Trouts Fly Fishing Blog

As Fall approaches every year, there are certain givens that we can all expect.  The days are going to get shorter, the fishing is going to get better, and we’re about to be inundated with tons of NEW product for the upcoming year.

Sage let the cat out of the bag a bit early this year with their debut of the NEW SAGE VXP Fly Rod Series.  Available in 3 wt. – 10 wt., the VXP is a versatile fly rod that is as comfortable on a small high country stream as it is on an open salt water flat.  The real exciting buzz about this rod lies beneath the classic green color and layers of gloss… this fly rod is essentially a remake of the ever popular XP series that was discontinued about 4 years ago!  And starting at $485, this fly rod is a steal.  We’ve got 4 wt. – 6 wt. in the shop, so be sure and come by give one a test drive.

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The Simms Wader Rebate Program, arguably one of the best sales promotions offered in the Fly Fishing Industry, is back by popular demand and Trout’s Fly Fishing is proud to be a participating fly shop.  Here are the details:

-  The program will run from September 1 thru October 31, 2010

-  Customers must have a rebate voucher which can be obtained starting September 1, 2010 on the Simms Website.  Vouchers will only be available through the month of September, but may be redeemed as late at October 31.  Unlike the original rebate program, there are UNLIMITED VOUCHERS.

-  Bring in your old waders along with a valid rebate voucher to the shop and receive $50 OFF any Guide Series Wader and $25 OFF any Headwater Series Wader.  NOTE:  your old waders can be from any manufacturer, not just Simms.

That’s it!  So if you’ve been contemplating getting a new pair of waders this year, this is the time to do it.

Click here to see the full line of Simms Waders on our Online Store

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Recently, there has been a lot of controversy and debate of the proposed ban of felt soled boots.  Alaska and Vermont have officially banned felt soled boots, and other states like Maryland won’t be far behind.  I’ve remarked in previous posts on where I stand on this issue, and have had insightful conversations with customers and business colleagues alike.  So I was thrilled/amazed/disappointed to read the latest article put out by none other than the New York Times on the issue (read the full article).

Now putting the debate and accompanying science to the side for a moment, what struck me most about this article is how poorly it makes our industry and sport look to the general public.  The author does a great job of using published science and the opinions of those that matter most to paint a picture of a bunch of sportsman who are more concerned about what material stands between them and the bottom of a river, than they do about the future health and viability of our nations fisheries.  So whether or not you believe in the need and viability of a ban on felt soled boots, I think it’s fair to say that the time has come for all of us to put petty personal beliefs and differences aside, and open our eyes to what this debate is truly about.

But hey, these are just my thoughts, what do you think?

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Simms has historically been recognized for developing the most advanced and highest quality products for anglers. The Simms Spring 2011 line continues this tradition featuring products designed for all fishing segments – from fresh to salt and tarmac to drift boat.

Simms Waders offer the broadest ranges of styles and sizes for every angler. 2011 brings a new Special Edition in the G3 Guide™ model and an expansion of Custom Shop options and sizes.

There is a lot going on in the Footwear category. Highlights of the 9 new and updated boots and shoes are:

• RiverTek™ BOA® Boot – Simms has developed a new wading boot featuring the BOA® Lacing System; this boot is the ultimate in CleanStream™ design.
• Our updated Freestone® Boot offers a more durable boot with a rubberized toe and heel at the same fantastic price!
• Simms is introducing three GORE-TEX® footwear pieces for 2011: the Pursuit GORE-TEX® Shoe Mid and Low and the Harbor GORE-TEX® Shoe, all designed for wear on and off the water. All three shoes feature a GORE-TEX membrane, Vibram outsoles – originally designed for use by the US Navy on carrier ships – and OrthoLite memory foam sockliners for superior comfort.
• Mariner Shoe is the finest made amphibious sneaker for boats and skiffs.
• RipRap Shoe & StreamTread™ Sandal – you asked for them and Simms delivers…a shoe and sandal featuring Simms StreamTread™ sole with Vibram technology. Both can accept Simms HardBite™ Studs and Star Cleats.
• Zipit Bootie! A new price-point bootie that will be the answer for float tubes, kayaks and saltwater wading.

