SwittersB’s Beginner’s Fly Fishing & Fly Tying Blog
SwittersB’s Weblog was started to share my passion for fly fishing and the associated pursuits of fly tying, travel, camping and photography. I love stillwater fly fishing and the flow of streams and rivers.
The site is for beginners, up to the intermediate level . Perhaps you are new to the sport or you’re just cruising about all the fly fishing/tying sites out there. I hope you always find something to interest you here. Please feel free to comment or suggest topics or ask questions.
I will also post re interesting discoveries about nature, survival, art, food and other oddities in life that may not pertain to fly fishing or fly tying, but perhaps freshen the air a bit.
I hope you will check out many of the posts and the blogroll. I have noted many excellent sites…I find others along the way and note them in a post. There are many amazing writers out there sharing so much wisdom and energy. I am by no means an expert. I try to pass on clarifying info and point the way to the experts or innovators. I learn along the way and hopefully so do you.
If you like the site, please pass it on to friends. Write in the Comment Sections with any questions. Check out the Terminology~Glossary links for definitions too. Thanks!
No advertising here…I show stuff I like, but no ads or profiteering here. My opinions are my own. I may promote what I like, but I have never received any compensation for my views. I share as I find it and want the best for all those that take pride in their work, passions and dreams.
CREATIVE COMMONS PLEASE
Glad I found you!
Thank you and your work is very inspiring.
Hi there, I do not fly fish, although fishing was a passion of my dad’s and I have many good memories of time spent with him in our family fishing adventure days. I came here because you read my blog and clicked like, so I was curious. One of the things I most enjoy these days is reading about worlds that are different from my own, yet similar in depth of soul. I loved reading about your balancing tattoo, (great piece by the way) and the thoughtfulness that went into it’s creation. I look forward to reading more. Thanks for stopping by – Beth from middlescapes.com
Thank you Beth….I too like the words you write on your journey of elder care. I found you via my good friend at Let’s Talk About Family.
hi there,
my significant other is passionate about fly fishing…i am looking forward to browsing through your blog!
thank you!
Chris
http://misslisted.com/2012/02/02/daydreaming-of-summer-rivers/
I love your blog and you have a lot of content relevant to my readers………..I have a link to your site on my blogroll, was wondering if you could put one up to mine?
Best,
Steve
bighornflyfishing.com
Consider it done Steve…
Even i love stillwater fly fishing and the flow of streams and rivers. Therefore i love checking out and reading your blog.
Thank you for dropping by!
Happy Birthday!!! Wishing you as many fish this year as your age
. Tight lines
Well that is very kind. Thank you MP!
http://vimeo.com/27659132
waterbugs and the way they slide
Hooray for having 2,000,000 visitors to your awesome site! Keep up the great work!!!
Hey, well thank you for noticing. Very kind….appreciate your support and visits.
SB
I just linked you on my website. Thanks for the plug with the Chubby Chernobyl Norm. I would be really happy if you linked my blog on your links area also.
Thanks,
Brian
I have enjoyed your site for a long time now, especially like the no BS writing style. Have just put up a blog post featuring your site, http://www.bishfish.co.nz/bishonfish/2011/04/swittersb-fly-fishing-excellent-fly-tying-and-fly-fishing-resource.html,
something I should have done a long while ago, particularly because my site is in your blog role.
Regards Tony Bishop (Bish)
Thank you Tony. That is exceedingly generous of you. I appreciate the recognition and kind words!
Gary
GM,
I found a photo taken on the bank of the Sandy upstream from Dodge. Your old backpacking partner wants to get in touch.
DC
Dennis….it is soooooo nice to hear from you! Hope all is well.
GM
Hi Gary;
I must say your site is amazing! I am thoroughly enjoying it! I have constructed an article about making Scandi style shooting heads and the Turbo Spey cast. Might I publish one of your fine photos in it (giving you credit of course). Its for a non-profit salmonid conservation magazine.
If you email me back I can show you the picture (D perfect reason spey casting works 2009 on Clackamas River with Matt McCrary) and perhaps beg you for a higher resolution shot for the mag.
Cheers;
Bill B (aka Silverleapers)
Bill, I will see what I can do. Hopefully, I have not compressed it.
