Kingfisher River Guides

Let's Do Lunch.

2012-01-24T19:49:00.004-05:00

Lunch. One part of the day that deserves attention from both guide and client. Some go all out with elaborate riverside meals, others just barley squeak by. We take a fair amount of pride in balancing the lunch scene. Everything from tailgate style, riverside access sites, high water drift boat reserved seating and the folding table/chair shoreline affair. Take advantage of the break. Rehydrate, put your feet up and chill. Muy Importante.

Over the years we've served a varied menu. Anti pasta plates, grilled veggies and steak, burritos, chili, lobster rolls, hearty soups, pasta with smoked mussels, cheese burgers, steak salad, lemon chicken and mixed grill meats have all been served at one time or another. One constant is quality ingredients and variety. If you book with us for a week you will not eat the same meal twice. Neither will we.

We have always bought local for the majority of our stock and will continue to this year. Also making the commitment to organic/free range meat as much as possible.

This season will see some new additions to the menu. Grilled Buffalo wings? Fish tacos? Maybe spring rolls with wasabi? Who knows what we will bring to the table. I do know this though. I was told some secret guide advise from an "older than dirt" fly fishing guide once that has never been forgotten:
"How do you top off a shitty day of shitty fishing"?
"Serve a shitty lunch."

New Fly Box.

2012-01-23T07:41:00.005-05:00

While cleaning out the gear room we started our yearly foray into the fly bunker. Fly box designs are in constant flux. Boxes for midge, dries, attractor dries, soft hackles, large nymphs, medium nymphs, tiny nymphs, small streamers, huge mammalian streamers, emergers, small streams and the never ending experimental patterns. Then there are the western hatch pattern boxes. The left over Alaska trip boxes. Oh yeah, we can't leave out the Atlantic salmon collection. The Maine salt water box is strangely MIA. The list goes on.

It's enough to make a guide throw in the towel. At this point I'm thinking of combining all the flies in a 50 caliber ammo can and calling it good. Cheap, waterproof, durable and enough volume for a seasons worth of patterns.

Plus room for a flask.

Getaway.

2012-01-19T08:10:00.001-05:00

If you are starting to make plans for the 2012 season this winter, you might want to give the Maine Huts and Trails system some thought. Miles of trails designed for hiking, trail running, mountain biking and nordic skiing. Very comfortable lodging. Great meals. Shuttle services. Monthly programs and events.

By the way there is some pretty good fishing surrounding the huts also. These huts are well suited for the novice and experienced fisherman alike. We will be running another fly fishing school at the Grand Falls hut this season. We are also available throughout the season (April-November) for half and multi day trips.

Give them a shout this winter to learn more. Better yet jump on one of the trails for a day trip and enjoy some of the newly arrived snow.

Speaking of huts. We've had the pleasure of staying in quite a few backcountry shelters over the years. From alpine huts, rangers cabins, yurts, lean tos (N.E. ones being our least favorite), bunk houses and hunting/fishing camps. They all have been a unique lodging experience. If you've ever thought of building your own little get away hovel check out Cabin Porn for some inspiration.

Stay warm and stoke that wood stove some more.

Whitey.

2012-01-15T07:26:00.003-05:00

The Round Whitefish (Prosopium cylindraceum)aka; whitey, rig wrecker, poor man's trout and dozens of other degrading nicknames is not on the bucket list of many anglers. We catch on average one to three per season here. Most Maine anglers misidentify them as fallfish or chubs.

The round whitefish is native to Maine. It's found on the Kennebec and St. John Rivers and numerous lakes throughout the state. The whitefish is just one more species that is being compromised by illegal species introductions.

We like whitey. He's rarely seen during the season and is subtle in his takes of micro nymphs. Besides he is part of the Salmonid family. Nice family as far as we are concerned.

Required Reading.

2012-01-13T12:49:00.000-05:00

If there is one item we look forward to getting every winter it's the Blue Ribbon Flies catalog. Years ago while in West Yellowstone I walked into the Blue Ribbon shop after a not so successful session on the Fire Hole. A shop clerk listened to my tale of woe with great interest. After deciphering my report, he suggested a few patterns, approaches and techniques to up my odds.

A few days later I was back in the shop for more patterns and more importantly to thank the guy working the floor. That guy was Craig Matthews. The owner. You will rarely find a more humble, unassuming and knowledgeable fly fisherman. That experience left a lasting impression to this day.

Blue Ribbon's catalog reminds me of the old Chouinard climbing catalogs. They always had useful information, excellent images and gear that worked. BRF is no different . This year is possibly the best yet. A couple of stand outs are John Juracek's article on fly casting. This should be required reading for anyone picking up a fly rod. Yvon Chouinard's essay on Tenkara will get you thinking outside the box. Everything about sport Chouinard has ever written has always struck a chord with me. Now he goes on to open my eyes to a "new" simpler way to fish. Damn you Yvon!

For the fly tyer, you couldn't ask for a better selection of materials. If you dig soft hackles, look no further. Video tutorials available on their website will help get you through the winter and stocked for spring. Check out the soft hackle vid and get psyched for some upland hunting next season.

Most importantly take notice of what BRF does in terms of giving back. This shop is not feeding off the gut pile and walking away. It's doing the right thing and setting the bar pretty high in terms of environmental commitment. I know they have made us better stewards by example.

Start today by doing the green move. Instead of ordering a catalog from them, go directly to the site and view it there. There, you just did a green thing. Didn't even hurt.

Think Pink.

2012-01-12T10:31:00.000-05:00

This Saturday at the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel the Fish Tales and Cocktails event. All proceeds going to the Maine CFR organization. 5:00-7:00 P.M.

Ski some new snow during the day and attend the event that evening. Get your pink on!

Color.

2012-01-10T19:08:00.005-05:00

It's the tenth of January and it looks the same as it did at the end of October. The banality of color needs to end. We can only take so much khaki, brown and gray before something bad happens. Snow in the forecast for Thursday from the weather gurus sounds promising.

In the mean time, I'll just stare at brookie photos.

Small Stream Kit.

2012-01-08T05:41:00.004-05:00

Small streams are starting to freeze over a little bit more everyday here. If there is one type of trip we really enjoy it's the small stream excursion. Fishing in microcosm with a small array of tools keeps one's perspective at the task at hand. Simply fishing.

Rod: Bamboo, fiberglass or graphite they all have their place here. Seven feet is our short limit on length and three is our lightest line weight. Our preference is just that. Ours.

Reels: Simple, light and spring and pawl.

Lines: Camo colored double tapered or weight forward. We prefer Rio's LT for this application.

Leader: Hand tied. Try this formula. Throw in a couple of spools of 3 and 4X of PowerFlex to finish the kit.

Tools: Abel Perfect Tool, Dr. Slick 4" scissor clamps, floatant and a medium Ketchun Release tool attached to a homemade lanyard.

Flies and Fly Box: One C&F twelve compartment box. We recommend this selection of flies for the small stream game. Keep it simple.

This is carried in either an old Patagonia hip/chest pack. For longer trips we use an even older Patagonia pack/vest with the vest portion removed.

Going light leaves one unencumbered to cover more ground/water. Give those small streams some attention this season and reconnect back to where it all begins.

Fishy Friends.

2012-01-05T08:09:00.005-05:00

Not much for resolutions. One thing I do miss throughout the season is fishing with friends. Once prime time hits it's impossible to get together with members of the posse. When it does happen it's always fun, relaxed and somewhat productive.

Secret techniques, flies, rigs and holding lies are revealed. Missed strikes and sets are followed by good natured ribbing. Beer and B.S. always on hand. The worst lunches ever served. Working together breaking the code. It's all good.

The Brotherhood Of The Lie. Making it happen in 2012.

Knot Head.

2012-01-03T20:45:00.002-05:00

Tying knots as a guide becomes second nature after awhile. Coming from a background as a climber and a rigger, knots take on a whole different level of importance.With as many seasons under our belt, we still keep it a simple affair. Time and experience have taught us what works best for various conditions and applications.

Backing To Reel: Arbor knot. If you think you are ever going to see this knot again either start running or pull the anchor.

Backing To Line: Albright knot or a seven turn Nail knot. Both treated with either Aqua Seal or Loon Knot Sense. Smooth it out for a better transition at the tip.

Line To Leader Butt: Six turn Nail knot or Blind Splice for floating lines. For small stream floating lines we use a Krazy Glue Splice. With sink tips we use braided factory loops backed up with two nail knots fore and aft. Same set up on custom T8 spey heads. Perfection Loop for loop to loop connections.

Fly To Tippet: Clinch and Improved clinch knots for dries, wets and nymphs. Non Slip Loop Knot for streamers and soft hackles. Trilene knot when we need to drop down in tippet size for larger sized flies. Turle knot for salmon/steelhead hooks. A Riffle Hitch for floating waking patterns like mice.

Tippet To Tippet: Five turn Blood knot. Easy, fast and bombproof. Clean and tapered when tied correctly.

Rigging well takes time and patience. Put as much into this overlooked skill as you would tying flies or casting and you'll be way ahead. Remember fast and proper is the mantra when the game changes.

The 2012 Season.

2012-01-02T20:35:00.001-05:00

If you happen to read this blog often you have probably noticed the sparse posts lately. Yeah we could blame it on the hectic holidays if we wanted to. To be truthful the last few weeks have been a technological pain in the ass.

We recently upgraded to an Apple iMac. It hasn't been an easy transition loading email accounts, image libraries and documents from one machine to the Apple. Relearning everything has been struggle at times also. Yesterday marked the end of that journey. We hope.

Look for more posts on this blog with improved images in the near future. We now have two image editors to work with as apposed to one. The two images accompanying this post are just an example of what to expect.

With some trepidation we decided to join Facebook. The response has been good so far. Look for short posts, links and almost daily images on our page. Feel free to stop in and check it out.

One of our goals for 2012 is to provide more informative, useful posts for readers/clients/friends. Keeping it low key with a side of humor is paramount. Thanks for stopping by and think snow.

Winter Events.

2011-12-30T05:23:00.008-05:00

With the holidays nearly over it's time to focus on upcoming events here in Maine and elsewhere. I'll add more as the winter moves on at it's agonizingly glacial pace.

Nature photographer John Orcutt has an exhibit at the Carrabassett Valley public library until Jan.10th. You owe it to yourself to see some of these images in person.

Fish Tales and Cocktails auction at the Sugarloaf Hotel at Sugarloaf on Jan. 14th. All proceeds to Maine Casting For Recovery. Contact Bonnie Holding at 237-2405. Get your pink on.

The Fly Fishing Show. Jan. 20,21,22 in Marlborough, Ma. This show seems to be getting a little better each season.

Banff Mountain Film Festival. Feb. 3rd -13th at various locations here in Maine.

Kingfield First Friday Artwalk. The first Friday of every month. Merchants and galleries showing a wide array of mountain artists.

That's it for now. In the mean time send some snow our way if you could.

To Do List.

2011-12-28T05:45:00.000-05:00

We've had folks contact us about trips for the 2012 season they have booked. One question we field is "What can I do to prepare better for my trip"? We could write paragraphs on gear, patterns and lodging. Our first answer is always the same. Practice casting.

It is the crucial skill of this game. Tough day/conditions? It's going to be even tougher when you can't throw when the winds blowing. On any given day we can be throwing fly sizes from 2-20. Can your stroke adjust? Most days fish are caught between 25 and 40 feet. Is that distance doable? You've heard us say "put it in the lane" too many times. How's your accuracy?

