tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74391502392330850352024-03-05T03:46:18.073-07:00111° WESTWill Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-66065902720658413602015-01-01T09:29:00.000-07:002015-06-24T08:04:40.574-06:00Gone FishingThe analytics tell the story: even the few die-hard followers of this blog have now given up hope of a resurgence of content. And rightly so, it's been several months since my last post. The once steady stream of content that I've shared since 2009 has slowed to a trickle over the past couple of years.<br />
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I've come to a point in life where I've gained a bit of perspective. My priorities have shifted substantially. 2014 was a big year of firsts in my world - I became a husband, a homeowner, and an expecting father.<br />
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This will be my last post on 111<b style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">° </b>West. The blog served its purpose for many years, providing an unbridled outlet for my writing and photography and serving as a portfolio of sorts to showcase my work to editors, potential employers, and etc. The blog made its debut in October of 2009, and over the following six years I managed to crank out 149 posts. At the blog's peak I was consistently sharing content on a bi-weekly basis. While my Mom may have been my most loyal reader, she wasn't the only one - the all-time stats include 95,081 page views and 16,823 visitors.<br />
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I enjoyed sharing content freely through this blog, but I will now be focusing my time and effort on more lucrative media outlets. Print is not dead, and you'll find my work in quality publications such as <i>Montana Outdoors, Big Sky Journal, Northwest Fly Fishing, The Drake, </i>and<i> The Flyfish Journal</i>, among others.<br />
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You can also find my recent work at: <a href="http://www.willjordanphoto.com/" target="_blank">www.willjordanphoto.com</a>, or on my fishing-centric <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jwilliamjordan" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/will.jordan/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> feeds.<br />
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All the Best,<br />
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Will Jordan<br />
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-34602498718124428422014-06-20T07:50:00.000-06:002014-06-20T10:13:57.626-06:00Making It Happen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What makes a good guide? In my mind the best guides have a number of characteristics and qualities: experience, knowledge, patience, great communication, an ability to work with and teach clients of all skill levels, and an overwhelming desire to get clients into fish, no matter what.</div>
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I know a lot of guides, but only a handful with all of these qualities, my good friend Matt Ruuhela is one of them. He's one of the fishiest guys I know and it's been great seeing him do well as a fly-fishing guide. During his first season of guiding, I remember him mentioning that the biggest challenge was not in helping people catch fish, but in <i>making</i> them catch fish. I understood completely. Making it happen day in and day out, regardless of river conditions, weather, fishing pressure, physical limitations of clients, etc. is very challenging. </div>
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Matt has certainly been making it happen for his clients lately, despite runoff conditions. Over the past month I've been amazed by both the number of fish and the size of fish that he has reported his clients having caught. In particular there was a 24-inch brown from the Gallatin River, and a 28-inch brown from the upper Madison River - incredible fish anywhere, but particularly so on these rivers. </div>
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Matt is based out of Big Sky, MT and specializes in walk-wade trips on the upper reaches of both the Gallatin River and Madison River. If you're in the market for a guide in this area, I'd highly recommend seeing if Matt is available - he can be booked through <a href="http://wildtroutoutfitters.com/" target="_blank">Wild Trout Outfitters</a>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmc5yN_4_7GUK24PZ02lCFcaqooy5AjWsSVeSMxcvm-YSqhdTJPX_23sNpQs_bbU0A6oBUEXF8SuYbMnf4wP7qwYVKoOlg0VkB4qg1yjFnZZuEk9M_adq4CfhiyHzJLwfUeBBN_ZBTww/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmc5yN_4_7GUK24PZ02lCFcaqooy5AjWsSVeSMxcvm-YSqhdTJPX_23sNpQs_bbU0A6oBUEXF8SuYbMnf4wP7qwYVKoOlg0VkB4qg1yjFnZZuEk9M_adq4CfhiyHzJLwfUeBBN_ZBTww/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two "never-evers" and a very rare two-foot Gallatin brown.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQjkKBd9U3JzUXyjHHJR4ptEV6af9vdvLvPAZ7tIgy_kAJl6sogU37Zf7gOyrlCIJ0p2vtvKhWlNR4ynIK81ZmV_WvgR1PZ4FUDP-uGaJjb3h1XMCdTKylprqblQ-RHlWbfsYvBVkslY/s1600/IMG_0551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQjkKBd9U3JzUXyjHHJR4ptEV6af9vdvLvPAZ7tIgy_kAJl6sogU37Zf7gOyrlCIJ0p2vtvKhWlNR4ynIK81ZmV_WvgR1PZ4FUDP-uGaJjb3h1XMCdTKylprqblQ-RHlWbfsYvBVkslY/s1600/IMG_0551.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stoked! A young man with a great catch on the upper Madison.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJq3Ym7xrKkXnnGDLrsDpsu0SaX8KVDU5NdwFeYpyBO8cLwMuL4ZJFJAN0WWWdKiVVhqkv-08e22WDjw63nBRIgSz1gdquozX1sHE58ytncyKvOtmoPbdZ-nJg2CSwyiYQ7qy7pkhzQA/s1600/IMG950552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJq3Ym7xrKkXnnGDLrsDpsu0SaX8KVDU5NdwFeYpyBO8cLwMuL4ZJFJAN0WWWdKiVVhqkv-08e22WDjw63nBRIgSz1gdquozX1sHE58ytncyKvOtmoPbdZ-nJg2CSwyiYQ7qy7pkhzQA/s1600/IMG950552.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo does the fish more justice, it was taped at 28"!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">All photos courtesy of Matt Ruuhela</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-60810050876033763112014-05-06T10:40:00.000-06:002014-05-07T10:30:18.733-06:00No ServiceComfort and convenience permeate every area
of our lives. Communication is instantaneous and a response always urgent.
Information is at our fingertips, any topic, anytime – on demand. Fortunately
there are still places where things aren't so easy. Places where hard work and
experience trump search engines, where help isn't a phone call away, and where things are a little rough around the edges.
