A beautiful, heartbreaking story

From Ouside Magazine:

http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/water-activities/fishing/fly-fishing/The-One-That-Got-Away-Stealhead-Joe.html?page=all

Fishing the Upper Mississippi River

My good friend Eric and I met up with a couple of buddies and took a camping trip on the Upper Mississippi this past week. It added up to be one of the best/most memorable trips I have been a part of.

 As I look back on the trip, and flip through photos, I find the mighty Miss' calling me back. That system found a way into my heart, and already, I can't wait to return. Flows were low, and fishing was average at best, but the scenery, diversity of flora and fauna, coupled with the variety of fishing opportunities and techniques made for the outdoorsman's ultimate playground.

I never thought this river and it's endless backwaters would have such a tremendous effect on me. She has buried herself deep into my heart, I look forward to many trips to come.

 Don't let the flat waters deceive you. This river's power is endless. This tree was obviously not rooted where it lays now.

 Barges and trains run day and night

 The caddis hatch was impressive

 Surf rod for catfish? Sure!

Bluegill continued

I love eating fish. Especially the ones I caught and cleaned. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say one of my absolute favorite fish to eat is bluegill. Nothing is more fulfilling then a day on the water, out in the sun catching bluegills, followed by some beers and a meal featuring your hard earned catch. My favorite way is of course, the fish fry. But, I recently tried out a new olive oil poached version from Author Hank Shaw's book:  Hunt, Gather, Cook: Finding the Forgotten Feast. Shaw also has a website; honest-food.net, which he updates frequently with tons of great info on finding/hunting/catching your meals and how to make the most of them in the kitchen. 

 Some before and after pics

 Fish Fry of course

Olive oil poached bluegill salad.

 This gem of a recipe can be found in Hank Shaw's book. 

Another day, another bag of bluegills

I'd Rather be Fishing....

Single Action Fly Reels

A few additions to the click pawl reel pile...

Upper right is an Ocean City Model 76 Made in Philly.

Lower Left is a Weber Kalahatch, made in Stevens Point Wisconsin

A couple of classics that will highlight a couple future rod builds.

I picked up this decanter walking around downtown

4th of July, etc....

 

Friday evening happy hour

I managed to sneak out with Eric yesterday after work. The fish were a bit off. Bluegill and crappie were willing, and we boated one smaller Musky but that was about it. 

I did manage to land this carp on a 6'6" Eagle Claw Featherlight, 4 lb. test and a slip bobber rig. Carp on glass... "please sir, may I have some more?" 

River, beer and flies

After work today I decided to tie up a few of Fly Fish Food's "La Ranita" (little frog) in a firetiger variation. A midst my endeavor, I was interrupted by a friend on a bicycle who wanted to take a cruise down the the riverside beer garden a few blocks away. I of course obliged. I figured if the river is too high to fish, you might as well have a beer and watch it all pass you by.

Firetiger Ranitas

 

Some "bumble" dragons (a color varient of the Foam Dragon. A pattern from those creative fellas at Fly Fish Food) 

Memorial Weekend is here!

Be safe out on the water. Don't forget to thank a veteran. Take a moment to remember those who have fallen so we can enjoy our freedoms with family and friends and fish. Happy Memorial Day.