Walks with a Fly Rod

Wa Wa Sum

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 07:49:48 GMT

I was looking forward to this trip for a while. Mention LOG CABIN and you get my interest. Add HISTORIC and with good fly fishing , in front and I'm in like flies on ...well you know. I have to say... this did not disappoint. In fact, I'm putting my hand up RIGHT NOW for a repeat next year. (and every year) SIGN ME UP!! I knew this was going to be good...

First stop, Gates AuSable Lodge for some flies, tippet and what ever else I felt I had to have. I was also in for the latest scoop on the river conditions both for fishing and the legal battles. The AuSable "Holy Waters"...

... just down a few steps from our cabin, great women who love to fly fish, the smell of cedar and pine on the wind ... Yes, it was going to be good, BUT I didn't know it would be THIS good. Wa Wa Sum was magic from the very second I walked through the creaky old screen door.

When I walked in, there was some "Fishin' Music" playing , the smell of a wood fire burning in the fire place and an inviting sofa .

I sat there for a few minutes, quietly soaking in what I was feeling. I couldn't stop smiling. This was my version of heaven and I was still breathing!

When you walk out on the porch you see and hear the AuSable River below. The rocking chairs are all hand made bent willow and cherry. There were a couple of beds on the porch , too. If it was a little warmer I would have stayed there. As it was, it was freezing at night with heavy frost in the morning, high bright skies, stiff winds and low 50s during the day. Just to add to the off fishing, the clouds came in with some cold drizzly rain and snow was in the evening forecast. No fish showing on the surface this trip. This spring has been unusually cold. OR I should say it was like spring used to be when I was a kid... back in the 50's and 60s. It didn't help the fishing any, but who cares. This was heaven and I found it in Michigan , and nothing mattered but the moment.

This was another Flygirls of Michigan adventure. Kris was nice enough to invite me down to her place a day earlier. This was great because it saved me from having to get on the road at an ungodly hour to get to the cabin in time, which made the day much more enjoyable and relaxing. The border always throws surprises and as it was ,it took me two hours longer to get to Grayling because of border delays. Kris and Tina have a nice place in the bush not far from Kneff Lake. There are dozens of bird feeders, squirrel feeders (they get the cute little red ones) and a deer feeder. Kris and I sat at the table looking out the window over good conversation. There were Rose Breasted Grosbeaks ....dozens of them.

I rarely see them in my neck of Ontario. There were wild turkeys, nut hatches and other birds more common to me. The deer started showing up at dusk. The first one , a yearling button buck, limped in alone. It had been left behind by its usual group. It looked like it may have had a run in with a car. I heard a lot of coyotes later that night and I really wondered if the button buck would show up again the next day, or were the coyotes lucky. After it left , others came in to feed...and there were some interesting challenges for dominance between a doe, heavy with a fawn and a younger female around the feeder. "THANKS KRIS" for letting me share this!

The other women started arriving to the cabin not long after I did. I had time to explore , meet the new faces and get re acquainted with the familiar before starting in on our activities. We were going out to learn access points on the famous branches of the AuSable . I did the North Branch which was great because that was the one I had never spent time on before.

This is a group of eager anglers getting ready to take off on a float down the North Branch from Dam 4. These are Au Sable River Boats. I later found out, from Judy, at Fullers North Branch Outing Club, that this group of anglers was from London, Ontario. Fancy that...and I didn't know them???

Meal times were in the Dinning Room

Jewels of the river, After a day of checking out the river and doing some fishing, it was time to unwind and sit by the fire.

In the evening we had guest tiers come and share there knowledge and skills. Jerry Regan is known as the keeper of the Au Sable River patterns. He shared is knowledge of the traditional Michigan fly patterns and their history. Here is an article about Jerry.

http://michigansstreamsidejournal.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19

Followed the next night by Dennis Potter who talked about more current patterns and the benefits of synthetics like Z-Lon and foam. He's a very funny guy. Almost as funny as **Ian James. Sorry Dennis, I didn't get a live action photo of him. I felt like a little kid back in school again and was too afraid to take the shot and get scolded!! LOL. So I'll steal one from the Internet:

Press Photo/Cory Olsen
Here is an excellent and interesting piece on Dennis : http://www.mlive.com/grpress/slideshows/20080425-fly-tier/ I'm Looking forward to seeing you again on the Wakely Lake / Hex Weekend in a few weeks.