Overhead, roll, snap T, shock and the reach cast are in the quiver. Fishing casts catch fish. Period. Find the time to practice a little every week. Better yet, book a tune up with a good instructor. Be ready for that first rise of 2012.

Last Report.

2011-12-20T11:56:00.006-05:00

This week marks the end. Temps have turned the corner and lock jaw has set in for real. The fish we have been lucky enough to catch have been lethargic at best. Our personal gauge is an air temp of 40 degrees. Add in water temps in the mid thirties, anchor ice, non existent hatches and you've got marginal conditions at best. Calling it for now, unless things change dramatically.

For the future posts will contain gear reviews, technical information and general guide melon spewage. Let us know if you would like to see anything in particular. Thanks for stopping in.

Happy Holidays.

2011-12-18T06:11:00.004-05:00

We're sending everyone this card this year. Enjoy.

Mainer.

2011-12-14T07:41:00.004-05:00

There is something to be said about being a native Mainer. Not all good, not all bad. I've known quite a few local characters over the years. One who will never leave my memory is Bob Wagg. I first met Bob as a kid fishing in The Forks. He was a wild man to a impressionable youth. Later when I started guiding whitewater trips I got to know Bob a bit better.

The stories he told about logging, hunting, trapping, fishing and general mayhem in the woods were entertaining to say the least. Treat yourself and your friends to the classic Maine film 'Dead River Rough Cut'. This isn't a regional movie made by Hollywood. It doesn't have those atrocious fake Maine accents that make a Mainer want to puke. No pretty people or B.S. This is the real deal.

I can still see Bob at the rest area on river left in the late afternoon light. A cigarette poised in his mouth, a Bud by his side and an ever present wave of his hand. He was always one of the highlights of a trip for me. Most guests were a bit taken aback by this apparition on the bank. He wasn't included in the brochure. Though he should have been.

Not many made like Bob anymore. Take a step back in time.

Reads For Winter.

2011-12-12T13:34:00.000-05:00

Winter is time to catch up on books, magazines and web writing. Here's a list to get started:

Copper Canyon Press produces some great books of poetry throughout the year. Check'em out.

'Cadillac Desert' by Marc Reisner. This will open your eyes to the history of western waters.

'Let My People Go Surfing' by Yvon Chouinard. I wish more companies/businesses actually gave half the thought about their environmental responsibility.

'To Know A River'. Selected writings of Roderick Haig Brown. Worth rereading some passages every season.

'Desert Solitaire' by Edward Abbey. It's time to get a bit more radical with today's issues. This is a start.

Anything by Jim Harrison. Hard to find anyone who can convey the connection of the outside world.

'The Fly Fish Journal'. Quality magazine that balances both words and images equally.

Catch magazine. Visual eye candy.

Support your locally owned bookstore. Buy local.

Great Trips.

2011-12-08T12:22:00.001-05:00

While cleaning out the man cave/gear room this week with Huck, I came across an old slide binder and decided to take a walk down memory lane. One of my finest trips to date remains my last long true fish bum excursion.

In September of 1998 I arrived in Montana with the intention of fishing some old haunts and exploring a few new ones until I ran out of funds. I started in Livingston and fished the Yellowstone for a few days, some small cutthroat streams and a never to be named on the net water. I then moved camp to the Madison for a week. While it was nice to be back to these great areas I was longing for something new.

One of the positives of camping at takeouts or put ins is the amount of info one can garner from anglers and guides. One question to ask any guide is "If you had a couple of days off where would you fish"? Some replied "I can't tell you". That's fair enough. We all should have places that are special or sacred to us. Many more said "The Missouri in Craig". At this time the Missouri wasn't really on the radar compared to today. I headed to Craig a day later.

I arrived in Craig and got some camping/fishing info in town. I felt really comfortable with the size of the river and the vibe of the place. I started with a streamer rig and was into fish almost instantly. This went on for a while before I started noticing all the heads poking up. Baetis were hatching at an impressive rate. I ditched the streamer rod and grabbed the four weight. The day passed by without me noticing. I found what I'd been looking for.

Those days are still a blur. But they went something like this. Get up, eat, rig up, fish streamers or nymphs until the blue wings started, snack, hydrate, fish until dark, make dinner, sleep. Repeat. I lived off Ramen, peanut butter, bagels, tuna, mac & cheese, Powerbars and Schmidt's beer. I fished in sun, rain, sleet, snow and wind. This was my world.

I caught fish that truly amazed me. Backing is something many trout anglers never see. I saw backing alot. My mind's eye still sees those fish I lost in the weed beds. I learned so much in the time I was on that river. Skills that make a huge difference today. Total immersion in any subject produces skills that never leave you.

Twenty seven days later I left and returned to Maine wind burnt, tired, underweight and broke. The perfect trip. I first worried about the future of this wonderful river and the possibility of losing what I had experienced. I don't worry about that so much anymore as it has many more friends since I left. I've gotten what I was looking for on the Missouri. To get an idea of what the Missouri is about check this video out.

Find your inner dirtbag and go.

Smelt.

2011-12-06T12:33:00.000-05:00

Looking back on the 2011 season's image bank we came across this shot. Smelt runs are super fun to fish and experience. Throwing large floating smelt patterns with a spey rod for landlocked salmon remains one of the most anticipated events.

The floating smelt collection is very low right now. Time to start the experiment at the skunk works man cave.

The List.

2011-12-03T20:59:00.006-05:00

The wish list season has arrived and we've got a few ideas to ponder. One or two of these gifts are sure to put a grin on the receiver's face.

A gift membership to an environmental organization. NRCM, Maine Rivers and The Nature Conservancy are just a couple to consider.

A one or two year subscription to The Fly Fish Journal. The best we've seen in a long time.

The Simms Flask with art work by Derek DeYoung. Filled.

A Beulah Platinum switch rod in a five or six. Very sweet stick that actually does both styles very well.

A gift trip with this guy for the 2012 season. Gift wrapping available.

The last set of pliers you will ever need are an Abel #2. Might as well get the knife combo.

Lodging at one of Maine Huts and Trails huts. Way cool experience.

Maybe a pound or two of Carrabassett Coffee. Local crew working the bean to new levels.

Plane tickets to Santiago, Chalten, Auckland or Coyhaique. We are available if you need a rod caddy.

As for us, what we do is a gift onto itself. Though that Beulah would be nice....

Blue And Pink.

2011-12-01T08:18:00.004-05:00

This past week has seen the turn we've been expecting. Winter flies are first in the line up right now with two colors dominating. Blue and pink. Blue for sunny days, pink for overcast. Combined with the right drift and depth and you've got the gimmee. Some of our favorites include: Lightning Bug, JuJu Midge, Disco Midge and Czech Nymphh in blue. San Jaun Worm, Czech Nymph, Trout Crack and Wired Soft Hackle in pink.

Bobber fishing ruling the roost right now until May. Weak midge hatches happening occasionally. Invest in some hand warmers and post fishing liquid indulgence. That is all. Get back to work you slackers.

Transplants.

2011-11-28T12:08:00.003-05:00

Winter is coming again, no doubt about it. We field a few inquiries this time of year about warm salt water options. There comes a time when even guides have a few good ideas. Not often and not many, but good ideas just the same. Two Maine guides that have figured out that shoveling snow and jumping dead batteries in below zero conditions aren't that much fun anymore are Danny Legere and Marshall Demott. They both reside in Florida during the winter months and chase fly eating fish in shorts. How smart is that? Pretty damn smart come the middle of February.

Contact these snow birds for a winter escape this winter.

Winter Plans.

2011-11-25T19:29:00.001-05:00

Not that we are done fishing for the season (though the door can slam shut at any moment) we are making plans for the upcoming winter season. The list will continue to grow as the temps drop and the snow pack grows.

Buy the season pass, ice and mix climb more, reorganize the gear room, follow good tele skiers around the hill, backcountry ski with friends, restock whiskey collection, hit the groomed nordic area at least twice a week, solstice party?, inventory, repair and replace guide gear, shoot more photos, winter fish if the stars are aligned, night ski/astronomy combo trip, poach a hot tub, attend at least one fly fishing trade show, hut tour, wax guru/tech for kid's nordic team, do more for the environment and green organizations, sample limited edition micro brews.

Looks like a hell of a winter so far.

Signs.

2011-11-22T20:39:00.002-05:00

Well it's happened. Air temperature this morning was 18 above zero. Forecasts for tomorrow are calling for 7"-14" of snow. This amount depends on what panicked stricken weather person you listen to. As for us we are looking forward to a change in color. There are only so many shades of brown and gray one can take.

We took advantage of the calm before the storm today. The puffy, hand warmers and thermos were first in the line up. Iced up guides, frozen line and weak camera batteries ruled until about noon. Two brookies and two salmon were worth all the pain. I would have liked to have gotten a photo of the larger salmon but due to the dying camera and unruly model, it didn't work out. If you've ever tried to take a photo of a large landlock by yourself you know of what I speak.

Nymphing ruled without much effort. Longer leader (10'x 5X), two fly rig. The color blue is coming into it's own, followed by patterns with a little bit of pink. Sizes 14-20. Simple rigs now until closing. Nothing more frustrating than tying a bunch of knots with frozen digits.

Think snow!

Get Down.

2011-11-19T20:39:00.003-05:00

We are full blown nymph addicts now until the end of the season. With that affliction comes an assortment of tools. We have used a wide array of products to help get our flies in the zone over the years. Some have been o.k., others have been a disaster.

Most anglers don't give split shot much thought. Just crimp it on the leader and move on. We tend to be a little more picky when it comes to weight. First rule for us is it must be lead free. No excuses. Ease of use ranks high. Both removal and installation. There is nothing more frustrating than resetting shot that slips on tippet.

We have been using Boss Tin products for over six seasons. Consistency and quality of each individual size is always there. Unlike many other manufacturers, Boss Tin shot is spot on with sizes and colors.

We use the following; 4 Way Round, 6 Way Oval and 4 Way Stonze depending on where we happen to be fishing. All these are easily restocked with Split or One Shot refill containers. This is great when you run out of one size constantly.

One item we always have on hand is Make-a-Weight tungsten putty. You can fine tune that nymph rig amazingly well. Take the time to roll it on the tippet. Placing it above shot works great also. Keep it close to your body when fishing a cold day for ease of use. Wicked stuff.

Nymphing is all about being in the trout's zone. Get the lead out and ramp up on this often overlooked, indispensable piece of gear.

Late Season Nymphing.

2011-11-17T12:56:00.002-05:00

It's becoming very clear that nymphing is the go to technique lately. Making the most of this productive skill keeps you in the game in this shortened season. Here are a few good habits to get into.

Cast less. Drift more. Keep your flies in the zone as long as possible. That is possible with a couple of key moves. Reading water three dimensionally helps. Fish that rig as long as possible. The start, the sweet spot and the swing. Twenty feet of drift beats two feet every time.

Use the tuck cast. A great delivery system cast.

Learn the stack mend. Anticipate drag. Throw those mends BEFORE drag develops. Easy to do. Dirt cheap also.

Add tippet instead of split shot. Easier and more enjoyable to cast than that conga line of shot. Fluorocarbon 5x is money lately. Supple, strong, stealthy and it sinks.

Tying on a piece of 18"-24" of red Amnesia running line for the butt of your leader adds a ready made indicator to the system. Great for skinny water and high sticking.

High stick that rig when it counts. Is the current dragging you're indicator before it gets in the zone? High stick that junk and see if that alleviates the water skiing bobber.