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Last week a buddy and I traveled to such a
place in rural Montana. A place that a Google search reveals little about. We
were there to fish, and perhaps to disconnect for a few days. This was my
second trip to the far-flung fishery and it was every bit as challenging as the
first. We had brutal weather the entire time, the roads were rough, and the
fishing was slow. But that is what I've come to expect from the place, and I wouldn't want it any other way – albeit less wind would have been nice. It’s
not a river where you can expect to rack up 50 fish days, or even 20 fish days
for that matter. A few trout to hand is a good day, and with a little luck one of
those will be the type that isn't soon forgotten. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catch of the day.</td></tr>
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The river is typically deserted. If you do
run into other anglers, they’re generally the type that you’d be happy to share
a campfire with. There are a couple of over-eager guides that bring clients to
the river, but most guides are wise enough to keep the place for themselves.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not another person or a paved road for miles.</td></tr>
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There are no fly shops, no fishing lodges,
and no shuttle services to call upon here. In fact there’s nothing to call
upon, cell service is nearly non-existent. It’s a place where self-reliance is critical,
and where you’re on your own to figure out the nuances of the fishery. It's a nice
change of pace from the hype and industry surrounding the fisheries closer to
home. It's becoming one of my favorite places to unplug and recharge - here's to hoping that you too have such a place. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our shuttle rig, the venerable Trail 90</td></tr>
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-75268837335214152552014-04-17T12:33:00.000-06:002014-04-30T21:38:38.413-06:00Farewell to a Fishery<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm not sure why I still bother trying to keep the place a
secret, it’s purely out of habit at this point I suppose. Word is out. For
about three weeks during spring the creek is now crawling with anglers of all
stripes. It wasn't always like this. They come out of the woodwork to pillage the non-native Yellowstone cutthroat spawning run (yes, non-native) and have been cordially invited to do so over the past couple of years by state and
federal agencies. Stringers weighing upwards of fifty pounds were regularly hauled out of the remote mountain valley last spring. The trout that manage to
successfully navigate the armada of treble hooks along the creek are funneled
into a weir, filleted by agency employees, and trucked to local food banks. This experimental management strategy is in place for the next few years, and possibly in perpetuity if deemed beneficial to the native fish inhabiting the watershed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Last weekend some friends and I made the long drive to the
remote valley to see for ourselves what remains of the run of big cutthroat
trout, a run that was long kept quiet by those in the know. Considering the
cold, snowy winter that we endured in Montana this year, we knew that late
April would probably be more of a sure thing in regard to road conditions and
the timing of the run. But we also knew that everyone else was likely thinking
<span style="font-family: inherit;">the same thing. It’s heartbreaking to see a pristine valley overrun with pickup
trucks and anglers who have little apprec</span>iation for the resource. So we went in
early, ahead of the crowds. We saw the valley as it should be seen and as I
remember seeing it for the first time, stark and beautiful, and largely devoid of
people. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was also devoid of trout. Winter hadn’t fully
loosened its grip on the valley, ice on the lower end of the creek was
preventing the cutthroat from making their annual migration upstream. With
warming temperatures the creek will soon flow freely, and those trout that remain will run the gauntlet. It's unlikely that I'll return anytime soon – at least not for the cutthroat run. I’d prefer to remember the
fishery as it was, and hope that it will someday recover to resemble the days
of old.</span><br />
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-16768669748020161612014-03-08T09:45:00.003-07:002014-03-08T09:50:08.632-07:00Book Review: 50 Best Tailwaters to Fly Fish<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSbRt1cSfZoUNsMVc5G6r0r2aREKeb_NMz-FpwTsLqkb6jaMo7kO-DxxmlxvCVRvSFgrsVJoqUW02INxCFS5NRMwOYAA3mJ4sCyt8WAoxvC2h30pZ01ep2CU1h0Tk_68HDSuW4iRCGVM/s1600/50+Best+Tailwaters+cvr+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSbRt1cSfZoUNsMVc5G6r0r2aREKeb_NMz-FpwTsLqkb6jaMo7kO-DxxmlxvCVRvSFgrsVJoqUW02INxCFS5NRMwOYAA3mJ4sCyt8WAoxvC2h30pZ01ep2CU1h0Tk_68HDSuW4iRCGVM/s1600/50+Best+Tailwaters+cvr+final.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a>Many of the tailwater trout fisheries found throughout North America are among the most famous fly-fishing destinations in the world. These dam-controlled rivers provide one thing above all else, consistency. Unlike their freewheeling counterparts, tailwaters typically have relatively stable flow regimes and water temperatures - conditions conducive to sustaining prolific aquatic insect populations, healthy trout, and great year-round fishing.<br />
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Stonefly Press recently published a guidebook authored by Terry and Wendy Gunn titled, <i>50 Best Tailwaters to Fly Fish</i>. The Gunns are the owners and operators of Lee's Ferry Anglers Fly Shop & Guide Service in northern Arizona. Their operation is centered around the productive tailwater trout fishery on the Colorado River at Lee's Ferry - a fishery covered in the book.<br />
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Throughout the book the Gunn's call upon the expertise of local fly-fishing authorities for each tailwater. The collective knowledge found within the pages of this book is well worth the price of admission. The book is at its best when utilized for the accurate and informative overviews that it provides of each fishery. An experienced angler probably isn't going to glean much about his or her home river from the book as it doesn't go into great detail about any particular fishery. But for the angler investigating a new fishery, or planning a trip itinerary, this book is a great starting point.<br />
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As I read through the book I couldn't help but string together multi-day road trips in my mind. A spring tour of the southwest perhaps, with stops at Lee's Ferry, the San Juan, and the Dolores. Or maybe a trip back east to take in the fall colors and explore the Delaware, Neversink, and Farmington. So many possibilities, so little time.<br />
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Of these fifty tailwaters I've fished just seven - only forty three to go. Whether fishing all fifty tailwaters is your goal, or just learning a bit about one or two of them, the Gunn's guidebook is a great resource.<br />
