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News Magazine ~ March 2010
Dedicated to bringing people and fish together

Click here for a free subscription or to
read editions dating dack to 2003

~ Daily Fishing News & Commentary ~

IN THIS EDITION
FRA CLINIC PROGRAM FOR 2009/2010
FISH TALES ~ REEL NEWS ~ ANGLERS THAT CARE ~ TIPS & TECHNIQUES ~ FLY TYING ~ FRA GUIDE CORNER ~ THE DEEP END

  Win a C&F Designs large 12-row fly box!

Click here to take the quiz!

Phil Pinson has a pretty big smile while showing off this 7-pound Brown Trout taken in the Fiordlands area of New Zealand. "The fly was a 16 dark maroon hairs ear with a tungsten bead.   Biggest fish in my life thus far!"  

Mike Janeczkos sent us this picture of Larry Mann showing off a 44-inch Musky that he caught fly fishing on the day after Thanksgiving last year.  They were floating a river in Northern Wisconsin near Mike's cabin on Spider Lake, outside of Hayward.  Larry and his wife Wendy Williamson are the proprietors of the Hayward fly fishing company.  After Mike missed the first fish Larry didn't miss the second which took a Bleeding Flamingo which is 10-inches long and designed for Tarpon. "The fish pegged-out the Boga Grip but from the length/girth measurements it was pretty close to forty pounds."  

"The rivers were wide with low gradient and clear as gin. The fish were strong as was the wind on several days. Browns and Bows to 20-inches +.  As far as I can tell the 3 food groups in Argentina are red meat, cheese and pastry--a cardiologist dream"….Greg Nelson.  The Brown Trout Greg is showing off was taken on Chimehuin River.  It  is considered the first river that gave northern Patagonia its renowned trout fishing reputation.  The "Chime" has produced the largest landlocked brown trout in all of Patagonia. 

Vince Cherry passed along a picture of "Middle Tennessee Pigs" 

David Bristol took this cutbow on a early June trip to Island Park, Idaho.  "She hit hard and took several long runs without jumping.  We had no idea it was such a monster until we got her in the net.  After a short philosophical debate I let her go, moronically not taking measurements.  We estimated her over 15 pounds which is close to the Idaho state record of 17 pounds!  We fished for 5 days and it snowed on us every day, but what a great trip."

KEEP ON SENDING US YOUR PHOTOS & STORIES
click here to submit a photo

FRA Fish Porn Contest....Last Chance

Win a custom Bragging Rights illustration from artist Mike Savlen ready for framing (1st. place), a TFO TiCr fly rod of your choice (2nd. place), and any RIO fly line you might like (3rd. place).

Mike creates these new original paintings with digital brushes that are custom replicas of brushes he uses in his studio. These new paintings are created using his unique style and the techniques that have taken him forty years to perfect...click here for additional information

There are no restrictions other than the photo must include a fish (any species). The image file(s) (you may submit more than one) must be in a JPG or TIFF format and of good quality. The FRA staff will vote on the submissions and the winners will be announced in the April News Magazine. Entries must be received on or before March 15, 2010. Click here to attach your photo to an email.

The new issue has arrived and it includes some great photo's taken by John Sherman a professional photo journalist and Simms Rep covering the West Coast and adjacent states....click here

Simms Rep Sample Sale 30% OFF

Front Range Anglers is also happy to announce the Simms Rep Sample Sale, where we have 2010 products that are not yet available in stores, but we have them for you at 30% OFF!  See the full assortment of clothing here. 
Size Large Only.

New World Record on a Fly Rod

While fly fishing Brazil's Manapolis, Rio Preto da Eva, on October 22, 2009, Jorge Massulo de Aguiar, of Manaus Amazonas, Brazil, landed a speckled peacock bass (Cichla temensis) weighing 25 lb 2 oz on a 16 lb tippet. The current IGFA record is 19 lb 0 oz caught in Nov. 1992 from Venezuela's Rio Pasimoni.

Terrific New Book by Anders Halverson

Anders Halverson is an award-winning journalist with a Ph.D. in ecology from Yale University. He wrote An Entirely Synthetic Fish as a research associate at the University of Colorado's Center of the American West. He lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife and three sons.

