Thursday, July 14, 2011
"And The Beat Goes On"
The fishing remains amazing. I know I have said this before but it demands repeating. The Grey Reef and Miracle Mile sections of the North Platte are the best trophy trout waters in the US. 20 inch rainbows are now routine. The North Platte Lodge has a 25" Club. We award anglers a hat recognizing their accomplishment. The Lodge has had to re-order hats already this year.
A friend of mine recently spent the day at the Mile. He had over 100 hookups and landed over 70 fish. He lost count of the fish over 20". He fished a Golden Stone dry with a dropper. The vast majority of takes were on the dry. He had 6 fish break him off! And he was wade fishing! That can't be done on any other river in the country that I know of.
Recently I had the honor of having dear friends Jack and Jan Massimino from Park City in my boat on the Reef. Jack and Jan are both excellent fly fishers. I don't want to denegrate any of my less accomplished guests, but it is a joy to fish with folks who can actually land the fly where they want to and know the nuances of mending. I had been seeing a few pods of rising fish over the past couple of days below Government Bridge. The Reef is having an epic Yellow Sallie hatch this year. Clouds of Sallies and PMD's fill the air. Today was one of those days. We put on the river at Lusby and the nymphing was on fire from the start. Several double hook ups and a few break-offs. About a half mile below the bridge I detected a pod of risers. They were in a quiet pool on the inside of a seam. The Massiminos grabbed their dry fly rods as I slid the boat downstream of the fish and sneaked up the bank on the unsuspecting rainbows. It appeared to be at least ten fish and judging by the size of the noses sticking out of the water they were all big. The boat now in position, Jack, of course, gave the first shot to Jan. She didn't waste the opportunity. She dropped the fly just in front of the last fish. It drifted into an open mouth. Fish on!
Ten was indeed the magic number. We hooked them all. We did not land them all. Not only are Reef fish strong they are evidently from the "Dorado" strain of rainbows. They spend as much time out of the water as they do in it. Jump after jump. Drag screaming run after run. Four of the six fish that came to the net were over 20". Jan's first fish was 23". The other four either broke us off or came un-bit during their "Wallendas" impersonation. Big strong fish and lots of them. Hopper time is going to be unbelievable.
We had a magical day on the Reef. Back at the lodge Jack commented "I may never fish the Green again!" Not the first person I have heard that from.
A quick update on puppy Molly. She continues to make amazing improvement. She is now doing triple marked retrieves with the dummy launcher. I have started her on hand signals. She is doing great on her overs. Will start her backs soon. Did several retrieves from the dummy launcher 200 yards into an alfalfa field the other day. She has to mark the dummy and then use her nose to find the dummy in the tall grass. She winded several from 10 to 20 yards away. Fun to watch her learn to use her nose. Looks like she may get to dress for the varsity squad this fall.
"The beat goes on
Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain"
Sonny and Cher
JJ
A friend of mine recently spent the day at the Mile. He had over 100 hookups and landed over 70 fish. He lost count of the fish over 20". He fished a Golden Stone dry with a dropper. The vast majority of takes were on the dry. He had 6 fish break him off! And he was wade fishing! That can't be done on any other river in the country that I know of.
Recently I had the honor of having dear friends Jack and Jan Massimino from Park City in my boat on the Reef. Jack and Jan are both excellent fly fishers. I don't want to denegrate any of my less accomplished guests, but it is a joy to fish with folks who can actually land the fly where they want to and know the nuances of mending. I had been seeing a few pods of rising fish over the past couple of days below Government Bridge. The Reef is having an epic Yellow Sallie hatch this year. Clouds of Sallies and PMD's fill the air. Today was one of those days. We put on the river at Lusby and the nymphing was on fire from the start. Several double hook ups and a few break-offs. About a half mile below the bridge I detected a pod of risers. They were in a quiet pool on the inside of a seam. The Massiminos grabbed their dry fly rods as I slid the boat downstream of the fish and sneaked up the bank on the unsuspecting rainbows. It appeared to be at least ten fish and judging by the size of the noses sticking out of the water they were all big. The boat now in position, Jack, of course, gave the first shot to Jan. She didn't waste the opportunity. She dropped the fly just in front of the last fish. It drifted into an open mouth. Fish on!
Ten was indeed the magic number. We hooked them all. We did not land them all. Not only are Reef fish strong they are evidently from the "Dorado" strain of rainbows. They spend as much time out of the water as they do in it. Jump after jump. Drag screaming run after run. Four of the six fish that came to the net were over 20". Jan's first fish was 23". The other four either broke us off or came un-bit during their "Wallendas" impersonation. Big strong fish and lots of them. Hopper time is going to be unbelievable.
We had a magical day on the Reef. Back at the lodge Jack commented "I may never fish the Green again!" Not the first person I have heard that from.
A quick update on puppy Molly. She continues to make amazing improvement. She is now doing triple marked retrieves with the dummy launcher. I have started her on hand signals. She is doing great on her overs. Will start her backs soon. Did several retrieves from the dummy launcher 200 yards into an alfalfa field the other day. She has to mark the dummy and then use her nose to find the dummy in the tall grass. She winded several from 10 to 20 yards away. Fun to watch her learn to use her nose. Looks like she may get to dress for the varsity squad this fall.
"The beat goes on
Drums keep pounding a rhythm to the brain"
Sonny and Cher
JJ
Friday, June 17, 2011
Do you believe in Miracles?
The USA winning the Gold Medal in hockey....Charl Swartzel winning the Masters....Red Sox's being down 1-3 to the Yankees and winning the ALCS....Nancy Pelosi never had a face lift....Dolly Parton is all natural....Weiner's account was hacked..... and the greatest miracle of all....Lyle Lovett getting to sleep with Julia Roberts.
