Nice looking Salmon Fly pattern (Stonefly Dry), low riding and tempting. Pattern is by Jay Nicholas...with some sort of Salmon addiction and a lifetime of working to preserve Oregon fisheries. My goodness, it is late April. The Deschutes R. fever is right around the next calendar page. A heavy hackle and larger hook size away from one of my all time favorites from long ago…the Tied Down Caddis. It will come into its own again someday…not as a scud, but as a Caddis pupa.
New York Training Day led by Parkour Generations. A film by Julie Angel featuring Stephane Vigroux, Dan Edwardes and Chris Keighley.
Awhile back, I asked Jason Boardman to offer his take on being a guide, as well as how to be a prepared customer on a guided trip. Jason sent this concise piece regard the considerations one should ponder before jumping into the guiding arena.
Willie Drift Boat (Jason Boardman)
Guiding…More Than Steering a Boat!
There are no schools to my knowledge that teach guides to take clients out on the water, help them be productive, and leave with great memories of the trip! There’s more to it then meets the eye. Some questions you would need to ask yourself is “Why the hell do I want to do that?” After all, you don’t get many clients in the winter, and I have yet to find a client who wants to fish when the temperatures are sizzling! Then, of course, there is the rain. I have guided in Canada extensively, and Oregon…yes, a guide must understand there will be down days, down months, and depending on the economy, down seasons. But it gets into your blood, and you are a doomed man (or woman).
If you plan to take clients on, you must be over 18 years of age, and be able to purchase several things. You would think a boat would be first, but not so fast! What about insurance? Insurance that will cover loss, and harm to individuals…accidents DO happen! Next would be some decent equipment to supply clients who do not have their own rods, reels, flies, ect. Can’t ever have enough gear! Lines of all kinds, extra spools, extra rods, reels, and sunglasses (the good kind). Oh yes, and don’t forget the camera(s)! Doesn’t everyone want a picture to grace their walls!
Oh yes… back to the boat. The boat must be appropriate for the waters, large enough for 2-4 people with gear, and stocked with extras…first aid kit, map of the area, bug spray; toilet paper and handi-wipes are essentials, as are sun screen and an extra hat or two! A good boat can cost up to $25,000! A necessary expense. Ok, now go get first aid and CPR training.
Next big question is how good are you at catching fish? How much water knowledge do you have? Insect education to read hatches and suggest the most appropriate fly. Have you experience in the waters that can be discussed with any potential client? When my uncles first got me started guiding, they had several “dummy” photos of “ehem” clients who caught a trophy. No guide will get any business without a few satisfied customers smiling from the bookings page!
Yes business. How are you going to advertise? I personally had to go to the lodges and hotels that are near fishing waters and offer my services free of charge to get a reputation. Did this through coupons so we could withdraw the offer when need be. Now, tell me..How much is a ½ or a days fishing worth? You need to be realistic and not gouging! You want return customers, corporate accounts, and celebrity visits. Pricing can be competitive, but you can’t give away your services either.
So good luck! See ya on the water?
Jason
Shucked Deer Hair Emerger (Ian Akers at Practical Fly Fishing & Fly Tying)
Buzzers and alike at Practical Fly Fishing and Fly Tying
I came across this pattern via Planet Trout at the Critter’s Corner site. This is a nice variation of the Palomino Midge. The UV Krystal Flash post/wing is unique. Some would argue that the usual light colored post sacrifices visibility. More often then not you see where your line, leader and fly came down, or close enough to react to the rise. I think that UV post plus the other attraction factors of this pattern could keep you busy enough honing your set.
That Ultra Chenille extended body is a nice feature. Gently burn the tip to seal the end so it will not unravel. That extended body could be utilized with mayfly patterns as well. It is more durable than some of the deer hair concoctions I have fished with.
Find the pattern and more at Critter’s Corner.
Critter's Corner's UV Parachute Palominio Midge
Wet Fly (SwittersB)
Size 16 hook…red 8/0 thread…dubbed abdomen (gray Hare’s Ear), dubbed thorax (olive Hare’s Ear)…Mallard feather fibers as wing on top of fly…and some chaotic dubbing strands here and there.
Delay, denial, procrastination, avoidance. No. Calmly overcome the inertia. End of life decisions are best not made as loved ones slip away. Their mind is preoccupied with another level of being, that you will become increasingly familiar with.
The ‘pink card’, hospice, the DNR/DNI (Do Not Resuscitate/Do Not Incubate) decision, the POA (Power of Attorney/Financial/Medical), the Will, the Living Trust, the bequeathments, the arrangements. The child stepping up to lead, suggest, direct, remind, implement.
Whether for your spouse, parent, grandparent or yourself…move…get it done.
Nymph/Emerger w/ Biot Wing & Tail (SwittersB)
This is a variation of the Prince Nymph or Pupatator (no peacock herl body here). A size 14 hook (size 10-14 optimum) was used. I slid on a brass bead (pick your color). A matched pair of brown goose biots was tied in at tail with the dull side or curved side of the biot outward. This aids in obtaining a separated or flared tail. Next tie in a copper wire ribbing and pull it back out of the way over the tail. I twist dubbed a brown synthetic blend onto 8/0 maroon thread. The dubbing noodle is wound up the shank to build a tight, tapered body (abdomen & thorax). The copper wire ribbing was counter wrapped against the ‘grain’ of the dubbing (this allows the ribbing to not sink into the body material and not disappear). A partridge feather was tied in by the tip and wound twice and tied off/clipped. Two matched, white goose biots were placed atop the thorax area and secured with a semi tight thread wrap. I then manipulate the biots farther apart and then cinch down and continue to build up thread wraps behind the bead head. A whip finisher or hand finish is used to complete the fly.
I have since been told that this pattern is sometimes called a Royal Prince Nymph. Substitute red thread for maroon and a peacock thorax (herl or Ice Dub) to be more exact. The curved shank (my unfortunate habit/obsession) is another variation of the pattern compared to the traditional straight shank Prince Nymph.
