+ Now equipped with Titan Rod Carriers
Δ No more automatic car washes
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The first of my 52 rivers a year ago was the same river. It was quite a bit colder last year, but with guide, Fred Gray, we caught more than my share of fish. It was then I learned about sight (or is it site?) fishing and not wasting my time casting blindly without knowing whether or not there was a fish to catch.
It was not until my fourth river that I had purchased my camera and lenses for the trip and so my photos for the first three rivers was not of high enough quality. I now find myself in the envious position of having to revisit those first three rivers.
January 19, 2014. As I’ve mentioned in the past, I’ve found it difficult to both fish and take photos and so I was determined that yesterday was going to be just about photography. However, as soon as I got riverside I had to at least make a few casts. I didn’t bring my waders so I was limited with what I could do, and that was a good thing. My photos did end up taking precedence.
I shouldn’t have been surprised to see the number of anglers in the river, but I was. With the Broncos playing today (HURRAY FOR THE BRONCOS!) I imagine the river was relatively empty today. It was wonderful to be back on the river. I don’t think I’m ever going to get them out of my blood.
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The Smith River in Montana was the 38th river on my itinerary. Had I been able to float this river, it would have been like a grand finale a few months early because it was a five-day river trip on one of the most beautiful rivers in Montana – and Montana has some pretty nice rivers. As it turns out, the drought made this river not fishable at the time I had scheduled.
I spoke with guide, Joe Sotherby (photo) and decided that I had no other choice but to postpone my trip until 2014. I was disappointed at the time but now that my year has ended – and oh so quickly – I now have something to look forward. And so in June, I get to try and match my trip with one of the Golden Stonefly hatches – a hatch I have yet to experience.
Many people ask me what it feels like to be at the end of my “epic” journey. I must say I have mixed feelings, but there’s always something to look forward to, new people to meet, new places to visit, and new aspects of a passion to discover. I’m excited about 2014. Looking forward to meeting up with you, Joe and company.
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I met Steve Schweitzer at the Denver Fly-Fishing Show two years ago. Steve is the author of Fly Fishing Rocky Mountain National Park, a great guide to the Park. Steve self-published his book and has passed on all his knowledge as I move forward with self-publishing my book.
I had a publisher who was interested in my book but after several conversations with several fly-fishing authors, I decided that I would lose too much control over my content. My story falls into several categories of writing – part travel log, part essay, part storytelling. Time will tell whether or not I can pull this off. In the end, what a luxury it is that I have the opportunity to try.
I need to thank Steve in large part for this chance.
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January 9, 2014. This beautiful piece of artwork by Josh Udesen was one among many at the Denver Fly Fishing show. Visit Josh’s website to find out more about Tight Line Studio. There were lots of other creative people at the show, from artists to fly-tyers.
When I first started planning my 52 rivers trip I envisioned myself in my camper every evening tying flies. As I developed my photography skills throughout the year, I ended up spending most of my evenings editing photographs instead. Fly-tying had to wait another year. What I love about tying flies is the fact that they can be both utilitarian and fanciful. You can take an old standard fly and make it as artistic as you want or vary it just a bit to comply with your fishing needs.
Some of the best fly-tyers come to the Denver Fly-Fishing Show. I’ve met quite a few fly-tyers through my friends Pat and Carol Oglesby who are intimately involved with the Pro Team at Whiting Farms, producer of some of the most valued dry hackle used for tying flies. Some of the fly-tyers included Steve Schweitzer, Tim Jacobs, Stephen Johnson, and Mary Armstrong. As soon as I finish writing my book, I am going to try to squeeze in time in between my fishing and photography to enjoy fly-tying.