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-34650242461959008082014-01-29T21:04:00.000-07:002014-01-30T19:19:13.782-07:00Only in Bozeman<div style="text-align: left;">
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Tonight I got my chores around the house completed in time to peddle my bike downtown for the 7pm showing of F3T. I was looking forward to the films, particularly Blood Knot featuring brothers Brian and Colby Trow of <a href="http://www.mossycreekflyfishing.com/" target="_blank">Mossy Creek Fly Fishing</a>. I had a chance to spend some time with these guys at The Fly Fishing Show in Somerset, NJ last weekend and enjoyed the stories they shared of fisheries in and around Virginia's Shenandoah Valley.<br />
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I worked my way through the trucker-hat-clad crowd milling about the theater lobby, only to arrive at the ticket counter and find that the show was sold out. I've seen good bands that couldn't fill this venue, yet a film tour about fly fishing sells out. Welcome to Bozeman.<br />
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I've had similar frustrations on the water around town recently. A Saturday-afternoon hall pass a couple of weeks ago found me driving the length of a local river in search of an unoccupied access point. Every county-bridge crossing had two vehicles flanking it, and on this river, three is a crowd. Eventually I conceded to fishing the backwater of a guy who didn't exactly appear to have the fishery dialed in. I enjoyed showing him what he'd missed, but I would have preferred to have a stretch of water to myself. And worse yet, I've found a guy knee deep in my favorite lunch-break fishing hole more days than not over the past couple of weeks.<br />
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I enjoy the positive vibes and fly-fishing culture in Bozeman, but sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. Around here it seems there's always someone a step ahead. Someone a little more hardcore. Someone a little less employed. <br />
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-7218247025527587082014-01-04T19:06:00.002-07:002014-01-04T19:14:06.090-07:00Grand Canyon Trout Fisheries Interview<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright Angel Creek</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I recently submitted a feature article covering Grand Canyon National Park for <a href="http://www.matchthehatch.com/" target="_blank"><i>Southwest Fly Fishing</i></a><b>, </b>it will run in the May/June '14 issue.<b> </b>I enjoyed writing the piece and having the opportunity to share a place that I love with the magazine's readers. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I know the canyon and its trout fishery well - having lived within the park from '02 - '06, but much has changed since then. The National Park Service, along with cooperating agencies, have ramped up efforts to suppress non-native trout populations throughout the park. I'm not going to provide any background on the situation, I've written about it <a href="http://111degreeswest.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-have-ecological-concience-but.html" target="_blank">here</a> and a Google search will reveal numerous sources of information on the topic.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For those interested in the Grand Canyon's trout fishery and in staying up to speed on the topic, I've decided to share a recent interview with Brian Healy, Fisheries Program Manager for Grand Canyon National Park. The overall tone of Mr. Healy's responses don't provide much optimism for Grand Canyon anglers, but keep in mind that he has an agenda, and a NPS mandate to adhere to. I don't necessarily agree with all of his responses, but I'm not going to disparage any of them publicly without first giving him the opportunity to respond. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Are there plans to translocate humpback chub (HBC) into Bright Angel Creek, or Tapeats Creek, as has taken place in Shinumo and Havasu Creeks?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We
just completed a fish managment plan that should be signed this week,
including long-term management for translocations to Shinumo, Havasu,
and Bright Angel (Tapeats is too cold). The plan is adaptive, and is
informed by genetics and population monitoring. Here is a link to the
EA: <a href="http://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsList.cfm?projectID=35150">http://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsList.cfm?projectID=35150</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Do the tributaries provide suitable spawning habitat for HBC? Is there
concern that streams such as Shinumo, and Bright Angel in particular,
are too cold for successful spawning?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There
is no concern that Shinumo or Bright Angel are too cold for chub. The
streams provide optimum spawning temperatures in the summer months. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>The trout reduction project on BA Creek over the past decade has made a
notable impact on trout numbers. Has it been deemed a success, or is it
too early to tell? Do you expect that the trout population in BA Creek
will have to be manually suppressed in perpetuity in order to have a
lasting benefit to native fishes?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I just started analyzing the data for BAC
from last year- and it appears we have made an impact on brown trout
numbers in lower BAC. However, its too early to tell what any long-term
impacts may be, particularly since we hadn't been able to fully fund the
project in the past. We don't know what the future will hold, but we
proposed an adaptive strategy in the fish plan, with a decision point to
be made in 5 years, based on the data. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Has it been determined if the removal of 20k+ trout that took place from
’03-’06 in the vicinity of the LCR confluence has had a positive impact
on native fishes? Additionally, have trout numbers in the vicinity of
the LCR confluence remained suppressed as a result of this project?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are confounding factors making it
difficult to determine. There are studies ongoing by GCMRC for this
question, and I don't believe anything has been published since 2011
(Coggins et al. 2011, Yard et al. 2011). If you'd like I can send you
those papers. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Do you foresee the possibility of a quality trout fishery co-existing
with a self-sustaining HBC population within the Colorado River and its
tributaries throughout Grand Canyon?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No.
The NPS is mandated to remove non-native species, including trout, from
the Park. However, we hope to maintain a quality RBT fishery outside
GCNP in the Lees Ferry reach within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
(see fish plan link above). </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">D<b>o you have any advice for anglers currently seeking quality trout
fishing within GCNP? Are there any particular tributaries or reaches of
the Colorado River that maintain strong populations of trout? </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've been recommending that they go to Lees Ferry, but I also ask
