Man Flies!! (Faulty Wiring…Genetic Abnormality)

I am one of those rare individuals that freaks out over Magic Mountain, Tower of Terror or even the thought of a roller coaster. Born with an inner ear malfunction (my own diagnosis) I have difficulty doing a forward roll, let alone anything more daring. So, no bungee jumping, no hang gliding, no parasail in Mexico (although I risked my kids’ lives). No, I am content to marvel at the efforts of other danger junkies and the less fortunate.  Well, think I will go out and mow the lawn for first time. Can’t find my kid anywhere. Damn.   

April Vokey Crazy for Chironomids & Kamloops Trout (Fly Max & April Vokey…Very Entertaining)

I realize wonderful stillwater opportunities abound around the world. I have not experienced many regions so cannot comment about ‘the best’ etc. But, with my experiences in the Pacific NW and BC, I cautiously would offer…B.C. lakes are (insert your own exaggerated adjective here).

I imagine that B.C. anglers cringe at the reading of anything that promotes usage of their somewhat private waters. If you do go up there (I have been up there only maybe 8 times) , you really have greater privacy. The most crowded usage I have been exposed to is perhaps a dozen craft. Considering most are anchored and fishing chironomids (buzzers, midges, gnats), you have room to roam and search. Seriously, I have caught a few nice trout, but the thought of a B.C. trout launching above your head, for real..not torqued upwards…is breathtaking. I have vivid images of powerful, large trout tearing me apart and crashing up into over hanging trees, up into shore line bushes, down into weeds and all saying adios. I remember every single one. And, when I think of them my heart races just a touch. 

So, this morning I was watching WFN and watched a FLY MAX Production with Fly Fishers: April Vokey, Matt Moisley, Tim Flanagan,  Stevie Morrow, Doug Wiseman and Aaron Goodis in BC#3 HUGE TROUT, TINY FIES. I thoroughly enjoyed this from several angles. First, of course, it gave a glimpse of Ms. Vokey beyond the usual. Her injuries from a MVA, did not thwart her efforts at fishing and her last fish of the episode is a fish of a lifetime for most anglers. The campsite scenes were interesting and the other anglers tied into many beautiful Kamloops Trout (maybe another strain..not sure). If you like to still fish with Chironomids, I encourage you to seek out this episode on TV or watch it above. You will be stoked by the scenery, the aerobatic trout, the color of the water and Ms. Vokey. A good production by the young men at Fly Max (Nick Pujic, et al).    

Mexico Trucha’s (Yes, they are there)

Baja Trout

The Trout Species of Mexico are highlighted with pleasant pictures and good general habitat information. No doubt the fly fishers of Arizona and New Mexico are familiar with trout in the Chihuahua and Sonora states. Baja Trout, even with the mountains of the peninsula, seem impossible, yet there they are. I have to let you in on a glimpse of my adult ignorance: since I started my blog, I have been amazed at the locations of trout in such places as SE Europe, Tasmania, South Africa, West Virginia to Arkansas. So, Mexico should not surprise me. These native species are beautiful to behold.

Justin Carroll (looking, really looking; then learning)

Justin Carroll, Founder Winona Fly Factory

“I decided a while ago that this is what fishing is to me. It is hunting. To catch a trout one must be smart, quiet, prepared and have a willingness to travel into the wild.”

Yes, I know there are, no doubt, many fly fishers out there chasing many species of fish around the world that exhibit the pioneer spirit. But, out of the gazillion sites I study and learn from, I can think of few that show the unadulterated, genuine passion of Justin Carroll. 

We mostly are borrowers, takers of information and then trying it out, and if generous, sharing it back for others to learn from. We all do this. But, we don’t all go out and explore the stream side, to observe, specifically identify, catalogue, document, and oh yes, fish. You know Haefle and  Hughes did/do it. Trout Nut obviously does it.

But, with no slight intended toward Justin, his amateur status makes him all the more interesting. You actually sense his amazement and excitement as he looks for big fish, small fish and insects. I go to a stream and look for fish rising. I look for insects and can make a general mayfly or caddis designation, but that is pretty much it (I am much better with the simpler lake’s environment). But, I do not really look, question and later understand like Justin is doing. Does that make sense? Study his blog from its inception, then watch the development of style, images, knowledge…all on his home waters…I suspect not even on fabled waters…and see how much he has learned. Keep track of this blog. You will see it saved at some very worthy sites/blogs. There is a reason for that..Justin Carroll of Winona, Minnesota.     

Self Reflection (what do you see?)

Self Reflection