Use tungsten bead flies. Heavier than standard beads. Would you rather throw split shot or a fly?

Slow down. Make every cast count. Late season fishing action usually isn't non stop. Cover water thoroughly and move on after you feel you've done your best.

Fly selection. Czech Nymphs 8-16, Pheasant Tails 16-20 with and without flashback, Brassie 18-20, Prince 12-18, Red Disco Midge 18-20, Copper Johns 16-20 in copper, black, red and chartreuse, San Juan Worm 10-18, Rock Worm Caddis 16-18 in nuke green. Pretty simple group. Don't overlook steelhead colors like purple, cerise and blue.

Make nymphing a solid skill that extends your season.

Switch Or Spey?

2011-11-15T20:32:00.000-05:00

We have done quite a few spey trips this season. Either teaching basic casts or learning how to effectively fish with a doublehander is always fun for us and clients. One question we field often is "Should I buy a switch or a spey rod"? The answer is what size river and fish are you most likely to be working. If your target fish are trout and landlocked salmon then a switch or light spey are optimal choices.

The next important decision would be what type of fishing do you want to do MOST. Swinging flies, nymphing, streamers or dries can all be done with either rod style. You will sacrifice one technique for another to a certain extent. You can still get the job done with either rod choice, but at what cost to you're enjoyment of being on the river? With as many choices of both spey and switch rods and lines available it's an overwhelming dilemma. Add the cost of entering the game and it's easy to make a costly mistake. Both you're time and money are valuable.

We guided a doublehander trip yesterday. The client's goals were to learn to fish better with a switch rod. We covered nymphing, wet fly swings and sink tips. Hell we even caught a few fish. It wasn't because we're a rock star. It's because the client researched a rod for their intended purpose and found an exact fit. A well played first round.

Spend sometime this winter deciding on what you want out of spey. Give a shout if you're in need of some practical, no B.S. opinions.

Nice November.

2011-11-13T20:34:00.004-05:00

These last few weeks have been some of the best all fall. If you like nymphing, sink tips and split shot you are smiling. If you're a dry kind of guy (or gal) it's been really well, dry. Keeping an open mind and a skunk works philosophy certainly contributes to the bent rod.

Nymphing: Edging out the streamer. P.Ts, Copper Johns, Micro Rockworm in sizes 18-22 keep on trucking. Czech Nymphs holding everything down in the zone. Takes can be subtle this time of season. Whether or not to use an indicator is dependent on the clarity, speed and volume. Some places yes. Others naked. High sticking Czech style. Mix it up.

Soft Hackles: Still doing the voodoo that they do. Smaller sizes lately. Try something in a 16 or 18. Let it hang at the end of the swing. Sweep set increasing hook ups.

Streamers: Early morning or dusk. Midday has been slow. Still throwing doubles and dropping down in size. Sizes 8-12 have turned on a few respectable fish. Sink tip dead drift techniques are producing at an agonizing pace. Our patience has been rewarded.

Dry Fly: It's nice to be prepared for rising fish. It's better to take a bite of the reality sandwich and prepare to work subsurface. Having midge and blue wing patterns in the kit for sure. Risers are few and far between.

Get out there before the lock jaw winter bite cometh.

Day In The Life. Part Three.

2011-11-10T09:57:00.001-05:00

After finishing the days trip, it's time to hit the road. First thing we do is phone home and give an estimated arrival time. Service isn't always available due to location. The drive can be a simple affair or a moose/deer dodge ball night game. We will check voice mail on the cell, take some Advil if it's been a tough rowing day and then try to find a Sox game for the ride.

Pull in at home anywhere between 6:00-10:00 p.m. Priority is to spend time with my kids. Everything else can wait. After family time, it's back to work. Unpack the truck, clean out the boat, dry out all soft goods if it's been a rain filled day, clean cooler and lunch gear. Prep lunches for the following day. Refill fly boxes. Replace or rebuild leaders and tippets. Replace tippet spools if necessary. Clean lines. We clean our lines every two days or so. It helps performance and line longevity. Disinfect wading gear. Repack for the next trip. Recharge batteries on cell, camera and headlamps.

Check voice mail on the land line. Check emails and respond. Check mail for deposits. Confirm this weeks trips. Download daily camera images. Get online flows and tomorrows weather. If time and energy permits throw a post on this blog. Sleep.

In no way are these posts a complaint on the amount of work involved in a typical day. I'm a Mainer I don't shuck hard work. If you enjoy your work it doesn't feel like work. Sure some days can be frustrating and difficult. Every job has good days and bad ones. The reason for these posts has been to give folks an idea of a typical day for a fly fishing guide. And for the guy I talked with about how great it is to get paid to fish. I hope you noticed how much I fished during the day. Maybe I showed a cast, drift or mend. That was my fishing for the day. I won't say I have never fished during a trip. I will grab a rod if we are having a particularly difficult day breaking the code. I've had some clients insist that I do so. A good guide will fish through you. Others want me to fish along with them. For those I'm very thankful. They are few and are usually long time clients.

The 2011 season was a ton of fun for us. We are already looking forward to next season with more enthusiasm than one would expect. Start making plans now.

Day In The Life. Part Two.

2011-11-08T18:27:00.003-05:00

After preparing everything for a day of guiding we finally meet the clients for the day. It's either going to be a return or a new angler. With new folks it's much like a blind date. We have done our preliminary interview so have some kind of an idea of experience, expectations and goals. I'll help rig up rods and inspect reels, lines and leaders. If I have doubts about gear I'll suggest a replacement. I either tie on a new leader or tweak an existing one to match what we are doing that day. We will have a short safety talk and proceed to fish.

For many anglers, fishing out of a drift boat is a new experience. Both bow and stern anglers need to do certain things to be productive. I'll continue to call out shots throughout the day along with suggestions for better drifts or retrieves. I'll tie on flies I know are productive. Sometimes it's one dry. Most of the time it's a dry/nymph combo. We will throw streamers into sexy bank structure for a couple of reasons. The ability to see fish charge a streamer is an image many anglers have never seen. Some of the biggest fish of the day are either seen or caught doing the streamer gig. With this happening we are constantly on the look out for rising fish. This is what most clients are hoping for. Anchoring the boat quietly in good casting position is paramount to an anglers success. Don't blow this dry fly opportunity when it presents itself.

The most important role of a guide in our opinion is teaching. I really want clients to leave with something more than fish in the net. Most folks are visual learners. I'll spend part of the day teaching techniques like the reach cast, mends, rigging, reading water and rise forms. You should always leave a trip with more information than you came with. Whether a new technique, fly pattern selection or a better understanding of the water you fished. We also pick up tons of insight from clients on any given day.

Lunch happens during a lull in the day or when hunger rules. I'll usually prepare a shoreline lunch in a productive wading area so folks can fish while I get the meal ready. Lunch is a pretty important part of the day. It gets everyone recharged and rested for the final rounds. It's when we either catch up on each others lives, get to know more about new guests or just plain chill. We will either wade fish a bit more or continue to float or work another wading area. I like to break up a float with at least one wade aspect per trip.

At this point in the trip we are still looking for heads. What I haven't mentioned yet is what I've done so far throughout the day. Changed rigs at least three or four times. Untangled birds nests. Rowed/positioned the boat for the best angle and speed. Set up anglers for the best shots. Avoided other river users. Netted and released fish. Kept everyone hydrated and full of snacks. Checked for sunscreen needs. If it's cold and raining, making sure everyone is dry and warm. Taken water temps. Spotted fish. Motivated better casts and mends. Applied floatant, split shot and tippet. Kept vigil on water flows, clarity, weather and bug life. Changed flies throughout the day. Identified bird, bug, animal and fauna life. Ducked an errant cast or two. Shot images with the camera. I try to average 20-45 shots per trip. Pulled up the 15-30lb. anchor over a dozen times. There are other tasks done during a trip but I think you get the idea.

The trip ends depending on the time of year and conditions. Closing time is anywhere from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. It all depends on client's wishes, when we start and hatches. One thing we won't do is leave a pod of rising fish before giving them our best shot. Never. Hit the take out, strip the boat, breakdown rods, change out of waders, repack the truck and deliver clients to their vehicle or lodging. Crack a beer possibly, collect remainder of guide fee, exchange cards, check availability for seasonal openings at a later date, check to see if clients have everything they came with, map out areas for them to fish while here, relive the days events. This can last five minutes to an hour. I'm good with it either way. We say our good byes, thank yous and I hit the road.

Think it's over? Nope.

Day In The Life. Part One.

2011-11-07T19:50:00.001-05:00

Recently while derigging near a river access, a fellow angler came over with some questions. The tailgate conversation went from fly patterns, techniques to river volume. My new friend asked if I was a guide. I answered that I was. His reply was that it must be an awesome job to fish all season and get paid for it. I chuckled at what his image of guiding entails. I will say it is awesome to guide full time. Fishing and guiding are two completely different animals. This is a sneak peak at the behind the scenes reality of a typical day for us.

Our day starts anywhere from 3:00-5:00 a.m. depending on where and at what time of the season we are guiding. First order of the day. Coffee. Good coffee. Make breakfast and check emails. Multitasking is high art during the peak season. Reply to questions, confirmations and inquires. Call for flow regime if we are working on a dam controlled river. Check USGS flow chart for another view of other waters. Check two weather forecast sites. Grab recharged phone and camera batteries. Start packing the truck. This can be a simple affair or complicated if clients are in need of waders, boots, etc. Pack lunches, snacks and drinks. This is either made by us or picked up on the road from one of the restaurants or cafes we work with throughout the season. Trailer up the boat if it's a float trip. Make a road coffee. Fuel up the truck, buy ice, pick some commute tunes and head to the put in. I am usually at the put in an hour earlier than clients unless I pick up clients en route. Deck the boat out. Rig two client rods with either a streamer set ups or nymph rigs. Stretch lines and rewind carefully. Take a water temp. Set up shuttle with the driver. Refill the java for the last hit. Wader myself up, sunscreen, buff, sun gloves, bug dope and hydrate/snack. If I have time I'll check out the shoreline for any remnants of yesterdays bug du jour. I'll also call future clients to confirm and check in about booked trips before meeting today's guests. A possible call for a lunch order later in the week. A call to a another guide for a report. Finally meet clients at appointed time.

Stay tuned for what's involved when we actually fish.

Olde Tyme.

2011-11-03T20:12:00.003-04:00

If you've followed this blog for the last month or so you have read about our love affair with streamer fishing. Whether from the drift boat or wading we get really stoked when the streamer bite is on. As much as we enjoy the streamer gig, it isn't the only game we rely on.

The simple and elegant soft hackle holds a special place in our arsenal. There is something very zen like wading through a run and swinging a couple of soft hackles. The only interruption comes from the unmistakable take. If you've ever fished for salmon you know exactly what we are talking about.

Earlier this week we started with the tried and true streamer rig. After a few flashes and short grabs, it was time for a change. We kept the sink tip on and changed to a longer, lighter leader(3X). On went a size 10 Purple and Starling. Following the P&S was the Orange and Partridge size 14. Three casts later and a nice brookie found it's kryptonite.

Our favorite soft hackles for fall are Partridge and yellow, red, orange, black, hare's ear and chartreuse. Sizes range from 12-14. Starling and purple, orange and red. Size 10. If Baetis are out and about try a Pheasant Tail soft hackle or a Engle's Micro Soft Hackle in sizes 18-20.

Get out and enjoy the last of the season with a couple of soft hackles. Leave the tweed and tie at home. Keep the whiskey in the kit.

