tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84598430719919887632024-03-14T00:23:54.894-07:00Amber Liquid Anglers and SportsmenA nice stain on the water, a nice stain on the beverage. Coincidence? We think not.spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.comBlogger222125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-31891676818472690222022-12-02T18:15:00.002-08:002022-12-02T18:15:45.180-08:00The Fly Fisherman's Christmas List 2022 Edition<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4Uu0mdywnPISVwm9ffWghsa1bk6GCwYP_1SeGVmyG66pI-xavVaYi2MokWzL5SeCVfXtn-_FUHB97ETEa3iM9NpLFTi88ad6RRJsjl4mfvaaW0ZVK0v_34zHxW7JrTavH3DcdWJeS0FC2dS07Cnh2SbFSppcD7M-Rvu0RWwcWb7Hc7uQS1TXPLGbXQ/s4608/P7230210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4Uu0mdywnPISVwm9ffWghsa1bk6GCwYP_1SeGVmyG66pI-xavVaYi2MokWzL5SeCVfXtn-_FUHB97ETEa3iM9NpLFTi88ad6RRJsjl4mfvaaW0ZVK0v_34zHxW7JrTavH3DcdWJeS0FC2dS07Cnh2SbFSppcD7M-Rvu0RWwcWb7Hc7uQS1TXPLGbXQ/s320/P7230210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This year's list is inspired by literary license. Thus, the Two Hearted River.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Ernie didn't actually write about the Two Hearted. He wrote about the Fox River; but, Two Hearted sounds so much better in print.</p><p><br /></p><p>So, our annual gift recommendations. I hope everyone has emerged on the far side of the Covid scourge relatively unscathed.</p><p>Oh - Fox River: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcsBfIiIwzTDvQT5O6urPsebeLScO5RJgfa59LnxNTaOkaqYMoOVACFjTQCDaVQPTIYeN-TDCgDGthd9P-rW0S68phbs6OPFLrG4Xz9DCnnuxN3qri1U0-AsHyaCjwcT6JpBMVutZhLm8736qhMn5Mblq2q6YRJWpj1kGZX3QYuZDWo3uNCfPXkygFg/s4608/P7240309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcsBfIiIwzTDvQT5O6urPsebeLScO5RJgfa59LnxNTaOkaqYMoOVACFjTQCDaVQPTIYeN-TDCgDGthd9P-rW0S68phbs6OPFLrG4Xz9DCnnuxN3qri1U0-AsHyaCjwcT6JpBMVutZhLm8736qhMn5Mblq2q6YRJWpj1kGZX3QYuZDWo3uNCfPXkygFg/s320/P7240309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Accuracy counts but in literature, it counts for bupkis.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The list:</p><p><b>10) Fingerless Wool Gloves ( <a href="https://foxsox.com/products/mid-weight-fingerless-ragg-glove?variant=31529267822635&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4aacBhCUARIsAI55maGcYNek-ffgOMyJrPMazBBFRXMk_ieA1FvStshgxHA2v8HrcpCD1yIaAsfSEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Wool</a> ). </b></p><p>Stretching the fishing season means cold hands. The issue is one of comfort and functionality. Full gloves are useless to a fly fisherman because: knots. Going gloveless means the cool fall or early spring breeze amplifies the evaporation and function is lost to cold paralysis. Fingerless gloves in wool retain heat in an inadvertent wetting, protect the paws from cold, and provide for twisting tippet into rudimentary knots.</p><p>These are a gift of care, concern, and thoughtfulness. Maybe they aren't quite right for the brother-in-law.</p><p><b>9) Amazon Kindle Paperwhite ( <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KTZ8249?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=547395527507&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4939963575010022876&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1016367&hvtargid=kwd-41253952701&ref=pd_sl_4jkedu9ldu_e" target="_blank">Paperwhite</a> ).</b></p><p>There is a lot of time in camp, on the bank, and generally waiting about in this game. There's more of it than you think depending on your fishing partners. ( Detour for a new battery)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIalE3D49OU00Dj2Wsr2HoMKJdK4Gc_1z8bVfcK6uuN936XbQ2_LhetXq-btJxUIaApiguJn7_ea0dWd0HKpBlQdaXuD7xO_kawujzAHT9ixP4eoXWGN1NuJvl9E-wBVQe77o33fwzp0X6nV9AvdpF8G3kFI1Oku0waxfE1B9C1Kzpbtm0NZplqKXM_w/s4608/P7240298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIalE3D49OU00Dj2Wsr2HoMKJdK4Gc_1z8bVfcK6uuN936XbQ2_LhetXq-btJxUIaApiguJn7_ea0dWd0HKpBlQdaXuD7xO_kawujzAHT9ixP4eoXWGN1NuJvl9E-wBVQe77o33fwzp0X6nV9AvdpF8G3kFI1Oku0waxfE1B9C1Kzpbtm0NZplqKXM_w/w200-h150/P7240298.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />While waiting on the brother-in-law, wouldn't it be nice to be able to do a bit of reading? Well, he'll feel the same when subjected to your random delay events.<p></p><p>Teddy had his pigskin library. With the paperwhite, you are gifting someone their own version. I upgraded in 2021 to the new version as my original kindle of nearly ten years of age was left in a lovely home at Sun West Ranch as I fished the Madison. </p><p><b>8) Bertucci Field Watch ( <a href="https://www.bertucciwatches.com/Bertucci/home.html" target="_blank">Bertucci</a> ).</b></p><p>My "big iron" Breitling<b> </b>is on the table in front of me but on my wrist? My field watch. I don't worry about dings, loss, immersion. It's handy in the kitchen as well. Help the fisherman in your life make dinner on time: field watch.</p><p><b>7) Darn Tough Over-the-Calf Wool Socks ( <a href="https://darntough.com/collections/mens-over-the-calf" target="_blank">Socks</a> ).</b></p><p>I'm known for a total disdain of cold, wet feet. Comfort is itself a holiday gift. Try the Paul Bunyan variant. </p><p>When your buddies go on their Alaska steelheading adventure, they'll thank you!</p><p><b>6) Stormy Kromer Choppers </b>( <a href="https://www.stormykromer.com/waxed-tough-mitts/" target="_blank">Mitts</a> ).</p><p>For fishing? Sure. Brushing the snow off your vehicle or worse - your vehicle's door frame - so the snow doesn't fall onto the driver's seat requires a certain attention to detail. Oh - you've seen your buddy use an industrial ice scraper and sweeper combo? Where does he keep it? </p><p>Inside the SUV.</p><p>Yep, so he brushes the snow off with his now wet, bare, cold hand to get to the ice scraper. If he had these choppers, that wouldn't happen! </p><p>These are excellent for all manner of winter chores. They look cool. Most of all, glove liners can be worn inside so if a dexterous task is required, a chopper can be removed easily.</p><p>Mitts allow the fingers to heat their neighbors. Gloves do not. </p><p>Floridians need not apply.</p><p><b>5) Solo Stove Titan and Pot ( <a href="https://www.solostove.com/en-us/p/titan?g_acctid=918-383-8176&g_adgroupid=46896937672&g_adid=323325630476&g_adtype=search&g_campaign=Search%20Google%20-%20Brand%20%20%20_DR_&g_campaignid=932293910&g_keyword=solo%20stove%20titan&g_keywordid=kwd-296898659896&g_network=g&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4aacBhCUARIsAI55maFkb3tqLxV5TDy4QR8ssDZpczfIRxV_iwymRT2lqgpDhUjvMRzdF5MaAs_lEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Solo</a> ).</b></p><p>Hot coffee. Hot soup. Tortellini. The gift of a Solo stove provides a light field expedient relief that is especially welcome on the bank during the border season.</p><p>Who knows, your buddy might even see fit to make a cup for you at the campsite early one summer morning! </p><p>The solo stove seriously works. </p><p><b>4) Rubik's Cube </b>( <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rubiks-Magnetic-Speed-Faster-Problem-Solving/dp/B08DYBF1JJ/ref=pd_lpo_2?pd_rd_w=KK4yR&content-id=amzn1.sym.116f529c-aa4d-4763-b2b6-4d614ec7dc00&pf_rd_p=116f529c-aa4d-4763-b2b6-4d614ec7dc00&pf_rd_r=D7BM1B95GCQAZ0NYWA2W&pd_rd_wg=oXAMo&pd_rd_r=5fba1072-6043-4f7c-b06e-b16c75e1f0a4&pd_rd_i=B092W5LRDJ&th=1" target="_blank">Rubik</a> ).</p><p>The Rubik's Cube represents the budget-minded gift this season. We've covered that there is a lot of sitting and waiting in this game (for the hatch, the weather, the brother-in-law). What else do you expect a fellow to do? </p><p>Maybe your buddy doesn't read. Hopefully we're not discussing your husband but there's no accounting for taste. In the event of the willfully ignorant in your life: try the cube. </p><p>It's a great campsite party favor and if your buddy/husband/red-headed step-child masters the thing, well there's that, too.</p><p><b>3) Hand Tied Flies</b> from your own vise.</p><p>This is always a hit. You know the waters. Your know the flies. Boxes run less than $10 for six of them and flies just thrown inside would be fine! It's the gift that counts. </p><p>I have a renegade tied by my buddy Scott at a session in 2019 here on the desk in front of me right now. I haven't seen him since the pandemic which coincided with his relocation to a town only twenty miles away. Might as well have been twenty-thousand miles away.</p><p>The point is: flies tied by someone you know have a meaning beyond the value of imitation.</p><p> <b>2) A book of rare value.</b></p><p><i>The North Country Fly: Yorkshire's Soft Hackle Tradition</i> by Robert L.Smith. ( <a href="https://www.abebooks.com/first-edition/NORTH-COUNTRY-FLY-YORKSHIRES-SOFT-HACKLE/14870855759/bd" target="_blank">Smith</a> ).</p><p><i>Trout Spey & the Art of the Swing</i> by Steve Bird ( <a href="https://swing-the-fly-magazine.myshopify.com/products/trout-spey-the-art-of-the-swing-by-steven-bird?variant=39651219996707" target="_blank">Bird</a> ).</p><p><i>Matching Major Eastern Hatches: New Patterns for Selective Trout </i>by Henry Ramsay ( <a href="https://www.abebooks.com/Matching-Major-Eastern-Hatches-New-Patterns/31258989152/bd?cm_mmc=ggl-_-US_Shopp_Trade_20to50-_-product_id=COM9780811707305NEW-_-keyword=&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4aacBhCUARIsAI55maG59iect88GCHbR8HEvjl00nEjyvM7Qt1M_KOlFOWWSsb4GlG649GsaAs5xEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Ramsay</a> ).</p><p>All of the above texts are wonderful. I'll let you decide on your own if trout are "selective" because I don't talk politics, religion, or trout selectiveness with friends.</p><p>Smith and Bird have volumes whose images are stunning in their clarity and depiction of the intent of the author beyond the mere utility of illustration. The lucky recipient will find themselves returning to the volumes year after year for the rest of their fishing careers.</p><p>Ramsay? The insects one needs to know are clearly depicted though I wish the view presented was from the trout's perspective: bottom-side up. I don't know why editors miss this fact. Probably, they are not on the stream enough.</p><p><b>1) Single Malt Scotch Old Enough to Vote.</b></p><p>I don't include a link because if you have a fisherman in your life, you know where to go to buy booze.</p><p>Which scotch?</p><p>Glenfiddich 18, Glenmorangie 18, or Dalmore 18 (ouch ...that'll leave a mark) are wonderful. No fly fisherman would turn up a nose at any of these. </p><p>If the brother-in-law offers to drive on your trips up north? You owe him one of these.</p><p>If the brother-in-law has a cabin in the north country you can use anytime you ask? You owe him one of these.</p><p>If the brother-in-law's cabin is steps from a trout stream? Move on up the the 21 year-old stuff. It'll prove a bargain in the end.</p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and tight lines for all of us in the days to come.</span></b></p><p>Dean, I miss you buddy.</p><p><i>Prost.</i></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-82893679258171570832021-12-13T09:38:00.002-08:002021-12-13T09:38:39.472-08:00Not Dead Yet<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/Coffin_and_mummy_of_Paankhenamun_03.jpg/640px-Coffin_and_mummy_of_Paankhenamun_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/Coffin_and_mummy_of_Paankhenamun_03.jpg/640px-Coffin_and_mummy_of_Paankhenamun_03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Above: a copyright free image from the Art Institute of Chicago.<br /><p></p><p> </p><p>Part of the social distancing policy for we hermits involves social invisibility. </p><p><br /></p><p>Since the last post, I've been fishing the Madison in Montana, and have been up north in Michigan camping and fishing a dozen times. Somehow, posting the trivial narrative of my adventures seems meaningless.</p><p> </p><p>I am alive, tying flies, and planning for next year. </p><p> </p><p>I have also started some pursuits in astrophotography as trout and stars both like clean air in remote locations away from a population, its lights, and its pollution of all sorts.</p><p> </p><p>This year my Christmas gift giving list only includes only vaccinations (shingles, pneumonia, flu, covid I & II, and a booster). Give the whole set. Keep your fishing partners alive.</p><p><br /></p><p>Until the spring sunshine sees us all in better states of mind and health ...</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Holidays.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-23959182385038080662021-06-27T18:06:00.002-07:002021-06-29T13:18:35.074-07:00Trout Family<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azBi0DwrCxA/YNkcHCYCZEI/AAAAAAAAHqY/2AGOdwgg2gopFc0cbqRQiHNEXkWH3OKlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/signal-2021-06-27-073813.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azBi0DwrCxA/YNkcHCYCZEI/AAAAAAAAHqY/2AGOdwgg2gopFc0cbqRQiHNEXkWH3OKlQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h291/signal-2021-06-27-073813.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>At left, my trout family. Picture courtesy the Lovely Courtney.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>We make our own way upstream. We look for cooler water. We try to find a place with cover and food.</p><p>These are my trout guys. On the right: Big Bear. Next: The Senator. Third from the right is Mike who is part steelhead whisperer. Third from the left is his brother Mobes whose wedding we had the pleasure of attending this weekend. (Welcome Debs). The guy wearing the tablecloth from an Italian restaurant is the Wilson. I'm the guy on the left who minutes before shed his sport coat due to the 85% humidity and spousal dancing obligations. <br /></p><p>We're out of uniform being reasonably cleaned-up, mostly shaved or at least trimmed, questionably sober, and <i>sans</i> waders.</p><p>It is important to have trout family. It's important to make family if yours turns out to be a festering bowl of shit. It's a biological luck of the draw if you leave it to nature. These folks have removed the random affair and made family from active choice. We're chosen family.