Gary
Gary,
Thanks for the blog roll link; it’s much appreciated!
Great site – keep up the good work. I’ll be back as I get my “tying mood” back on.
Best,
Jess
—
Jessica McGlothlin
Fire Girl Photography
Thank you for visiting Jess. Your work is inspiring.
Love your new picture~missing the facial hair..
How do I upload a profile pic?
Emailed you a suggestion/how to re your double entendre~adianoeta…………………….. Best wishes SB
I think I would rather be holed up in a warm bed somewhere with a good looking fisherman than be out on that frozen crap. OMG How do you justify doing that?
Lizzie
Lizzie….the thought occurred to me as well…………………..
Thanks for inspiring me with your great articles and pictures and tutorials this year. I wish the best 2011 for you and your family and keep up the great postings here on Switters B.
HAPPY NEW YEAR.
I have just found your site when I Googled for “Slip Indicators”. It took me a while to work out
how to access the archives and now all I want is email notification of updates, so I have ticked the box below.
I look forward to a long association.
Cheers, from Tasmania.
Heppy.
Well, welcome Heppy,
Thank you for stopping by and negotiating the routes. If at anytime you wish to offer up your experiences, I would enjoy receiving. Also, you are probably aware of this, but Steve Dally over at Mountain River Journal http://mountainriverjournal.wordpress.com/ is also from Tasmania. His site brings much to the table from down South, Arkansas that is. http://splasheswithfishes.wordpress.com/
also……
Cheers, from Oregon
Gary
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GARY! WHAT WAS IT LIKE IN THE OLDEN DAYS OF FLY FISHING SWITTERS?
HOPE YOU HAVE GOOD CAKE!
JB
Well, when the wagon train stopped long enough, I use to wet a string here and there. Thanks!!!
Happy Moborak you my favorite blogger. Wishing you the most fabulous year on record!!! Live it up. Fish lots!!!
LOVE THIS BLOG! GREAT INCENTIVES TO FISH, FISH, FISH! ALSO, CONSIDERING FLY TYING CLASSES SO WILL BE EVEN MORE RELEVANT FOR ME. EXCUSE THE CAPS…TOO LATE NOW!!!
Good overhaul up front. Great shots!.
I would like to acquire limited rights to use the oil soaked pelican picture posted on June 4th. can you contact me about how to do this. Thanks – Tony
Contact the Associated Press and ask them to put you in touch with a last name of Riedel, who contributed the pic to the AP. You will see the same pic used by many sites, but I took it from the AP and the photo is attributed to last name of “RIEDEL” Best wishes
Ladies, ladies! Such wanton displays. lol! must be the heat. I agree.
Eye candy! Very nice looking man I must remark!.
Diane
Diane~ I 100% agree with you. Very nice looking man and what a great smile. EYE CANDY- what a perfect saying.
Switters you look and sound like you know how to have fun. I like your site.
Margo
The wife will have to hire bodyguards soon….lol
Brooke
Hello-
Thank you for your participation.
Please see the piece featuring your photo:
A Celebration of Fatherhood:
http://goodmenproject.com/2010/06/18/a-celebration-of-fatherhood/
Many Thanks,
Sarah
–
Sarah Hurley
The Good Men Project
c:508 527 9476
The Father’s Day Issue
Hello Sarah,
What a wonderful tribute and a great deal of effort! I am honored to have been part of the Father’s Day Celebration!
Gary
Just a link. Marmot Dam demo.You may have already written about it..did not check. Like to hear your thoughts on it.
http://www.enrgkayaking.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1208&Itemid=17
CW
Hello Creek,
I used to successfully fish below the dam and have many memories of fishing alone from just below the dam down to the Slaughter Hole. I approved of the removal as the dam provided little in the way of power or flood control. Amazingly, I have not ventured up there since they removed the dam to see what the river looks like now. I assume the PGE access road from above is still open. It will be interesting to see how the runs disperse now that the dam has been removed. I would encourage anyone near to explore and fish from the Revenue Bridge (crosses Sandy R. just out of Sandy, Oregon) up above where the Marmot Dam used to be. I did post re this before and included a local blog’s posted time lapse video of the dam’s removal. http://swittersb.wordpress.com/2010/02/14/sandy-river-marmot-dam/
GM/SB
Thanks, just wanted your take on what it has done now, and what was expected.