that if they are going to BAC, that they remove and eat the trout they
catch. The reach above Lees Ferry, and Marble Canyon has a very high
density of rainbow trout right now.</span></span><br />
<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-68752747042562812872013-11-04T20:47:00.003-07:002013-11-05T07:04:44.567-07:00First Sunday of NovemberMy park license didn't get utilized as much this year as I'd have liked. The government shutdown contributed, but more than anything, life simply got in the way.<br />
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A long weekend in the northeast corner of the park, a day on Fan Creek, and a few quick stops at favorite roadside holes on the Gallatin were about it. It seems to be this way every year, all of a sudden closing day nears and I wonder where the time went. <br />
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And so on the first Sunday of November I arose to a cold dawn, leaving a warm bed and the beautiful woman sleeping within it. It was closing day in Yellowstone, one last chance. It's a long off season.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuEpphDaUZCAWleCwBzUjC7kGBs9LI5jOhGHLBDUP8Ypyj8lTy7zIZDBYQ0Yofg4v0jVjwqGv3R-hXqOzP8mRrHEr30m1PzvXFcOGMu5xxjMpDd9BUYUr-2CSqJfmqCfWcyZu74u6BgE/s1600/DSC_8316_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuEpphDaUZCAWleCwBzUjC7kGBs9LI5jOhGHLBDUP8Ypyj8lTy7zIZDBYQ0Yofg4v0jVjwqGv3R-hXqOzP8mRrHEr30m1PzvXFcOGMu5xxjMpDd9BUYUr-2CSqJfmqCfWcyZu74u6BgE/s400/DSC_8316_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last one of the 2013 season.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zhTh-bNjYRLHaqYX_Oic9ze3GcnkpwrIcLkFOZGHeDpKL3qd68ncet8lKdfrVQgNPGcqUAlEfboLWPDFq6kThynGAAzJssdYwRd7OrSIJYBWopCoiNQ6CzLcS_S9FGA3eljHVqFC8hM/s1600/DSC_8251_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zhTh-bNjYRLHaqYX_Oic9ze3GcnkpwrIcLkFOZGHeDpKL3qd68ncet8lKdfrVQgNPGcqUAlEfboLWPDFq6kThynGAAzJssdYwRd7OrSIJYBWopCoiNQ6CzLcS_S9FGA3eljHVqFC8hM/s320/DSC_8251_edited-1.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice Madison buck.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIk3wnXtBTNa6Jy6gt9nA7eGArrSM_pucv2boh8UKdK52OK8WI8KAtbuEefuw6Z8zU7Ri3yhoRi5Fb3mkN-LR4-ALtbTmHn3KNPntIuT8NlWTcKo16eajs2T2dIO945aFdUhyZDWIShU/s1600/DSC_8283_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIk3wnXtBTNa6Jy6gt9nA7eGArrSM_pucv2boh8UKdK52OK8WI8KAtbuEefuw6Z8zU7Ri3yhoRi5Fb3mkN-LR4-ALtbTmHn3KNPntIuT8NlWTcKo16eajs2T2dIO945aFdUhyZDWIShU/s400/DSC_8283_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brews and views above the Gibbon.</td></tr>
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Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-46125403818420276942013-10-30T21:20:00.002-06:002013-11-01T18:00:03.234-06:00The Shortest SeasonShouldering our packs for the long hike back to the trailhead, I took one last look at the high country above our spike camp in the Lee Metcalf. I wanted nothing more than to stay in the wilderness for another couple of days, roaming the grassy southern slopes and timbered draws in search of a mature bull elk.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYhEi3WZhWDYv9wMo89z1MwNo02u3YbhoTPpcr63SXrXtBKlY-LWbfwWZ_QJ-VTWCaQNGhd-nB30sKK-jzYgQwiN2TEzC3T24-2ox6q5WnRUOh7kMhBr9UJ0BBrhVhDwKHg9uJG38JVA/s1600/Opener2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYhEi3WZhWDYv9wMo89z1MwNo02u3YbhoTPpcr63SXrXtBKlY-LWbfwWZ_QJ-VTWCaQNGhd-nB30sKK-jzYgQwiN2TEzC3T24-2ox6q5WnRUOh7kMhBr9UJ0BBrhVhDwKHg9uJG38JVA/s320/Opener2013.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoping to glass up another opening day bull.<br />
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Expectations pulled us back down the mountain. Loved ones were waiting at home and emails demanded a response Monday morning. <br />
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Just five weekends remain. Ten days afield, maybe eleven or twelve if you're lucky - a strategically planned sick day here, a post-Thanksgiving Day hall pass there. It's a short season, make the most of it.<br />
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Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-56688925270791317372013-09-24T18:32:00.001-06:002014-01-16T20:11:08.709-07:00Fall BeginsAccording to my calendar, Sunday marked the autumnal equinox. Here in southwest Montana, it feels like fall. There is frost on the pumpkin, and snow in the short-term forecast.<br />
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In a lonesome place somewhere between a waning Harvest Moon lingering to the west, and a brilliant sunrise to the east, I found myself knee deep in a Montana trout stream on this first day of fall. It was a spectacular day. The first snow of the year capped the high peaks, sandhill cranes flocked in the fields, and bull elk bugled in the distant timber. In the midst of it all, my friends and I experienced classic fall fishing for beautiful brown trout.<br />
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Here's to hoping that it will be the first of many such days over the coming months.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First fish on my new Hardy setup. Solid! <a href="http://www.benpiercephoto.com/" target="_blank">Photo by Ben Pierce.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1LB4JZYLt474nLzb0l50TzWMvG2mzL4Yz1NKqtLkPUfInYlf-8J62MSoMV8z1c3t0ml1N2YizHoFIlB8NcQuxnLo1vBA6tv8QiyN-ADb6yXbtgyK3hMmWcEN0z-Df3jPKJPAQMIxXJQ/s1600/DSC_8053_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1LB4JZYLt474nLzb0l50TzWMvG2mzL4Yz1NKqtLkPUfInYlf-8J62MSoMV8z1c3t0ml1N2YizHoFIlB8NcQuxnLo1vBA6tv8QiyN-ADb6yXbtgyK3hMmWcEN0z-Df3jPKJPAQMIxXJQ/s400/DSC_8053_edited-1.jpg" height="243" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> This big fella clobbered a streamer swung beneath a grassy cut bank.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christine with the one that didn't get away.</td></tr>
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-11104195008098732722013-08-29T21:19:00.003-06:002013-09-03T10:52:44.928-06:00The View From 111.175° W<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is a small mountain lake outside of Bozeman that was made famous by a famous fishing writer. Anglers who pursue the lake's enormous, but finicky trout tend to take solace in the view, as Gierach did. <br />
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I've visited the lake on a few occasions, and up until yesterday I had a grand total of one fish to show for my efforts. A friend talked me into giving it another shot last night. With the area rivers flowing low and warm, fishing a high-country lake sounded like a pretty good idea. It was.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view is always better with a bent rod.</td></tr>
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-73473852082122795232013-08-11T10:00:00.001-06:002013-08-11T13:48:27.880-06:00EraI spent the final days of an era with a good friend last weekend, celebrating all that was, and all that is to come. Last night I watched him begin a new chapter. <br />
