San Fran/Seattle Wrap-Up

I’ve just enjoyed one of the best weeks of my life, despite the fact I haven’t thrown a line.

But I’ve been talking about throwing a line, sometimes over beers and appetizers that would blow you away, such as a few from Tourism Calgary and Catch Restaurant, succulent oysters and shrimp, plus burgers and poutin from Ally Burger, all chased down with spiced whiskey and orange juice (I think). During the whole affair I met great people from Canada, fun-loving but professional, all with great adventures to offer.

Nimmo Bay Resort with choppers ready to roll.

If I could make it pay well, I’d just travel this year, to various Canadian locales, one week on to document the experience and one week off to write about it and share stories and images with all of you. Unfortunately, I can’t make it pay that well, so I’m being deliberate in the opportunities I plan to take advantage of. For sure, I’m going to visit Nimmo Bay Resort (www.nimmobay.com), where I’ll fly out daily in a helicopter to fish silvers, sea-run cutthroat, dolly varden, and maybe even steelhead, on some super remote rivers on the British Columbia Coast. That will happen in early October.

Another trip I’m banking on is a September foray to Quebec for Atlantic salmon on the Bonnaventure and Grand Cascapedia rivers. And, if it works out, I have an invite to fish the Miramichi in New Brunswick, too. Beyond that, I’ll take the girls to Calgary and sneak in some time on the Bow River, likely in late July or early August. From there we’ll head to Edmonton to check out their mall, of all things, and to get in on some of the outdoor adventure there.  Also have an invite to fish the Chilko River in British Columbia’s gorgeous Caribou/Chilcotin region, for rainbows on big dry flies only. Fish ranging from 18 to 28 inches I’m told. Also have an offer to travel on the Rocky Mountaineer, an upscale private train that ventures through the Canadian Rockies between Vancouver and Banff. I’ll have the girls with me for sure.

There are other great opps for pike, char, mule deer, etc., that I won’t mention until I can really lock in a schedule. If they don’t happen in 2012, there’s a good chance they will in 2013. So, I’m in Seattle right now, penning these words, ready to roll back to Missoula on Monday. And I’m dreaming big, hoping to take advantage of a lot of trips this year. That’s the wrap from San Francisco.

Pool room in the penthouse at Fairmont Hotel. Presidents have played on this table and I shot a game with the head of Ontario Tourism. Bet a beer. Won a beer.