Creek
Yes, I cannot really speak to geological considerations etc. The below links are interesting and speak to ‘sparse empirical data’ before the removal. Thanks for the tip and suggestion
http://serc.carleton.edu/vignettes/collection/37741.html
http://www.stillwatersci.com/case_studies.php?cid=58
http://www.sandyriverpartners.org/fish.html
http://www.geotimes.org/mar08/article.html?id=feature_dams.html
I have heard that the Metolius is a great place for fly fishing. After viewing the pictures of the river I am convined that I need to make a trip up there and try it out myself.
Junior,
If you haven’t yet, also explore the Fall River, Crooked River, Deschutes River (middle section below Lower Bridge). Good Luck.
SB
May I please congratulate you on your 1,000,000 visitor today!!!! WOW!!! What an amazing accomplishment and how marvelous that so many people like myself have run accross what you share most everyday. I believe your blog to be very fun and most educational. THANK YOU!!! As always Mr. Switters Man!!! Thank you for sharing.
Hello –
Found this great photo on here of ‘Fly fishing – Tony Munchy & SwittersB (Dad) on Crooked River 1991′. We would like to request permission for our upcoming Father’s Day feature for The Good Men Project.
Our idea is to create a collage with images of fathers from the past 100 years. (See the attached sample). When you click on the image a very short story or caption will come up about the image along with a link to direct you to the picture’s source (your site). We thought this would be a great way to portray fatherhood from the stance of a wide variety of people, as well as link back to people who are talking about fathers/fatherhood in their blogs or other places online.
It is our hope that you would like to participate in this project by giving us permission to use your photo along with any other additional information you’d like to include in the story and site you’d like to link it to (if it differs from the original).
We have a loyal following of 100,000 people through our website and social networks so this has the potential to reach a lot of people.
If you would like to be a part of this, please reply to this letter with your OK. We will send you the finished piece for final approval before publication.
ABOUT THE GOOD MEN PROJECT:
Website: http://www.goodmenproject.org/
The Good Men Project. It’s a book. A movie. A national discussion about what it means to be a good man in the 21st century. A series of live events. And an online platform that covers Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and a slew of other sites. It’s also a part of the Good Men Foundation, a registered 501(3)c charitable organization designed to help men and boys at risk. And in the works are a 1) second book 2) adaptation of the first book into a theatrical production 3) second movie. Our hope is to continue to grow and sustain the conversation about “What it means to be a good man?” through a variety of media channels.
On June 1st The Good Men Project blog will switch over to become a full online magazine.
Thank you,
Sarah Hurley
Good Men Media Inc.
sar.e.hurley@gmail.com
Dear Sarah,
I would be most honored….but, oh my…did I spell it Munchy? (my childhood nickname) I must correct that to Muncy. Thank you for the consideration.
Ok..I reviewed…I used that Crooked Pic on 3/7/08 and 9/1/09…seems I did not write Munchy in the photo credit…so perhaps you have an inside source re my childhood nickname?
Thank You,
Gary
Was only going to check this site out. I saw the ad on the back of a red car and thought it sounded like my kind of thing. I fly fish some. When I got here, it really grabbed me. You have a great blog here! I will return, and refer some friends! I like the bantering that seems to go on . I started reading and couldn’t stop! Hilarious! I like Creekwalker, and I like the photos of the flies and the photos of the odd things. It was good to read about the McCandless story there. Hey, thanks!
Jimmy Madera
Bandon, Oregon
Jimmy,
Thank you for dropping by and the kind words.