Muchas Gracias.

2011-11-02T20:33:00.002-04:00

We have one more trip waiting on stand by for the season. After that one we will close out the 2011 guiding season. I wish to thank all of our return friends/clients and all the new faces that showed up to do trips with us this year. We hope to see you back again next season.

A huge thanks goes out to my wife and kids for all their understanding and patience throughout the year. Monique, Finn, Callahan and Huck, you make me one of the luckiest men on the planet. Thank you.

To everyone else out there from guides, shop owners, shuttle drivers, cooks, bartenders, tow truck operators, coffee geeks, dogs, fishing buddies, neighbors and friends. Thanks for all your help this season.

Raising a glass to another successful year on the water. Cheers!

Full Day Final.

2011-10-31T21:05:00.000-04:00

We finished our last full day trip of the season this weekend. We had a late addition for Sunday that we cancelled due to odds. The trip for Sunday consisted of three clients who had never fly fished before. The weather forecast was calling for 4"-12" of snow along with steady winds for Sunday. Techniques of late have been sink tip systems and nymphing. Adding in higher than average water flows and this trip wasn't looking good.

Outfitting guests with proper gear isn't a problem, we can gear up to ten clients head to toe with solid, functional hard and soft ware. We had hired another guide to work that day with us (we have a two to one ratio policy). We cancelled due to expectations. Not theirs. Ours.

We guide a fair number of beginner clients throughout the season and with that comes a huge responsibility to the future of this sport. I have always believed that a fly fisherman is made out of their first few trips whether guided or not. If that novice has a bad guided experience that's even worse in our eyes. The future of conservation, ethics and etiquette fish with us every season and we don't ever forget that fact. A positive learning experience are our expectations.

Handing a novice a six weight loaded with a 200 grain sink tip and a streamer double rig is ridiculous. Asking them to cast it forty five feet up and across while dealing with snow and steady winds is just wrong. After a frank phone conversation we reached an agreement. We will see these three in 2012 either for a day trip or our two day school program. One thing we have learned after many seasons of guiding, booking and outfitting is that an honest appraisal of a client's wishes is in the best interest of everyone. The one aspect of the guiding business you don't hear enough of.

Dam Talk.

2011-10-29T18:26:00.002-04:00

We received an email from Maine Rivers yesterday announcing an interesting event. Author Steven Hawley will be in Maine, talking about his new book 'Recovering A Lost River'. Along with the book will be a showing of "Salmon: Running The Gauntlet". Two locations for the evening.

November 8th at The Railroad Square Cinema in Waterville at 7:00 P.M.

November 9th at the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mather Auditorium in Wells at 7:00 P.M.

Maine has it's share of dam removal and salmon issues. Will the tide turn? We shall see.

Digits.

2011-10-28T20:12:00.001-04:00

It's that time of the season. Fingerless gloves crucial. Two pair a minimum for wade trips. Three for float trips if you're the guide pulling the anchor rope.

Keep the wet ones tucked next to you under your waders to dry out quicker. Don't store them on the stripping deck for the wind god to take. We've played "Cast to the sinking glove" game too many times. We've only seen one winner. Ever.

During half time stack them on the dash of the field office for solar generated drying. Hand warmers in the pockets of your wader jacket rejuvenates. Plus you look really cool hooking up one handed.

Word.

2011-10-27T13:43:00.001-04:00

Cooling down daily. The gloves are on in the a.m. The lucky beanie also. Hand warmers, full thermoses, spicy lunches and the super warm puffy getting used and abused. Sink tips, 6&7 weights, 0-2X fluorocarbon or Maxima, number one in the line up. Streamer boxes showing some gaps. If you have a streamer addiction this is dream time.

Streamer Fishing: Weapon of choice. Throwing two at a time working best. One large, one small. Mix up the retrieve. Fast, three fast then pause, tip strip, dead drift jiggle. Whatever you do mix it up. Old school down and across never stops working in the right hands.

Nymphing: Yep. The bobber is back. Alternate size and colors. Rubber leg stone in black followed by something funky has been the doing the voodoo. Focus on small P.T.s, Copper Johns or Engle's Baetis. Something that represents the absent BWOs.

Dry Fly: BWO hatches? Still weak. Will they come off? In numbers? We sure hope so. When they do come off, be ready. All rigged up, floatant applied and ready to throw. It's short lived right now. Sometimes an hour. Sometimes less. Sometimes the no show. Lawson's No Hackles, H&L Variants and Sparkle Duns all proving their value. Adams Hot Post Parachute for those visually impaired.

This week marks the end of full day trips for the season. Half days from here until the bitter end. Focusing on the potential midday rise. Gentleman's hours. Flask optional.

Sideline Event.

2011-10-24T20:52:00.000-04:00

Sunday was a day off with a plan that never quite went off as I wanted. The plan was to do an early morning short float on the Androscoggin river with two friends and then attend the Maine Wilderness Guides Organizations annual meeting and banquet. Earlier in the week one member cancelled due to their work load and on Saturday the other bailed.

I don't let potential free time pass easily. I decided to do a half day wade and then leave in time to catch the event. Throwing streamers produced a few hits on an aggressive strip. Changing up to a swing and a tip strip produced a couple of small rainbows. After working two small runs I decided to grab the dry rod and hopefully find some risers in the soft bank side eddies.

The first area produced the blank. The second was money. Two small rises occasionally broke the surface. Looking at my watch I knew I was cutting it close. I made a deal with myself that if I hooked just one fish I would leave. After numerous refusals I made a fly change. Another refusal. Off went the dry and on went a size 20 P.T. Flashback. First cast and the rainbow nailed it. Nice fat, healthy fish. It was at this point I arrived at a crossroads. Stay or go. A deal is a deal I kept telling myself. Leaving rising fish is something I rarely do.

I arrived at Mahoosic Mountain Lodge a bit late. It never looks good when you arrive somewhere wearing waders and are changing in the parking lot. The cats pretty much out of the bag at that point. The meeting was already proceeding when I stepped in. Luckily I wasn't the only one to show up late. I think a lot of members were out enjoying the day as well.

Cpl. John McDonald from IF&W was the guest speaker for the event. He spoke about the need to strengthen and build better relationships with working guides. It was a very good presentation. Questions from the membership were well received and responses were thoughtful. It's always good to see that the Maine warden service is open to suggestions and new ideas. This was a big step in helping protect the resources we are all so fortunate to work in.

This years MWGO Conservation Award went to Karin Tilberg for her work in helping protect some of Maine's most spectacular areas. We are all very lucky to have people like Ms. Tilberg working for Maine's future generations in regard to conservation.

Meeting and talking with many like minded individuals was great fun. With so many diverse guiding backgrounds the goal is never lost. This is a driven organization dedicated to the protection of Maine's wilderness areas. This is a fun event that I look am looking forward to attending next year. There is still that one fish left in that pocket.

Fall Floats.

2011-10-22T20:52:00.004-04:00

The one view drift boat guides never tire off. We've been seeing this same scene for the past week. Nice bends in those streamer rods a daily occurrence. Brown trout charging the space invader type flies. Salmon taking the bright and dull. Brookies on the slower strip. Working the slow side of the seams. Fishing bank structure on the short leash. Two to three strips, pause, strip. Cast to new water. Repeat.

Chartreuse has been the hot color this week. Sizes 2-10. Combine it with a natural/earth tone streamer. The dirty martini. It will change by tomorrow. Streamer fishing from a drift boat requires casting accuracy and the ability to read water well. Add the amount of stripping and rod manipulation, you have a technique just as challenging as dry fly presentation.

Blue Wing Olive hatches are still weak. Rising fish are few and rises are super sippy subtle. Parachute Adams, Lawson's No Hackle, H&L Variant and Sparkle Duns all getting slurped. Stay late. Later than you think for October.

Dirty little secret in guiding. Good guides work as hard as you fish. We've been kicking ass and taking names lately because our clients are putting a lot into their day. It's a team effort on a float. Get a mitt and get in the game.

Old Fly Face.

2011-10-21T12:17:00.000-04:00

My first pair of Simms neoprene waders gave up the ghost many seasons ago. They still have a useful purpose though. Fishing report coming soon. Have a great weekend.

Spring Creek Fix.

2011-10-19T07:48:00.001-04:00

If you've ever had the opportunity to fish a spring creek, you know how amazing this experience can be. After going through the Spring Creek Film site numerous times, you might get a idea of how special these waters are. I've been very fortunate to fish some well known spring creeks and some that were off the radar. All had their own personalities and degree of difficulty. None disappointed.

Do yourself a favor and put 'Fish a Spring Creek' on your things to do list. Bring your A game, and a dose of humility.

Waters Edge.

2011-10-17T21:16:00.000-04:00

With water levels higher than average, the wading angler needs to adjust their game. The blue wings are hatching almost everyday. They are not blanketing the water by any rate but they are there. Paying close attention to those soft edges right now can pay off.

We have been working those small eddies and bank seams during the last few weeks with pretty good results. Even without seeing a rising fish we fished them as if we did. Gentle, quiet presentations produced takes. Looking closely from the bank we were able to spot a few also. Most of the time the fish were less than a foot of water.

Forget the power water for tiny dries for now. Fish the water most people wade through.

Fall Events.

2011-10-14T20:34:00.001-04:00

There are a few events of interest coming up this month and next you might want to be aware of. We would like to attend all of them, but the possibility of that seems remote, given the days are numbered and the countdown is on. Put some of these on your calender and remember all of the proceeds of these events go to an environmental cause or organization. Give back.

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival Tour will be hosted by Friends of Casco Bay in Portland on November 5th. If you haven't seen the movie Eastern Rises, you will be stoked.

FFIM and CCA are hosting a special fundraising showing of Connect the newest movie from Confluence Films. Maine's very own Capt. Eric Wallace is featured in the film doing the skinny water striper voo doo. Shown at The Frontier Cafe in Brunswick on October 28th. Way cool place with a great micro brew selection.

The Maine Wilderness Guides Organization will be holding it's annual banquet/meeting in Newry on October 23rd. Hosted by Mahoosic Mountain Lodge, this event is open to all. Great location and event.

The Maine Council of Trout Unlimited is presenting 'The Maine Fly Fishing Show' on November 6th in South Portland. All proceeds will go to the 2012 Maine TU Trout Camp program. We have been involved in the Trout Camp program for a number of years. It is an outstanding opportunity for our future stewards.

Mountain Film will be coming to Portland on October 21st. Always an entertaining evening. Contact Chestnut Mountain Productions for more information.

That should fill a couple of dates in your calender. Hope to see some of you at one or more of these events. Thanks and have a great weekend.

The Skinny.

2011-10-13T19:38:00.003-04:00

This is where conditions stand as of today. We are experiencing flow regimes that have absolutely NO consistency. Levels are down one day and higher the next. Release data is proving to be untrustworthy at best. Being prepared for the unexpected is becoming the norm. With the next weather prediction for 48 hours calling for over an inch of rain, who knows what the levels will be. I know that the flow guru in charge is going to pull out all the stops. The dart board, Magic 8 Ball and a Ouija board will all be in use until the end of October. Nice to have a resource we all use not managed properly.

Enough bitching (though it felt good), this is the deal these last few days.