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Congratulations, Matt and Claire.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWEizlV-CHtnbJTsw4sh3BE7DdwuRG_jq4jlDdKA2kVspcF80MNyrzA7ItqE3yMq0qMSoHnovvfUqHHGMsJsYWAafTAwqTlxBEHN4IhUKmDJVmrYDl3WhjTjAOsjVyevuLHDv32hgZ84/s1600/DSC_7983_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWEizlV-CHtnbJTsw4sh3BE7DdwuRG_jq4jlDdKA2kVspcF80MNyrzA7ItqE3yMq0qMSoHnovvfUqHHGMsJsYWAafTAwqTlxBEHN4IhUKmDJVmrYDl3WhjTjAOsjVyevuLHDv32hgZ84/s640/DSC_7983_edited-1.jpg" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last one of the Single Matt Era.</td></tr>
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-60090622337727079172013-07-26T08:28:00.000-06:002013-07-26T11:00:57.593-06:00The Beaten PathEvery trip I've taken into Montana's Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness has been amazing. Summiting Granite Peak from Avalanche Lake was one of the most demanding, and rewarding experiences of my life. A multi-day exploration of the West Fork/Lake Fork Rock Creek region ranks up there as well. But my latest adventure may have topped them all: four days, twenty-eight miles, numerous lakes, countless waterfalls, and stunning views along a legendary route known as The Beaten Path.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgbir6C502wpZOCudOOPx9P4RDw-zta2hnhYAx4NRucd_Uh3iTev97WbTynqN7jcEe6wwTZBX7zO1uxdBXr8hxQXIQBZJxKYcsbqFOKbBaruZ2TchtSbnDE31Q4qEBKf6nNYXKDL52lM/s1600/DSC_7585_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgbir6C502wpZOCudOOPx9P4RDw-zta2hnhYAx4NRucd_Uh3iTev97WbTynqN7jcEe6wwTZBX7zO1uxdBXr8hxQXIQBZJxKYcsbqFOKbBaruZ2TchtSbnDE31Q4qEBKf6nNYXKDL52lM/s320/DSC_7585_edited-1.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rimrock Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwK5rjtybiE6IXp2XbfWTHYouiXlSH9CYS8ww6IKGnMIhq3rFQwXWhXxUvH-KHoPGFeTJC5TkwCowIUI2XG8k4V2uKdMGiCt0QURew6q3GexdcTYhoTRhTQ7ybv3_4SRz6nWdH_4Um2Uw/s1600/DSC_7782_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwK5rjtybiE6IXp2XbfWTHYouiXlSH9CYS8ww6IKGnMIhq3rFQwXWhXxUvH-KHoPGFeTJC5TkwCowIUI2XG8k4V2uKdMGiCt0QURew6q3GexdcTYhoTRhTQ7ybv3_4SRz6nWdH_4Um2Uw/s320/DSC_7782_edited-1.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wildflowers were incredible.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gorgeous Golden-Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout hybrid.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mountain goat takes in the view.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKb7lrPtT368opHd_vg_hZgy2T-QXMHspNORdGkl_61CG7bF1vE1d2H8OYB4ftbMhjMMymqFr2FJJCRbq4PGiBfil-X8B_fPjMKJuGvNavOrxmQRoQbScbd4f7DIUOg7rYgNda_AFt_o/s1600/DSC_7701_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKb7lrPtT368opHd_vg_hZgy2T-QXMHspNORdGkl_61CG7bF1vE1d2H8OYB4ftbMhjMMymqFr2FJJCRbq4PGiBfil-X8B_fPjMKJuGvNavOrxmQRoQbScbd4f7DIUOg7rYgNda_AFt_o/s320/DSC_7701_edited-1.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gripping and grinning below Impasse Falls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwj_mabAn4rPp7xg-bYwwcRKtfxh0HVQ7Iwt9jUa4I07T1ZNeUifnhlqvvQ2CzEj1Z3lUHc6fKRMA02-MZET9IMbCSoSF5PtEZqxJo2hrQJUUWrweBe0KgK-qPdxgKIoKVhzhCWmkAxo/s1600/DSC_7914_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwj_mabAn4rPp7xg-bYwwcRKtfxh0HVQ7Iwt9jUa4I07T1ZNeUifnhlqvvQ2CzEj1Z3lUHc6fKRMA02-MZET9IMbCSoSF5PtEZqxJo2hrQJUUWrweBe0KgK-qPdxgKIoKVhzhCWmkAxo/s400/DSC_7914_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An unnamed cascade and pool along E. Rosebud Creek.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The appropriate conclusion to a great trip: the Grizzly Bar in Roscoe!</td></tr>
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-43891202863513822402013-07-15T19:26:00.000-06:002013-07-17T06:23:56.506-06:00A GlimpseI've spent countless hours simply watching fish, I'm fascinated by them. Peering over bridges and high banks, squinting through polarized shades in an effort to observe as much of their underwater world as possible. Come high summer, I'll dust off the snorkel. Anything to get a glimpse.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2O-HSMBAi8D1gsN-juWc5Rn9unJAjtRhOTor2lh0Yef6DBo4pNRD7ly0z5zhp28W5zhbadmT_DMHkGbJNQ_7e1Swp5SStHp_yimD14zdPu_FdzN7m5C059LaQd5c3osyjDoXpiV4jO0/s1600/DSC_7536_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2O-HSMBAi8D1gsN-juWc5Rn9unJAjtRhOTor2lh0Yef6DBo4pNRD7ly0z5zhp28W5zhbadmT_DMHkGbJNQ_7e1Swp5SStHp_yimD14zdPu_FdzN7m5C059LaQd5c3osyjDoXpiV4jO0/s640/DSC_7536_edited-1.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of high-country Yellowstone cutthroat trout in a spawning tributary.</td></tr>
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-39110220976144397832013-07-02T07:28:00.002-06:002013-07-02T07:28:40.904-06:00Golden SolsticeSummer solstice, the longest, most sun-drenched day of the year. Or at least that's the hope. This year I celebrated the solstice by hiking into a mid-elevation mountain lake. As we gained elevation along the way, deep, lingering snow drifts caused concern. We didn't find the lake's surface in a solid state as feared, but winter hadn't completely loosened its grip on the little mountain basin.<br />
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Dry tinder and a spark saw us through the summer snow squalls, bringing warmth to hands chilled by alpine waters where golden trout swim.<br />
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-64268463733809883832013-06-20T18:09:00.000-06:002013-06-20T19:43:04.167-06:00All Day LongWe were doubled up, and occasionally tripled up, all day long on Hebgen Lake last weekend. It was phenomenal fishing, for big, red-hot 'bows and browns.<br />
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I fished with a couple of good guys who happen to be great sticks, J.D. Bingman, owner of <a href="http://wildtroutoutfitters.com/" target="_blank">Wild Trout Outfitters</a>, and my buddy Matt Ruuhela who guides for Wild Trout. J.D. has the fishery dialed-in, if you're looking for a change of pace from the region's trout rivers, you'd do well to book a trip on Hebgen with him.</div>
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Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-37428751544375014292013-05-29T16:42:00.000-06:002013-05-29T16:42:46.078-06:00Memorial Day at Rock Creek <br />
Memorial Day 2013 on Rock Creek consisted of light crowds, beautiful weather, salmonflies, and great water conditions. Who would have known? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8tWu1LNLltQbheKL83wVqc2S_P-gi67ZEHvRxif3tEl7LJvYiX_9wNBWos815ksBuGPy5auSrY3ySRAwJGJnP_y4XjzPsDcGtsyZhLA_JnRrHdvGTQGNdf4s7t_63yAPsfNV8zddOHY/s1600/DSC_7411_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8tWu1LNLltQbheKL83wVqc2S_P-gi67ZEHvRxif3tEl7LJvYiX_9wNBWos815ksBuGPy5auSrY3ySRAwJGJnP_y4XjzPsDcGtsyZhLA_JnRrHdvGTQGNdf4s7t_63yAPsfNV8zddOHY/s320/DSC_7411_edited-1.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weekend relaxation.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7b-D4u5gVE9evHN3UoyPk8z_fQA2sqBfXSayhldgHcgM1NKEtfQRQRM8lu4ohSxx33shkJYPqXToZA2ACIb6Jr1cR05shTQl4k25na_GN30DQTHva3Jlirsli-JxYNL9EDUcwKQj9UM/s1600/DSC_7397_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7b-D4u5gVE9evHN3UoyPk8z_fQA2sqBfXSayhldgHcgM1NKEtfQRQRM8lu4ohSxx33shkJYPqXToZA2ACIb6Jr1cR05shTQl4k25na_GN30DQTHva3Jlirsli-JxYNL9EDUcwKQj9UM/s320/DSC_7397_edited-1.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Creek was in great shape at 1,100cfs and dropping.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light crowds gave us our pick of campsites, this one was secluded and right on the water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big bugs were dripping off of streamside vegetation.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Despite the prolific numbers of salmonflies, golden stones were the ticket.</td></tr>