SB
I was asked to check out this site by Creekwalker. My friend and I met her and fly2fly at the river on Sunday. She was right when she said we would like the site. I did not know she was writing on here too! Do you have an email for her? Do you have a picture of her? Beautiful eyes and smile. I just wondered why no picture her of here. Thank you for the good articles on fishing for beginners. I am just learning and listening to fly2fly describe the hatch was very interesting too. Will you have more on hatches? Thank you– TROY
Well, thank you for dropping by. Take your time perusing the past posts. Most fly tying posts deal with the common insects found on rivers and lakes. You can also use the search box in the upper right of the main page and plug in topics to see if I have written anything related to your interests. Also, is an excellent resource. Register there (no fee) and query hatches to your hearts content…great photo’s. Speaking of photo’s and Creek…I do have several photo’s of Creek, but it has been her choice to not want a pic of her with her stories. I believe I did include an older one…a pretty one….from a few years back. Perhaps she will start inserting a pic with her stories. I have encouraged her to have pictures taken of her exploits (current outings) to provide a face or image with her stories. I have also encouraged Fly2Fly to write a few pieces given his professional knowledge base of the industry and in general of the how to’s related to fly fishing…..so, the flies in their court so to speak…thanks for visiting.
Just read this post. Ok OK. I will take some photos! And I will tell Jace to get going and write something for you. He is gone right now but will be back in a week. He is busy busy as usual. I will email and tell him to get that hatches piece to you.
Creek
900,000 تبریک می گوییم نداریم کسی را بزنیم
I was coming in to comment on the blog stats but hell it is too deep in here! Looks like Creek is stirring the kettle too! To what do you owe your “success”? (The blog)
Shh! They’re sleeping
Not sure if it is successful or not…not sure what to compare to. But, I have a sense it has interest because I try to share the lesser known blogs/sites from here and abroad. For personal reasons I cannot spend time on the water now and that limits the most enjoyable part..the fishing and photography…the withdrawal has taught me how deeply it is ingrained in my mind to fish. Tying helps but begs the need to use the flies. I appreciate your visits and comments. I am thankful for those like Creek who contribute a real touch to the technical stuff and for the fun comments of everyone that visits. Truth be told the sharing of others talents is the most fun part…finding them and sharing them.
Fly tying?? I want to sign up. Are you going to offer guided trips too, because I would love to go!!!
Switters,
Please let me know when you are giving another fly tying class. I want to reserve a spot early…looks like it will fill up fast! LoL
Creek
Oh yes me too. I want a front row seat!!!
Bumpatter hey? Thank you for the suggestions. I will write with any additional questions. Thank you again Mr. B
You seem to have a loyal fan base. I looked around your blog and it has a nice feel. I am a beginning fly fishing-tying woman who needs some individual attention. Any suggestions? Oh, I live in your neck of the woods. Like that picture SwittersB. What is the B for?
Melanie K.
Hillsboro, Oregon
Melanie….thank you for visiting. I would suggest, for individual attention, identify a fly shop(s) near you and visit to see the vibes you get. Ask if they have any fly tying classes, casting classes, workshops, fly fishing clubs, or involvement in habitat-fisheries projects. Go on outings..don’t be shy. Many shops have DVD’s to rent that touch upon facets of the sport (tying, castiing, nymphing etc.)
Also, visit here on a regular basis and explore the current and prior posts for useful information for beginners. The blogroll down the right side of the blog is full of excellent resources. Write me with any additional requests re gear, locations or shops. You are pretty close to River City Fly Shop in Tigard too, owned by Don Nelson. B is for Bumpatter.
850,000 is pretty impressive! I think I got 5 when I had a blog once.
Well, David, I am not sure…I know how far my friends and I have come, but I know it pales in comparison to most popular FF blogs. But, SB has done ok for a beginner’s resource (by highlighting the exceptional writers out there). Always thanks for the kind words and visits.
Been following your style this winter. I like it. love your picture. May I write individual questions? I have little in the way of resources here in LaGrande. Keep up the wonderful pictures and tutorials….you are a good tutor.
Darla
Darla,
Thank you for visiting the blog. Yes, please feel free to write with questions. Also, check the excellent resources in this blog’s blogroll and terminology sections. If by LaGrande you mean Oregon…there are also some shops in Joseph and Pendleton that I know of….again feel free to write. Thanks for the compliments but the pic was air brushed.
SwittersB
Airbrushed or not, very easy on the eyes.
Well, ah, thanks. Hope you enjoy all the pics.
Yes Switters…I have seen that picture hanging around. My lady friend likes it very much too! What is it with the bad boy look that the ladies so enjoy? It is hard to compete with such magnetism…..and I pump iron! Reverse sexism?