</p><p>So, We're preparing for outings. We're talking trout. We're pondering gear we don't need and waters we've read about.</p><p>Next up: Montana for me. For the group? Maybe Washington. Maybe Alaska. We talked NakNek rainbows. We talked Situk steelhead. We talked other places. We'll see.</p><p><br /></p><p>We're planning trips. I hope you are too.</p><p><i>Prost.</i><br /></p><p> <br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-34365200176063179382021-06-24T17:24:00.003-07:002021-06-24T17:24:50.290-07:00Trout Camping Summer Style<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkazRBKVwGc/YNUccuNogJI/AAAAAAAAHpI/yzihS4TP_IA2RnuTX8kg0rbz0llSuJC6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P6160002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkazRBKVwGc/YNUccuNogJI/AAAAAAAAHpI/yzihS4TP_IA2RnuTX8kg0rbz0llSuJC6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P6160002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>At left, my walleye fishing buddy Mike (takes me into Canada with him when Canada is open) in front of the Nemo Dark Timber tent we used for four nights here this past week up on the Au Sable outside of Grayling, Michigan.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>There are no grayling in Grayling, Michigan anymore. Just wanted to clear that up.</p><p><br /></p><p>Trout? Yes. Grayling? No.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njfWk0x4Y0U/YNUdE9x_M-I/AAAAAAAAHpQ/49u9dr29XaQhQJU_QrpLxp3UWYOvO0vqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P6190025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njfWk0x4Y0U/YNUdE9x_M-I/AAAAAAAAHpQ/49u9dr29XaQhQJU_QrpLxp3UWYOvO0vqgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P6190025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Mike fishing the Holy Waters section of the Au Sable mainstream down from Guides' Rest against a lovely batch of iris. They're not native but they are lovely.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>So, we had bluebird days without a cloud (trout hate bright days without clouds) and cool nights (37 Wednesday night by the tent thermometer before dawn). </p><p> It was a Michigan summer outing. We had warm. We had cool. There were rumours of Drakes and Hex. There was a dramatic cool down in the evening we went hexing and ...no hexing. In fact, the river died about ten minutes before sunset that night and stayed that way for over an hour growing cooler and less hex-like.</p><p>We caught fish. Nothing big ... but fish.</p><p>We ran into poachers on the Black taking fish on chicken parts in a john-boat and putting all of the catch into a cooler. We didn't realize what they were doing until they slid the boat past us over gravel then proceeded to float a spring hole and vacuum the fish out indiscriminately. They were locals. They were in camo, And, I didn't want to get shot. It happens.</p><p>We ate well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iFO7L5QHcDM/YNUgt7gzgtI/AAAAAAAAHpY/zlULgdNMAe8nMBf--oYAW2lCx-Kj7D20gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P6190040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iFO7L5QHcDM/YNUgt7gzgtI/AAAAAAAAHpY/zlULgdNMAe8nMBf--oYAW2lCx-Kj7D20gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P6190040.JPG" /></a></div><p>Mike cooking double Iowa chops one evening.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>We fished the Mainstream Holy Waters, the Mason Tract South Branch Au Sable, the North Branch Au Sable, The Black, The Deward Tract Manistee, and the mainstream Manistee below Goose Creek Horse Camp (thanks, Lauren!).</p><p> We ran a dry camp. No alcohol of any sort consumed. No damage done there. <br /></p><p>We engaged in first class bushwacking without breaking any rods. We caught fish on size 18 soft hackles and size 14 caddis as well as a few more specialized flies and micro-streamers.</p><p>It was a good outing and all worked well. </p><p> We fell asleep in the Nemo Stargazer chairs reviewed in the preceding post so I have to say they passed a "trout fishing" comfort test.</p><p>Obligations keep me from the "trout belt" of Michigan until August. My next big outing will be the Madison River at Sun West during July. Lifetime trip, I think. I'll let you know.</p><p><i>Prost.</i> <br /></p><p> <br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-47789068934702285132021-06-07T10:22:00.005-07:002021-06-27T18:07:12.680-07:00Nemo Stargazer Chair for Camp<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-leNiROp7H3Y/YL5QZPWJpaI/AAAAAAAAHik/dGUBBcWTMSgnkholig5RSvFkBqz0YcZzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P6050007.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-leNiROp7H3Y/YL5QZPWJpaI/AAAAAAAAHik/dGUBBcWTMSgnkholig5RSvFkBqz0YcZzQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P6050007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b>Waiting.</b> We spend a lot of time at trout camps waiting. Watching. Thinking. Talking. <p></p><p>Sure we fish; but, for every hour on the stream is an hour in the darkness, the too bright, the too early, the too late. We're sitting through those times.</p><p><br /></p><p>I can't fix your chronic wind knots or mis-matched hatch hopes (and aren't all our fly choices merely hopes unrealized from the other parts of our lives?). I can fix your sitting and waiting.</p><p>We all have 1960's era webbed chairs or the Wal-Mart special collapsible numbers with the poor support and finger-pinching expanding set-up.</p><p>I give you: <b>The Nemo Stargazer.</b></p><p>This chair solves your problems as you and your buddies are solving the world's own. Or the trout's. Or the reason why that 1990's era F-150's electronic ignition is a P.O.S.</p><p>I digress.</p><p>The Nemo Stargazer: a super-comfortable chair able to double as a suitable recliner for trout-camp naps. Works on your deck. Works on a bank. Works at the campground. It even works at the community ice cream social and symphony band concert (I have a great many professors in my small town including a sizable number from the faculty of the music department of Giant University next door - so our community band approaches the level of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields). </p><p>But, the chair.</p><p>It is a rocker due to its suspended nature. It is sturdy like a fine shovel. It is supportive (back patient here so I know supportive) and comfortable all at the same time. It reclines to about a 140 degree position with a headrest secured by velcro which is easy to reposition.</p><p>Stargazing? Sure. Trout napping? That too.</p><p>It isn't too low, too high, nor does the band under your thighs cut into you after an hour of discourse.</p><p>You should buy one. Hey, they're way cheaper than that rod you have in the arsenal which your rarely fish. How many "rods I don't use" do you need, anyway? You have twice that number.</p><p><br /></p><p>Pictures:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWN6EmZANXk/YL5TDZwETVI/AAAAAAAAHis/hgDhwdwGiw412W3_sCr5K7CupbOa03tiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P6050008.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWN6EmZANXk/YL5TDZwETVI/AAAAAAAAHis/hgDhwdwGiw412W3_sCr5K7CupbOa03tiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P6050008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Angled view on my deck.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3YAAoPD-ck/YL5TNUNzPcI/AAAAAAAAHiw/wWKxQRQwVAMpGUXAyJE8ciSCyv4uejSKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P6050010.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3YAAoPD-ck/YL5TNUNzPcI/AAAAAAAAHiw/wWKxQRQwVAMpGUXAyJE8ciSCyv4uejSKACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P6050010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Recline-o-matic webbing strap. The mechanism works like a Barcalounger: you just push back or sit up and the chair adjusts. It is stable in the whole range of motion.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FVXGQKiRMM/YL5TqHNAduI/AAAAAAAAHi4/PA3XHZtaQTMxqXEiPytFxopMJpufupSPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P6050004.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FVXGQKiRMM/YL5TqHNAduI/AAAAAAAAHi4/PA3XHZtaQTMxqXEiPytFxopMJpufupSPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P6050004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The frame: shock-corded poles (think tent) of heavy aluminum and the cross-piece brackets are milled aluminum. Tougher than a Bougle. Yep, I'll stand by that statement.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52org3e1ndc/YL5UBhqofJI/AAAAAAAAHjA/GwQvUmQw120Hy5q4juyxxYZnqQ80UXecACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P6050009.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52org3e1ndc/YL5UBhqofJI/AAAAAAAAHjA/GwQvUmQw120Hy5q4juyxxYZnqQ80UXecACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P6050009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The suspension clips with a positive locking mechanism. The chair does not "slip off" the stand in use. Good thing, that.</p><p><br /></p><p>You'd be sound asleep if it did slip off so, all's the better.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5D7IfF3Ty8/YL5UZoGeqVI/AAAAAAAAHjI/x5KClDyFNZs8QoYP4Ruaz-6wvmGDPf_nACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P6050005.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5D7IfF3Ty8/YL5UZoGeqVI/AAAAAAAAHjI/x5KClDyFNZs8QoYP4Ruaz-6wvmGDPf_nACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P6050005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The chair/net/basket. It's a one-piece meash chair with embedded supports for grab handles (sit/stand for old guys) and two continuous vertical back support rods.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuOluhNR3Hc/YL5Uw8VTpjI/AAAAAAAAHjQ/VPtAhwIkpE8hFpoT4XOMafrcBsmw7ZQtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P6050001.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuOluhNR3Hc/YL5Uw8VTpjI/AAAAAAAAHjQ/VPtAhwIkpE8hFpoT4XOMafrcBsmw7ZQtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P6050001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Last picture, I promise. Freestanding on my deck in maybe better light.<p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The only complaint: maybe could want a footstool. Well, you have a cooler in the truck, don't you? It isn't doing any good in there. Pull it out, perch up, and enjoy trout bliss.</p><p>You might need to set an alarm so you get up and go check the hatch. Just sayin'.</p><p><a href="https://www.nemoequipment.com/product/stargaze-luxury/" target="_blank">Nemo Stargazer</a> </p><p><i>Prost.</i><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-54801694127300512492021-05-25T17:42:00.005-07:002021-05-25T17:42:48.692-07:00Odd Sping<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqoTh4ymzVg/YK2V9dZsNkI/AAAAAAAAHhA/AwHjGqJLFT8TYXM69M1nTIwjeJL4smkVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5220020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqoTh4ymzVg/YK2V9dZsNkI/AAAAAAAAHhA/AwHjGqJLFT8TYXM69M1nTIwjeJL4smkVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P5220020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>My buddy on the water last Saturday. We fished the Upper Manistee (Deward) during a too bright day.<p></p><p>It started well. We waited for shadows and had a couple fish hit. Then, nothing.</p><p><br /></p><p>It has been very cool then quite hot for us. We had 88 degrees last weekend. Sleep on top of the bag type weather. There is a theory that while the bugs have caught on, the trout lag and the unusually bright skies are not helping.</p><p><br /></p><p>We fished the evening hatch on the Au Sable until well after dark. We landed rough fish. No trout. </p><p>Fun though.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAoRl2Wfllw/YK2W1tuMqgI/AAAAAAAAHhI/l4b3-vPYpNcsNc5_QT5CET2nuOyIb1z3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5220011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAoRl2Wfllw/YK2W1tuMqgI/AAAAAAAAHhI/l4b3-vPYpNcsNc5_QT5CET2nuOyIb1z3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P5220011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>George: my 3 man Marmot Tungsten. My buddy has the same and pitched it Saturday night.</p><p><br /></p><p>Solid tent.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ-x-pXQ9ys/YK2W5tbmk3I/AAAAAAAAHhM/wki3MLsSYSgsCtihU5nQeC1iYcIcpmgSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5220012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ-x-pXQ9ys/YK2W5tbmk3I/AAAAAAAAHhM/wki3MLsSYSgsCtihU5nQeC1iYcIcpmgSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P5220012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Interior with a low cot.<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19ylgMpqVvg/YK2XoWFefEI/AAAAAAAAHhY/2r8fXX_IvmUGANQ73CpJM6Z8B8xQPiLKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5210003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19ylgMpqVvg/YK2XoWFefEI/AAAAAAAAHhY/2r8fXX_IvmUGANQ73CpJM6Z8B8xQPiLKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P5210003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Tarp practice. Haven't rigged a shelter for a while but this did indeed work well. Those heavy poles are especially nice to prop out the wings. Stood up to a bit of a blow before dawn on Saturday.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The holiday weekend is coming which to me means project time. Back to the rivers in June.</p><p><i>Prost.</i><br /></p><p><br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-84022487946006479472021-05-16T17:25:00.000-07:002021-05-16T17:25:21.533-07:00In the Swing<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iixRsSS_tDY/YKGtsjqUWKI/AAAAAAAAHdk/2CrO53HC95A-_if1mtIRcXdt3OYGLkvhACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5080086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iixRsSS_tDY/YKGtsjqUWKI/AAAAAAAAHdk/2CrO53HC95A-_if1mtIRcXdt3OYGLkvhACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/P5080086.