We're not the only ones who think this book's a worthwhile read.

Click here to read the full review in the Washington Post

There is also an interesting interview with
Lewis Lapman on Bloomberg.com ... click here

45th annual Fly Fishing Fair and Conclave

The Federation of Fly Fishers will hold the 45th annual Fly Fishing Fair and Conclave on August 24-28th in West Yellowstone, MT. Each year hundreds of business help to make the event a success through sponsorships and in-kind donations. All proceeds from the Fly Fishing Fair help the FFF to educate thousands of youth, expand public awareness of fly fishing, and protect threatened waters for the benefit of future generations.
 
The FFF is seeking general sponsors, exhibitors, and auction donations for the 2010 event.

Sometimes the best way to preserve and protect rivers, streams and trout is by working at the Colorado General Assembly. A single piece of legislation - or even a bad amendment - can undo years of on-the-ground conservation work. Colorado Trout Unlimited's Jen Boulton works full-time during legislative sessions as an advocate for trout and as an educational resource for lawmakers, many of whom benefit from Jen's comprehensive knowledge of water law, stream biology and environmental regulations.  You can keep up to date on Colorado legislation than will impact water resources by clicking here and adding the link to your favorites.

Join CTU's Email Activist Network

Mark Lance grew up tossing poppers and plastic worms to farm pond bass across Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas. When his family moved to Colorado, trout became his passion followed closely by photography. Both of these interests have been merged together in the framework of his business, River Light Images.

"I am a freelance photographer and writer, traveling frequently to far corners of the fly fishing globe in search of fish, compelling imagery and a good story. My fly fishing images have been published widely across the fly fishing industry for advertising, product promotion and editorial use. I feel fortunate to have worked with many fine companies in the industry including Scott Fly Rods, Hyde Drift Boats, Hatch Outdoors, Patagonia, ExOfficio, Trout Unlimited, Reel Recovery, Southwest Fly Fishing, Fly Rod & Reel, American Angler, Gray's Sporting Journal, The Best of Kamchatka, Rio Azul Lodge, Stafford Creek Lodge and others."....Mark Lance 

 Here's a question to ponder.  Where is the first and most important point of contact between you and the fish?  That's right, it's the hook --  and good sharp hooks equal good hookups.

Today's hook manufacturers provide you with a very sharp hook right out of the package, but it's worth checking and they do get dull faster than you might think.  The standard method of checking is to gently draw the point of the hook across your fingernail.  If the point digs in and leaves a mark it is sharp.

There are lots of different hook sharpeners but my preference is the simple pen style diamond file (coated with industrial diamond dust to create millions of cutting edges) from EZE-LAP which can be had for a few dollars.

When you sharpen a hook you want to concentrate on the point because removing too much material from the sides weakens the point.  The objective is to achieve a triangle created by the sides and the bottom. This is accomplished by drawing the file across the barb towards the point with an equal number of strokes on each side.  Then make a few strokes on the bottom of the hook forming the triangle.

When in the in the field I use a pair of forceps or pliers to firmly grip the hook while sharpening.

Landon has perfected the art of sight fishing for trout. His strategies and techniques have worked time after time landing him and his clients many trophy trout. Listen in and learn about the method he uses.   More about Landon Mayer...

Click Here to ask Landon Mayer any questions you have about specialty casts and how to get your fly to the fish...

Tune in to the LIVE Show...
March 3 - 7:00 PM (MT)

Boulder Boat Works New Convertible River Taxi

For Simon Graham It's All About Pike 

No question about it.  Simon Graham's Pike fly-fishing blog is the most informative and comprehensive site on the web for pike fly fanatics.  How does a South African end up in Finland operating a pike fishing business?

After 25 years Simon returned to the UK where he was born in 1995.   It became his home base for a series of adventures around the world including Australia, New Zealand, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Russia and more.  While traveling through Scandinavia he was struck by the incredible pike habitat and fishing offered in Finland.  Undaunted by the need to leave his job and relocate, he enrolled in the International wilderness guide course held in Kuru and ultimately formed Baltic Pike Tours on Replot island.