Streamers: The go to technique lately. Sink tips in the 200-275 grain size and the stealthy intermediate line are getting the groceries delivered. Streamer patterns have included The Bad House Guest, Zoo Cougars, Lawson's Sculpin and Intruder in sizes 2-4. Don't overlook the smaller size streamers (8-10). These are working well in the dead drift/lift technique. Deadly.
Nymphing: Gets it done. Easier to streamer fish though. Nymph combo is pretty simple right now. Start with a size 6 or 8, Stonefly, Czech or Prince. Drop a P.T. concoction, midge pupa or rock worm. Add split shot to taste.
Dry Fly: Weak. Barney Fife weak. Savor those risers. Midge events in the a.m. have showed off and on. Baetis hatches have been poor. Searching those soft edges with a small offering can produce. October Caddis patterns working in heavier water throughout the day. Dark day bank offering has been the foam cricket. Subtle

This isn't the most positive report we've ever written but is pretty honest. Playing the cards we were dealt the best we can. Float trips and wades at this time of the year are to be savored. Having a few accessories along can certainly help.

October Dates.

2011-10-10T18:19:00.006-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. We have finally rescheduled and reconfigured every trip for the remainder of this month. We are now packed, racked and jacked for the rest of October. If you are thinking of doing a trip this month, contact us as soon as possible. We do have some availability. Not much but some.

Join in on closing down the 2011 season. Last call happening soon!

Accurate Casts.

2011-10-07T18:32:00.003-04:00

Whenever the water drops around here we will hopefully have some heads poking up for blue wing olives. Casts need to be quiet and accurate. The reach cast, 5 and 6X, cripple patterns, four weights, sipping trouts. Bring it.

Spey Time.

2011-10-05T13:48:00.000-04:00

Water levels are dropping, albeit slowly. With flows too high for the majority of anglers, this is our prime time to get after it. We discovered the two handed game awhile ago and haven't looked back. Using a spey rod enables you to fish where and when others can't. Armed with a spey rod changes your whole view on what's blown out and what isn't.

Add either a tapered sinking leader in either seven or twelve feet or a section of T8 from Rio. Figuring out the depth and speed for presentation requires a little thought. Armed with a loop system, changes are quick and painless. With these two tools in the box you can cover almost any water found in Maine rivers. Whether they be the size of the Kennebec or some of our other smaller sized waters during a spate. Learning to cast sink tips with a double hander is relatively easy.

Packing some streamers in black, burnt orange, yellow and chartreuse along with some larger wets would be a good idea also. Go long and get the grab.

Changes.

2011-10-03T20:43:00.000-04:00

We are (unfortunately) getting really good at rescheduling trips. Levels right now are blown on both the Kennebec and Androscoggin rivers. Small and medium systems will hopefully drop by the end of the week. Thanks go out to our clients that have pushed back their trips or rescheduled for next season.

The drop can be a kick ass time if you work it right. Don't get hung up on the tried and true traditional techniques. Fishing the drop brings out the funky stuff. Keep an open mind and have the ability to think out of the box.

Welcome October.

2011-10-01T19:10:00.001-04:00

Not a bad way to break in this new month. More to come, stay tuned.

Farewell September.

2011-09-30T06:08:00.003-04:00

Today is the last day of the season for many waters we guide on. They have been very good to us this year and they will be missed. Raising a pint glass to the September waters today. Bring on October!

Colors.

2011-09-29T17:11:00.001-04:00

Conditions changing daily this week. Dry fly activity has been weak. A little smattering of caddis, blue wings, midge. Nothing stellar as far as hatch lengths and strength. Some fish rising throughout the day for the die hard dry guy.

The streamer bite has been rocking. Sink tips working overtime.Intermediate stealth tips with long fluorocarbon leaders, 200-275 grain tips to full sinking lines are all part of the line up. Single and double rigs everyday. Streamer sizes have ranged from 2 to 12. Bright, light and something in the middle. Rubberleg junk, rabbit strip, red dumbell eyes all getting the grab.

Landlocks are starting to turn aggressive in some waters. Very territorial responses to be expected now and in the future. Brookies doing their color change routine. Fall colors peaking around the neighborhood. Grab your favorite streamer stick, a box full of streamers, a spool of 2X, some ibuprofen and fish the fall season.

Walk.

2011-09-27T19:34:00.001-04:00

Maine is a pretty big state with a large amount of water to explore. It always amazes us that during this month most of the fly crowds are located in some pretty well know areas. This is completely understandable considering the productivity of some of these waters. What we can't get our head around is why some anglers can develop cement foot and stand in the same run or pool all day. Never have understood this phenomenon, never will.

We've been at it hard this month and have met only a handful of anglers during our travels. Most encounters have been back at the mobile office (truck) or the beginning of a path. Inquiries are made and conversations come to the enviable "Get any" talk.

If we've learned anything in all our travels is things improve when one starts to leave the paths, trail signs and footprints. That thick alder patch. That impenetrable wild grape, rose and thistle stream side barrier. The old growth cedar and spruce forest that has taken over the tote road from the nineteenth century. Game trails that make more sense than the bushwhacking. In our view those obstacles are the start of a great day afield.

This fly fishing addiction is a practice in discovery. Explore.

Welcome Fall.

2011-09-25T18:52:00.002-04:00

The fall season has officially arrived. We really dig this season for all the obvious reasons. The colors. The light at the beginning and end of the day. The small rivers and streams that we fish one more time until next season. The aggressive fish. That streamer bite that goes all day. Glad to have fall come, hate to see it go. Fill your days this season. They are numbered.

Flood Victim.

2011-09-22T13:44:00.000-04:00

Not every fish survives a high water event. Case in point is the twelve inch brookie we found this week. One more reason to work the edges when the water goes up.

Waiting And Watching.

2011-09-20T17:47:00.005-04:00

It's that time of the season when you wait for the appearance of blue wing olives. You look at your watch too often. The patterns are locked and loaded for quick access. You're going to idle your way through the morning with a streamer or nymph rig. Around eleven you switch to a streamer/baetis combo. Waiting for that first grab to signal the start. You look at your watch again. You either anchor in a productive run or sit on the bank scanning for that first rise. You contemplate moving on to better water. Maybe someplace with softer, slower edges. Hoping to find a pod instead of just one or two heads poking up. It's a gamble. Throw the dice. It's either craps or sevens and elevens.

Yesterdays trip we rolled the dice. At 4:00 it started. At 6:45 it was over. We cashed out and left for another casino. Knowing when to leave the table and when to stay is always a gamble. Be a player.

Rainbows And Streamers.

2011-09-17T21:11:00.000-04:00

Most Maine fly fishers will target brook trout and land locked salmon for the remainder of the season. We will pursue them as well. One fish that stays on our radar in the fall are rainbows. Streamer fishing for rainbows peaks in the fall for us and our clients for a couple of reasons.

Metabolisms are starting to kick into high gear now and the continuing dropping water levels produce a great feeding scenario. Most return clients are surprised with our streamer selection for rainbows. Many have fished with us for browns in the past and have thrown one or two large streamers with pretty good results. We change the game a bit for rainbows. Longer and finer leaders of fluorocarbon to start. Streamer size drops dramatically compared to the brown trout rig. Sizes 8-12 are our standard.

The reasoning for the size drop (this is just our observations over many seasons on a variety of waters) is the mouth size of a large (16" and over) rainbow compared to the mouth size comparably sized brown. That their attitudes are polar opposites plays into this also. With that said, streamer fishing for rainbows has a limited return (our opinion). Our largest client caught streamer rainbow is 19". Compared to other techniques it ranks last in size producer. This isn't to say a monster rainbow wouldn't eat a size 2 articulated Butt Monkey. They will. Our Alaska experience sends that message home. Size 2 Egg Sucking Sculpins and other large and in charge patterns produced some incredibly memorable bows. Totally different scene that Alaskan rainbow compared to the lower forty eight.

With the experiences we have had we still streamer fish for these guys for the distinctive aspect of it all. Their grab is uniquely different and the runs are always entertaining. That flash in the water column that gets your attention. That solid hit. Bring it on.

Thanks Irene.

2011-09-15T20:24:00.000-04:00

Irene left a tremendous amount of destruction in our surrounding area. Rivers and streams were above spring runoff stages. It's been really cool to walk and fish these waters the last few weeks.

Back channels have disappeared, while other new ones have developed. Older riffle runs have filled in and smoothed out. New glides and pockets around almost every corner. The amount of new structure is astounding. Trees, root wads and driki are all potential fish habitat.

The go to system for us when exploring new water is to use the double streamer rig. It's a fast and efficient way to cover new water. Some areas that looked great produced the skunk. Others produced beyond expectation.

You won't know if you don't go.

Slate Drakes.

2011-09-12T20:33:00.000-04:00

The Slate Drakes, Isonychia, Isonycia Bi Color, Mahogany Duns or what ever you want to call this very cool mayfly, have arrived. We saw the first hatch late last month with more Cedar Waxwings taking advantage of the event than fish. The last few trips have seen a steady increase in nymphs, adults and spinners.

We nymph fish this hatch a bit different than the standard bobber/shot rig. A short sink tip (intermediate or type three) delivers the goods easily. Run a 4'-5' fluorocarbon 3X leader with a bugger as the lead fly. Light conditions and water clarity decide color and type. Drop a size 12-14 zugbug 14" off the bend of the bugger.

It's all in the strip. Short, quick, erratic strips are what you're striving for. These nymphs are fast swimmers. Not some go with the flow type mayfly nymph. Takes are not subtle.

Toss a spinner pattern in the morning when the light just starts to warm thing up. Great searching pattern for an hour or two. Up and at em.

Feast Or Famine.

2011-09-10T20:24:00.001-04:00

Early September in Maine. Is there any other place to be? Crisp a.m. starts, warm afternoons and cool evening sessions. Large rivers still too high. Medium and small river systems getting better daily. Small streams: Rocking. Get on the drop before it's over.

Streamer bite is good to great. Buggers, sculpins and bank junk are all getting grabbed and taken.

Nymphing poor to good. Small rock worm caddis (size 18) as a dropper was the code breaker due to fluctuating flows. Rubber leg stone fly nymph smack down.

The small stream dry fly game is hot. Team up with a dropper for the double or work two levels easily.

Today's trip produced some very good rainbows in the 10"-16" range. The personality of this river dictates what we call "New Zealand Style". It has nothing to do with the size of the Kiwi fish. What is similar is the water clarity and distance between fish. Careful wading and presentation skills keep the game going here.

A clear intermediate sink tip with five feet of 3X fluorocarbon tippet and small attractor buggers(size 8-10) produced almost all of the fish. Very cool to watch the shadow move and chase the fly. Very rare in here in Maine with all our tannic waters.

If your thinking of doing a trip this fall, now is the time to do it. Every day the curtain lowers a little bit more and that fat bag with the horn helmet is gonna show up and end it. Shut her up and get booking.

Get A Look.

2011-09-07T07:32:00.004-04:00

With water levels blown out for a while, it's time to get ready for the drop. September can be one of the best nymphing times of the year. Include a receding water level and odds are stacked in your favor. A good supply of attractor nymphs should be loaded into the nymph box.

Old standbys include: 20 Inchers, Zug Bugs and Princes. We prefer cdc on our Princes by the way. Some other patterns to consider are: Czech style nymphs, San Juan worms, Lightning Bugs and small rubber leg buggers in a variety of color combos.

Be patient and stock up.

Soft Shell.

2011-09-05T20:35:00.003-04:00

Among that pile of gear pictured above is one item that is with us everyday in every kit. Whether we are doing a float, a small stream or a mileage hike into seldom fished water. A soft shell jacket is with us now until seasons end.