We’ll have all these new offerings, plus any other amazing items Simms will have for the 2011 season, as soon as they’re available.  We’ll be seeing all these products and more next week, so be sure and stay tuned for future updates.

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With the crowds gone, the foliage in full color, and the fish hungry and frisky, expert anglers agree that fall in Colorado offers the finest fly fishing anywhere and they offer the top spots

DENVER, CO – Colorado is a world-wide destination for fly fishing, as there are thousands of miles of streams in the mountains and plains, and hundreds of ponds, lakes and reservoirs that offer fly fishers unparalleled access to the finest fresh-water fish on earth. Trout of every stripe, kokanee salmon, bass, muskie, crappie, catfish, walleye, splake – there’s a challenge nearly everywhere in the clear, cold waters of Colorado.

And autumn is a particular popular season for the veteran fly fisher for a variety of reasons. First, of course, is the solitude: with kids back in school and the majority of summer tourists back home, even the most popular streams, reservoirs and lakes hot fishing spots feature little company or competition. Then there’s the weather: the fall in Colorado is spectacular, with warm sunny days, and cool starry nights, and foliage colors unmatched in the West.

But of course, it’s the fish that matter. In the fall, many species are spawning in Colorado streams, and once finished with their labors they need to fatten up for the long winter. In this season all types of fish are especially hungry and frisky, which makes the angling possibilities endless and the fight well worth the effort.

Seasoned anglers mark their calendars for September, October and November in Colorado as possible the best fly fishing on earth.

Colorado offers many opportunities for excellent fly fishing, from remote back-country sites and guided tours for Colorado river fishing, to day trips from major cities and resort locales where the famous Colorado trout – rainbows, cutthroat, brownies, brookies and lake trout – are abundant and ferocious.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife (http://wildlife.state.co.us/) is an excellent source of information on available species and places to go, and of course the Internet is replete with fishing blogs, fishing guide sites, and a wealth of information that is a gateway to Colorado fly fishing.

Truth be told, in Colorado no one is ever more than a few miles from a great fly fishing spot, but here are five premier locations that expert anglers agree are among the very best locations for successful, memory-laden Colorado fly fishing:

• The Blue River is a medium-size river in the central part of the state near the Continental Divide, and one of the most scenic fishing spots in the state. Experts believe the best fly fishing on the river is from the Dillon Reservoir dam down to the Colorado River, between the town of Dillon to the Green Mountain Reservoir. While most of the water borders private land, there is 10 miles of public access between the two reservoirs. Look to land brown, rainbow, some brook trout, cutthroats and fall-spawning Kokanee salmon.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison River in western Colorado is renowned for the brilliant combination of deep canyons and sheer cliffs, beautiful terrain and fishing opportunities unrivaled anywhere. The Gunnison River is subject to many restrictions, but there are 26 miles of the river that are managed as a Gold Medal tailwater fishery, which veteran anglers says is among the most productive in the state. The open portion is equally divided: thee lower 13

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As reported by the Anchorage Daily News, the Nushagak River, one of Alaska’s premier King Salmon fisheries, has been closed for the season due to poor King Salmon returns.

read the full story….

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It’s great when you have a boss that has the tarpon fishing trip of a lifetime, they typically come back all smiles and full of “yeses”. Still riding high from jumping 30 and boating close to 15; Tucker to say the least was in a very giving mood. Upon reentry into reality, the confines of Trout’s Fly Shop, Tucker afforded me the opportunity to take his place on the “1st Annual What The Shuck! Dealer Rendezvous-Rio Grande River”. You may be asking what is the meaning behind “What the Shuck!”?  And what exactly constitutes a “Dealer Rendezvous”?

First things first, “What the Shuck!” was a term coined by super rep. Michael White, a.k.a Whitey, for this shin dig.  Taking into account that this inaugural event was to take place stream side on the infamous Rio Grande and at a time when the dry fly fishing was to be at critical mass,  this new term best described both the uncertainty of what was to unfold before us, as well as, providing a wholesome twist on a common exclamatory remark. I hope this begins to paint a clearer picture.

Now to the “Dealer Rendezvous” part of this equation.  Commonly used as a noun, “rendezvous” I believe is best described and defined by MANY of the associated synonyms listed below.