We also had a special treat:

Charlie Weaver is an Au Sable River Boat guide who also has another talent. He provided a couple of hours of soothing entertainment with a number of songs. You can find his CD here: http://www.chartingnature.com/books.cfm?book=B6881

Hey Charlie!! I think I caught you last summer on my camera. Check out this link and scroll down! http://flyfishingforums.hipwader.com/viewtopic.php?id=2704

Here are just a few more photos from a fantastic Flygirls adventure. I just wanted to say a special "THANK YOU" to camera shy Colleen Jenkins for all her efforts in putting this all together. I sure hope I see this one come again next year. I'm serious...Put me on the list!

Camp Wa Wa Sum

Camp Wa Wa Sum is a Michigan State University conference center and a research facility used by the departments of Fisheries and Wildlife and Forestry. It is located on the AuSable River, 6 miles east of Grayling. The name Wa Wa Sum means "plain view" in the Chippewa language and was given to the camp in 1905 by Chief David Shoppenagon, an AuSable River guide and outdoorsman. The first building was constructed of red pine and tamarack logs in 1897-98 by Rubin Babbit, an AuSable woodsman who later became Michigan's first wildlife officer.

The camp is used for Fisheries and forestry research . Non profit groups can use the site for educational purposes.

The river below the cabin. This is the Main Branch "Holy Waters" above the Whirlpool.

A frosty morning on the porch overlooking the river.

Telling stories under a watchful eye.

Back seat knitter!! BUSTED!!

All that outside air, at the end of a day, one tends to fade by the warm fire.

Bed sure looks good!

(click photos to see full size)
Thanks Again, Flygirls of Michigan, Kris Nichols, Jerry Regan , Dennis Potter, Charlie Weaver and Colleen Jenkins for making this a trip to remember forever.

Flygirls Spring Steelhead and Trout weekend on the Manistee

Tue, 06 May 2008 07:22:03 GMT

Spring has sprung. The grass has riz and the trout season is now officially open. I've been lax with my additions to this blog but what else is new. I was busy building a web site for our local fly fishing club over the past couple of months.

I can tell you that I've spent way too much time sitting on my heinie over the winter. It's not going unnoticed either, as everything hurts big time, after a weekend of fishing.

The outing was with the Flygirls of Michigan.

I joined up with them last this past winter. This is a great club. I highly recommend it. Click the logo for the link. I used to think, "Why would anyone need a women's fly fishing club". After all, the only difference between men and women fly anglers was how they answered natures call in the woods. Right? It took me a couple of years but I finally figured out why "I" needed a women's fly fishing club. If you want company on the river and to go on extended fishing trips, this answers that need. Lets face it...the guys won't be too eager to ask some aging married female along on a trip. Women are few and far between at the moment in this sport. Over time I'm sure this will change but too late for many of us. Its also a safe and welcome environment for those women who feel intimidated by walking into a club that is wall to wall men. That was my experience but I'm not easily intimidated. Besides...the men often fall over you to help get you started and the best part of that is that they tell you things they wouldn't tell their best buddies, like favourite fishing holes and the secret fry pattern.

So if you're looking to go fishing with other women this sort of thing is ideal and they offer great opportunities at really affordable prices for every skill level. It's too bad this group isn't in every state and province but that's not saying it won't be possible to start up something where you live. I'm sure you can find help from this group to get yours up and running.

So on with the trip! We were up in Wellston , Michigan this weekend, floating down the Manistee River, fishing for trout and steelhead. I wanted to take the opportunity to work on my streamer fishing and see if I could bring up a big brown trout. I also learned how to "chuck and duck" with a running line and pencil lead. It's not what I though of as fly fishing but it does come in handy in the type of water we were floating. The water is deep, the bottom uneven and the flow is fast! Chucking lead and lots of it, is the only way to get your fly to the bottom here. I'll be getting some running line for the fall! LOL

So your wondering how the fishing went. I raised a lot of browns...several large browns, too....and I hooked one beauty....but in the end I couldn't keep him out of the logs! D'uh!! It doesn't matter. It's just one less photo, but the thrill of seeing him hit that fly, feel that BIG tug and seeing him come jumping out of the water was enough for me. He sure was pretty!! My intent was to learn all I could about fishing streamers for trophy trout. I did just that and what fun it was, too. My thanks goes to our wonderful guide, Chris Martin out of Schmidt Outfitters. I love those BIG Galloup flies for sure!! I tied up a bunch of them over the winter and now they are going to get the fished out of them over the rest of the season. There is something about streamer fishing that is just as addictive as dry fly fishing, only more exiting.