Well, when I paid that guy to pose for that pic, I had little idea the problems it would cause for me.
Well Fly to Fly….your lady friend has good taste. Mr. B a pic please.
Sorry JJ, no time, booking an agent now.
OMG Switters…you have become a cult hero! Can I have your autograph? LOL
Creek
Yes, yes…lol
Agents, Autographs, Pictures, Cult Hero….look at you go Mr. Switters Man…. hopefully you will still have time for us little people….lol
Maryam
Well, now I know how those Hollywood types feel. Hire an agent…the actor sits back…and they watch the spin machine. It is working wonders…. Over active imaginations, I suspect. Humble as always…SwittersB
This site is very interesting and impresssive! I have learned a lot from the articles and the side bar. The tutorials are good, the pictures are different and interesting as well. One thing too is that I like the things Creekwalker writes, and the comments have been fun to read! I would suggest a little more in the way of sexism (I am not against it). Do you have a picture of Creekwalker? Do you have any pictures of reel comparisons?
Rudy
Rudy votes Hot Babes! I will take it under advisement. Thanks for the kind comments and re reels. I can attempt to locate a comparison article for you. I have predominantly used Ross Reels, but have Lamson, Loomis and Orvis reels. For a beginner, that is not sure of the investment, a nice reel can be had for around $100. US. factor in a line and you are in for $150.00+ Shop around. Even cheaper reels can be had for line holding, but eventually you will want to move up. Also, factor in spare spools for different lines. The spare spool generally is half the reel price. So, you can do the math of spare spools and additional lines etc. It can add up. If you do trout/stream fishing you can get by with just the reel and the floating line. Lakes would, I recommend, at least 3 lines. I will look around for a good article re reels. If you find one let me know. Sexist material…until I decide on whether to open Pandora’s Box, Moldy Chum usually has a babe or two lurking about. Again, thanks for the comments.
SWITTERS BUMPATTER!!! 801,++++!!! I hope some of the people I have directed to your site have contributed to a few of the numbers. I was wondering if you would please be willing to do a post on March Brown’s. I learned from a sweet lady in my fly group that there is a hatch going on right now close to me and I would like to see how YOU tie them~ and maybe just a bit more on how long the hatch is and their stages? Keep up the great work!! JJ
http://www.west-fly-fishing.com/entomology/mayfly/march-brown.shtml This is a good place to start JJ. Westfly provides a good basic understanding of the March Brown. “In the far west, such as Oregon’s Willamette Valley, they usually start about the first week of March, although they can be earlier or later depending on the warmth of the weather. On the Willamette, McKenzie, and other Oregon rivers, March browns are beloved by local anglers even though the bugs often hatch in godawful weather.” Westfly
800,000! WOW!
775,00 approaching…good job there guy!
Very impressive site with lots of excellant posts. I have been following it for a few months and ejoying it. I have shared your site with others because it has been so useful to me.
Thank you Switters Bumpatter….keep up the great work!!!
Okay, so after enjoying your blog for the past two months or so, I have added a link to your blog from mine. I hope that is cool with you, if not let me know. Keep up the great work!
-Critter
Dear KC…I would be honored and I will take a good look at yours too…like that Griffith’s Gnat with the Parachute Post…With your permission, I would like to highlight some portion of your blog that would be beneficial to beginners.
Thanks..SB/GM
Thanks, I really like the black-post Griffiths. We discovered that they were easier to see at dusk then the traditional white post version. It has become a staple in both my midwest and western fly boxes. I would definitely be open to you sharing posts from blog for the sake of the beginners, and am glad you liked it.
Thanks again,
Critter
Thank you, Critter. I appreciate that.
SB
Those stats are climbing there guy!
love your blog!!
- Cliff
That Creekwalker doesn’t miss much. Yes, an extremely important site,you underestimate yourself. Knowing what the people want, and need; preparing the pablum just right. Ok, so you borrow from others, so does a father teaching his children, you take the experiences you have learned from and steer them in the direction they can find more help when needed. You do that for the blog………I am in Portland for the New Year, wish you had a little shop to gather at, we could all sing that New Year’s song no one can spell. Great stuff here seriously Switters Bumpatter! Happy New Year!