Main Entry: rendezvous

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: get-together or place for get-together

Synonyms: affair, appointment (slightly late due to an emergence of grey drakes, handle of JD and LunaAzul Tequila), assignation, blind date (I didn’t know many in attendance, therefore I went in blind), date, double date (with three to a boat, more like a threesome), engagement, heavy date, matinee, meet, meeting, one night stand (I was told not to comment), tryst, gathering point (Cascada Bar & Grill), hangout, haunt, love nest, meeting place, spot, stomping ground (glorious Creede, CO), venue, watering hole (TommyKnocker Tavern…shot ski anyone?)

Combine these two terms and you get a short list of owners, managers and guides getting together to chase fish, sip on whiskey, brainstorm, smoke cigars, make fun, bbq in the rain and “borrow flies”.  Certainly in no particular order.  Clearer yet??

A few shout outs are certainly in order for this spectacular event.

Michael “Whitey” White:  The grandmaster, orchestrator…big daddy of the event is a highly skilled industry representative (Simms, Ross Reels, Idylwilde Flies) with a knack for poker, multi-tasking and two handing.  With mad “creek cred” and admiration from his retailers, Whitey was able to amass some of the industry’s finest for one heck of a fun weekend.  Thanks Whitey!

Patrick Kilby:  PK was the supplier of all things chewy and is the Director of US Operations for Idylwilde flies.  To say that Patrick came prepared would be an understatement, he had more flies in his duffle bag than all the fly shops in Mineral County combined.  Bug Du Jour for Monday:  Wilcox’s JC Special in olive or gray #10-12, Quigley’s Film Critic Green Drake #12 and Hairwing Drake gray #10-12.  Bug Du Jour for Tuesday: Quigley’s Victory Drake #12, Bloom’s Sedge Hammer brown green # 14-16, Hairwing Drake gray #10-12 and Parachute Adams #10-12.  Thanks Patrick for the use of some of your bugs!

Andy Wunsch: Despite ending his first evening in Creede with an unfortunate misstep, Andy was the “brains” of this trip.  As the Director of Sales for Simms Fishing Products, Andy brought with him the knowledge, answers, open-mindedness and wise ass remarks to keep us retailers educated, in-line and entertained.  Having literally “grown up” in the retail world, Andy was able to understand the needs of specialty retailers and parallel them with the needs of Simms, the manufacturer.  Thanks Andy for sharing your insight and opening your eyes and ears to our needs.

Duranglers and Wolf Creek Anglers:  Arguably some of the fishiest guys around, the guides from both Duranglers and WCA were top notch all the way.  Thanks guides for making all those mayflies emerge, I still don’t know how you do it!  Check them out: www.duranglers.com and www.wolfcreekanglers.com

To sum up this entire event in a concise form would be unjust…but I’m going to do it anyways.  In a few words:

Guides: $$$$$$

Fishing:  INSANITY

The company: INSANE..R

Flies: DIRTY and chewy

New Product: EXCITING

Oh yeah, just so you can hate me more…I’m going back in two weeks.  This time however Tucker and I will be hosting 6 lucky anglers on a trip that is sure to live up to this one.  If interested give us a call, we have a few spots left.

I think I’ll coin this first ever Trout Bum Trip…What the Shuck! Trouts Rendezvous-Rio Grande River.

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• Alberto Cordero-Biedma is the owner and principle guide for Fly fishing Andes who maintains six lodges throughout Northern Patagonia.  He along with his staff takes pleasure in sharing the wonderful resources with their guests.  From the vast variety of gin clear waters offering  wild McCloud strain rainbows, German browns, Sebago landlocked salmon, and Eastern brook trout to the warm estancias, fine Argentine wine, and exceptional meals his operation is one sure to please.  In comparison to the rest of Patagonia, the Northern region presents a milder climate with kind weather and temperate winds.  With some of the most beautiful water in the world anglers of all skill levels and techniques can harvest some true experiences and memories.

• Alberto will be at Trout’s Fly Fishing this Thursday June 10^th at 6pm as our guest.  Please stop by after work or a long day on the river and enjoy a few free beers, cheap flies, stories and expertise with fellow fisherman and bums alike!

• Check out our Calendar of Events for more information.

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Catch Magazine has done it again with another installment of amazing photography and addictive content.  Enjoy!

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