I also had the privilege of having Ray Schmidt assist me with my fly casting. I'll take all the pointers I can get from this man. He is one of the very best and could tell me what others instructors could not, in a kind and constructive manner. I now know not only what needs fixing but he gave me what I needed to know so I could figure out how to fix it. I'll be working on it for sure, over the next several weeks.

Ray teaching some of the girls.

This link is a video of Ray teaching how to tie the STS Bugger !

This is my drift boat partner, Kelly, bringing in a spring steelhead with our guide, Chris at the net.

Some of the Fly Girls working hard for a trout.

After dinner discussion during an informal gathering of the Flygirls at Schmidt's Conference Centre.

The facilities are truly awesome. There's the fully equipped fly shop,

great advise, top notch guides, a casting pond, and sparkling clean lodgings to suite every need.

Most of the group stayed in these units. There are three different buildings within this well wooded area, containing several units. Your only minutes from great fishing too.

Some of us stayed down the road at Schmidt's Pine Creek lodge...

(Click photo for larger view)

It was a great place to end each day.

I hope to get back up this way again soon. Next stop!!! Wa Wa Sum. See you on the Au Sable!!

Haunted by Waters

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 05:01:31 GMT

If you haven't seen this movie, I dare you to not run out and get it after seeing this. This scene has to be one of the best moments in movies or in books. I get shivers and tears every time I hear it. Enjoy!

Drift Boat Fly Fishing 101 - Nymphs

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:42:12 GMT

With an upcoming drift boat trip with the Flygirls of Michigan, I found this video appropriate to share. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 17:20:21 GMT

"Dear Lord: Thank you for bringing me to Timmy's house and not to Michael Vick's -- AMEN!"

Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:33:16 GMT

Well, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. We've had our fair share of snow, rain, sleet, ice and more snow, so it looks like it's a white Christmas for us! WOO HOO! After the holidays, you can take that white sruff and ....well , you know. I don't ski, I fly fish.

The good thing is that the rivers are slowly starting to rise, and the flow is returhing. Too late for the Salmon run I'm affraid, but the Steelhead are moving up, just in time for the season close on the few "special regs" streams that we do have around here. That season closes December 31. There is still a little water available for the die hards but read your NEW Ontario regualations CAREFULLY!!! There have been soms changes that WILL effect you.

2008-2009 Ontario Fishing Regulations

Do us all a favor. Limit your catch, don't catch your limit! Practice Catch and Release. If you do choose to keep a steelhead from time to time, it's good practice to keep the "stockeis" or "coakers" as they are often called in the Huron Tribs. These are fish that have escaped fish farms or the odd stocked fish that wondered over from the Michigan side. the vast majority of steelhead in Ontario watess are wild stock. Harvesting "stockies" will assist in keeping their genes out of our Ontario wild stocks.

Have a look at this and then let the knobs in Ottawa know what you think: Pass it on!!

Every now and then something decent comes out of the CBC. Mark Critch of This Hour Has 22 Minutes dropped this F-bomb on the air the other night with good cause.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGi7Ns3fMhw
After you watch it you will find the accompanying petition at...
http://www.petitiononline.com/05142004/petition.html

With that, I will say to you all, HAPPINESS, WARMTH, HEALTH and PEACE, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Seasons Greetings, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukka , "Eid Saeed!" "Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair!" (a little late I know) , Happy Winter Solstice, Happy Yule...and TIGHT LINES always!!

Stark Contrast

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 16:33:51 GMT

This is usually my favorite time of year to be out fishing. This is usually when you can play with the big boys. Silver bullets. Salmon and Steelhead. It's 8 weight fly rod time. So why am I sitting here looking out the window and tying flies?
This is also the driest year in my memory. The local tributaries have all suffered, to the point that they are unfishable...or should I say, morally unfishable. Unfortunately there are a few loogans who still go for the easy pickings. That isn't fishing.
I can't lay claim to all of the photos in this post.

Maitland River below 21 Bridge Oct O7

You usually don't see the rocks at all, this time of year and the water there is thigh to chest deep.

Below is the Nine Mile River @ Port Albert October 07

Last year it looked like this:

Sadly, this is happening everywhere is Southern Ontario.

The unseasonably warm weather looks like it might now be behind us, but the rains are still light to none. The water table is down so far that I fear the rivers may not recover on time for this years fall - spring run.