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Deward Tract on the Manistee River last weekend.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>It was a beautiful weekend but the nights were very cold. I slept in my Canadian 0 degree bag with a fleece over bag. Indeed, I was toasty but for the tip on my nose.</p><p>I had a great weekend camping and fishing even if the fish were more inclined to nymphs than I was. My faith lay in the soft hackle and the Leisenring Lift. Alas, it was not enough.</p><p><br /></p><p>One must embrace one's beliefs without reservation and I've never been sufficiently dogmatic to will things to happen.</p><p><br /></p><p>Some flies I worked over this wonderful water:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZJucLc59gU/YKGwNRSFFfI/AAAAAAAAHds/iqQR1XwZ02sTqvykYS6c1soA0oT-MBrtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5080076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZJucLc59gU/YKGwNRSFFfI/AAAAAAAAHds/iqQR1XwZ02sTqvykYS6c1soA0oT-MBrtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P5080076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>A Coachman style soft hackle which usually rouses brookies. Partridge hackle, silk in scarlet and herl.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Here, a proven winner.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ui5mH7eSCBk/YKGwpWFat0I/AAAAAAAAHd0/IXNYhBim7BgplAftfzpeGMcDgEBZXFS1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5080078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ui5mH7eSCBk/YKGwpWFat0I/AAAAAAAAHd0/IXNYhBim7BgplAftfzpeGMcDgEBZXFS1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P5080078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I believe this is Pearsall's purple (dwindling supply) but my color vision has left me. If I'm wrong, apologies. I believe this is one of the grouse variants tied thanks to Brian giving me one of his wonderful skins.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Ah, we are going old old school here....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPDZrjrGwwQ/YKGxZ16IiII/AAAAAAAAHd8/FoG1bVtSDS0wrDMeAvoqyoEAWdOeNKCbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5080081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPDZrjrGwwQ/YKGxZ16IiII/AAAAAAAAHd8/FoG1bVtSDS0wrDMeAvoqyoEAWdOeNKCbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P5080081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The cock-y-bondu tied in a simple style. Furnace hackle and herl on a Partridge heavy soft-hackle hook I bought a few years back at Dette Flies in New York.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I had an awesome weekend despite the cold and the uncooperative trout. The bugs were out. I had plenty of bugs: BWOs, a few Hendrickson, a smattering of caddis.</div><div><br /></div><div>Below, camp pictures. The bear tent.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y91j56aeX18/YKGzf731wwI/AAAAAAAAHeE/uHcT0jyqp7oYq2RBKayGEY_vIpHYKvQmACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5080005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y91j56aeX18/YKGzf731wwI/AAAAAAAAHeE/uHcT0jyqp7oYq2RBKayGEY_vIpHYKvQmACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P5080005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The new cookstove which made awesome chili ( hey, when faced with a cold night chili is a welcome meal).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXLo4T9vEKM/YKGz0p8jxaI/AAAAAAAAHeM/7GjxCIaPl_4Gd1UWzlUDShqijXPwhKasQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5080003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXLo4T9vEKM/YKGz0p8jxaI/AAAAAAAAHeM/7GjxCIaPl_4Gd1UWzlUDShqijXPwhKasQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P5080003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is a Camp Chef Everest stove (the 2x model) which is a beast. Built like a tank it generates an impressive 20K BTU that will boil coffee toot-sweet. What makes it special? Low low simmer where the burner really does hold the flame. </div><div><br /></div><div>Eggs over easy are no effort at all on this thing. If you cook instead of boil: get this stove (but don't pack it in ... heavy).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Below: a panorama. Michigan did some selective harvest forestry (aka clear-cut) on ground next to Canoe Harbor campground. This was a wonderful wooded campsite four years ago but today is less than a stump farm. It will come back but not for a bit. The breeze will however keep the bugs down!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ft9MmDdo09A/YKG0ja9ZhcI/AAAAAAAAHeU/i7jq3IvjucIxJmDBT6MsldInqHa61QjEACLcBGAsYHQ/s4751/P5080023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="4751" height="90" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ft9MmDdo09A/YKG0ja9ZhcI/AAAAAAAAHeU/i7jq3IvjucIxJmDBT6MsldInqHa61QjEACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h90/P5080023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2XzRBoNdgk/YKG1MMTo0PI/AAAAAAAAHec/jpiLQqhxMfIMjoTje_2ecBf8EaS2KCs0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5080038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2XzRBoNdgk/YKG1MMTo0PI/AAAAAAAAHec/jpiLQqhxMfIMjoTje_2ecBf8EaS2KCs0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P5080038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I'm big on field hygiene (thanks, Col. Wiley) and here hanging is my Sunday morning wash basin.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ojq1h_K5_hk/YKG1po224xI/AAAAAAAAHek/GvUOtqisPVYny2HgXzKnbXdLfIa5PruGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5090126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ojq1h_K5_hk/YKG1po224xI/AAAAAAAAHek/GvUOtqisPVYny2HgXzKnbXdLfIa5PruGACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P5090126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>This is the ice off the top of the water. Froze up nicely. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bracing!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, two pictures of joy. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eG18rDtAbw/YKG2GyfMILI/AAAAAAAAHes/s_4qpC-4j94drGzVj4GIELCOs7nZobbHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5080068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eG18rDtAbw/YKG2GyfMILI/AAAAAAAAHes/s_4qpC-4j94drGzVj4GIELCOs7nZobbHACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P5080068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>A Hardy perfect sized 3 1/4" trout in gunmetal on a McKellip M84.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Great rod, Mike!</div><div><br /></div><div>Nice reel, John. Thanks for the sponsorship for this model.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O058PEV6c-g/YKG2lHgUZLI/AAAAAAAAHe0/wn4xrxBI_lYjiz1jGSO-jNuRfkRwA-GhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5080066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O058PEV6c-g/YKG2lHgUZLI/AAAAAAAAHe0/wn4xrxBI_lYjiz1jGSO-jNuRfkRwA-GhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P5080066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A marsh marigold.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And what looks back at me from the mirrors all too often.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsROGeBMIOo/YKG29i2LUII/AAAAAAAAHe8/dvkybFUbH5IlQhKDOsdCjwH_KHeYAOrHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P5080048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsROGeBMIOo/YKG29i2LUII/AAAAAAAAHe8/dvkybFUbH5IlQhKDOsdCjwH_KHeYAOrHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P5080048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>Maybe I'll see you next weekend -- on the water.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Prost. </i></div></div>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-68044940795715299832021-04-25T14:15:00.001-07:002021-04-25T14:15:12.977-07:00Season's Start<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qRtgsMLoVUM/YIXRZJIaikI/AAAAAAAAHcI/gdQnw8wHAhAWe9Bux_j67v4ol9TfjxnSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/gates_sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qRtgsMLoVUM/YIXRZJIaikI/AAAAAAAAHcI/gdQnw8wHAhAWe9Bux_j67v4ol9TfjxnSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/gates_sign.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Above: Gates Lodge on the Holy Waters of the Au Sable in east of Grayling, Michigan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Usually, the opener brings a witty or clever or funny message. This year there is little laughter. The 2020 season was a huge "no go" on socialization for most of us and our fishing suffered for it. So this year: a simple message that the fish are out there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I opened Saturday with the North Branch of the Au Sable upstream from Lovells, Michigan. It is brook trout water but int he past three years, we've had some sort of event which decimated the population. The good news: they're back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Below, a couple of small brookies from my efforts. Actually, they're two of a total of six that I managed to get in a net. The one on top I had to work to get the take every bit as hard as a trophy brown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was grinning like a drunken skunk when he came to the net.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xsm7V3AAkSs/YIXTPu6VonI/AAAAAAAAHcQ/kIQSRGj5H6Qq4_dlZDtXOMXVSmrHv2KuACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/opener_brookie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xsm7V3AAkSs/YIXTPu6VonI/AAAAAAAAHcQ/kIQSRGj5H6Qq4_dlZDtXOMXVSmrHv2KuACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/opener_brookie.JPG" width="320" /> <br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t41H8R13Dv0/YIXTP0CMGlI/AAAAAAAAHcU/IKJ7orHTIx03LmB0ON_q8TQplB0iEUWlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/opener_brookie_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t41H8R13Dv0/YIXTP0CMGlI/AAAAAAAAHcU/IKJ7orHTIx03LmB0ON_q8TQplB0iEUWlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/opener_brookie_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>All my fish were taken on soft hackles in the top eight inches of water. It was awesome!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOFk3QSCCC8/YIXbt6osJII/AAAAAAAAHcg/9tBXIlEyuAYwFs886m_fcKs8kUUc1SI7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/northbranch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOFk3QSCCC8/YIXbt6osJII/AAAAAAAAHcg/9tBXIlEyuAYwFs886m_fcKs8kUUc1SI7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/northbranch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Saturday night saw a lovely small socially-distancing after-opener party hosted by my friend Lauren at her cabin on the Manistee. We had burgers and brauts cooked over the firepit. Lovely time. </p><p>The evening was less thrilling. I camped. Rain turned to cold (I used a 0 degree bag) and then this morning, sleet. Yea, sleet!</p><p>I broke camp and loose packed my tent fly in a construction garbage bag for the four hour ride home (road construction season). When I got it out to put it in the sun and breeze to dry, it was still coated with ice.</p><p>Luckily, it is sunny and forty-five degrees at home. Great drying day for boots, waders, and tents.</p><p>I hooked six fish. Three I had to work diligently to earn the take. Two to net, two lost at net (barbless fishing), and two to long distant release.</p><p>I had a blast. I hope your opener goes as well.</p><p> </p><p>Watch the ice build-up.</p><p><i>Prost.</i> <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-20988447018304378172021-04-12T16:06:00.001-07:002021-04-12T16:06:29.329-07:00The Covid Opener Update 2021<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a7xiJqWZskY/YHTFLYAnKxI/AAAAAAAAHao/QTb_biLaacs_y7W5LAAuo9UniY2-MmHWgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a7xiJqWZskY/YHTFLYAnKxI/AAAAAAAAHao/QTb_biLaacs_y7W5LAAuo9UniY2-MmHWgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: courier;"> You know my little friend here at the left. Image from the public domain - CDC. Friends in the trout world have inquired how I am doing given our world class headlines here in the mitten state. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>This is Rumor Control. Here are the facts! - Aliens 3.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fcfae7; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: courier;">First, this surge really sucks this year.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Last year was a year of fear and uncertainty. This year is a year of a known enemy and stupid people everywhere.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Michigan hit 530+ cases (active infections) per 100,000 people this past week. This rate means everyone in the state has at least one person they know with Covid. I work for a small boutique healthcare concern and in my shop of twenty-six people (acutely away of covid protocols, mind you) I have two with active cases and another under isolation protocol through the end of this week. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Their kids are the suspects. More than half our state cases are in the under 40 crowd and the single largest demographic is the 20-29 age group.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">My shop represents a lot of people in a small sample who have the covid.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Germany which is having its own covid crisis right now (and Merkel is federalizing the response this week taking control out of the hands of the individual German states) has an infection rate of 136 out of 100,000 people.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">It is bad here. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">My legislature does not want any further shutdowns (red legislature with a blue governor) and has been active about trying to remove powers related to public health management because: idiots. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I have left my house (other than food) once in three weeks to take my wife for her second shot Saturday night. We drove an hour and fifteen minutes each way because that was where we could get a vaccine appointment. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I will get my second shot in Ohio on Friday driving an hour each way. My state has distribution problems. Ohio does not. We had a union fight here over prioritization because making one group go first means other groups lose. As a result, our plan was late and so our vaccine supply is late. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Get your papers in on time when teacher tells you, kiddies.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Michigan Senate Majority Leader (republican Mike Shirkey) wrote the following in <i>Crains Detroit Business</i> published on Jan 21 this year.</span></p><p><br /></p><p class="paragraph-newsletter-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: subpixel-antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: roboto, helvetica; font-size: 1.125rem; line-height: 1.6425rem; margin: 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px;">Senate Republicans have been fighting to restore balance and commonsense in the state's strategy to address COVID-19. At the top of our list of priorities for 2021 is safely reopening Michigan's economy.</p><p class="inline-ad-para paragraph-newsletter-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: subpixel-antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: roboto, helvetica; font-size: 1.125rem; line-height: 1.6425rem; margin: 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px;">Local businesses have proven they are capable of meeting reasonable health and safety regulations.</p><p class="inline-ad-para paragraph-newsletter-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: subpixel-antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: roboto, helvetica; font-size: 1.125rem; line-height: 1.6425rem; margin: 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 1.125rem;">Yet, there are still specific industries, like restaurants, that have been singled out by the governor despite no evidence showing these establishments are a significant source of virus spread.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The idiot doesn't know that humans associating with humans cause the spread of covid and restaurants CAN be sources of unmasked individuals congregating in close proximity one to another. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Also, our previous lockdown worked (until people were idiots about Thanksgiving). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I'll just sum up the state of the lunacy here in my state with a fishing quote from my favorite move: <i>Jaws.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><i><b>I think I am familiar with the fact that you are going to ignore this particular problem until it swims up and bites you in the ass. - Hooper.</b></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I can only hope your local versions of village idiots have less say in the conduct of infection management than mine. I am personally hoping my collection of idiots get covid and die. Maybe they can get cancer and die. I really don't care either way as long as the outcome is the same.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Stupid ought to hurt (or kill).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Oh, and the Texas argument? Why doesn't Texas have a problem after opening the state? They lie. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I wouldn't trust so much as a date on a report to be correct if it was issued by the state of Texas. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Trout season and the opener will be a solitary pursuit for me. Isolation camping. Solitary fishing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Good luck all. I'll see you on the other side, I hope.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-63847690196875168922021-04-03T17:23:00.002-07:002021-04-03T17:23:35.479-07:00Getting Ready, Like Everybody Else.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1Bg7tnmtkE/YGkGJCu-YsI/AAAAAAAAHYc/S8ILrXWDRx8ouLlZ_unpvGwJc8CpaGZeACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_1195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1Bg7tnmtkE/YGkGJCu-YsI/AAAAAAAAHYc/S8ILrXWDRx8ouLlZ_unpvGwJc8CpaGZeACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_1195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The winter has seen a good amount of tying in the form of Monday Night Flies. We're done for the the season now until fall. Too much to do during the week before dashing off on weekends.<p></p><p>Happy Easter!</p><p><br /></p><p>I'm anxious for the season but Michigan's cornavirus numbers are way too far in the red. I might dash up for a solitary camp but won't be stopping at Spike's for a burger or for anything else. </p><p>Trust no one.</p><p><br /></p><p>I just wanted to say "happy opener" to all my trout friends and show we're still here, tying, and dreaming of camping riverside.</p><p><br /></p><p>Mind the footing. The water is cold.</p><p><i>Prost.</i><br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-54095340536656716212021-02-16T18:32:00.002-08:002021-02-16T18:32:21.177-08:00Mid-Winter Nights<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFmHaZuraa8/YCx1zPMJMHI/AAAAAAAAHRA/KVvjBNITNxQ_Un6AHW5pNbYlxzqvU0hIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Not_a_donor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFmHaZuraa8/YCx1zPMJMHI/AAAAAAAAHRA/KVvjBNITNxQ_Un6AHW5pNbYlxzqvU0hIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Not_a_donor.jpg" /></a></div>My wife's cat Cheeto advising me that he is not a dubbing donor. So I clipped a little when he was sleeping. He'll never miss it.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>It is cold here. I blew snow before breakfast. Shelf ice is rampant and the Huron is leaning toward icing over.</p><p><br /></p><p>The good part about winter is getting ready for the thaw and sharing with other trout addicts the winter evenings. Our fly tying group that usually would meet at a local tavern is now completely virtual and we have folks calling in from Florida and Oregon. Feels good to talk trout and flies.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYkNLRlc2rI/YCx4UH91u9I/AAAAAAAAHRM/4xU7Ae2osmQiQFhcmzQ5YZXkOTtScQBRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Fucking_Nuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYkNLRlc2rI/YCx4UH91u9I/AAAAAAAAHRM/4xU7Ae2osmQiQFhcmzQ5YZXkOTtScQBRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Fucking_Nuts.jpg" /></a></div>Winter makes us all a little nuts.<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7jEqfZQK4c/YCx7CeND6hI/AAAAAAAAHRw/W_89QstqyVk5vLWfLZIHXpf5lh7-l4RwACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/pets_around_fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r7jEqfZQK4c/YCx7CeND6hI/AAAAAAAAHRw/W_89QstqyVk5vLWfLZIHXpf5lh7-l4RwACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pets_around_fire.jpg" /></a></div>The four pets hang out around the fire every night.<br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRDhsxV8CDo/YCx4j_ToaXI/AAAAAAAAHRU/zg7aJijsCfYWbWIy9ETOvuhKPGZDDFIEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/ICogffee_spilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRDhsxV8CDo/YCx4j_ToaXI/AAAAAAAAHRU/zg7aJijsCfYWbWIy9ETOvuhKPGZDDFIEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/ICogffee_spilt.jpg" /></a></div><p>I've been improving my camping gear. Some of the trout tiers have a camping trip planned for March to water open all year round. We hope to get a jump on the season and crowds and do a little socially distanced camping while chasing trout.</p><p> </p><p>At left, Coffee Spit named for the gentleman named Coffee who put the deal together. The spit can hold a chicken, a couple cornish game hens, 4 fillets, or a three pound English roast. </p><p><br /></p><p>The ingenious thing is that part of the spit is a square instead of being round and one of the "Y" posts receives the square part so meat can be rotated without the usual slipping and sliding.</p><p>Cannot wait to do a little cooking "Ogg-style" roasting meats beside a nice fire and enjoying the the ease of not grilling.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e15wF2pA52M/YCx5u_bN1cI/AAAAAAAAHRg/HiHhchOfRuspmfJwcP57zF8TOq79RgKCACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/New_Lantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e15wF2pA52M/YCx5u_bN1cI/AAAAAAAAHRg/HiHhchOfRuspmfJwcP57zF8TOq79RgKCACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/New_Lantern.jpg" /></a></div><p>More camping gear upgrades: a new dual fuel Coleman lantern. My thirty-year-old propane lantern is just fine except for the propane consumption and the fact I always run out when I thought I had plenty of fuel.</p><p><br /></p><p>Anyway, nice new lantern and some Coleman fuel in the garage. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kq7c_s0gXik/YCx6vAcNmxI/AAAAAAAAHRo/50wWsKUryFg2yi3FdqMIMR4skPaaLfGTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Gunmetal_trout_bougle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kq7c_s0gXik/YCx6vAcNmxI/AAAAAAAAHRo/50wWsKUryFg2yi3FdqMIMR4skPaaLfGTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Gunmetal_trout_bougle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>A trout-sized bougle in gunmetal. It is a 1939 reproduction and will be the last reel I buy. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYuibGT8RgE/YCx8JI39lgI/AAAAAAAAHR4/m_WGfxZr5G0VjOlEJRwNlXZN_Dx32YZowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Drake_dry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYuibGT8RgE/YCx8JI39lgI/AAAAAAAAHR4/m_WGfxZr5G0VjOlEJRwNlXZN_Dx32YZowCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Drake_dry.jpg" /></a></div><p>A drake designed to fit in the film. Alan over at Small Stream Reflections (link at right) ties cleaner fellows but I think this might fool my trout. I've tied a ton of these this winter as I have again found the size 14 long-shank fly a good stand-in for almost any hatch. I'm getting better at the "buggy" part.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>That is furnace hen on the hackle. Soaked in a permanent waterproofing solution, this is a solid dry fly.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmxkchhYQxI/YCx9JwFmuYI/AAAAAAAAHSE/aV2Bn6SgQ1U_lwZAd1KL-h2fB_-OPfDbACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Spring-Soft_Hackle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmxkchhYQxI/YCx9JwFmuYI/AAAAAAAAHSE/aV2Bn6SgQ1U_lwZAd1KL-h2fB_-OPfDbACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Spring-Soft_Hackle.jpg" /></a></div><p>A spring soft hackled fly for brook trout on the Black River. It is from my dwindling supply of purple Pearsall's but the color seems a killer for early Michigan brookies. I've had good fortune with it.<br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlmSAlg0I1M/YCx9nq9-qJI/AAAAAAAAHSM/GSQBw8fkftwMJGr4tga1DafJrNE9TpwDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Bubble_Caddis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlmSAlg0I1M/YCx9nq9-qJI/AAAAAAAAHSM/GSQBw8fkftwMJGr4tga1DafJrNE9TpwDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bubble_Caddis.jpg" /></a></div>Monday night saw a dozen of these being whipped up. It is a CDC bubble caddis tied thanks to Davie McPhail's illustrative <a href="https://youtu.be/8UZ42ueeI_s">video.</a> <br /><p></p><p></p><p>I like an X-caddis but find the cdc varient caddis flies are surprisingly durable and offer a "pull and pop" effect where a hand twist can pull them under the surface only to pop back up. Drives browns absolutely crazy ... if they are looking up at caddis. </p><p></p><p>So, here's to spring!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /> <i>Prost!</i></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-87756584179560637242021-01-11T18:25:00.000-08:002021-01-11T18:25:10.038-08:00On The Bench<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6af4yP_d0WM/X_z9I1bjJLI/AAAAAAAAHJU/gC95gg-wsOsx9RwigM5VesTZNJ6bwLlHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Hares_ear_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6af4yP_d0WM/X_z9I1bjJLI/AAAAAAAAHJU/gC95gg-wsOsx9RwigM5VesTZNJ6bwLlHwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/Hares_ear_1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>An early winter evening finds me tying.At left, a hare's ear and partridge hackled wire-wrapped flymph that I'll use in slow, shallow water here in a little while. <p></p><p>Trout hang in warmer shallow water in winter but still must have the comforts of shelter and drift. I suspect the warmer water feels good to their frosted fins.</p><p>Grey silk. Copper wire. Partridge hook in 14 wide-gap heavy. </p><p>I'll let you know.</p><p>This weekend sees a trial of my cold weather gear - or most of it, anyway. I am desperately excited about getting back into the forests. Some of my newer bits are not so excited about coming in the mail.<br /></p><p>A friend wrote and asked why I didn't get a "hot tent." </p><p>Fact is, I'm embarrassed. </p><p>I have four tents in fine order. I don't need a fifth.</p><p>I've always thought of hot tents in the same vein as small boats: they're lovely but I don't want to deal with one. </p><p>So, I will endeavor to make due with solid gear that is serviceable with the weather dipping into the teens. More than that and I really don't need to be out in it.</p><p>I hope the post holiday weather is doing you well. </p><p>Keep 'em buggy. I miss tying in person on Monday nights with a couple pints in me; but, I can't spare time for the covid. I'm tying in my Fortress of Solitude.</p><p>Maybe soon, we'll all fly like Superman.</p><p><i>Prost.</i> <br /></p><p><br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-59368615551668343402021-01-03T17:10:00.003-08:002021-01-03T17:10:48.049-08:00Get your mind right, Luke.