A very Happy New Year to you on this very rainy night. Thank you.
Congratulations are definately in order!!! A bit late, but hooray. I love reading and gathering information from you. Kudos to you for helping me in my fly fishing adventure this year…and here is to many more years filled with lots of line on the water-where ever I may be. I owe it all to you- I knew nothing about fly fishing until I found out about your site.
I love your new gizmo on the side now too. Very exciting to see how many people are reading about all the amazing things you have to share.
Thank you….always!
Maryam June
Best of wishes for the coming year Switters! I’ll be here drooling as never before no doubt.
Happy New Year….tight lines!
This drooling…is this an affliction that can be remedied? I would hate to think that…..
SB
I do agree with Creek Swittersb. This is one hell of a site! I read it daily and spread the word to my friends.
Switters…
I just want to take an opportunity to say congatulations for topping the 700,000 visitor mark! This is an excellent blog, and I tell people far and wide about it, and ask them to stop by,. Once they get here, they are “hooked”! (I wanted to do this earlier, but have been a bit tied up) I love your passion, your knowledge, your humor and your fight for right.
So many of us benefit from your wisdom, your talent, and your wit. I for one, am thankful for all the time and energy it takes to maintain the blog, yes… thank you for that Switters….
So as we ring in the new year, I am looking forward to the 1,000,000 mark!
((hug))
Creek
Well, Creek thank you. I lay all the credit to the consumers of the wit and wisdom of soooooo many amazing bloggers out there that I unabashedly borrow form and highlight….the energy and vitality they bring to the sport is energizing. I, like yourself, am bound to duty, commitment and love for my giver of life. The rivers call me like an old lover…tempting and awaiting. Soon, I will be back waving the magic wand awaiting the tug and the moment. That galvanizing moment that proves so many suspicions about life and our place in it….Thanks for the compliments and numbers aside, the blog is exciting because of all the discoveries I make and am excited to share. Such nice people out there….
Back At You,
SwittersB
It is a good blog. I have learned a lot about fly fishing and especially about tying flies. The articles are good and the links help with a variety of things. My brother is a guide on the Powder River in Colorado, and I surprise him with what I have learned from here.
I looked for a link to Creekwalker’s blog but do not see one. I like the way she writes about things and would like to visit her blog. I may have just not seen it.
I cannot say as I am into tattoos, but then I am not a man. The photography is very good.
Not much time in my life to read, but I do like your blog. Thank you. Lots of time today it looks like.
Isabelle
Thank you for writing Isabelle and for your comments. Creekwalker does not have her own blog. She has kindly offered to write now and then for this blog. Friends have often encouraged her to chronicle her recollections of life in Montana and the assorted characters and life events she has encountered in a book or journal. I am fortunate to have her share here. Her friends encourage her with suggestions from their recollections as well. I appreciate you visiting here and I always want it to be the perfect stop for the beginner fly fisher or fly tier. Tattoos are a leap of taste, so to speak, but for those that enjoy they are here and limited to fishing or some connection to fishing. Please continue to visit as your busy schedule allows.
SwittersB
Cool site. Nice ties. I’ll poke around more often.
Wendy…
Thank you for dropping by….you have a very enjoyable site as well!!
The site is now on my favorites, and I must say I like what comes off your bench! Do you guide? Kelly Wallace turned me on to the site, and I gotta tell you, I think you got a hell of a good thing here. I am no newbie by far, but I actually learned something today! Wife thinks I am just stupid and wants me out of the house so she can turn up the music. I am “forced” to go to my shop and tie flies. Hell what a life! Woodstove, nice light, good seat, lots of materials, spendy beer in the outdoor fridge. I’ll just have to find a way to endure it! That is until I can get out on the Clark Fork or the Bitterroot. Fun to read Creek’s writing! Thanks for a good experience!