Here I sit, tying flies...dreaming of the day the fish might be able to return to the rivers.

When links fail. ARRGGG!!

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:01:07 GMT

Sadly, my Audio intro to this page decided to pull the plug today. I was linked to an MP3 of the passage (I'm haunted by waters...) and it looks like they might have been taken down. I'm hoping it's just temporary...otherwise, if anyone has that sound bite from the movie (A River Runs Through It) I would love it if you could send it or the link to me. I'll give it a few days, then it's time to look for something else. sigh...

AuSable River (MI) Report. (Photo Heavy)

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 18:28:17 GMT

Mid September on the AuSable is a mixed bag. You just never know what your going to get. The first couple of days were cold with near freezing temps at night.   The water temps were 52F and fish hunkered down, not moving for anything. Then it was 80F days with warm nights and you were kicking the bag off and sleeping in a t shirt. The rains played tricks, too. This time of year you expect the odd deluge but instead, it was spotty mini showers for a day or so, then clear blue skies for several days. It's not what you want.   You give up on the idea of moving to campsites on the west side of the state, for the salmon run. It was too beautiful to leave the spot you were already in.

The coyotes were calling all over the place, owls hooting, and night herons squawking.   Squirrels were in a frenzy, dropping pine cones and acorns from the trees like a rain storm.    Buck whitetail's were showing full clean racks and heavy necks, ready for the rut. You could here the "bear dogs" hot on the trail hoping to tree that bear and the signal collars on the bird dogs moving in the brush nearby.   There was lots of orange moving in the forest.   Sometimes you would hear the crack of a shotgun. All I could think of was free fly tying materials with ever report. Then you have the ever present military manoeuvres. Constant gunfire from, 20 MM, 50 MM, big tank guns, rifles, fighter jets, helicopters overhead, preparing soldiers for a war far away. I was thinking of my son, waiting for his call and hoping it wasn't going to happen while we were away.

It's an interesting time to be above the thumb, but believe it or not...it is also the quiet time. The wind blowing through trees, blue jays chatting it up, like a gang of budgies and you...just you...the only ones in the whole campground and you have the river all to yourself.   The sound of aluminium canoes crashing into each other and scraping over rocks is gone.   The kids are back in school, and the fair weather cottagers have gone home. You still see the odd canoeist out there but they are more skilled and wiser about their place in the river and more respectful.

    You can hear the fall warblers moving through and the mice moving below the bracken and leaves trying to avoid the owls that hunt them.    The air has a crisp clean smell to it. The river itself is spotless and pristine.
The Anglers of the AuSable had their big Annual River Clean up, just a week or so previous...and what a difference that makes. What a dedicated group of people they are.
The water is low and gin clear.   The fish are starting to move into the middle of the river and are keying on ants and BWOs during the afternoon, Iso's at dusk and a big hatch of #12 Autumn Sedge when the smaller stars start showing. I’ll have to remember to have a couple of those for next year. Stimulators worked though.
When we arrived, the trees were still all green, but they starting changing to fall colours later in the week. It starts out, a tree here, an acre there, then before you know it, the whole forest is busting forth in color.   I wish I could have stayed another ten days to see it come to full color, but it was spectacular non the less.   It’s not just the trees that change. The brookies and brown trout put on their fall colors as well.     This is really the time to be there.

Fishing the AuSable is more challenging than fishing our annually stocked tail waters. These fish are wild. They are much more skittish and easier to put down. The water is clear and they take a long look at your fly, so presentation is everything.

Even the typically suicidal Brook Trout has seen everything go over his head and he’s much wearier then the brookies in our northern rivers and creeks.      I loved fishing for these guys. I don’t get that chance very often.
If you want brown trout, you have to be willing to loose flies, and fish in the hardest places. Typically you bounce your flies off the logs and over hangs and you keep moving, looking for players. If you want a crack at the bigger ones, you need to be willing to put in night duty and I would suggest a beefier rod than the typical day time 3wt. You can have surpises though. One afternoon, I was fishing this section,

for brookies. I was watching as one came up, looking intently at my fly and just in the process of taking it, when I saw a big wake moving in like an F-118 Stealth Fighter Jet. The brookie had taken the fly, the 20+ inch brown had taken the brookie...and I ended up with ZIP! No fish, no fly...just a stupid look on my face. "What the ...."
Oh well...the fishing only picked up after that.