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0Qho3GuxF4/X_JmGONDGdI/AAAAAAAAHII/jUa3fy6vh2Q6ysg6qoMi0ds06H1gnxpEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/snowtree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0Qho3GuxF4/X_JmGONDGdI/AAAAAAAAHII/jUa3fy6vh2Q6ysg6qoMi0ds06H1gnxpEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/snowtree.jpg" /></a></div>Alan over at <i>Small Stream Reflections</i> went fishing with his missus. I was going fishing on Mill Creek here myself today.<p></p><p>I awoke to the picture at left.</p><p>Not precisely the trout weather for which I was hoping.</p><p><br /></p><p>Today was a reckoning of my winter camp plans. Heavy wet snow can do that.<br /></p><p> </p><p>I awoke to heavy wet snow as I mentioned. Now, if I'm not a little careful this weather could kill me. Maybe I shouldn't be so cavalier.</p><p>Maybe I should stick to some state forest campgrounds instead of wild camping. Okay. I can see it. Agreed.<br /></p><p>Maybe I should be clear in leaving word of my plans. Okay.<br /></p><p>Maybe I should take enough back-up food for a day or so. It isn't a hard thing to do.</p><p>Maybe I should rig an a-frame awning over my tent using a ridge pole. I can use under-lacing to support the sides like in the mountain-leader class. <br /></p><p>I can erect a separate storm awning to catch the heat of the evening fire and provide a place to keep gear dry and do cooking out of any winter rain. </p><p>I'm going to use a car-camp base camp here until early spring. I'll avoid lake-effect snow zones. </p><p>I am going to the woods.<br /></p><p>I took the dogs for a snow walk not long after snapping the picture above and it was glorious. Beargirl and I did a couple easy miles on a trail near our house in early afternoon. Lovely.</p><p>We drove over to the sailing club to eyeball the lake - frozen.</p><p>It was a grand winter's day without any trout. </p><p>I shopped for snowshoes. Whew - none of those left int he country. I guess I know the popular Christmas present I didn't get. It'll work itself out.</p><p>I'm going up the country - Canned Heat. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nBhpiUFSYWI" width="320" youtube-src-id="nBhpiUFSYWI"></iframe></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><i>Prost.</i><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-1430869102766149552021-01-02T17:37:00.000-08:002021-01-02T17:37:02.299-08:00Lovely, dark and deep<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cSger4_IC0o/X_EVhEVbinI/AAAAAAAAHHI/_yrzTTBZCGA7BKQVhSnaf3pWUK0RZDHRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Lou_camping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cSger4_IC0o/X_EVhEVbinI/AAAAAAAAHHI/_yrzTTBZCGA7BKQVhSnaf3pWUK0RZDHRgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/Lou_camping.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At left, Lou the foxhound practicing his winter camping technique. He's on his comforter (yes, he has his own) as a bottom quilt and uses a light bath towel for his top cover. </div><p></p><p>I'm working on the winter camping.</p><p>It's going to be a solo event for a while because it is Michigan and most folks are cold-averse. I have most of an inch's mix of ice-sleet on the ground right now. That ice coupled with an occasional bout of actual rain strains any gear.</p><p>I'm betting on better conditions on my own runs up north: more snow and less ice.<br /></p><p>What I need : consideration.<br /></p><p>I'm a wood-fire sort of camper/cook and that means cutting, bucking, and hauling the fuel. Jeans are fine for this activity in spring and summer; but, in winter I need stouter waterproof gear. I'm not too interested in abusing my gore-tex bibs doing timber operations. Waterproof hunting trousers are on the way. The bibs I'll wear when actually out in rain.<br /></p><p>I also upgraded the size of my camping saw from a small pocket-sized Silky saw to a forearmed size beast of the same make. These Japanese gardening blades are quite handy. For winter camping I want to attack material larger than 4" in diameter. I will also sharpen my ax.<br /></p><p>A top quilt and a sleeping pad with a higher R-value also were in order as upgrades over my spring/summer gear.</p><p>So, I'm outfitted down to zero degrees.<br /></p><p>I'll use a stout Marmot tent, rig a tarp shelter for reflective heat capture around the evening fire, and practice prepping meals at home so I am doing minimal prep work before cooking.</p><p>I'm not willing to invest in a hot tent. I'm not sure how much longer I'd be using one given my trout buddies remind me the alternative to winter camping is drinking scotch by the fire with the pets lying all over me. Hmm. </p><p>They tease me now because I wouldn't make the trip to go steelhead fishing in Alaska several years back. I refrain from pointing out that they do not go steelhead fishing presently here in Michigan for hundreds of dollars and thousands of miles of travel less. Meh. It is hard to beat a toast fireplace.<br /></p><p>In winter camps, I'll be fishing largely from the banks and will wear my composite Korker soles for the best grip. I'll fish glass as I will inevitably fall. Glass is very forgiving.</p><p>I will also test my set-up for oversight. I have little margin for error short of loading-up and driving out. Let's cover the oversight part early in the process.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJcRboRlKN4/X_EbzUoO1UI/AAAAAAAAHHc/20muxOGTyTMx1mtMVi_FnO-0fpCRXVodwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/north_meadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJcRboRlKN4/X_EbzUoO1UI/AAAAAAAAHHc/20muxOGTyTMx1mtMVi_FnO-0fpCRXVodwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/north_meadow.jpg" /></a></div><p>My proving grounds at right: the north meadow with a campsite and fire ring. We used to have some grandcub camping events there. I still maintain the pitch.</p><p>Next weekend? Maybe the weekend after.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I miss the woods. I miss being out and not hear any vehicles. I miss the adventure of simple camping.</p><p>A pipe, a fire, a tin cup holding scotch, a book, and stars overhead.</p><p>I hope the bears are hibernating. I'll be cooking bacon and sausages. I won't have enough to share.</p><p><i>Prost.</i><br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-62912370984607903892020-12-26T13:37:00.000-08:002020-12-26T13:37:46.116-08:00The Winter's Trout<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bf/FireholeRiverBrownTrout.jpg/800px-FireholeRiverBrownTrout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bf/FireholeRiverBrownTrout.jpg/800px-FireholeRiverBrownTrout.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>At left, Mike Cline graciously allows us to use this image from the Firehole River in Yellowstone via wikicommons. I'm not sure that's Mike but if it is , you're not smiling enough, fella !<p></p><p>I am suffering the winter doldrums and it isn't really winter yet.</p><p>I'm going to have to gear up and do some winter trout camping. Several of the top Michigan rivers are open year round for catch and release with flies and nymphs. They're all -- to me -- three plus hours away and so that makes them camping destinations. </p><p>Cold weather camping.</p><p>I've some of the gear necessary for winter trout camp. I'm shy on some of the gear to make it a comfortable experience.</p><p>I've plenty of mid-layer wool sweaters. However, my wool field pants shrank badly some years back (ahem) and I need to acquire some new suitable wool trousers. Also, I have rain bibs but NOT snow and rain and camp bibs for a couple layers of waterproofing.</p><p>I'm good on the general camp sleeping shelter and tools but need to adjust a tarp for cook/eat/sit/reflect heat shelter. Have to rig a flat tarp for that [ and rig wind-ready]. </p><p>I no longer own a liquid-fueled stove. I think I'd be fine with the small propane tanks but pressure regulators do poorly in cold temps so I need to re-think my assumption. I usually cook over fire and coals. Might need a backup.</p><p>I'm good for fishing. Considering a long winter outing for me is four hours in the water (and I'll try to avoid any "in the water" if fishing alone), I have what I need to make slow deep passes. I'm tying Syl's Midges this week just in case I pick a nice weekend and get a hatch. </p><p>Last year cutting wood on a sunny January day, the snow here on bear hill 200 yards from the Huron River turned brown as it was covered with millions of size 22 midges. All I had was a chainsaw and it is damn hard to cast.</p><p>SO, I have a serious "get there and back" 4Runner. I have fly gear. </p><p>I need - what? - BWOs, Midges, and a trio of flymphs for the bottom 1/3 of the water column ? </p><p>Oh, I always have a bail-out bag with warm clothes for accidental dips in the river even in summer. Getting to the SUV means life. If I am on a slippery bank for entry, I'll rig an assist rope to haul myself out even if footing is poor.</p><p>I am "adequate" for camping but could use a higher R-value inflatable pad to sit on my closed-cell foam pad. I have a 0-degree bag. A pair of fleece blankets for a top cover wouldn't hurt for the camp chairs. </p><p>I'm close. I'll practice in the north meadow here before it turns brutal. I'm targeting nights around 20 as my threshold.</p><p>I need cold weather practice. I was in my mid-20's last time I camped with more than an accidental dusting of snow. My meadow looks like it may get a workout.</p><p>I have to get away. Winter trout during the months of covid looks like a plausible escape.</p><p>I need to have a conversation with the winter's trout. </p><p><i>Prost.</i></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-4120031185524290122020-12-16T19:18:00.000-08:002020-12-16T19:18:08.917-08:00Fly Fishing Holiday (LATE) Gift Guide 2020 Edition<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYAPpOqMEIM/X9V3VmELvbI/AAAAAAAAHEc/sJrzR7gvov0JCky9HGBSR1wmuwNP7snNACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/tree.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYAPpOqMEIM/X9V3VmELvbI/AAAAAAAAHEc/sJrzR7gvov0JCky9HGBSR1wmuwNP7snNACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/tree.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Ho. Ho. Ho. <p></p><p>At left, my Crab Pot Christmas Tree on my deck this evening. The back of my house is all glass so with the tree on the deck, I see it throughout the house. </p><p></p><p>Well Well Well. How the year has crawled past at a glacial pace. We need special consideration this year for the gift list given the pandemic and the crimp it put on our favored recreation.</p><p>Let's move right to the list. Note that 2020 is such a shit of a year that we have only eight recommendations instead of ten. <br /></p><p>(8) In the spirit of social isolation we recommend: <b>a subscription or a membership. </b>The advantage here is that the gift can be arranged rght up until the point of no return<b> </b>(Christmas for most, Boxing day for the brother-in-law).<b><br /></b></p><p><b> </b>Most trout fishermen have a bathroom. Often it is the only room in the house that affords any sense of privacy and reflection. Give a guy something that shows you know what it is to be trapped in a house with two daughters and a wife for nine months straight. <br /></p><p><b>Gray's Sporting Journal </b>(https://www.grayssportingjournal.com/ ) is a quarterly that covers outings and excursions to waters I'll never see. It also covers hunting stories and expeditions in a fine fashion. Many trout folks are also accomplished wing shooters. This magazine will be appreciated in the outdoorsman's fortress of solitude. </p><p>Try <b>Swing the Fly (</b>https://swingthefly.com/<b><span style="color: black;">)</span> </b>for all
things steelhead, salmon, and trout spey. It is an online magazine
which sends an annual compilation hard copy edition of all the year's