My first soft shell was from Latok Mountain Gear. Though the cut of the jacket lacked some design features I wanted, the fabric was very breathable, abrasion and water resistant. While on a climbing trip to Mexico it was stolen and I would have to wait until Cloudveil emerged on the scene. Cloudveil's Serendipity jacket has been one of the best outdoor items I have ever used. Too bad Cloudveil lost their way when growth took over quality. I'm still abusing my Patagonia soft shell hooded jacket that was specifically designed with the fly fisher in mind. I've had it patched, zippers replaced (my fault) and it hasn't given up the ghost yet.

After seeing the new Simms soft shell line up I may replace the workhorse Patagonia. Though I do really like the cross over potential that Patagonia puts into their gear. Ice and alpine climbing season is just around the corner. Tough choice.

This bomber material really comes into it's own in lighter weights. Soft shell field shirts are a great addition when a base layer isn't enough and lighter fleece is too much. Using soft shell pants for back country travel and wet wading eliminates one item in the pack. Shorts are a staple during the summer months. We've used this material for a variety of activities from climbing, skiing, bird hunting and pub crawls. It's tough, dependable and light.

If you are thinking of delving into a new soft shell don't cheap out. Go with Simms or Patagonia on this purchase. We've seen plenty of client's big box failures and honestly we can't stand seeing anymore junk out there. Save your hard shells for consistent heavy rain (like the last two days trips) and lobster.

Go Time.

2011-09-02T20:45:00.000-04:00

September has arrived and with it a new mind set. Changes are incremental at the start and then it's upon you. At that precise moment you realize it's happening without any of your input. You have no choice in this fleeting season. Everyday gets shorter and closer to the end of another year on the water. Grab the days while you can now and experience some of the best times of year.

Here are our random thoughts from past fall seasons: Large soft hackles. Fingerless gloves and hand warmers. Frost in the a.m. How many geese in that V? Baetis!! Slate Drakes!!! 2X. Thermoses of coffee, soup and chili. Orange and Partridge size 14. The favorite 4wt. Streamer chucking float trips. They're on midges. Brown trout colors. Small stream forays. Moose in perfect condition. Jumping salmon. The full flask. Soft shells and puff balls. Snow! Fall micro brews. Swinging with the spey. Watching the light through the foliage. 3:00 a.m. starts. Midday espresso and cigar breaks. Attractor nymphs. Floats with friends. Woodcock. Those pre spawn brookie colors. The long drives home.

It's here. Go get some.

Small Stream Ammo.

2011-08-30T20:37:00.001-04:00

September is tomorrow and many of Maine's small streams close at the end of that month. We've responded to a few emails the last few weeks about fly patterns for smaller waters. Many of our clients tie and want to be prepared by filling boxes with the good stuff. Here is the basic small stream box we use guiding or out playing on our own.

Nymphs: Whitlock's Squirrel Nymph 14-16, Hare's Ear 14-16, Pheasant Tail 14-16, Prince CDC 12-16, Copper John 14-16 copper,black and red, Smoot's Bloody Mary 16, Green Rockworm 14-16 (a very prevalent caddis), Shop Vac 14-16. Kaufman's CDC Wired Caddis 14-16 amber and olive. We carry four to six of these patterns. Most have bead heads.

Wets: Partridge and orange, yellow, red, purple and dun 12-16. Flymphs 14-16, Bird's Nest 14-16, natural and black, Pheasant Tail and Hare's Ear Soft Hackle 14-16.

Streamers: Woolly Buggers 12 black, brown, olive, chartreuse, white and purple. Mini Muddler 14-16.

Dries: Parachute Adams 14-16, Parachute Hare's Ear 14-16, Mr. Rapidan 14, Ausable and Royal Wulffs 12-14, Ausable Bomber 12-14, X Caddis 14-16 olive and tan, Chubby Chernobyl 12 red, purple, orange and yellow, Rubber Leg Cricket 12, black, Lawson's Beetle 14-16, Steeves Firefly 12, Foam Ant 12 black, red. We carry four to eight of these.

All these flies fit into a C&F Designs 12 compartment (for dries)/eight row waterproof box. When we are fishing the really small brooks for natives we carry a sparse selection of dries in a six compartment box.

Depending on the time of season we will add patterns to the mix. Early spring supplements include Czech nymphs 12-14, San Juan Worms 14-16 and midge pupa 16-18. Fall additions are Griffith's Gnat 14-18, Rubber Leg Stimulator 12, orange and a few micro Wood's Specials and Montreal Whores 12.

Even with all of these patterns listed, one could cut the selection in half and still be very successful. Half the fun is seeing what works and what doesn't. All of these work very well, every season, every time.

Pre Irene Trips.

2011-08-28T14:29:00.002-04:00

The last two weeks in August are traditionally the slowest guiding time for us. That's fine as we take advantage of the opportunities surrounding our home. Day hikes, swimming holes, berry picking, backyard cookouts, horse shoes, striper forays, camping trips and of course float trips.

Yesterday my family and I floated the Kennebec. Water managers raised levels due to the Irene event. Clarity was good and by late afternoon numerous browns were rising to a great flying ant hatch. Eagles, ospreys, kingfishers and numerous ducks out working for a living. It's always a great to get a kid's perspective on the outdoor world. It slows you down and makes one observe a little bit more.

Next week will be like seeing a brand new river or stream. New flows, structure, feed and most importantly temps.When the waters recede and clarity improves we are floating with the streamer rigs at the ready. This won't last long. But when it's on it can be really good.

Lake fish will move into river systems with this event. Depending on the outcome of this storm, we could be looking at a great fall season. Whatever happens, be conservative with floats and wades. Play safe out there.

Need A Boat?

2011-08-25T07:33:00.006-04:00

Looking for a new used ride? How about a 2000 16' W-F Clackacraft drift boat? The industry standard for guides and private boaters. Includes the following; Adjustable , waterproof rower's bench with top access. Padded fold down fore and aft seats each located on a waterproof storage box. Fore and aft casting braces. Stripping deck on the bow. Motor mount. Side and bow inboard storage. Floor mats. Five embedded can holders (these could be used for beer). Four drain plugs. One spare break down oar with blade. Two carbon fiber/fiberglass Cataract oars. Brass oarlocks plus one spare. Bo's anchor system, floor anchor stomp and stern bracket pulley. One anchor. Trailer includes spare tire, new winch, boat strap and trailer tongue third wheel. Stored inside every winter we've had it.

This boat also comes full of good karma and juju. That right there is priceless. If you're interested give a shout and pull the trigger. We will even throw in a day of instruction if needed.

Far Off.

2011-08-24T20:39:00.000-04:00

There are times when the fish are beyond a short approach and cast. Learning to control long lengths of line in the air comes down to timing and feel. Single and double hauls are great tools to have in the box. Take some time now to learn that tempo before the fall season comes.

Throwing crappy. long, loud and inaccurate casts catch zip. Tune up and get that fifty foot handshake.

Small And Smaller.

2011-08-22T19:32:00.003-04:00

Fly sizes and rises are getting smaller. Conditions are fairly tough right now. A size sixteen is considered big and eighteens and twenties are the commonly used sizes. Ten to twelve foot leaders to 5X are standard issue. Good presentations and drifts getting the take. Obnoxious drops and "bass popper" pick ups will get you the fin. Wade quiet and take a long look at those rises before you throw. The reach cast and downstream drift are money.

Caddis: X Caddis and X2 Caddis 16-18, Olive, Black and Amber. CDC caddis 18, Black.
Mayflies: BWO 16-18, Sparkle Dun. Rusty Spinner 12-20, CDC.
Attractor Flies: H&L Variant 18, Adams 16-18, Lawson's Beetle 16, Hare's Ear Parachute 16-18.
Terrestrials: Flying ants were on this week. Sizes from 18-22. Black and Cinnamon. Tough hatch. Prepare for some snubbing.

Half day trips are the ticket. Mornings vs evenings have been about equal. Some spinner falls have been a complete bust also. It's still better than mowing the lawn or splitting wood for this winter.

Small streams are still producing well. Especially after the thunder showers we have been experiencing. The dry fly ruling the score board. Ant and beetle patterns standard. Having a small stream all to yourself is an opportunity not to miss. Take advantage of the small stream game before many close out at the end of September.

Get out there and enjoy the rest of summer!

Summer Scenes.

2011-08-17T21:47:00.000-04:00

Summer means small streams, three weights and dries. Plunge pools, shady pockets and log jams so tight you don't have prayer in dropping your fly in the sweet spot. You do it anyway. It's just a fly. Don't be a coward, throw it!

Blackberries cause arrival delays to favorite runs. Keeping an eye and ear out for bears adds to the ritual. The first one in the patch has the right of way. This can always be negotiated.

Grab some summertime before it's gone.

18,20,22, HUT!!

2011-08-15T16:39:00.000-04:00

Stocking of the Baetis box. Blue wings out and about these last few cloudy days. Both 16s and 18s. Great way to warm up for the smaller size due in late September through October. Stay tuned up for the fall.

We just did a half day trip that concentrated on presentation and drift. Great way to pick up some tips and fish. Find the time for this type of trip.

Learning new techniques makes you a better angler. Join the ten percent club. Membership dues require patience and observation. Evolve into the angler you want to be.

The Drift.

2011-08-13T21:24:00.000-04:00

"You can observe a lot by watching"

Yogi Berra

After spending many seasons watching client's dry fly presentations, we know when the drift is going to get eaten and when it's not. Season after season the rules never change. Rule number one is this: A good drift will keep your rod bent and net wet. End of story. Here are a few things we have found that are important in the dry game.

A clean line. When was the last time you cleaned your line? Can't remember? You're due, overdue. We clean our lines after every session. Especially after working a scummy eddy. A clean line will shoot and mend better. Stretching it before will help your accuracy.

Use the longest leader you can turn over well and accurate. If you can't control it, the leader is of no use to you. Fix it.

Learn the reach cast. Learn the reach cast. Learn the reach cast.

Fish to downstream rises with a slack line cast. Put the groceries in the lane.

Change your position to gain a better drift if possible.

FALSE CAST at a minimum! At least away from the riser.

Pick up away from your target. Farther than you think.

Dry fly fishing means just that. Dry. Be diligent about keeping your fly floating high.

The last step after refusals is a fly change. It usually comes down to the drift. Period.

Keep casts to a minimum. Continually casting over a rising trout after a three second drift not only produces squat, it infuriates most guides. Known as the law of diminishing returns. It's like when you have a fresh pizza on the table. That first piece will always be the best. After that the rest are just not as good as the first. To sum it up simply, when working a rising fish : MAKE YOUR FIRST CAST YOUR BEST CAST.

Slow down. Enjoy the process. Observe. Quiet the internal dialogue.

We've learned over the years what a well executed cast and drift can accomplish. We have also witnessed what all the other things can destroy. We love to make it happen for clients. Remember this is a skill dependent activity. The higher your skill, the better your outcome.

Dry Fly Addiction.

2011-08-11T05:18:00.004-04:00

This week has been one of the toughest of the season. One large river and two small streams produced due to lower than average summer water temps. Throwing dries worked on all. What I should really say is throwing really well worked on all. Good presentation skills are your most valuable tool in box right now. Not the fly. That's right. NOT THE FLY. It's all about the drift.

Dry patterns getting the job done include: Parachute Adams 14-20, BWO 16-18, Rusty Spinners Biot/ CDC 16-20, Translucent Spinner 16, Hares Ear Parachute 16, X2 Caddis 16-18 in tan, Lawson's Beetle 16, Beefus Midge 18, Yellow Sally CDC 16, Renegade 16.