I also had a big surprise on my last day fishing.   I was bouncing small steamers and ants off the logs that afternoon, on a new piece of water. The goal that day was to just learn a couple of sections of new water.   A couple of anglers in kayaks said they saw three 18 in. browns come out from under a big log jam when a beaver went under there and disturbed them. I’m still trying to learn where to look and so I waited until after the paddlers were on there way.   I decided to pop a few casts off those logs in the hopes that one might come out.   On the third cast four fish came out…and what a surprise!   Two were around 18 inches. One was a good 23 inch female and then the BIG HOG!   It had to be at LEAST 26 inches (closer to 30), in full dark fall color and sporting a big kipe (sp). It was as big as any steelhead I’ve ever caught. They all came out and settled to the bottom of the river, right in front of me.   My husband had been watching. He said, “What are you going to do now?” I looked at my 3wt rod, then back at THE fish and said, “Nothing!” “I need a bigger stick!!”   So we just watched them. That was enough to make my day. The thrill was finding them.   If I only knew about them a day earlier, I could have made plans to go back…but I WILL remember that spot for next year and have a bigger rod, a bigger net and stronger tippet ready, and if all I do is get something like that to come up and look at my fly…I’ll be happy!!

AuSable River (MI) Report. (Photo Heavy) / Fly Fishing Forums & Fly Tying Discussion Message Board

Au Sable River Michigan

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 20:36:40 GMT

I read a number of fly fishing blogs and websites when the fishing isn't happening. When I find things that I think might be of intest to those who might trip onto my blog, I post it here.

This time I was tasked to do a report on my fishing trip to the Au Sable River in Michigan. I could re write it and post it here but in the interest of saving time and air space, I'll just post the link to the report here.

A Trip to Michigan's Au Sable River

Here are a couple of photos, just to get you interested. The link is photo heavy so don't click on it if you are using a phone modem, unless you want to wait a very long time.

Kids and Fly Fishing

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:30:42 GMT

I have to admit that I have been more than delinquent about updating this blog site. I've been kept busy with keeping the forum on Hipwader.com moving along, and of course I've been getting out on the rivers and ponds, fishing. Life is tough.

I'm now trying to update this and at the same time, I'm learning how to use the new Windows Live Writer program, so bare with me. This could go well or I could be throwing my coffee at the screen very shortly.

I took my grandson, Ben out for a little fishing at a local pond the other day. It's not his first time. Here he is with his first bass on a fly rod. We like to go for blue gills but they were in hiding that day.

If I can do anything here, it's to encourage you to take a kid out fishing. The earlier the better, if you want them to fall in love with this activity. My regret as a mother was that I didn't do this for my own kids until it was too late. They were already absorbed in computer games, t.v. and other activities, like interest in the opposite sex.

Ben is 18 months old here. It's not to early to start letting them get a taste. I don't let him cast the fly rod yet. Just dapping a fly on the water works for him and keeps him happy. It also keeps him sitting. He can see the fish come up and take the fly and he finds that exiting. I keep a hand on the rod (and him) for the time being. I may just put a tether on the rod soon but you need to do something like that at this stage, just in case they want to play scientist and see if fly rods float.

He spends a lot of time throwing stones, looking at bugs, turtles, geese, ducks and anything else that might pass by. If you take your little one fishing, don't expect a peaceful afternoon catching your own fish. This is a good lesson in guiding. You will be changing flies, untangling line, playing line backer keeping the kid from going for an unexpected swim, playing with goose poo, or away from other dangers.

Keep these outings short. Leave before they get bored, so they will be eager to go, the next time you think you want to try it. Ben sees me now and the first thing he says, is "go car. go ffffisssshing, go weeeee weeee" (there is a swing set at the pond, lol)

I use a 6ft 2wt rod with Ben. It's small enough he can handle it and it fine for the fish he's going to catch with it. If your little one is ready for a little more independence, you can build a small rod that will work from scraps or purchase a cheap rod kit. I built this rod for under $50. You can find kits even cheaper and you don't have to get fancy like I did.

The reel can be the cheapest used reel you can find. The fly line can be cut from an old line you no longer need. They only need a few yards with some backing (just in case) for the first little while. Casting should be kept fun and simple and only with a piece of wool for a while. Roll casting is fine for the time being. Especially if there is a hook involved. Make them wear eye protection anytime they cast a rod. Think of it as safety gear, like a life jacket. Sunglasses work great but get one of those strings that go around the neck so when they flip the glasses off (and they will) they won't end up at the bottom of the lake.