content. Super publication. <br /></p><p>Our perhaps your buddy needs a gift membership to <b>Trout Unlimited</b> (https://www.tu.org/trout-unlimited-3/) and with it an included subscription to <b>Trout</b> magazine which editor Kirk Deeter keeps improving issue after issue. It's a good read with important news on restoration and habitat preservation. </p><p>It's better than a Starbuck's gift card any day. <br /></p><p>(7) <b>A reach out </b>(that's "out" ).<b> </b> </p><p>2020 sucked. A great many acquaintances inadvertently went by the wayside. No activity and thus no contact and after a few months an annoying feeling that picking up the phone or just dropping a a line would do nothing but draw attention to the separation. </p><p>Get over it.</p><p>We're all suffering from isolation so a reach out to a buddy to say "Man ... we should go out again when this is over" is a civil act free from guilt or cost. Just reach out. Can be performed through New Year's Day so no pressure here.<br /></p><p>We're all chained to the Earth and we all have to pull. (Tom Waits).</p><p>(6) <b>Bar stock.</b> </p><p>No, not a fine reel. I'm speaking here of alcohol.</p><p>Normally, a holiday list would say something like "Scotch old enough to cross state lines" or something similar. Not this year.<br /></p><p> 2020 brings us ... <b><i>booze with a handle.</i></b> A 1.5 L of something a crew of six might consume on a week's outing to the back woods? Yep. Booze.<br /></p><p>You don't have to give the very best. Third rate gin? Fine. Bourbon with a picture of a random animal upon its label? Great. Rum? All the better. There's little discerning about in rum in the backwoods even from your erudite college professor of a brother-in-law.<br /></p><p>This a year where quantity means more than quality. </p><p>Drink and drink heavily. (Bluto. <b>Animal House</b>). </p><p>I should note that this suggestion comes from a licensed professional guide now hawking some of the best gear money can buy. Thanks, Dirk. We'd be lost without you.</p><p>(5) <b>An Invite.</b></p><p>Your 2020 plans fell apart. You sulked. </p><p>You tried a trio of outings but renting a cabin seems out of place with just you. </p><p>You lived for a couple weekends like you stole a dog from a Tennessee judge. You didn't even go into town for a burger. You slept in the truck (tent still smelled of summer vacation skunk). You could however scratch yourself with impunity without even a side eye to see if your buddy might notice -- which was the only merit of the outing.</p><p>Ask a buddy to go on a 2021 outing with you. The Olympic? Maybe Colorado? An all night drive to the Driftless and tents at the Sportsman's Club? Doesn't matter. Just give a guy some hope that 2021 works better than we've had. </p><p>You need socialization. So does your buddy. If you are worried about incompetent vaccine distribution, make the outing for steelhead or salmon. Good odds of a break in the gloom by then.<br /></p><p>Everyone likes a good outing. Put a stake in the ground and ask a buddy to go somewhere. Cost for the offer? Nothing.<br /></p><p>(4) <b>A pocket knife</b>. </p><p>Only ranch kids and old guys carry them anymore. I'm an old ranch kid fellow who believe he's not dressed unless he has a knife in his pocket sharp enough to shave with three days running.</p><p>Let's be on the civil side here about size. Nobody needs a moose skinner on their hip unless they are clearing brush for a campsite. Try a nice Buck or Case three blade stockman-style folder. </p><p>Alternately, the Swiss Army knives are awfully handy - even if the blades take a bit of work to properly sharpen. </p><p>One last thing: don't give a knife clad in cammo. Nobody is gong to spook a deer while cutting the end off a summer sausage waiting for a hatch to come on ...</p><p>My favorite swiss army model if the "Cheese Master." that serated blade cuts cheese, sausage, and half-inch spectra braid like butter on the fourth of July. The little fork is great for digging out olives when enjoying bank-side field martini's during cocktail hour at trout camp.</p><p>Impress the fellows and pull a Trapper John M*A*S*H movie routine by lifting a bottle of olives out of your fishing side bag. A flask of gin and civilization is right around the corner. </p><p>Vermouth is for townsfolk. All you need in the field is gin.<br /></p><p>(3) <b>Something that says Yeti. </b></p><p>I know (eye roll).</p><p> I said something about not getting a buddy a Yeti cooler last year. I'm still sticking with the yeti cooler disqualifier because they are still being stolen with alarming regularity. <b> </b>Nobody needs a broken window on their truck for Christmas.</p><p>What I am suggesting here is some other Yeti item. </p><p>I'm a coffee guy especially when setting off on a drive at 0-dark-stupid. </p><p>You've not heard of 0-dark-stupid? That's where you are up way way before the butt-crack of dawn and decide to make coffee before hitting the road but in your sleep-deprived stupor, you make a big carafe of crayon water because you neglected to put fresh grounds in the filter basket. </p><p>That's 0-dark-stupid.</p><p>Anyway, I like driving coffee. A nice heavy half-gallon coffee thermos made by Yeti guarantees you arrive fully wired yourself and have enough left in the beast to awaken your buddies who are snoozing in their trucks waiting for you and sunrise. </p><p>Okay, so my example applies more to duck hunting than the "banker's hours" we practice in fly fishing.</p><p>Still helps. No one turns down a cup of coffee at dawn after three hours on the road.</p><p>Make someone a hero. Have them make the coffee.<br /></p><p>(2) <b>Field Glasses.</b></p><p>Picture this scene. You are on the bank looking at a slow deep bend with a trout who is feeding under a bit of tag alder holding out over the water. Some of the branches filter the water into seams and you and your buddy are looking at a riser acting on a count of seven or sometimes nine. </p><p>"What's he taking?" your buddy asks. <br /></p><p>Yellow Sally? Caddis? BWO in size 14?</p><p>Neither of you can see well enough from twenty-five feet away. You yourself can barely find your car keys on the counter and your buddy can't thread a fly after 17:00.</p><p>Shop around and get the clearest image you can for your price range. The compact sports watching models go for less than the full-sized 50mm objective lens models. Clarity matters most.</p><p>You can do a lot worse than the Celestron Outland model on 10x42. They're not Zeiss or Vortex quality but they work and if something happens to them, no tears. </p><p>(1) <b>A Solo Stove. </b>(https://www.solostove.com/)</p><p>I have a couple solo stove cooking models for trout camping. I also have the smaller sized Ranger model portable firepit that is actually perfect for trout camping. </p><p>I've purchased three of the bonfire size models and one of the 30" Yukon models as gifts. These are well received gifts.</p><p>They're expensive? Sure. These are gifts for guys who you might need to go in on a drift boat in the near future. Or, they're gifts for guys who have drift boats you'd like to borrow sometime.</p><p>(Some persuading required. Brother-in-law not included.)</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc7H616duKU/X9rNTVdk2RI/AAAAAAAAHFM/YmpN87fHGIwvHoEU_5rvbt5k4qZHFGoWACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/merry_bealemass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc7H616duKU/X9rNTVdk2RI/AAAAAAAAHFM/YmpN87fHGIwvHoEU_5rvbt5k4qZHFGoWACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/merry_bealemass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Have a great holiday. Here's Lilly wishing George and Alan and Steve a tail-wagger of a season. Merry beaglemas boys.<br /></p><p>Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.</p><p><i>Prost.</i><br /></p><p> <br /><b></b></p><p><b> </b> <br /></p><p><b> </b><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p><br /><br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-14841546078819933352020-11-18T09:28:00.000-08:002020-11-18T09:28:52.088-08:00Season Ended?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNDS11ml-Hc/X7VN5vLOPCI/AAAAAAAAHBo/C6itEwIIykQQy-nOLYUkS7Hy99ehnJ3RgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/lou_howl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNDS11ml-Hc/X7VN5vLOPCI/AAAAAAAAHBo/C6itEwIIykQQy-nOLYUkS7Hy99ehnJ3RgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/lou_howl.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Aaaaaaarrrrooooooooooo!<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Lou the foxhound upset at the end of the season. He barely noticed it was here!</p><p>He's practicing with his Christmas Antlers. Takes a few weeks of breaking in every year to get them to stay on long enough for the holiday picture.<br /></p><p><b>It was almost the season without fly fishing.</b> </p><p>I live three hours south of "the trout band" of cool water. The streams were largely open this year. The campgrounds ... not so much. Michigan delayed opening the public campgrounds this year by locking the gates and ... more decisively ... the latrines. </p><p>Social isolation on the streams - fine. In the facilities? Not so much.</p><p>The June 22nd campground opening allowed the dash of campers for the 4th of July. The campgrounds remained packed all summer by the hordes of covid refugees seeking some sort of recreational comfort. </p><p> </p><p>I've neighbors who purchased a new Airstream Bambi just for this summer. Yes, I have my eye on it for when the novelty wears off. Hellooooo trout trailer.</p><p> Being officially old (my daughter's appraisal and our oldest son is now ... 40. No way to dispute it.) I need a good night's sleep to enjoy the "up north." I've a fine selection of tents and sleep like a bear out in the woods. </p><p>I'm not a fan of "Generator Johnny" or the guy on the F-150 who has to lock the truck (honk honk) at 11:30 PM or the drunken brothers-in-law who have to argue about the Detroit Tigers at 3 AM. </p><p>I was once in a party store in the up north buying cheese in a line with a Sheriff's Deputy. I asked him how the gig was and if he worked year round. He said he was part of the regular staff and the gig was great until summer. When Memorial Day hit, all the folks from down south made the trip north and the first thing they packed was all their troubles. Domestic disputes were a common theme.</p><p>I am chasing new fish for the holidays. </p><p><b>Snook.</b></p><p>I'm driving to an island where I can hide from the covid and where the infection rate and positivity rate are far less than where I am now. Also, they have Snook in the surf.</p><p>Stripping basket. Full-caged sealed-drag utility reel. Switch rod from Echo (saltwater suitable) in 9/10. Long-handed guide net. <br /></p><p>Flies. ... Hmm. I have some clouser minnows. I'll be tying palmered-style shrimp. I may have to run over to Steve's <a href="http://soft-hacklejournal.blogspot.com/">Soft Hackle Journal </a> and look at is barred surf perch soft hackle patterns.</p><p>I'll make up for a lost summer with a discovered fall. <br /></p><p> <b>2021</b></p><p><b> </b>I am excited for 2021. </p><p>Late July and early August will see me on the Madison. I've a place booked (roll over) from the 2020 season and my friend the wandering writer (and fly fishing equipment rep) will be camped out for a couple weeks to bookend my trip.<br /></p><p>The first part of my trip is paid for. The second part will cost me a case of gin and some steak-and-eggs fixings. </p><p>I hope your 2021 plans include some story-worthy outings. I have a thing about hot coffee on the beach early in the morning when only the triathletes are making their 7 mile runs. I'm a slow moving obstacle in the dark just like the sea turtles making their way back into the surf. </p><p>Spit snow here Sunday night. It was pretty serious about it, too. First sleet/snow of the season. More to follow I'm sure.</p><p>So .. 2021 excursions? Any plans? I'm feeling NakNek in the fall.<br /></p><p><i>Prost!</i><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjHEyWPES_4/X7VYm3x3JEI/AAAAAAAAHB4/jHtVcfo_XFMhgEc47wDSlh4mwn0ccfTuACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/lou_antler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjHEyWPES_4/X7VYm3x3JEI/AAAAAAAAHB4/jHtVcfo_XFMhgEc47wDSlh4mwn0ccfTuACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/lou_antler.jpg" /></a></div>How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice. Practice.<br /><p><br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-71538954350882933502020-11-14T10:44:00.003-08:002020-11-14T10:44:50.827-08:00This is the Way ?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UGv469dcY4/X7AY57EIwpI/AAAAAAAAHAg/Do295wD7DL8A2NQr_XYnyKUD5XigrodyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/the_way.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UGv469dcY4/X7AY57EIwpI/AAAAAAAAHAg/Do295wD7DL8A2NQr_XYnyKUD5XigrodyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/the_way.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This is the way.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Photo is from an expedition tot he Michigan U.P. this summer and yes, Michigan considers the area above to be a "marked trail". Takes a bit to see but there are blazes in paint on the trees. </p><p><br /></p><p>This being covid season direction is a little less sure than normal. I've been catching up on the Disney+ and the series _The Mandolorian_ after a writing buddy explained to me that the storytelling was simple and direct: Nick Adams set in space.</p><p>The protagonist frequently utters his "catch phrase" of : <b>This is the Way.</b><br /></p><p>I'll be damned, but; I think he is correct. There is a lot of parallel there and by all accounts the series is a smash for Disney. Dog knows they could use the help. Who wants to be kissed by Snow White in a mask? </p><p>Speaking of masks: wear one.It isn't a political statement but a statement of concern for those around you. </p><p><b>Masks save lives. Other people's masks save yours.</b></p><p>I'm ready for the next twelve weeks of onslaught. Good thing I'm part hermit. Aren't all fly fishers? Solitary pursuits executed in social isolation often in the most beautiful parts of the world. </p><p>On my death bed I'll not be wishing that there was one more cocktail party to attend. I'll be wishing I could of climbed down into one more valley.</p><p>So, covid. If I could have engineered a virus this good, they'd have made me a twenty-star general and let me sleep in the White House for an entire summer. (Lots to see in D.C.). Turns out, covid is sleeping in the White House. </p><p>You can't wish trouble away. Most problems in life just don't "go away" with anything less than a shotgun and a $100 bill.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vC0InaV49Qw/X7AkiANy_hI/AAAAAAAAHA8/8OrVTg4LWeIrxsbYQkq5lxvTN09JkAEFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/pantry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vC0InaV49Qw/X7AkiANy_hI/AAAAAAAAHA8/8OrVTg4LWeIrxsbYQkq5lxvTN09JkAEFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pantry.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>At left: part of my larder.</p><p> I'm anticipating trouble in the delivery of fundamental supplies and services in the next 12 weeks. Where I am from, we always have a couple weeks of food on hand because wind, snow, tornado all can appear and and disrupt supplies. </p><p>When you live most of an hour from a food store and your region is partial to extremes of weather (60 mph straight line winds are fine for the ranch house; but, the high tension lines do poorly.) , you know to prepare. Two of your neighbor's may show up on your doorstep for a few days with bad storms. It's something to take in stride.</p><p> </p><p>I'm much more urbanized now though as you see, I take the isolation tango seriously. I hope you and yours have no need for such contingencies and we can all make large gifts to the local food banks when this is over.</p><p>How are we coping with covid in my little part of the world? We're tying flies.