On the way down

With the amazingly dry and mild November and December....the arrival of the new year has brought the real deal weather of the Northwest.  Much of January was lost due to high water conditions and "snopacalypes" 2012.  I tried in vain to get out on the water during the snow but, the common sense of fishing partners and loved ones persuaded me to stay home.  Fortunately with the help of good friend Thomas (Beachmen Tying) and some time on the vise.  My winter steelhead box's are stock full and ready for the guide season and fun fishing.  I also took the time to go to the sportsmans show in Puyallup, it has been some time since I have attended the show and really not much has changed.  It is always good to run into a few guide friends that you only see on the water as well as check out any of the new boats and gear that may have come out. 

I have noticed in the last few years quite a change in development of boats and materials and there are a few new boat makers on the block with some really neat and innovative designs and materials.  So as I listened to reps and sales folks of these new boats I began to wonder.....what is the future of the drift boat? 

Generally there are 3 main material types:  Wood, Fiber Glass and Aluminum.  I have through the years owned lots of drift boats made of all different types of materials.  I appreciate the history of wood boats, love the versatility of glass boats and the durability of aluminum boats.  I have searched high and low for the magic boat that rows great, has lots of room, and does all that I need.  I will admit that I haven't found one yet, but I can say that I have appreciated the different things that each type of boat was good at. 

So the question on the table is:  What is the best type of drift boat and why? 

Next on tap.....I will be out on the water guiding and fishing as soon as levels will allow.  I have been couped up far to long and ready to get back to work.

"Tebowing" for Steelhead

I am not sure if your a football fan....I am when I have the time but really prefer to go and fish and play outside.  But unless you have been buried in a hole, you have heard of Tim Tebow.  I am not sure how good he is, but I do like how hard he competes.  I don't mind his exhibits of faith and applaud his courage for being so open about it, and he has spawned "Tebowing"  

Good buddy and Fellow Guide Chris was caught in this act and immortalized in the "Tebow"

Tight lines

Gus

Let it Snow.....



Snow Day Buck



With the arrival of the first significant snow of the year in the coastal and low land areas....most river flow levels have pulled into the great shape.  I have always enjoyed fishing in the snow....it is amazing how bright the world seems and how quiet the world becomes.

With the arrival of the bad weather, only the most dedicated and hearty of anglers make their way to the river.  The lack of fishing traffic in concert with the beautiful view, makes this one of my favorite times to get out on the water.  The addition of this nice sized hatchery brat for dinner just adds to the day.

Fishing is currently steady....not great but definitely not bad and worth the effort if your ready and willing to brave the drive and the weather.  Some really important things to remember when heading out in these conditions....other than the super obvious (dressing warm) are things we have learned through trial and error through years of being on the water.....

• Cover your boat or raft during transport or it will be covered with road grime, if you dont have a cover...bring a bucket and brush to "wash and rinse" before getting started.
• Leave early and drive slow....nothings worse that crashing on the way to go fishing and destroying your boat also.
• If you have always wanted to be really tall:  walk in the snow in your felt wading boots and you will be NBA power forward height before you know it.  The new stream tread boots are cool just for this very thing.
• Remember a second hat and extra gloves.  Someone will forget to bring one and you will save their day by having them.
• Add silicone floatant to your guides.  This helps with icing up and casting in cold weather.
• Remember those cool little beach shovels we used as kids?  Keep one under the seat for removing accumulations of snow from seats and benches.  In a pinch you can cut a plastic water bottle for this very thing.
• Amber or Rose colored polarized glasses, to add depth and definition in flat light conditions.
• Remember to stack or hang your anchor rope out of any water on the floor of your boat....paying out frozen rope through a floor release system is awful and sometimes freezes in the assembly.

We have some days open this week as a result of the weather, so feel free to track us down if your interested in fishing.

Tight lines and Happy Fishing,

Gus

The Best Office View in the World



Best Office in the World....










After weeks of grinding along in low gin clear water, a much needed rain came through......and continued raining for days on end.  With the clearing Sky's and cool evening temps many rivers finally started to pull into shape late last week.  Like so many anglers in the state, we have been watching hydro-graphs and weather reports all week in the anticipation that  conditions will be good enough to get back to work.  There are only so many days on the vise before I end up a little stir crazy and need to get back to the water.

We were fortunate to have fair conditions and even experienced some down right beautiful days.  It is in these moments that I realize just how beautiful and amazing the view is when you have a chance to get out on the water. 

We covered long drifts and have a few fish to the fly that were willing to play.....in the fast paced world of instant feedback and gratification.  I always try to take a moment to appreciate each fish we are fortunate enough to hook and play.  So much of the discussion centered around fishing anymore is about numbers...."we only hooked three today" or "we went 2 for 5" is all I seem to hear.  Don't get me wrong, I love catching fish, if it were purely about the casting or just the act of fishing I don't know if I would still be interested.  But I still appreciate each and every fish to the fly, to hand, or the boat. 

Fishing over the coming weeks will continue to improve, hopefully we will be lucky enough to have some consistent weather as well....we have some open days in the remaining weeks of January if you or anyone else you may know is interested chasing some steel head around.