Give them opportunity and make it fun.

Kids get the hang of casting far easier and better than you would expect. This little guy wanted to get into the distance casting contest we adults were having at Gates AuSable Lodge a couple of weeks ago. With a couple of short lessons he was double hauling with the best of them. If you little one doesn't get it...DON'T get frustrated....just go on to something else and make it FUN!! You want them to love it...and not think of it as a piano lesson or a math test.

Oh...one more thing...you might not want to let them play with your favorite fishing hat. You might not get it back.

Still Here!

Sat, 09 Dec 2006 14:23:57 GMT

This is going to be quick. I just wanted to make sure that you didn't think I got stuck on a riverbank somewhere. I'm still here, but I just haven't had the time to devote to this space that I would like. After all, this is Steelhead season. For the time being, you can read a lot of my dibble on http://www.hipwader.com where I try to answer questions related to fly fishing and fly tying.

So until I can get back to this space, my wish for you is a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season, and tight lines!!

What I Did for Summer Vacation.

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 04:59:48 GMT

I noticed that it's been a long time since I've had any input to this little blog space. The reason is that I just didn’t have anything worthy of reporting, at least in the angling department. I was busy with a little remodeling for starters. What I have discovered is that its one of those things that you start and there is no end to it. It's fun, it's a pain, it's frustrating and it’s satisfying. That took up a good portion of the summer (and upcoming fall, winter…spring). It also took up a good portion of my fishing time.

The other thing that robbed me of my precious river time was injuries. I was having a good day on the river in early July when I decided to check out some new water. I didn't have my wading stick with me that day. Big mistake…no, HUGE mistake. (Consider a wading staff as mandatory safety gear!) The algae was blooming in full force, turning the limestone slabs and rocks as slick as puppy poo. I'm a nervous wader at best but instead of moving down river a few miles to find better footing, I opted to take a chance. D'uh!! I was making my way back when my feet shot out from under me and I came crashing down hard on some rocks in the shallows. It’s funny how you have all this time during a split second fall to make several critical decisions before the final touch down. I was thinking (out loud) "OH S**T!" and at the same time I was thinking about the rod in my hand. MY ROD!!! My first custom hand built rod. The one I spent hours building. The rod with the irreplaceable blank. The rod that had no warranty against Sasquatches stepping on it. OH NO!! So with that in my brain, I thought, "SAVE THE ROD!!" without thinking about myself. I saved the rod. The fall hurt like hell but I got up, brushed the muck and slime off and continued on my way...a lot slower. This is one big disadvantage of fishing alone. It’s not recommended but solitude is grand, isn’t it? If you or I was really hurt, there's no one around to get you out of trouble. These are things you should think about before taking that long stroll into parts of the river that fish are and people aren't.

Anyway, I really didn't notice that I was any more sore than I usually am after a tumble and a day on the river. I'm getting older. I expect a certain level of pain as validation that I'm still breathing. I continued to fish until a big thunderstorm chased me out of the water. Waving a graphite rod when the sky is lighting up is just asking to be added to the Darwin Awards List.