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-9649261488337983332013-04-28T17:29:00.001-06:002013-05-06T19:37:24.521-06:00A Return to the Grand CanyonA week ago I found myself standing knee deep in the cold, clear flow of Bright Angel Creek where it meets the mighty Colorado River. It had been too long since I'd been there, fly rod in hand, watching the morning light illuminate the surrounding temples and canyon walls.<br />
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On this trip I decided to focus primarily on fishing the Colorado River, rather than Bright Angel Creek. I didn't see the need to engender the frustration and sentiment that was sure to surface with a stroll down memory lane. I'll always have fond memories of fishing the creek, but memories are about all that is left after ten-plus years of National Park Service trout-reduction efforts have devastated the creek's fishery. Enough on that subject.<br />
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With the exception of the lower Marble Canyon reach, the Colorado River is still teeming with trout, primarily rainbows that rarely see a fly. The fishing was good, with a couple of dozen rainbows and a brown or two caught. Flannelmouth suckers kept our rods bent between trout, and fought hard in the strong current. San Juan worms were by far the top producing fly; burnt orange and red took top honors. Pink eggs were effective, and a couple of fish took a dead-drifted zonker. I spent hours methodically working the soft water on river right from Boat Beach to Silver Bridge with a 200-grain sinking line and a variety of streamer patterns, hoping all the while for a big brown, but didn't connect with a single fish - hopefully the trophy-size browns haven't all succumbed to the weir.<br />
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The river began to color up the second morning of the trip, and was pea-green by early afternoon. After getting home and looking at the flow charts, the reason was clear... the Little Colorado River had inexplicably spiked by 200 cfs on the 19th... it doesn't take much for it to muddy the Colorado through the Grand Canyon.<br />
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As the trip drew to a close, I continued to fish in the increasingly muddy Colorado, fishing harder than I should have. It was as if I was desperately searching for something lost.<br />
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Hiking into the Grand Canyon is an incredible experience in and of itself, the fishing is just the proverbial icing on the cake. For those who experienced Bright Angel Creek's trout fishery at its best, it can be difficult to let go of the past. Yet the canyon hasn't changed. I still wonder and marvel at it, I find inspiration from it. I am humbled by it. I will always return to the canyon, but I foresee the day when I will no longer pack along a fly rod, choosing instead to remember what was and appreciate all that is.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign of the times: A recent NPS photo of a weir-caught BA Creek brown.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The confluence of BA Creek and the Colorado River.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">250+ cfs = clarity issues through the Grand Canyon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extreme daily flow fluctuations create issues for wading anglers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill Jordan hooked up with a Colorado River rainbow trout.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Colorado River offers good numbers of 12-16" rainbows.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Colorado River as viewed from Silver Bridge near Phantom Ranch at approx. 8,500 cfs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is for you, Matt. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hr6shW9k-f1Z_kGi2326arHdw_6jBxuXB_ZoY6E06HjTdiIQGZLJXwGL-0FHSFcPdBdc0TFdl-EgER2lKX3h-E1rJ_ZjG2ZrAXHFHdrNwFpm7UhW_M8u5Feva3Vl4gCWTmNigJ0UoGo/s1600/DSC_7292_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-2619917333987631172013-03-26T18:39:00.001-06:002013-03-26T19:02:55.145-06:00Feast & FamineI was recently amazed to witness a brown hammer a streamer, only to bring the trout to hand and find the tail of a sculpin protruding from its maw. The sculpin was partially decomposed, and looked like it had been in there for quite some time. Despite having a mouthful, we suspected the trout was starving. It appeared that he'd bitten off more than he could chew. Or maybe it would've all worked itself out in the end. None the less we intervened and carefully removed the sculpin... all seven inches of it! Evidence that huge sculpin patterns have their place.<br />
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-28911664603962422242013-03-17T19:34:00.000-06:002013-03-17T20:05:57.781-06:00Lady's First<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So proud.</td></tr>
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That first trout on a fly is a special one. I remember mine... late 90's... Oak Creek, AZ... the pool across from Don Hoel's - a day I'll not soon forget thanks to a stocker rainbow that couldn't resist an olive bugger.<br />
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I've also been fortunate to have lent a helping hand with numerous first catches. Whether it's a significant other, relative, friend, client, or even an in-law, coaching someone to their first fly-caught fish is typically a rewarding experience.<br />
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An angler's reaction to hooking up for the first time is often a telling one. When a child's eyes light up as a hooked rainbow leaps out of the water, or when an old man lets out a celebratory whoop after releasing a wild brown, you can bet that they'll be anglers for the rest of their days.<br />
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Over the weekend I talked my lady into getting out on the water for a few hours. She had fly fished a couple of times before, most recently last fall when I guided her to her first fish on a fly, a whitefish. Of course that didn't really count, and somehow she knew it, she didn't even want her picture taken with the lowly salmonid. And so on Friday with temperatures in the 50's we dusted off my WaterMaster and embarked on a short float in search of a Gallatin River trout. A classic winter run produced several browns, including a memorable, photo-worthy first catch. <br />
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-17308917158208980992013-02-25T21:10:00.001-07:002013-02-27T17:57:07.549-07:00Smith River PermitsThe lottery drawing results for 2013 Smith River float permits were just made available by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Results can be viewed at: <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, san-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.46875px;"></span><a href="https://app.mt.gov/Als/Index">https://app.mt.gov/Als/Index</a><br />