What is so special about the area? "The most productive times generally for targeting pike on lakes with fly or by lure in Europe, The States & Canada would fall directly after spawning in May & June, slowly dropping off as pike move into deeper waters through the summer months. Picking up again as pike move back into shallower water to feed on shoaling fry as the water cools down through the autumn months of August & September. What makes the Baltic & especially around here in Replot so special, is that due to its high latitude and large water mass, water temperatures stay constant from the beginning of May to the end of September which allows for fantastic pike fishing throughout the season."

Among Simon's many talents is his ability to design artistic yet deadly fly patterns which fly tiers admire and fish can't resist.  Incorporated in this issue are two slide slide shows featuring these patterns.  For more pictures and information please visit his site.  If you have occasion to go to Finland you now know where to go!

Pike on the fly tours start the 1st of May and run until the the 15th October
 

Click on the picture at the left to see slide show #1

 Click on the picture to the right to see slide show #2

The Whisper Shrimp

Doug McKnight is one of theYellowstone Anglers Managers and a guide. By the time he was 15, Doug began tying flies commercially and started teaching others at 18. In the Fall of 2005, Umpqua Feather Merchants added Doug to their list of fly tying designers.

Doug's career has provided him with the chance to fish around the world, including: New Zealand, Chile, Alaska, Russia, Bahamas, Belize, Mexico, the Florida Keys as well as all over the Western and Northeastern United States.

RECIPE:
    •    Hook: Std. Saltwater #1/0-8
    •    Thread: UTC 140 color to suit
    •    Tail: Tan craft fur or Polar fiber, orange pearl crystal flash
    •    Antennae: Long strands of Black Pearl crystal flash, white spanflex colored with pink,
          tan sharpie markers
    •    Eyes: Shrimp/crab eyes
    •    Claws: Pair of rooster neck hackles
    •    Hackle: large rooster neck hackle for collar
    •    Body: Antron crystal chenille, tan

This video was provided by the Weekly Fly.....check out their site by clicking on the logo

Last Week Mark Rayman recently did a Flytying Clinic for us and he always has some great looking patterns for warmwater fishing.

Mark has spent better than 40 years fishing for just about anything that swims.  He’s been a guide, instructor, youth program coordinator, and active member of Colorado's St Vrain Trout Unlimited Chapter. 

Click on the pictures below for an enlargement

Talking about fly tying clinics, here's one of the dozen patterns that Al Ritt tied for us a few weeks ago.  This has got to be a great option when small yellow stones flies are about.  The wing is snowshoe rabbitt and the orange foam is open cell.  Note the clipped hackle on the the abdomen.

Front Range Anglers is in a position to make a limited time offer on Renzetti Vises.  The Presentation 2000, 3000 & 4000 Vises come with a Free Renzetti Tool Caddy.  With the purchase of a Master Vise get a Free pair of Renzetti Scissors.  The offer is good until March 15th so take advantage of this great deal. ...see the line-up.

My name is Wallace Westfeldt.  When I made money for a living I was in high-tech. But now, fortunately, I spend most of my time on lakes and rivers helping folks catch fish. I started fly-fishing in Colorado in 1960. I have been guiding and instructing for four years....Wallace

This month in Rags to Riches Wallace addresses the issue of rigging for winter fishing on Colorado's Big Thompson - Mall Road to Dam. 20cfs, Water temp: 38, naturals: midges: larva, pupa, emergers, adults ; #24 or smaller

Fly fishing guide and sculptor  John (JB) Bruning (Confluence Arts, LLC) lives and works in Longmont, Colorado. JB loves to take clients to the pristine streams and lakes in northeastern Rocky Mountains.

Fly fishing is much more to me than just catching fish, its the pursuit and the places where trout live that are most appealing to me...catching a trout is a bonus.  I'll leave the technical writing to those who do it better and I'll tell stories about my fly fishing experiences and observations over the past 48 years...JB

This month JB wrote Getting Started which talks about how and where his passion for fly fishing arose. 

This video was captured by a fly fisherman (wishful thinking) while observing a baitcaster on his favorite pond....it needs to be watched several times for full impact

"Hang on to this fish while I get my camera"

 "I told you these fish just take off when hooked"

"This fly works anywhere"

When you need a break, stop by the shop to talk fishing or to watch a clinic.