Over the course of a week, I noticed that my neck, shoulder and chest were hurting and the muscles were cramping up. It was cutting into the painting and nail pounding in a big way. It got worse each day until one day I was more or less rolling on the couch imitating the sounds of a woman in childbirth. My hands wondered up to my clavicle where is joins the sternum and I noticed to my horror that it was not any were close to where it was suppose to be. WTF?! Time to see the doc. It turns out that the fall a couple of weeks earlier, separated my clavicle from the sternum, a dislocated joint of sorts. It's a waiting game to see if it will heal…with a promise that it will probably never be the same…IF it does heal. Twelve weeks later, I can say it's felling better now, but it's still not where it’s suppose to be. I can cast my fly rod, so I can live with that. A few weeks after the doc visit, I was packing up to go fishing for a couple of days. I could cast a little at this point and as long as I didn't fall, it would be OK. I told myself. I know...I'm asking for it. I had just put the last of the gear into the SUV when the elderly neighbor across the road came over. She asked if I was afraid of frogs. If you know me, you know that is a silly question....and it raised chuckles.
I told her, "no" so she wanted to know if I would come over and rescue a frog from her window well. "No problem!" I said.
It's a deep well, lined with concrete. I put on my "cheaters" (magnifiers) before descending to aid in my finding the frog at close range. DUMB MISTAKE. I do that a lot!! So I miss judged my next step and fell in the hole....at the same time, thinking about that clavicle. OH NO! ... Must...save... the clavicle!! I turned and took the full force of the fall on the concrete edge, across my back, kidney level. Talk about HURT!!!!!!!!!!! HOLY....... I knew I just scared the hell out of the neighbor. I KNOW I scared the hell out of myself!! So I covered up my pain and pretended to get on with the frog hunt. All I could see was a black void filled with stars as beads of sweat started to break out all over my body. If there was a frog down there, he found his own way out before I hit the dirt. The neighbor was sure the frog had to be there. I asked her to check my backside, just to make sure it wasn't wallpapered to my butt. It wasn't. WHEW! That would not have been a pretty scene. So I managed to get myself back to my house trying to look uninjured for her sake. When I got inside, I told my other half I needed a ride to the ER. NOW! Hours later, high on morphine and well armed with “perks” I was sent home with nothing broken but badly bruised, scraped and a promise that I would not be wanting to go anywhere for a few weeks. That was my summer. It's now nearing the end of September and I can move, cast my rod and fish. It’s now raining cats and dogs. The rivers are blown. The trout season ends in ten days. Talk about bad timing.

Deb

"There's more B.S. in fly fishing than there is in a Kansas feedlot." Lefty Kreh

Fly Fishing the Gunnison with Joe Humphrey

Fri, 01 Sep 2006 21:32:43 GMT

Another great internet find!! Here is a nice 20 minutle long video for those Joe Humphrey fans out there. I'm one of them.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4865579622621005075&q=Fly+fishing+the+Gunnison

Enjoy.

It's HOT out and a treat for the fly tier!!

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 00:10:42 GMT

It's been hot out. Record breaking hot out. Add to that our dreaded Great Lakes Region Humidity and it's beginning to make Australian summers appealing. It's been so hot, I don't even want to go fishing. Now that's getting ugly!!

Add to that a seperated clavical and it starts to add up to a crappy July/Aug. It's slowed me down a lot.

I've been working on that paint job for the last few weeks. It took me a while to settle on color. I finally got one we could all agree to. It's a sponge glaze. Creamy white with a yellowish tint ...it's called Whicker Basket (Ralph Loren) with Walnut Glaze (sponged on). It looks like Parchment now that it's done. It really sets off the pictures and other touches. I ripped out all of the molding and put in new molding. It is a typical Victorian look now. The molding is painted Cottage Green. (Ralph Loren) I still have some electical upgrading and some plaster repair I have to get at but the whole thing is shaping up nicely.

I'll throw on a photo or three when the new digital camera arrives.

This entry's treat is for the fly tier. You'll LOVE this!!

This is a link to the Washinton State University Public Television network page. From here you can download "Fly Tying, the Anglers Art" program series. It is an online gold mine for the fly tier or anyone interested in giving fly tying a try.

It is best if you have a high speed connection, otherwise plan on DLing the shows while you sleep. You will need to DL their P2P program first. This will be offered automaticly when you click on your first show to DL. It's easy and it's safe.

Each show is 30 minutes in length and there are 50 shows so that will give you a lot of viewing over the long winter. You will love them.

http://kwsu.org/Offers/OMNFlyTying.aspx

Love those Fly Fish Podcasts...here is a new one!!!

Sat, 01 Jul 2006 16:51:23 GMT

I feel like I'm neglecting the blog, but I've been busy. New windows in two rooms and now doing the prep work for a paint job.   The hardest part, next to the prep...is picking the colors.

I took a few days off and when fishing on the Grand River (Ontario) for browns and can say I did pretty darn well.   I still haven't broken through that 20 inch marker but I'm getting closer. I did get several fish in the over 16 inch catagory with one being 19 inches.   The frustrating part was that one of the kids "borrowed" my camera without asking so I did not have it along this time. Too bad too.   I had some pretty good photo ops. It was also the Canadian National Fly Fishing Championships that weekend.

I found another great NEW site and this one is a Fly Fishing Podcast. Great listing while at the computer or if you are lucky enough to have an Ipod you can download the braodcast for listening anywhere you want.    The future lineup of guests looks very exiting.

http://www.askaboutflyfishing.com/index.cfm

Let them know what you think and tell them you heard about it from me!!

Another Fly Fishing Site you just have to bookmark.