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The 59-mile Smith River float is a trip that all anglers should experience at least once. The Smith is a fickle river. Depending upon the conditions that floaters encounter, it can be the trip of a lifetime, or a serious challenge. Permits for April and July are relatively easy to acquire, but there's good reason for that: the possibility of encountering winter weather, and low water, respectively. Permits for May and June are tough to come by, their popularity stemming from cushy floating conditions (but not necessarily the best fishing conditions). All things considered, <a href="http://111degreeswest.blogspot.com/2010/05/back-from-smith.html" target="_blank">I'll take my chances in April</a>. <br />
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Didn't draw a permit? Don't despair, any remaining or cancelled permits can be requested by calling 406.454.5861. And there's always the possibility of a fall float, a time when boaters can self-register at Camp Baker, no prearrangement necessary - just be sure to monitor <a href="http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/uv/?site_no=06077500&PARAmeter_cd=00060,00065,00010" target="_blank">river levels</a> to ensure that there is enough water to float your boat.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April on the Smith...</td></tr>
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Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-44756214052208496872013-02-10T14:01:00.000-07:002013-02-10T17:34:10.730-07:00Winter WanderingsDespite the fact that I'm now working at one of the fly fishing industry's preeminent businesses, my days of being able to drop everything and go fishing on a random forty-five degree weekday afternoon in February are over - at least for the time being. <br />
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Over the past few years I came to enjoy winter fishing - the solitude, the scenery, and the often productive bite. I became accustomed to spending upwards of thirty days on the water from December through March. This year my winter wanderings have been limited to Saturdays and Sundays, both if I'm lucky - neither if the weather takes a turn for the worse or if other interests take priority. <br />
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None the less, I've been getting out a bit - I hope that you have too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyk5u3t6T__elXGn6u5ezZPhCwKoDUNm8lL5bofgLzUFOUANs2VnN3sQqTwAFf5d-wz3FDx_7EMuzh_-ELIbveylSKxWIpZiLwXEDvfsnmNJXZgwIrqdRImJaYKA3dpX0gM5pLouCq4g/s1600/DSC_3042_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyk5u3t6T__elXGn6u5ezZPhCwKoDUNm8lL5bofgLzUFOUANs2VnN3sQqTwAFf5d-wz3FDx_7EMuzh_-ELIbveylSKxWIpZiLwXEDvfsnmNJXZgwIrqdRImJaYKA3dpX0gM5pLouCq4g/s400/DSC_3042_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The East" has been a staple for me this winter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYEyYgYBOdNj2EkqUT96muiytJm-ZwEVYUPSvuLQC_e55HbB_flnBFw8aGgTUly2gi1k9agrUJJ5mvR2MquLTcbAiLtDKhckehR_FrdXf-EN1YfbmvE4IbV1U8yVLlAUdG9Q5ar8Xs2M/s1600/DSC_7061_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYEyYgYBOdNj2EkqUT96muiytJm-ZwEVYUPSvuLQC_e55HbB_flnBFw8aGgTUly2gi1k9agrUJJ5mvR2MquLTcbAiLtDKhckehR_FrdXf-EN1YfbmvE4IbV1U8yVLlAUdG9Q5ar8Xs2M/s320/DSC_7061_edited-1.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The upper Madison, and a shot at winter risers.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXzSZEWjQGdC2QJHplHurN1_elky7iX6yWAKUVRwBZuo8a3Br-nvJXU7fDnOBI3Phc08KrXygZ9j5KN9592Nir5iAM3oEsTxh0EakiGG8cBvm9DsjLKnC_IY36HN7dRCT1smmZgl1gyU/s1600/DSC_7076_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXzSZEWjQGdC2QJHplHurN1_elky7iX6yWAKUVRwBZuo8a3Br-nvJXU7fDnOBI3Phc08KrXygZ9j5KN9592Nir5iAM3oEsTxh0EakiGG8cBvm9DsjLKnC_IY36HN7dRCT1smmZgl1gyU/s320/DSC_7076_edited-1.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We covered some water - Reynolds to $3.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHptnHwVXhFnJiaiHzxu6Cj-hqgZv2wroyTZ6T42QCoW2_wkh1yNIUuK5X10s_76C8PtGo-shy1IenYwvS6wec64EsUTSU5n1eeOL3v6wj7xPhm2LUz_fLj-J2iU2QoWLs40MLpYCudt0/s1600/DSC_3739_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHptnHwVXhFnJiaiHzxu6Cj-hqgZv2wroyTZ6T42QCoW2_wkh1yNIUuK5X10s_76C8PtGo-shy1IenYwvS6wec64EsUTSU5n1eeOL3v6wj7xPhm2LUz_fLj-J2iU2QoWLs40MLpYCudt0/s400/DSC_3739_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love it or hate it, pink produces.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFZB7Mm423_EdJhfvHZd76gPnNexr3Hnq7uZAWBcZ6orzfiKbzbDn33ml905sDHhK8G21-rXs7-SOP661ECkUvIy2dvV8rGT6bRLigIZbTdXaUE_LGgknq2jCJbxtju3uPiC3zITVWxw/s1600/DSC_6955_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFZB7Mm423_EdJhfvHZd76gPnNexr3Hnq7uZAWBcZ6orzfiKbzbDn33ml905sDHhK8G21-rXs7-SOP661ECkUvIy2dvV8rGT6bRLigIZbTdXaUE_LGgknq2jCJbxtju3uPiC3zITVWxw/s320/DSC_6955_edited-1.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of those "other interests" I spoke of.</td></tr>
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-53207368217195112372013-01-14T20:07:00.001-07:002013-01-15T16:46:35.492-07:00Ash Fork Bass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXuSyWy8q_BLa6bVd5y8jtBCyWhRzEqhJZCSIGjvSFF8_-t3U9nPdDNbaeB9HcOWixDpE0rL8NBEA9IWNWZw1uc4mVMo_qY7sEZ4x8Dj4eQFBJOYivJJRRdvoCtxUjBr5SQcZh64uJt8/s1600/StoneDam1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXuSyWy8q_BLa6bVd5y8jtBCyWhRzEqhJZCSIGjvSFF8_-t3U9nPdDNbaeB9HcOWixDpE0rL8NBEA9IWNWZw1uc4mVMo_qY7sEZ4x8Dj4eQFBJOYivJJRRdvoCtxUjBr5SQcZh64uJt8/s320/StoneDam1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bass and frogs, never a bad combination.</td></tr>
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It's not going to produce the next state-record bass, but the largemouth fishery known as Stone Dam in north-central Arizona is a cool destination for fly rodders. <br />
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I was strolling down memory lane - going through old photos and came upon images from Stone Dam. I first fished it when I was 16 or 17, driving over from Kingman to spend long summer days on the water with a buddy. During college I'd head west to fish the lake when I wanted a change of pace from small stream trout fishing.<br />
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The little 5-acre impoundment rarely disappointed. Its feisty bass were generally more than willing to crush poppers on summer evenings. Streamers took plenty of fish the rest of the time. One to two pounds, that was about it, but if they were coming with regularity that was good enough for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQwmdY7zGvuk4QqbtrzBYFXKXZh_vk5YGgnNW254iaL8Yk1eccG9HtQOCCjtp0DyqJHEtHoS8vLLTvOcFNuDn_-glx9bhDLXjLftnJeoyT2DyyYNgLnTPF2c7jPJyuqtoG6hWZopNMTc/s1600/scan0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQwmdY7zGvuk4QqbtrzBYFXKXZh_vk5YGgnNW254iaL8Yk1eccG9HtQOCCjtp0DyqJHEtHoS8vLLTvOcFNuDn_-glx9bhDLXjLftnJeoyT2DyyYNgLnTPF2c7jPJyuqtoG6hWZopNMTc/s320/scan0009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly fifteen years ago...</td></tr>
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Some of the locals got a little bent out of shape when <a href="http://www.arizhwys.com/" target="_blank">AZ Highways</a> ran a short feature on the lake in the late 90's, but their concern was for naught. The lake is an overlooked, out-of-the-way destination that was soon forgotten again. <br />
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Check it out the next time that you're traveling I-40 near Ash Fork, AZ - just don't tell the locals I sent you.<br />