Hatches are short lived. Yesterday's trip produced a fairly strong BWO hatch. Not thick, not thin. Steady. Cover those rises fast and well. Commit to making good presentations. How good? Good enough to catch fish good.

Important Guide Skills.

2011-08-09T21:01:00.000-04:00

I personally believe that obtaining a guide license without a field test is pretty much useless. To put it another way. Would you buy a finished bird dog without hunting over it? Didn't think so.

One "Field Test" that should be critical is the S'mores test. Fail this basic skill and you're back working at Camp Whine A Lot for the summer.

Enjoy a few this season.

Around The Corner.

2011-08-08T20:48:00.000-04:00

The autumn season will be here before you can say "Where did the summer go"? We are already prepared and psyched. The list for September is made and October is half done. Here is why we love the fall so much.

Baetis. Size 18-24 dry flies. Rising fish. Long leaders. Four weights. Nuff said.

Slate Drakes. Zug Bug nymphs. Size 12 Comparaduns.

Chucking streamers from the drift boat. Big dead cat size flies that do not get ignored.

The absolute best fall colors on the planet. Period.

Swinging wet flies with a spey rod.

Chasing salmon with gaudy streamer flies.

Bird hunts!

Mushroom hunts!!

Crisp mornings and cool evenings.

The last shot for many small streams until next season.

Limited autumn micro brews.

Unreal coloration of brookies and browns. The salmon are pretty cool also.

We plan on taking full advantage of the fall. It will go by fast. Too fast. It always does. It's like those perfect days where time has no bearing. Care to join us for a fall session or two? Bookings are filling for both months at a steady pace. Grab a date before the season ends.

Rewards.

2011-08-06T20:10:00.002-04:00

Sneaking up on small brookies has it's benefits. Like the three pictured above (sorry for the quality). You know when your moving at that quiet level and wearing the correct background color combo when you can get that close.

Throwing into the "dark side" of gorges gets the rod bent and cools you down at the same time. These places aren't easy to access but can give up some surprising large fish at times.

The walk out can be just as rewarding as the fishing. It may even take longer depending on how well the berry season is going.

Bait And Switch.

2011-08-04T20:31:00.005-04:00

I've been doing this since I was a kid. It's a great way to learn about drifts and feeding lanes. Hoppers are our preferred protein source. Due to their large size and leg movement, hoppers are easy to spot. Chuck'em above the suspicious lie and watch for the take.

Give them the switch with some high floating rubber leg concoction. It's always amazing how confident a hopper eating fish can be. Summertime shenanigans.

Small Rivers.

2011-08-03T20:36:00.001-04:00

Maine's smaller rivers are another option for us during the season. Cooler tributaries flowing into these smaller waters keep temps tolerable. So have the daily afternoon thundershowers. Flows are low this time of year. Although they can still hold a surprising number of salmonids. Fishing these smaller waters brings us back to a more simplified approach.

We tend to fish this type of water fairly fast. One to three good casts into fishy dwelling spots and move on. Discovering what's above that next boulder or slot is a big part of this game. That constant search. It's the hope that you'll find your next jewel.

Grab a three weight, a box of dries (heavy on the terrestrials) and pick a small river to add to the summer tick list. Explore.

Beetles.

2011-08-01T21:32:00.001-04:00

The most underutilized pattern in most dry boxes is the simple beetle. Some folks don't even carry any! We were like that at one time. Bank sippers on western waters like the Henry's Fork tuned us in real quick. Late July and August are prime beetle time here. Working under a tree line is great place to start. That occasional rise that happens when there is no visible hatch to be seen, screams beetle. Using a beetle on small streams right now can be very productive also.

There are no "gimmes" in the beetle game. These patterns need a perfect dead drift. You'll know it when you've achieved the it. Presentations should be quiet and in the delivery lane. Remember your first throw should be your best. The take can be very subtle, so be ready.

We use a small variety of patterns and sizes. The most used is the Lawson's Foam Beetle pattern. Others include Steeve's U.F.O., Japanese Beetle and the Fire Fly. Sizes 10-18. Foam seems a perfect material for float ability. Peacock for the body is hard to beat. Rubber legs occasionally.

Keeping sight of that low rider can prove trying at times. Use a pattern with a Hi Vis sight on the top for close work. We like to drop one off the back (sixteen inches) of a Parachute Adams, H&L Variant or such for easier tracking. Better yet have a buddy spot for you if possible. Great fun for all who play.

"He's coming." "SET"!!!

Blend.

2011-07-31T20:58:00.003-04:00

Ever wonder why rainbows are harder to spot then other trout? One of last weeks highlights. Blend baby blend.

DFO

2011-07-30T05:23:00.005-04:00

Dry Fly Only. No nymphing, no streamers. The occasional small dropper. Double dry rigs producing chases and hook ups. Conditions are still good with mornings and evenings prime time. Clarity is excellent. Hatches are at their weakest point for the season. Break the code quickly.

Caddis from 14-18. Tan was the big producer this week. Trailing a size eighteen black caddis off a larger one ( say a size 14-16) kept us in the game. Float both high.

A few BWOs in size eighteen showed up nearly every outing. The big mayfly pattern was the spinner. Sizes 12-20 in rust. Clear in 14-16. The White Fly soon!

Yellow Sally patterns getting smacked. The big attractors have taken a back seat for now. Ants, inch worms and beetles are very prevalent right now. Sizes 12-16. More on the beetle later on.

Don't forget the midge. Yes, they are small. Yes, it's difficult. Midging fish don't put up with shitty presentations, bad pick ups and fat tippet. Keep the color selection basic along with the patterns.

Pretty damn good week for July. Over the last four seasons this has become one of our favorite months to fish. Most sessions are dry fly trips, the waters are uncrowded and we even get a bit of "research" time. Muy importante.

Back Cast Blues.

2011-07-27T09:15:00.006-04:00

Reason number twelve to learn a few spey casts. Just one spey cast can elevate that above scenario. Keeping that fly away from the jungle behind you is good thing. Double handed casts transfer to one handed rods exceptionally well. Introduction spey lessons available. Save a fly. Use a spey cast.

Rangeley Boat.

2011-07-26T20:51:00.002-04:00

For those who know the Rangeley/Kennebago area of Maine one boat stands alone. That boat is the Rangeley boat. Seventeen feet long. Clean lines. Stable as they come. Designed in the mid eighteen hundreds, these boats are deemed classics by many.

A fellow guide has one for sale. If your interested in owning a bit of history, feel free in contacting us for more information. Dog not included.

Happy Hour.

2011-07-25T20:18:00.000-04:00

That time of year is here. The magic hour. Soft light and quiet rises. Long leaders and gentle presentations. The reach cast. Shake and Dry. Cripple caddis and spinners. 5X SuppleFlex. Four weights for still evenings and fives for the windy sessions. Quality headlamps. The "go to" secret beetle pattern. Micro dropper nymphs. Downstream deliveries. Water tension line sets. Short head hunting floats. That last fish at dark thirty.

This has been what's happening. It's still good. Rising fish every session. Staying for last call every night has it's rewards. Not like the last call of your youth. Although there were some times when it was worth it. First light can be pretty damn good also. Best option? Two sessions per day. One morning, one evening, same day. Big siesta midday. Works for us.

Back.

2011-07-23T20:48:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts. Hey it's summer. What did you expect? More text and photos later on. Stay cool, calm and collected.

Net Boy.

2011-07-16T05:26:00.001-04:00

Take a kid fishing this summer. They may get so good at it they'll even net their own fish. If your really nice they may even net yours.

July Goodness.

2011-07-15T20:55:00.000-04:00

Conditions are still good this week on a variety of waters we fish. Peak times are early mornings and late evenings. Though yesterday at the dreaded high noon mark we netted four fish within an hour. The most valuable tool in the arsenal is the stream thermometer. Or just wet wade. Small streams with canopy, altitude and smaller connecting cold tribs continue to fish well.

Dry Flies: Spent Spinner, Rust, Clear, 12-18. Woodchuck Caddis, 12. Foam Stone, Yellow, 8-10.

Nymphs: Kaufmann's Yellow Stone, 8-12. Czech Nymph, Olive, Hare's ear, 12-16. 20 Incher, 10-12. $3 Dips,16-18, Brown, Olive.

Wets: Orange & Partridge, 12-16.

Streamers: Zonkers, 4-8, White, Black, Olive. Hot fly this week. Slower, longer strip.

Those were the hot goodness for the big to medium size waters. For the smaller stuff, ants and beetles ruled. Don't think it's over because it's July. It's one of our favorite times of the season. Gin and tonic specials throughout the month! Get on it.

Sculpins.

2011-07-12T18:57:00.001-04:00

If you've fished with us before you know we are huge fans of large streamers. Sculpin patterns dominate the meat locker throughout the season. One question we are asked frequently is why are the flies so big. The other is why do we use so many color variations. Do about an hour of stream survey/collection and you will answer that question. These samples were taken in a sixteen inch deep, clear riffle. We worked a ten foot by ten foot square section.

Finding sculpins can be tricky. They are incredibly quick and perfectly camouflaged within the stream bottom. What they don't have is endurance. They will dart into rocks and crevices a short distance from where they have spooked. Watch closely and you will gain an idea of what your strip should mimic. If you can spot a bottom dwelling sculpin, spotting trout is easy.

Using patterns in tan, olive, rust and yellow in sizes 2-8 would cover all these very well. Zoo Cougars, Woolly Headed Sculpins and Butt Monkeys are go to streamer junk. Years ago we caught an enormous brown trout with a brook trout in it's throat. After that experience we began digging up info on large streamers. One great resource for us has been Kelly Galloup. His fly designs and techniques opened up our mind up to larger predatory fish. Our catch numbers dropped but our size numbers doubled. You can find more info on Kelly's flies and films at: Galloup's Slide Inn

While taking samples in this run we came across dozens of Golden Stones. They are migrating and hatching now in many moving waters. The Golden Stone pictured below is about a size 8. That looks like a great combo streamer/nymph rig doesn't it? I'll let you know.

Pocket Water.

2011-07-11T05:49:00.005-04:00

Golden Stones are still hatching and we are taking full advantage of it. How can you beat a combo of a short stout leader, a foamy rubber leg fly and willing fish? Fast takes. Faster than usual? It sure seams it when you miss one. Don't worry there are plenty of fish in that pocket water. If you cover it well, you will be rewarded.

Morning and evening sessions on the big to medium waters are in full order now. Smaller streams are fishing well all day. Especially those tight canopy covered waters that you ignore because they are tough to fish. Dry attractor patterns are ruling the small stream scene, followed closely by terrestrial patterns.

Grab some time and fish one of those small streams you've always wondered about now. Discovery is a huge part of this game. Somewhat overlooked in today's body count mentality. Just remember to stock the cooler with ice cold beer for the apres fishing session. It is summer after all.

Rubber Leg Junk.

2011-07-08T18:49:00.002-04:00

July can be the best large dry fly attractor time of the season. Chernobyls , Cat Pukes, Hopped Up Hoppers, Fat Alberts and Steroid Ants all get a look or grab. Golden Stones are bouncing on the water's surface and the fish are keyed into these large clumsy bugs. Throw some ants, beetles and crickets into the mix for a side dish. Seek out that heavy pocket water, shorten the leader length and high stick your way to a really quick take. Don't forget to twitch the junk once in awhile. Set!

Day Off.