</p><p>Scotch old enough to vote is a fine rust-remover at the tying vise. </p><p><i>Prost.</i><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-70737750050779650602020-11-09T13:39:00.003-08:002020-11-09T13:41:34.600-08:00The Beginning of the End<p> <b>Suntory Time</b>!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rk-A_-Oet4E/X6mwbNA50GI/AAAAAAAAG8A/-7_mUWWTOV02MG2yHeBh-qVZqJFc0CdlACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201108_175316506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rk-A_-Oet4E/X6mwbNA50GI/AAAAAAAAG8A/-7_mUWWTOV02MG2yHeBh-qVZqJFc0CdlACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20201108_175316506.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>The key line here is : For relaxing times, make it Suntory time.</p><p>The Old Suntory is not available where I live. This is a blended whiskey (boo, hiss) which is satisfyingly floral and soft. No decent Noir detective would be caught dead (or alive) drinking this stuff.</p><p>Luckily, I'm all about noir but not in the detective line of work. <br /></p><p>It is a fine summer "scortch" and as we're having a long drawn-out fall of warm days and light sweater nights by the fire: this bottle is perfect.</p><p>Laphroaig isn't quite in the offing this year. I need a good hard evening frost and a fire in the woodstove to take a dram of of the peat-y and settle down with _August 1914_ which I try to read every second year or so. Last year I re-read _Anna Kerensky_. </p><p> I love that Count Vronsky's horse Frau Frau had large nostrils .... like Anna. Yep - a line from the book.</p><p><b>The news today: </b></p><p><b> </b>A vaccine is being submitted for approval which has a 90+ % efficacy rate in clinical studies. </p><p>It is going to be a slog to get it into 250+ Million Americans. That is sort of the epidemiologist's "base number" for public health control. We have about 335 M people in the U.S. With a 90% efficacy rate, the anti-vax folks and those medically unable to tolerate the vaccine will benefit from the greater populations' induced immunity.</p><p> </p><p>Now, there are things we don't know for certain. The studies look good but the argument for release is the difference between 99% certainty it won't give you "The Crimp" and 99.999% certainty it won't.</p><p>"The Crimp" is shorthand for viral-induced consequences of an unintended sort.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>WHAT THE MEANS TO YOU:</b> </p><p>You will be able to take those fishing trips you've put off sometime into 2022. The process of getting people inoculated and adapting to a new-new reality will take a bit.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Monday Night Flies</b> is up and running virtually. </p><p>Last week featured a few friendly soft-hackles.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ko0TM7MmN1E/X6m0ugFlKbI/AAAAAAAAG8Q/iyD4p04o2QEVpGO3xA2utsZ61t1oZP6UgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/purple_and_slate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ko0TM7MmN1E/X6m0ugFlKbI/AAAAAAAAG8Q/iyD4p04o2QEVpGO3xA2utsZ61t1oZP6UgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/purple_and_slate.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Above: the Purple and Slate. This has been good for me in winter waters. Not great -> but good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIUE6LQLUIE/X6m0zmYwWQI/AAAAAAAAG8Y/d1_eJWkemYcMnmKlME1PIzGGt0ESZEbcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/grey_drake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIUE6LQLUIE/X6m0zmYwWQI/AAAAAAAAG8Y/d1_eJWkemYcMnmKlME1PIzGGt0ESZEbcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/grey_drake.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Above: My own Grey Drake. Size 16 to size 8 these work for any spinner fall. Meh. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRER0WqRYpQ/X6m0zuI-qyI/AAAAAAAAG8U/BJ2Cb4tvwQgsOiIWC4fOJYztPo6QzoDbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/partridge_possum_and_gold.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRER0WqRYpQ/X6m0zuI-qyI/AAAAAAAAG8U/BJ2Cb4tvwQgsOiIWC4fOJYztPo6QzoDbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/partridge_possum_and_gold.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>Above: the Partridge and Gold. Works as a hendrickson when in #16. Works as everything else in #12.</p><p><br /></p><p>I'm trying a clock tonight. In North Country parlance, clock is a beetle. My box is shy of beetles. I'm fine on ant but good classic beetles? Shy. I have a nice collection of crayon-grade foam beetles from a trip to Yellowstone waters. They work but lack any soft-hackle style.</p><p>Almost time to fill my glass and step into the virtual den.</p><p>Maybe I can fly in the fall.<br /></p><p><br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-17812010966976655912020-11-05T18:10:00.001-08:002020-11-05T18:10:14.830-08:00The End of 2020 <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8j8hXyupFLc/X6StMYtTFkI/AAAAAAAAGNg/i3vbS5esVesFN32Cxl1XUsclBeng0CH9ACPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7240368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8j8hXyupFLc/X6StMYtTFkI/AAAAAAAAGNg/i3vbS5esVesFN32Cxl1XUsclBeng0CH9ACPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7240368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>One of the highlights of 2020 was a pilgrimage by the Amber Liquid guys to the mouth of the Two-Hearted River on the shores of Lake Superior.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>We were fortunate to encounter a break in covid-19 before today's big swing began.</p><p>Kevin is making chili because ... camping needs chili. Was it summer? Sure. Was Superior a cold blooded bear drowner? Yes.</p><p>Chili.</p><p><br /></p><p>I'm declaring an end to 2020. Frankly, I've had enough.<br /></p><p>Monday night saw the resumption of our local Monday Night Flies group. We used Google Meet (free, encrypted end-to-end, easy access without passcode). Some nice flies were tied despite a little rust at the bench. </p><p>The virtual fly tying really lightened my spirits and made me think I was doing something positive. I encourage any of you out there to get your buddies on-line and tie. It works out nicely.<br /></p><p>I've got my photos of flies hooked up to the wrong user account at the moment. I'll get it sorted for the next post.</p><p>Time to get on with tying classics.</p><p>I'll say more later ....</p><p><br /></p><p>We're back. Alert the trout.<br /></p><p><br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-52779311255970983022020-08-11T18:34:00.003-07:002020-08-11T18:34:26.266-07:00I Want My Hat Back<p> <img alt="" class="mw-mmv-final-image jpg mw-mmv-dialog-is-open" crossorigin="anonymous" height="510" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/Mobutu.jpg/800px-Mobutu.jpg" width="339" /> Mobutu. He wasn't much for humanity; but, that's an awesome hat. It's the sort of hat that only a sociopath could wear with ease. It suits him.<br /></p><p>I have a special hat I wear when on the water. I suspect you do as well. </p><p>The brim keeps sun off my face and water from running down my neck. I've worn it too little this season. I've had about enough.</p><p>The rush up north -- where my trout live -- is about over. The locals are losing interest. It's time to do some serious camping again. </p><p>It's time to put on the hat.</p><p>I'll pitch my tent near the water. Use the river's water for my morning coffee. I'll laugh at the brook trout who eagerly snatch my fly only to be returned to grow larger and more cautious.</p><p>I'll enjoy the feel of life at the end of my line and in the evening I'll enjoy a little scotch from my coffee cup. </p><p>Noblesse Oblige. If one knows, one must prepare. You are obliged to use the information you have for the good of your mates. I know things about the covid.</p><p>I also know my mates need time on the water. Looks like it might be time to prepare for fall camp a little early.</p><p>I hope you get to wear you favorite hat a little more often in the months to come. </p><p>I bet you all look dashing.<br /></p><p><i>Prost</i>.<br /></p>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-22915981563948432032020-07-28T19:11:00.000-07:002020-07-28T19:11:15.635-07:00The Big Two-Hearted River<div>My buddy Matt fishing the famed Two-Hearted River this past week.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy5rE3Qvxpg/XyDPBzq_R5I/AAAAAAAAGGs/Ej898B9heBsxv4FrAjlx_00diIG6vv3oQCPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7250469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="375" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy5rE3Qvxpg/XyDPBzq_R5I/AAAAAAAAGGs/Ej898B9heBsxv4FrAjlx_00diIG6vv3oQCPcBGAsYHg/w500-h375/P7250469.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Covid. </div><div><br /></div><div>That sums up the year to date here at the Amber Liquid Anglers' clubhouse. Probably sums up your year,too.</div><div><br /></div><div>We took a socially-distancing camping trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula this past week. We each had our own tent/trailer/van. We socially distanced. We wore masks. It worked well enough.</div><div><br /></div><div>The U.P. is a tough place to sight-read.The water was high as we arrived. The Two-Hearted itself came down eighteen inches while we were there.</div><div><br /></div><div>These pictures represent some of our "lessons-learned."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHqyPNOulD0/XyDRHnqXdcI/AAAAAAAAGG4/6HpRd7do77E0SQD_sy6WD88tQNjnWelVwCPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7250461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHqyPNOulD0/XyDRHnqXdcI/AAAAAAAAGG4/6HpRd7do77E0SQD_sy6WD88tQNjnWelVwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7250461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Above: the Two-Hearted at Reed and Green bridge. It is lovely water -- once the river goes down. A great deal of tannin is present which makes wading a little uncertain. The bottom is hard and firm and wading is easy using ordinary caution.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1w7RwJmpAI/XyDRwr2Vv7I/AAAAAAAAGHA/E24ryP_d6l8gq1P8x7YPwldz32aFQxp0wCPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7230274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1w7RwJmpAI/XyDRwr2Vv7I/AAAAAAAAGHA/E24ryP_d6l8gq1P8x7YPwldz32aFQxp0wCPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7230274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Above: Lake Superior shoreline looking west near dusk. We camped at the Mouth of the Two-Hearted State Campground and found it easy enough to avoid other campers. I think I used about 125 sanitizer sheets while I was there. Superior having a surface temperature of sixty-four degrees did not attract a large number of swimmers, sunbathers, or aquasports enthusiasts. She kills a number of folks each summer who fall off their kayaks, go into the water, cramp, and drown.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGMCmBxA33w/XyDSwjcpF6I/AAAAAAAAGHM/_L_7o-RfIz0OWgBJ-5rDN6ScC2Hnc6WhQCPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7240392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGMCmBxA33w/XyDSwjcpF6I/AAAAAAAAGHM/_L_7o-RfIz0OWgBJ-5rDN6ScC2Hnc6WhQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7240392.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Above: Paws in water. One must experience the local waters for themselves. Superior can be refreshing on a bright eighty-nine degree day. Yes, fishing was tough in those conditions.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jECKpR1DULU/XyDTawigHbI/AAAAAAAAGHU/Ahxxyua6mbA5SI1D2ZuE6vRjLRjvPAtxgCPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7220139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jECKpR1DULU/XyDTawigHbI/AAAAAAAAGHU/Ahxxyua6mbA5SI1D2ZuE6vRjLRjvPAtxgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7220139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A typical U.P. road. Most of the roads are of this sort: dirt or sand running miles through forest without a break.. We covered a great deal of water and so roared down many miles of these. Keep an eye on the gas gauge. These are indeed the "boonies."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZ661ft6_RA/XyDT-VkNwtI/AAAAAAAAGHc/zUiO5f-UbWsFAiCgqw4tyT53RKLA-9BCACPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7220161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZ661ft6_RA/XyDT-VkNwtI/AAAAAAAAGHc/zUiO5f-UbWsFAiCgqw4tyT53RKLA-9BCACPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7220161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The Two-Hearted campground area suffered a massive forest fire a few years ago just as in Hemingway's day. The country near the lower end of the Two-Hearted is brutal. </div><div><br /></div><div>Obligatory tourist photos:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VaLJClgau_w/XyDUlUuQhvI/AAAAAAAAGHk/fqkem7k5gR0OE2Hbp2VwGw0mK5Xg8oVyACPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7250475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VaLJClgau_w/XyDUlUuQhvI/AAAAAAAAGHk/fqkem7k5gR0OE2Hbp2VwGw0mK5Xg8oVyACPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7250475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Two-Hearted (lite) on the Two-Hearted.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGVg38M_Lik/XyDU4uulUnI/AAAAAAAAGHs/vImOaFeqqt0mHpIAosr-rIyuY_pSS_huwCPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7230210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGVg38M_Lik/XyDU4uulUnI/AAAAAAAAGHs/vImOaFeqqt0mHpIAosr-rIyuY_pSS_huwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7230210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A river and some D.B. pointing to the sign instead of the water.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAfZYTNkbds/XyDVLftgA8I/AAAAAAAAGH0/qfvnojYb8d0Oz6RG3bt2Jyg8MuB734ISgCPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7230248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAfZYTNkbds/XyDVLftgA8I/AAAAAAAAGH0/qfvnojYb8d0Oz6RG3bt2Jyg8MuB734ISgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7230248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The North Country Trail and my friend Kevin making a short trip.