on Ennis Lake in July.

Early predictions say the lake would need to be drawn down nine feet and PPL is trying to figure out how to do that, fast or slow. A lot of that decision probably depends on what they plan to do with Hebgen Reservoir, which rests upstream of Ennis and is typically drawn down in September.

AFFTA & The International Fly Tackle Dealer Show

Posted August 31, 2010 - 7:03am

The Killer New Gear, all in one place

Just about time to head to the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show in Denver, which is where a lot of fly-fishing specific companies reveal their most recent gear to the industry. I'll pack a camera and laptop and wander the isles looking for the most interesting products to write about and then I'll share what I find with you.

Skating for Metal

Posted August 30, 2010 - 4:00pm

Peter Crow's Go-To Steelhead Dry

Natural inclination these days is to go with a variety of sink-tips to get your metalhead. I did that last year on Idaho's Clearwater River and hooked four fish from one pool and then thought, I wonder if they would have taken a dry? Are you kidding me? Hell yes, they would have eaten a dry.

Madison Whitetails

Posted August 27, 2010 - 8:23am

Madison Valley Wildlife

It's that time of year where I get pretty jacked up about hunting. All these deer running around in velvet. Cool mornings and evenings. Hot afternoons. I'm getting some arrows knocked and fletched today.

Thought all of you, hunters or not, might appreciate seeing some wildlife photos I've taken lately. I know that, as anglers, all of use enjoy wildlife. It's a big part of the angling experience for me. Any time I see deer, moose, elk, antelope...whatever it might be, I consider it a bonus to a good day on the water.

Enjoy.

greg

I'll see you in September.I'll see you in September.Sandhills and whitetailsSandhills and whitetailsHey, you in the back!Hey, you in the back!Hmm.Hmm.

 

Lower Deschutes Steelhead

Posted August 24, 2010 - 8:47am

Burkheimer school offers a classic float and major steelhead instruction

Started hearing a lot about CF Burkheimer rods in the past couple years as my time on Northwest steelhead streams has increased.

Office Visit

Posted August 18, 2010 - 9:24am

Afterhours Visitation Policy

Thought all of you might enjoy seeing who dropped by the Angler's Tonic office yesterday—Mr. Mule Deer.From the office window.From the office window.

Doug Persico, 70, Dies

Posted August 17, 2010 - 5:26pm

We Lose a Good Guy

by Chuck Stranahan

Reprinted here with generous permission from Chuck Stranahan and The Bitterroot Star

I got a call last week that left me saddened, Doug Persico whose name is synonymous with Rock Creek Fisherman’s Mercantile, died at his home on July 31 from complications of a long-term heart condition.

Tarpon Heads Rejoice

Posted August 17, 2010 - 5:02pm

Yellowdog’s Screaming Deal at Turneffe Flats Lodge

Tough time to be away from the Rockies. I know that from experience; I just got back from five weeks in Seattle, British Columbia and Alaska; and, a few years ago, I took off, in August and flew to Belize with my sites set on bonefish, tarpon and permit.

Alaska Wrap-Up

Posted August 12, 2010 - 10:16am

Back from Alaska, reluctantly, I must admit. But back, nonetheless.

I expect to take Tate and her sister, Myka, on more trips like the one we just enjoyed, but there's no reason I can't call this recent trip to Juneau, a trip of a lifetime. We saw whales bubble feeding, massive glaciers, sockeye salmon spawning, icebergs, eagles, porcupines, and a variety of other interesting wildlife. And Tate caught four of the five varieties of Pacific salmon, including chum, pink, coho and kings. She also caught a handful of tom cod. We failed to get her a halibut, but that leaves us something to look forward to next time. Tate was able to tour the state capital and ride in a tram high above the city. She helped pull king and Dungeness crab pots and chowed down on our homemade king crab wontons one night. She made new friends, stomped around in her Xtra Tuffs (the Alaskan slipper) and was full entertainment and an easy photo subject. Here are a few more images from the trip. Look for a full-length feature and more original shots in an upcoming issue of Fly Rod & Reel.

gt

 

Undersized king crab. Released Kent Sullivan style.Undersized king crab. Released Kent Sullivan style.

View of beautiful and fun-loving Juneau, Alaska, from the Mount Roberts tram.View of beautiful and fun-loving Juneau, Alaska, from the Mount Roberts tram.Tate at the Alaska State Capital building in Juneau. We did a self tour and met some really cool public servants. And we checked out some great art and historic images. Worth a visit for sure.Tate at the Alaska State Capital building in Juneau. We did a self tour and met some really cool public servants. And we checked out some great art and historic images. Worth a visit for sure.

Alaska Bound: Day 1

Posted August 4, 2010 - 8:32am

Stomping around Juneau

Flew into Juneau Alaska with my daughter, Tate, yesterday and we've already had a blast, seeing lots of wildlife, including mountain goats, porcupines, bald eagles, seals, salmon and ravens galore.

Today we're headed out with a friend of mine and his daughter. We'll troll for silvers and we're going to throw some flies for halibut and rockfish on some shallow humps. Should see some whales today, which will set Tate off like crazy. This isn't a hard-core fly-fishing trip by any stretch and we'll play each day to Tate's abilities and wishes, but I thought all of you might enjoy seeing some pics so that you, too, might take your kids to the Great Land one of these days.

greg