2011-07-07T21:20:00.000-04:00

When to opportunity presents itself for some much needed river therapy I don't pass it up. I really wanted to throw big floating stonefly patterns. Which is what I did. What I really wanted was to throw big stonefly patterns and have fish actually eat them. While I had a few looks, the cold stick skunk was on. You know the routine. Change the fly, add a dropper or two, maybe some shot. One thing I won't do is indicator nymph now. I've watched that bobber enough for the time being. It was time to take a break and change techniques.

Rigged a five weight with an intermediate clear tip line. Added four feet of 2X fluorocarbon and tied on a size 2 olive wooly sculpin. Tie on eighteen inches of 2X to the bend of the sculpin. On went a size 2 yellow Zoo Cougar. This type of rig works very well out of the drift boat. It also works just as well wading.

With this type of fishing you need to have a big fish mentality. Since I wasn't doing squat in the morning I figured I may as well go big. We are NOT looking for fish in the sixteen and under range using this technique. We are looking for the Alpha Brown. After fishing a half mile long piece of river we found what we were looking for.

That was the only fish I caught all day. I'm alright with that. It was just what I was after. Recharged and stoked.

Karma.

2011-07-05T20:32:00.000-04:00

There are somethings some guides don't do. One is view other guides as allies rather than enemies. We want to see really good, professional, conscientious guides. It's good for both clients and guides as a whole. With that said, we have a list of some guides we recommend for trips we don't offer. We don't and won't offer small mouth bass fly fishing trips. Why? There are many reasons for that decision. The short answer is we already have our own room in hell. We don't need an addition.

Middle Androscoggin. Bob Dionne at Aardvark Outfitters and Bob Duport of Western Mountains Fly Fishing are two great guides that also happen to be excellent casting instructors.

Lower Kennebec. Eric Nielson of Kennebec Drifters Guide Service offers small mouth trips in the Waterville area. Check out a section of river that goes unnoticed.

Casco Bay, Eric Wallace. Looking for something different to do in the salt? How about something more challenging in the striper game? Coastal Fly Angler is the man. Actually he's the Captain.

Lower Androscoggin. Tyler Cote and Scott Overbey are complete fish nerds and they have the lower Andro dialed. These are two dudes that will never say "uncle" until you do. Give a shout at Wild River Angler.

So give the crew above some consideration for a non trout trip. Help us keep the trout areas a little dumber for us summer trout geeks.

Summer Options.

2011-07-02T04:40:00.008-04:00

There is a common misconception that fly fishing in Maine ends on June 30th. While we have past the peak of hatches and ideal conditions it is far from over. So what to do? Here's a list of what we offer for this month.

Half day wade trips. Early morning or late evening. Working in some of the best conditions of the day.

Full day small stream trips. Fishing two to three small streams during the day is a summer tradition. Grab a three weight and a box of dries.

Evening drift boat floats. A condition dependent trip (lightning).

Spey casting instruction. A informative introduction to basic two handed casts.

Casting instruction. Gain good skills early on.

Assisting clients with travel plans to other area guides and regions. More on that later.

Skill trips. Work on fishing skills to gain more insight on what it takes to become more successful.

Change your seasonal outlook and fly that freak flag this weekend. Enjoy the fourth, eat a hot dog, drink some barley pops and blow something up.

July Fest.

2011-07-01T20:23:00.000-04:00

This last week has marked the end of June with both a sigh of relief and regret. We are glad to slow down a bit, though we are going to miss the conditions of last month. Two drift boat floats, one wade trip, a spey casting introduction and a casting clinic rounded out the week. It's nice to offer options to clients and not work the same water/area all season long. That's the name of the game this month. Options. More on that later.

Here's this weeks menu selection. Caddis are out and about. Some Zebra/Alder flies about. The dreaded black caddis is prevalent right now. Small BWO's are out in one degree or another. Slate Drakes came out this week. Golden Stones out strong on sunny days. Yellow Sallies getting munched hard in certain rivers. Spinner falls in the evenings. Ants, beetles and cricket patterns are all working on the large and small rivers now. It's still a dry game for now. Don't let it pass you by. Throw in some new batteries for the headlamp, some new 5X tippet and dump the waders for shorts. Get out and enjoy summer fishing!

Fish Short.

2011-06-29T20:56:00.000-04:00

Water levels are dropping at this time of season and with it so should your approach. That skinny water on the edge of a riffle is a great place to prospect. Only ten inches deep? It's enough to cover a substantial fish. Stay out of the water and fish those skinny seams and edges well. We've picked up enough "Holy Crap! I never would have thought a fish that size would be there" bruisers over the seasons to remember that lesson. Get sneaky. Ninja sneaky. Fish catching sneaky.

The High Life.

2011-06-26T19:30:00.000-04:00

Summer! We really like this season both for guiding and playing. Things like: Caddis hatches in the evening. Exploring small tribs for native brookies. Day hikes to those small alpine ponds. Tailgate b.s. sessions. Riverside lunches. Headlamp trips back to the truck. Wiffle Ball! Wildflowers in full bloom. Deer and moose sightings. 5X. Secret swimming holes. Drakes and Alder Flies. Macanudos and Herradura apres events. Farmers markets. Wet wading. Spey casting for trout. Evening lightning seen on the going home commute. New 4 weights. Double taper floating lines. Early morning's first light.

Those are just a few things so far this summer for us. How about you? Make a list. It's going to fly by. Fill it.

Shameless promo announcement: We have no more openings this month, what we do have are some openings for July. Spinner falls, caddis, alder flies, drakes and bwo's will be the special of the day. The dry fly game is alive and well next month. Don't miss out.

Summer Days.

2011-06-23T20:02:00.008-04:00

Summer season has started. Wet wading is now standard. Days are long and evenings can be way fun. The dry is dominating the scene. Floatant, desiccant and chamois cloth are at the ready. As is 5x fluorocarbon. Cleaning and treating your floating line is a habit to obtain.

Hot flies this week included the following:

Dry Fly: Sulphur Comparadun, Yellow Sally CDC size 16, Ant, black and cinnamon 10-14, X Caddis and X2 Caddis, olive,tan 12-16. Black caddis size 18, Rusty Spinner 12-14. BWO parachute 18. Lawson's Beetle, black, 10-12. The beetle has been the go to pattern on smaller streams this past week.

Nymphs: Prince nymph 10-16, Yellow Stone 8-10, 20 Incher 10-12, Czech Caddis 12-16 in olive, cream and nuke green, $3 Dips 14-16.

Wets: Partridge and orange and green are top dogs.

Streamers: BIG sculpin patterns presented correctly from the drift boat are NOT being ignored. If your willing to put the work in, the fish are there. Not seeing the flash? Not getting the charge? Change your angle, strip or depth. Lazy ass casts followed by half hearted strips produce squat. Smaller rivers and streams are producing so well with a dry we didn't even open the streamer box.

It's time to grab your favorite presentation rod and crack the code. The top water game is a tough one. Go get better!

B&B.

2011-06-20T20:56:00.003-04:00

Today's daily double winner.

Changes.

2011-06-19T21:23:00.001-04:00

It was bound to happen. Hatches are a bit weaker, fish a little more educated and the water temps are on the rise. Caddis in the evening. Stones are inconsistent. Mayflies are still happening. Terrestrials are producing very well some days. Ant patterns to cover the occasional rise keeps you in the game. Large attractor patterns are getting hit, especially after the "twitch". Dropping a stonefly nymph off is always a good idea.

We site nymphed for a few browns last week. Pretty cool way to fish if you haven't tried it. Streamers from the boat are moving and catching some nice fish. The wet fly swing thing still getting it done. Wet wading this week. YAHOO! All said and done it's been a great month. It's not over yet. Far from it.

Over The Hump.

2011-06-16T18:58:00.003-04:00

It's the middle of June. We are half way through our trips for this month. Somethings we look forward to in June are the following: Happy clients. DFO dudes are really smiling. The raccoon look. Calluses are becoming thicker each day. A clean Buff. The reach cast for dries. Super clear water. Losing the chest highs and changing to pant waders. Using more floatant than split shot. Caddis in the evening. Cold beer in the cooler. The travel coffee on the morning commute and listening to the Sox on ride home. Tan lines. New goslings. B.S. sessions at the take out/put in. Picky surface slurpers.

Stoneflies are coming on stronger everyday. Yellow/Golden stones are producing looks and takes. Drop a nymph or two off that rubber leg concoction. Ramp up on the tippet size and shorten the over all length of the leader. Don't forget to twitch that puppy once and awhile.

Top patterns: Cat Puke, Chubby Chernobyl and the old standby Kauffmann's Stimulator. 6-12. Get on it before they wise up. Enjoy the rest of the spring.

Right Now.

2011-06-13T07:17:00.005-04:00

It's good. All good. Real good. How good? We haven't had to watch a bobber all day long good. It's been an option for clients. Most choose another method. Wet fly swing? Old school technique that can wreck a run. Dry/dropper. Super fun. Streamers from the drift boat. Oh yeah!
Break up your day and learn a new skill.

Here is the current "Hot Fly" list of past few days:

DRY FLIES: Parachutes/Comparaduns, 12-18, Adams, Olive and Purple. Yes purple. March Brown Comparadun, 10-12. Great fly on the smaller streams and rivers. X and X2 Caddis, 12-16, Olive, Tan, Brown and Gray. Rusty Spinner 12-18. Beetle , Black, 10-16.

NYMPHS: Prince,10-16. P.T. 12-18. Copper Johns, 14-18, Copper,Black. Kauffman's Golden Stone, 6-8. Brassie, 14-16.

WETS/SOFT HACKLES: Partridge and Orange, Olive, Pheasant, Hare's Ear, 12-16. March Brown Wet, 10-12.

STREAMERS: Wade Trips: Buggers, all sizes and colors. Lawson's Sculpin, 2, Olive. Float trips are a little different. If a client has the skill to cast a large fly or flies (average size is a two) combined with a stout leader and a sink tip moving BIG fish isn't a problem. It is a skill dependent technique. This isn't the relaxing down and across swing method. This is the " I'm a hunter and I'm looking for a predator" method. The cast and strip are fatiguing. Accuracy with your cast and the ability to read water are paramount. The rewards are seeing many fish chasing, following and attacking the fly. Yesterday was a streamer day. The streamer bite was on and we took full advantage of it.

There are two more openings left for this month. When they are gone, they aren't coming back. Carpe Diam. This weeks weather forecast will extend our season. July will still fish well. Especially the first few weeks. Remember last winter? It's coming back. Build a memory.

Sleeper.

2011-06-09T04:49:00.001-04:00

One highlight of our season is the diversity of water we guide on. Yesterday was a small river that flies under the radar for whatever reason. It has everything you would want as far as runs, hatches and access. The fish are a mix of browns and brook trout. Most come from a biannual stocking program. Holdover fish are present throughout the system. There are a few wild fish in the mix also. This is a great place to start for a novice angler.

After entering the river through a very lush fern patch, we were greeted by a few March Brown mayflies. March Browns are one of our favorite hatches and one that is easy to match. The rig held a March Brown Comparadun (size 10-12) as the lead fly. Behind that we rigged a dropper with either a Olsen's Guide Choice Hare's Ear or a Jacklin's March Brown in sizes 10-12. The nymphs cleaned house.

Watching for that flash under a dry is a fun and fast way to get new clients into fish without using the indicator rig. We are much more into teaching skills than racking up numbers. Though once you gain the skills your catch rate will increase. Not a bad thing to have happen.