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5bVICMRX44/XyDVbVy1uDI/AAAAAAAAGH8/9AgYSa8Y-oY5YgXDRLK1QlePT3_QMhotgCPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7230251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5bVICMRX44/XyDVbVy1uDI/AAAAAAAAGH8/9AgYSa8Y-oY5YgXDRLK1QlePT3_QMhotgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7230251.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Senator on the trial about one hundred feet above Lake Superior delighted to check messages thanks to Rogers in Canada. It was the only signal he could find for much of the trip.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Wraq2Qt5tE/XyDV3be64QI/AAAAAAAAGIE/ay_3OhAYA0YrFrcFaauuyKXZtxAobk_EQCPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7230247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Wraq2Qt5tE/XyDV3be64QI/AAAAAAAAGIE/ay_3OhAYA0YrFrcFaauuyKXZtxAobk_EQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7230247.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The view from where The Senator stands in the above picture.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Those are two of our crew on the beach.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jozbbtHfoIs/XyDWJhvilNI/AAAAAAAAGIM/7KsHiaLuKhgeZx6yGXwaB5r2fxGJkUArQCPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7230233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jozbbtHfoIs/XyDWJhvilNI/AAAAAAAAGIM/7KsHiaLuKhgeZx6yGXwaB5r2fxGJkUArQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7230233.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>My crew beside a small unnamed lake. No masks as this is the "proof of life" photo. They worry about me sometimes.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Idwtrqm5svs/XyDWe0M1PZI/AAAAAAAAGIU/PTG2c6aXcjYiPzZmmwLCMAnGlUgJYVxLwCPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7240302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Idwtrqm5svs/XyDWe0M1PZI/AAAAAAAAGIU/PTG2c6aXcjYiPzZmmwLCMAnGlUgJYVxLwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7240302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A plaque to Hemingway at the Fox River (believed to be the actual river used in the <i>Nick Adam's Stories</i>).</div><div><br /></div><div>That's my 8' McKellip rod on a Steffen Bros. blank with a stacked leather grip and a Hardy Perfect which was indeed perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Fox is a mess, by the way. It is jungle fishing here on the east branch.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H7mJ5tj6S_0/XyDXcOYCyEI/AAAAAAAAGIc/B7jG1Jose2QRvM4UM0DDUOVeLILM1bgIgCPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7240334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H7mJ5tj6S_0/XyDXcOYCyEI/AAAAAAAAGIc/B7jG1Jose2QRvM4UM0DDUOVeLILM1bgIgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7240334.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>A typical U.P. hiking trail. Yep. That's the trail.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JcrxstU-MmQ/XyDYs1BGw_I/AAAAAAAAGIw/y3K6bzEWdVwpl-HE5N5EUfXXgEl3obz9QCPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7240338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JcrxstU-MmQ/XyDYs1BGw_I/AAAAAAAAGIw/y3K6bzEWdVwpl-HE5N5EUfXXgEl3obz9QCPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7240338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Above: The benefits of foraging in the right season. The general crop was almost ripe. Just mind the locals if you go picking.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlQF1-PYIuM/XyDZA_6vMwI/AAAAAAAAGI4/n_gG8FPD_gM4sNX8l1Lu8gxanBZiiqeXwCPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7230216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlQF1-PYIuM/XyDZA_6vMwI/AAAAAAAAGI4/n_gG8FPD_gM4sNX8l1Lu8gxanBZiiqeXwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7230216.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The berry patch is never quite yours alone.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope your health is sound and the trout are happy to see you.</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Prost. (My thanks to Larry Bell and company!).</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gr1MXqBOw3w/XyDZkPqIEFI/AAAAAAAAGJA/hqHifa2lOdETMGBv429gP_3m4mqxxHjUwCPcBGAsYHg/s4608/P7240378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gr1MXqBOw3w/XyDZkPqIEFI/AAAAAAAAGJA/hqHifa2lOdETMGBv429gP_3m4mqxxHjUwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/P7240378.JPG" /></a></div><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-88026686153429493272019-11-24T17:32:00.002-08:002019-11-24T17:32:57.854-08:00Fall Trout and Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Above, a nice 20+" brown all colored-up. Thick-bodied tank.<br />
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I did some end-of-season fishing this weekend. I had a blast. I was on unrestricted season flies-only water that is open year round. I did not rob the redds! There were a few pairs showing some interest but I suspect the mating dance has passed for most of the the browns. Fishing from the bank. <br />
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At left, a real tail-walker rainbow. He made the album for his circus act. Fought hard for a fellow only a little over twelve inches. Maybe fourteen. Maybe..<br />
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Another brown. Nice fish.<br />
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Brookie. Another good fighter! Went 17 inches.<br />
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A nice rainbow something like sixteen to eighteen inches all peppered-up. Stunning.<br />
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A hare's ear flymph in 16 : a favorite of the rainbows. This fly is "resting" after several fish. I believe this is a brown hen hackled fly. Note how well the teased hare's ear holds up.<br />
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Grouse and synthetic hare's ear wrapped in micro-wire . Quite difference from the natural above though I did wire wrap the the whole thing so there's that ...<br />
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A wire wrapped SLF Hare's ear in #11 after some serious use. This fly took eleven fish in an hour. Same fly. All species. It would drift through a fifteen to twenty foot deep pool on very little current and the fish would take. I'd wait. I'd wait. Then I'd smoothly take up tension allowing the fish to hook themselves. They'd dive for the deep and the hookset was performed without any sudden motion from me.<br />
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In this cold water, the stream bite was short and soft. I caught one fish on streamers but had tons of short takes. Using the soft-hackles allowed the fish to catch themselves!<br />
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I lost the above fly on the next fish electing to cutting the line rather than digging in the gullet. Meh. He had hammered the fly -- one of the few to do so -- and rather than the side-jaw hinge hook, he'd swallowed it. So, I spared him the rooting around.<br />
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I haven't had any extended time on the stream since September and the Driftless so I was thrilled at the three day outing here. Great time. Fished with some fly typing buddies from the Beer Grotto Monday night sessions.<br />
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Can't wait to go tomorrow night. It is consistently the highlight of my social interaction each week.<br />
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Soft hackles -- even tied in the clumsy fashion evident in my wire wrapped above -- can save the day. As I show in this post, they can withstand serious abuse from fish after fish while continuing to perform.<br />
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I didn't take a single fish on the Hornberg. Disappointed. I did take three trout on the surface with a copper-hued trailing shuck CDC X-caddis fly. The trailing shuck business works for me (Thanks, Lauren!) and the fly performs well when drowned and pulled as a micro-streamer.<br />
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It was the soft-hackle fly which dominated the weekend, though.<br />
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There was a fair amount of scotch taken internally for strictly medicinal purposes once we left the stream. It helped restore the humor after hours in a cold breeze.<br />
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Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. I'll be grateful for a great pre-holiday weekend outing!<br />
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<i>Prost.</i> <br />
<br />spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-31903858702797551042019-10-22T04:33:00.003-07:002019-10-22T04:33:49.567-07:00Fur Harvesting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My recent absence can be explained in a name: Lilly, pictured at left.<br />
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She's the new pup in the house now at 11 months old. We've had her just over two months and it has taken that long to patiently mold her into a good companion what with the cats, the wife, my wildlife visitors of foxes, turkey, deer, the possum family, chipmunks, and that damned black squirrel!<br />
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Barky Barky Barky.<br />
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Anyway, she's in our household and is cute as a button.<br />
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Uncle Lou pictured at left takes it in stride. He is a good partner and has done well determining what is worthy of a howl and what is just an incidental event.<br />
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The Amazon guy? Howl.<br />
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The turkey? Not so much.<br />
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So, I've tied a little this last month.<br />
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Things gradually are getting back to a placid routine. Monday night tying at the grotto in Dexter is going strong. There is talk of upcoming trips. The Catskills feature strongly and the local fly shop is bound for Cuba in a week. One of our friends fished the San Juan here a couple days back and killed 'em.<br />
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So: fall.<br />
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I've got some unruly CDC trailing shuck caddis here that I'll have on the Madison next summer.<br />
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Tied on some #16 1x short Partridge of Redditch I had lying around. The wing is maybe too much so I think I'll go online, look at some pictures, and maybe tie some with less mass.<br />
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They're drowned caddis, really. I'm not too worried is they're a little unkempt.<br />
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Hope all goes well here now that the season has closed. Looks like a long winter.<br />
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<i>Prost.</i>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8459843071991988763.post-84526484548738705472019-09-18T17:41:00.000-07:002019-09-18T17:41:22.598-07:00The Rains of the Driftless<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Driftless trip to Vernon county last week. A bit of rain. Then a bit more. Finally: rain.<br />
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Todd drifting a line on the Timber Coulee on the night of our arrival. The water was stained but not bad. The fish responded.<br />
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Then, the first of the nightly storms blew through during the dark hours.<br />
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Our typical fare. Black leeches and black beadheads did produce a few fish.<br />
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Obligatory fish picture.<br />
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As it came in one afternoon.<br />
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Something I tried. No joy.<br />
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Bishop Branch Creek. Last day. Afternoon. One to hand.<br />
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Hello. Note the black micro-streamer: the week's trademark color.<br />
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I was in the wrong band. My companions moved to spin fishing for the week early on and had some success. The Gulp was there to pull my chains. I think. I never saw anyone using bait but bait guys can be sneaky.<br />
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We did eat fish. It is Vernon county and if there is anywhere in the world that can use some population relief, it is Vernon county.<br />
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Camp creek. Obligatory driftless cow pictures.<br />
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The outflow of the silt entrapment on Maple Dale creek. For reference, this held clear water for thirty-six hours until the silt worked through the impoundment. Worth noting that this was some of the best water in the county when things started clouding up.<br />
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Look, rain is coming. Probably in the next hour.<br />
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Lightening, too.<br />
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Good trip, though. Rain is rain but silt ... well, silt sucks.<br />
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<i>Prost.</i>spikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07837056589969480640noreply@blogger.com2