Bobby Hamilton
Alberton, Montana
Bobby…Thank you for the kind words. No, I have never guided. I taught evening fly tying classes and a couple Saturday workshop sessions…but not on the water guiding. I entertained the idea of a beginners on the river effort for a local shop (NWFFO) but realized I would not be able to make the commitment that guides must make…I have the most enormous respect for a guide. I don’t know what to say about what has befallen you at home. The drives to and from the shop must me unbearable. All you can endure until the runoff is over and you can once again gain permission to wet a line. Thanks for visiting and I am relieved of one thing…a little personal, but….when I saw Prince of Ties…I thought what a catchy name for a website or blog for fly tying…so, I queried Google Images and low and behold it was a bondage site…wow, I thought what a diverse guy….fly tying and gal tying….well I can see you don’t have time for such shenanigans under the wife’s watchful eye. You do live in the heart and soul of it all don’t you? Best wishes….
Very nice blog SwittersB, and great photos to go along with your posts! Keep up the great work!
-Critter
Mounds View, MN
Got some great reads here. Good solid information, and good perspectives on a range of topics. I am a student at PSU originally from Canada. I have yet to lay a line in Oregon but hope to in Spring. I have tied for 5 years but have fished much longer with my uncles and brothers, and they taught me that the one you want to listen to is the one with the passion for the sport, not just the knowledge. You have both! Thanks for the link…..worth following.
Very kind of you…thank you for visiting. There are a few fisheries open year round worth a shot if you dress warm (Deschutes R., Crooked River, Middle Fork Willamette). Good luck!!
No typo, I meant “stiries”…a Montana expression for stories that stir you. FYI
You are very talented and you know what to glean from other writers and contributors. A VERY interesting and much appreciated site. Thanks!!
I like the stiries of my home state, and the memories they evoke. Great stuff–very informative!
I have said it before, but this is one terrific site! My friend Dayle put your link on our college site. We talk a lot about it at the school. We are very interested in the tying, and the uniqueness of the flies. It is difficult to tell the scale for size of the flies, but the hook size should be enough I would guess. I fly fish, but no tying experience. We are going to start a group of us guys for winter.
Thanks again. Nice work you do.
Thank you visiting and for the nice compliments. Yes, I try to give fly size and in time (if you tied) you would also tell by the jaws of the vise and the hackle pliars the scale of the fly. I appreciate the comment though because I don’t provide enough detail about hooks. I don’t because world wide there are so many brands…none the less, I should provide hook size. Thanks for the advice and share the site.
Gary
Nice website.
This is an awesome site! I have read the archives and find a lot to glean from them. I do like the stories and the Montana information. I lived in Helena for many years.
I like the arm art and the photos of the lakes and streams.
A lot of talent here. I have been a fly fisherman for a good number of years, and the Montana articles make me want to jump in the old Silvarado and head out!
Thanks!
Joshua..thank you for the nice comments. And, yes Creekwalker does have a way of stimulating the conversations.
Thank you for the terminology section. Most helpful. Always used bait but doing fly fishing this year.
Many fly fishers were avid gear fishermen OR still dabble with the gear. Truth be told most are not purists but range in the 90+% of purism. Enjoy the pursuit and write with any questions. Thank for visiting.
I love this site! When I first began reading it, I was impressed that there was a good, comprehensive site that contained many different aspects of fly fishing. I have come to see that this site is far more than your average fly fishing techno. It is fun, informative, retrospective, and entertaining!
Switters, my kudos for being an advocate for the environment, a crusader for “the moment”, and the champion of the little guy. You honor me by posting my nonsense from time-to-time.
I can’t pass this way without commenting on the picture…..the new you??
Creek,
Thank you for the kind words and support. The picture was a transitory moment in time…the razor has re-emerged and the more clean cut SwittersB is present. But, I did look damn good didn’t I?
Great blog – love the informative content! I’ve added your link to my blogroll. Please check me out at http://stflyfisher.wordpress.com/. If you like what you read, I’d appreciate the honor of an add of my blog to your blogroll. Any feedback would also be more than welcome.
Tight lines…
Bob
Last Sunday on the Yellowstone near Reedpoint was thinking about ya and hoping we could host you for some fishing on the Yellowstone, Bighorn and Stillwater. Day was cold and rainy and we were teaching one of the boys how to fly cast and fish. It was slow but fun! The browns are staging in the lower Stillwater and hope to get some good action now that the water temps are going down. Say hello to MJ and the boys!