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-38143569396582200062012-12-14T16:49:00.001-07:002012-12-14T19:50:30.603-07:00Top Ten<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nj5yac5ow_WeYS-1YKIsjdHoX998Z-G6hN5GRPEp7rlk-QVgpT5JLGow6QGOLK3IJAkLYhrSs3u-KMBPxvTKvGkiFq_clS-7g7yUvp5qrPz4IfGQifqjK6lqGLEM731dHKcYqXpENrI/s1600/AZ10-ST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nj5yac5ow_WeYS-1YKIsjdHoX998Z-G6hN5GRPEp7rlk-QVgpT5JLGow6QGOLK3IJAkLYhrSs3u-KMBPxvTKvGkiFq_clS-7g7yUvp5qrPz4IfGQifqjK6lqGLEM731dHKcYqXpENrI/s320/AZ10-ST.jpg" width="320" /></a>I spent some time this afternoon compiling a list of the top ten flies that I would recommend for Arizona anglers. The list will find its way into the next printing of <a href="http://www.willjordanphoto.com/Fly-Fishing/Book/11181808_sWRJ8" target="_blank">Flyfisher's Guide to Arizona</a>. I found it challenging to whittle the list down to ten flies to cover the majority of situations that an angler will see. I really wanted to include the likes of Rohmer's Diamond Hair Minnow, or a good hellgramite imitation, or the X-Caddis, or an adult damselfly pattern... the list goes on, but there just wasn't room for anything too specialized.<br />
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For those of you who won't have the pleasure of flipping through the pages of the aforementioned guidebook, here is a look at my top ten flies for AZ (in no specific order).<br />
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<b>1) Cicada</b> - Lee's Ferry has a productive summer bite, as do many of the Mogollon Rim waters. If you hit it right, this terrestrial's presence offers explosive topwater fishing with huge dries. The specific pattern isn't usually too important, think black foam, rubber legs, and elk hair.<br />
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<b>2) Flying Ant </b>- An often overlooked, but highly productive terrestrial. I like the offerings from the guys at Dry Fly Innovations... Bloom's produces nicely too. Apache trout love them, they're a must have if you ever make it to Christmas Tree Lake or the W. Fork of the Black.<br />
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<b>3) Parachute Adams</b> - AZ isn't blessed with prolific mayfly hatches, but it does get some - the para-Adams will cover those situations and works well for prospecting during non-hatch times.<br />
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<b>4) Stimulator </b>- Where doesn't it work? Caddis, stoneflies (AZ has the big bugs, but not many), hoppers, moths... general attractiveness. <br />
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<b>5) Lightning Bug</b> - It was tough to pick the LB over the Pheasant Tail, but I wanted to mix it up a bit, and the PT's flashier counterpart is awesome. A soft hackle version is deadly, as is purple... as is small, I like it in an 18.<br />
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<b>6) Hare's Ear - </b>It's just plain buggy. I like it in black and olive as well.<br />
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<b>7) Thread Midge</b> - Lee's Ferry. And everywhere else that trout swim.The Zebra Midge is famous, but the variations are endless, subtle, but endless. <br />
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<b>8) Crayfish</b> - Specifically, the Huz-Ur-Daddy pattern, but I mostly just wanted to stress the importance of crayfish in AZ. Rust colored is good, but so too are olive, tan, and blueish... Crayfish have probably connected AZ anglers with more big browns than any other type of fly.<br />
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<b>9) Clouser </b>- It's equally at home on AZ's small trout streams and desert bass lakes... it will move big browns, big smallmouth... <br />
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<b>10) San Juan Worm</b> - The bottom line is that it catches trout, lots of them. Fish it proudly, and try pink.<br />
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<b>11) Little Round Ball of Pink Yarn</b> - I've already compromised my reputation by including the worm so the egg didn't crack my top ten... and besides, we're not talking about what is in my box, just what I recommend for yours.<br />
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7439150239233085035.post-15565953137879607872012-10-14T10:26:00.000-06:002012-10-14T13:11:19.596-06:00The Next Bend<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"You need to get your passion back, guy."</i></span></b><br />
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That was the Monday morning remark of a co-worker of mine after telling her that I hadn't fished over the weekend. She seemed rather appalled. I laughed it off, but I knew she was right.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vkEAU_rXyYnW0TJ0CyXeXxytIeq1aeVtOZ3ro1oJzovy13sumlrnMCulDq3jS9k-7azvs-y_DPl__onMuSXvmEuYwOHcilZqitzU7j3gWoGmvXUYpHx7YTRRzPD-Zj5r1uGYNthPKQA/s1600/WillBrown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vkEAU_rXyYnW0TJ0CyXeXxytIeq1aeVtOZ3ro1oJzovy13sumlrnMCulDq3jS9k-7azvs-y_DPl__onMuSXvmEuYwOHcilZqitzU7j3gWoGmvXUYpHx7YTRRzPD-Zj5r1uGYNthPKQA/s320/WillBrown.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-funk brown from new water. Photo by <a href="http://www.benpiercephoto.com/" target="_blank">Ben Pierce</a>.</td></tr>
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Perhaps I was suffering from a bit of post guide-season burnout. Maybe I was depressed about my best fishing buddy moving away. My new weekend-warrior status certainly wasn't helping things any. Whatever it was, my funk was short-lived, but real enough to have me thinking about what exactly I love so much about fly fishing. <br />
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A couple of recent solo outings were enjoyable, but they were a great reminder of just how much I enjoy the camaraderie of fellow anglers. Some of my best friendships have been forged on the water, so there's that. <br />
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The never-ending learning curve of fly fishing holds great appeal. The time spent communing and connecting with Ma Nature, in some of her most beautiful haunts is certainly a factor. But perhaps more than anything else, I'm realizing that my continued interest in fly fishing is rooted largely in exploration of new water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMmk8vf-TauqCIc_YZ2-74ROwreaVX6KSzWLxo8PgXbEPzdgpxvIA6vlFj5c-SsZPyYyIa_vg7pLdnTe0uF_-ohYJQJKKHK7yAadpsWg4dZPzD8EeWNX2HycDt_AxpP_6qZP_i-fx3U4/s1600/_DSC0123_01_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMmk8vf-TauqCIc_YZ2-74ROwreaVX6KSzWLxo8PgXbEPzdgpxvIA6vlFj5c-SsZPyYyIa_vg7pLdnTe0uF_-ohYJQJKKHK7yAadpsWg4dZPzD8EeWNX2HycDt_AxpP_6qZP_i-fx3U4/s320/_DSC0123_01_edited-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a lot to explore out there.</td></tr>
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I'll always enjoy fishing my home waters, whose curves are as familiar as those of a longtime lover. But it's the allure of the new and the unknown that truly calls to me. It's the desire to discover what is around the next bend, so to speak, that fuels my passion.<br />
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<br />Will Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679946752061021543noreply@blogger.com9