Sun, 04 Jun 2006 17:54:15 GMT

It's one of those days. The second day in what is commonly refered to as a "three day blow". It's the day after the thunderstorms and rain, where it's partly clouder, cooler and almost a beautiful day...but the rivers are blown and the fish are holding while it's too cool to produce those hatches that some fly fishers like to chase. So on those days, I should be tying flies, updating this blog, ripping out shelves, stripping wall paper etc...

SO I'm a procrastinator!

What am I doing??

This surfing the net thing should be outlawed for people with ADD.

All that aside, I found another great fly fishing site with lots of beautiful photos, great articles, video casting lessons and pod casts. So here you go and have fun chewing up a perfectly good afternoon:

http://www.itinerantangler.com/

New arrivals!

Fri, 26 May 2006 14:13:56 GMT

Somewhere in our yard is a very good hiding spot, because every year we get to see these little cuties on there first swim!!

Winter is over! Bring on the fish!!

Fri, 19 May 2006 19:48:05 GMT

The long silence is finally broken. It's trout season now so I don't get to this space very often.

The season started slow but it's picking up now.

My first outing was on May 2, a beauty of a float trip down the Maitland River, a tributary on the eastern shoreline of Lake Huron (Ontario Canada). I did this trip on the same river last year at this time but we chose to do a different section of water. This year was not as lucky but it was still a wonderful day. The spring came early this year, to this part of the country, causeing the river to warm more quickly than usual AND we had no rain in the month previous to the float so the water was very low and gin clear. Put this all together and a good steelhead outing it does not make.

Our trip was with Flyf Fitters giude, Mike Vehouf. (http://www.flyfitters.ca) This guy really knows his stuff and he works his butt off to give you a trip to remember. He's also relaxed and very friendly. You feel like you've known him forever. The scenery is just breathtaking on this river. You would have no idea you were in Southern Ontario if someone just dropped you in there. This feels like a Western river all the way. It sports a good run of spring and fall steelhead and in the warmer months you will find monster size smallmouth bass fishing at it's finest.

Along on the trip was my friend Jeanette. This trip is a bonus for anyone who has difficulties with mobility. It gets you into places no one can't walk to and it gives oppertunities to those who can't make the climb down steep rocky riverbanks, to access the best spots on the river.

I didn't get the trophy photo this trip but I did get a lot of locations stamped into my GPS so I can revisit the most interesting spots when the salmon and steelhead start there fall run. I can't wait.

Thanks Mike, for literally dragging us around on this great river.

Remember: Don't catch your limit...Limit your catch.

WHAT IS THAT SONG???

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 00:52:42 GMT

OK! I've been asked on a regular basis about my Blog Into song....the one you hear if you log in with Explorer and have your speakers on.

I guess I'm not the only one who has that as their all time favorite song. So...what is it? Well obviously it's Somewhere Over the Rainbow...but that isn't Dorothy (Judy Garland) singing it. This version is a medly of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What A Wonderful World" and was sung and recorded by Isreal "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole. (Knick named the "Gentle Giant" by the Hawaiin people)

Known for his Budda stature and his silky voice, he was a popular singer in Hawaii unitil his death, at the age of 38, June 1997. This song was released on his a'Facing Future" album in 1993. The song has been included in the end of many movies including Finding Forester, Meet Joe Black, 50 First Dates and the 2002 season finale of ER. He was one of the few pure blooded Native Hawiians in the world.

My only regret is I can't play the whole song on this web site becuase of copy right infringments ....so I've done the best I can do. If you love this song, I've given you the info you need to find it.

Photo Album: Blog Images

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 17:26:09 GMT

Blog Images

More Photos...

Photo Album: River Theme

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 20:37:47 GMT

River Theme

Stephan Bridge

Keystone evening

Holy hell2

Small creek colors

September on the Maitland

December mist

Cascades on the Grand

AuSable morning1

Spring fishing on the Maitland

Guides Rest4d

More Photos...

Photo Album: Fishin'

Sat, 01 Jul 2006 17:20:24 GMT

Fishin'

Adamsfirsfly1

deb and walley

Who says you can't get Walleye on the fly?

Float fishing the Maitland with Jeanette and Flyfitters

Steelhead on!! Maitland River Ontario

A Grand River Brown (Ontario)

Another nice Grand River Brown.

Playing steel! (Maitland River Ontario)

My FIRST landed Steelehead...Maitland River Ontario.

Going back

More Photos...