T-bone
So darn good to hear from you!!! Take a good pic and send this way with details. Love to all. Too soon for early darkness let alone snow.
This is by far the best site for our beloved passion of fly fishing.Pat Your self on the back. It;s well deserved………… A fly fishing enthusiast!
Hi,
I enjoyed your site. I am also a fly fisherman. Love it! Just got back from fishing Montana. The Clark Fork, Madison, Gallatin, Missouri headwaters, Yellowstone, Big Horn. What a blast! My blog is more of a writing nature (my novel) but I write about the outdoors and fishing for a couple of other websites. Keep going! It’s very interesting. Thanks,
Jerry Watson
Thank you Jerry for dropping by…Lucky fellow to have hit all those prime spots….thank you for the kind words!
Thanks for adding me to your blog-roll. I like what you’re doing around here. thanks again, Mike
I am interested in the photo of the guys cliff jumping. I’d like to use it in an art design. Do you know who it belongs to?
Hello Jonna,
You know, I usually attribute such photos’s but didn’t there. I searched through 39 pages of Google images with no success…I have searched web but that is a bit daunting. I cannot attribute it to original source and it seems only linked to me at swittersb. I, of course, have no problem with its use. Sorry I cannot be of more assistance.
Gary
Also, I checked Flickr Cliff Jumping. Did not find it, but there were some sequential, non backlit images that are interesting.
Hi Gary
Luv your website, great stuff. I have noticed that you have posted a couple of articles from mine and have give due credit “Thank you very much”. For your interest we have just posted a story on The Erne its Legions and it Fly fishing 1851 I think you will find it interesting. The flies featured in this very old and scarce classic were tied by Bob Frandsen I hope you enjoy the read.
Cheers from Down Under
Mick Hall
Hello Mick,
In turn, thank you for the kind comments. I will certainly give it a read…
Gary
I have to say I am impressed! Makes me homesick! I am from Montana.
Well I must say I am impresed! The site made me lonesome for my home. Montan and I have a love affair going on. I remember tying flys using the hackle off the barred rock roosters in the barn. Rock creek always had plenty of trout that i could catch on Cattis Fly. My favorite trout strem in all of creation is the Botterroot REiver , North Fork, Lost Horse Creek. I have caught some beautiful trout there. I must say, I am really happy to have taken you up on your invite to visit your site. I really don’t think the girl will catch fish, only fishermen.
it’s tough, but I manage.
Hey great site, need more visitors? Lets link trade. Visit http://reelretrieval.com look around then give me a shout back if you want to link trade.
Brian…you’re a slut! That form of overstimulation can lead to all manner of social degeneracy and thought disorders! How do you live with yourself? SB
Hey Gazza,
Your site came up in my Google alerts and had no Idea you had written such a fantastic review on My Blog http://pikeflyfishingarticles.blogspot.com.(So Thank you)
I have just spent the last hour having a look around yours mate and have to say I am very impressed with yours too. I will put it in My blog roll now as it looks like I will be popping in whenever you have a new blog entry.
Thanks again good sir
Hope you have a fantastic weekend with family or friends
& tite linz
Simon
Great site. I love checking it out on a regular basis as part of my fly fish weblog tour. Thanks for posting my MOAL tutorial. Happy fishing and keep the passion.
John
You should come back to FlyBC.ca and start posting again. We always appreciate your irreverent humour.
I’ve started my own blog and came across your site when I was setting up on MBL. Great stuff. Love the recent fly photos.
Aaron (aka skunkaroo)
Aaron,
thank you for the kind words…I will check out your blog…good luck with it too!! Gary (SwitterB)
Good looking site, I like you’re style!
Will be back for sure!
LOVE your site! Humorous, educational, and a great resource. Love your ink!
tight Linz
Sabrina
Hello Sabrina! Thanks for visiting…
Gary
I drop in to browse around, probably once a week. I like the fly patterns because I am just getting into fly tying and fly fishing after a very long absence. It seems like I am learning everything all over again. It is wonderful just getting out to a lake to float around.
Great site.
Min
Mission, BC Canada.
I enjoy your site very much! You are fortunate to have some talented writers / fishermen blogging for you. Come check out my site when you have time I can always use honest opinions.