Well, I have one better than all of those. My hunting clients know that a year and a half ago I got a new puppy. Her name is Molly. She comes from the Labrador's Unlimited Kennel in Valparaiso, IN, owned by my good friend Bill Cox. All of my dogs have been from Bill's kennel. He breeds the finest hunting labs in the country. He also trains labs. Bill has qualified more dogs for the Master National Hunt Trials than any other breeder/trainer. Molly's pedigree is exemplary.
However, Houston, we have a problem! After a reasonably promising start last fall, Molly decided she didn't like to train. She didn't really like retrieving dummies. I have never had a dog that did not want to train. It became so bad this spring that it was clear that she was never going to make a quality retriever. In May I gave Molly to my brother Chad. He has three young kids and I thought she would at least make a good pet.
Due to some unforeseen circumstances, Chad could not keep Molly. So back she came. And now the MIRACLE ON THE REEF. My Dad is convinced that Molly has been possessed by the spirit of my wonder dog, Brooks. Brooks is a legend all across the Midwest. The ultimate hunting companion. 1000 yard blind retrieves on snow geese; tracking a rooster pheasant and pinning him until the gunners arrived; marking multiple mallards; she did it all with style and grace. Molly, after usually running away with the dummy; if she picked it up at all, now delivers to hand. In the last few days I have introduced marked doubles and she nailed them. I started her on piles. She is up to 100 yards and never hesitates. I planted a 50 yard blind for her last night. She took the line like she had been doing them forever.
Time will tell if she makes the move from the scout team to the varsity starting line-up. I am cautiously optimistic.
"The mystery masked man was smart
He got himself a Tonto
'Cause Tonto did the dirty work for free
But Tonto he was smarter
And one day said kemo sabe
Kiss my ass I bought a boat
I'm going out to sea"
Lyle Lovett "If I had a boat"
Well, I have one better than all of those. My hunting clients know that a year and a half ago I got a new puppy. Her name is Molly. She comes from the Labrador's Unlimited Kennel in Valparaiso, IN, owned by my good friend Bill Cox. All of my dogs have been from Bill's kennel. He breeds the finest hunting labs in the country. He also trains labs. Bill has qualified more dogs for the Master National Hunt Trials than any other breeder/trainer. Molly's pedigree is exemplary.
However, Houston, we have a problem! After a reasonably promising start last fall, Molly decided she didn't like to train. She didn't really like retrieving dummies. I have never had a dog that did not want to train. It became so bad this spring that it was clear that she was never going to make a quality retriever. In May I gave Molly to my brother Chad. He has three young kids and I thought she would at least make a good pet.
Due to some unforeseen circumstances, Chad could not keep Molly. So back she came. And now the MIRACLE ON THE REEF. My Dad is convinced that Molly has been possessed by the spirit of my wonder dog, Brooks. Brooks is a legend all across the Midwest. The ultimate hunting companion. 1000 yard blind retrieves on snow geese; tracking a rooster pheasant and pinning him until the gunners arrived; marking multiple mallards; she did it all with style and grace. Molly, after usually running away with the dummy; if she picked it up at all, now delivers to hand. In the last few days I have introduced marked doubles and she nailed them. I started her on piles. She is up to 100 yards and never hesitates. I planted a 50 yard blind for her last night. She took the line like she had been doing them forever.
Time will tell if she makes the move from the scout team to the varsity starting line-up. I am cautiously optimistic.
"The mystery masked man was smart
He got himself a Tonto
'Cause Tonto did the dirty work for free
But Tonto he was smarter
And one day said kemo sabe
Kiss my ass I bought a boat
I'm going out to sea"
Lyle Lovett "If I had a boat"
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Good Help is Hard to Find!
OK, it has been more than awhile since last post. Much like the current Administration I am blaming it on 'W'.
My corporate staff has been very busy converting my new home in Alcova into non-typical guide living quarters. I even have a vacuum cleaner and jet dry for the dishwasher! Shower every night and HD TV. Be still my beating heart.
Fishing remains spectacular. River flows are approaching record levels and should remain that way all summer. If you have never fished the Grey Reef section of the North Platte, you have missed the finest stream in the west. Soon it will be hopper time. 20+ inch fish smashing hoppers is a spiritual moment. And we are not talking an occasional fish. How about at least 20 takes in a typical day's float?
Call me or the North Platte Lodge to schedule your trip. NPL phone number is listed at top of this page.
Come and get ya sum!
Tight lines,
JJ
My corporate staff has been very busy converting my new home in Alcova into non-typical guide living quarters. I even have a vacuum cleaner and jet dry for the dishwasher! Shower every night and HD TV. Be still my beating heart.
Fishing remains spectacular. River flows are approaching record levels and should remain that way all summer. If you have never fished the Grey Reef section of the North Platte, you have missed the finest stream in the west. Soon it will be hopper time. 20+ inch fish smashing hoppers is a spiritual moment. And we are not talking an occasional fish. How about at least 20 takes in a typical day's float?
Call me or the North Platte Lodge to schedule your trip. NPL phone number is listed at top of this page.
Come and get ya sum!
Tight lines,
JJ
Friday, May 20, 2011
Hey Ya Got an Ark?
Have I mentioned that I really do love my job? However, this weather really really sucks. This is a high desert; not supposed to rain. One of my fellow guides was so despondent over the current climatological conditions he attempted self-immolation. However he was not successful due to excessive amounts of precipitation.
Have been snowed off river, blown off river and rained off river in the past ten days. In spite of all the "Al Gore" inspired weather, the fishing has been great. The other day I launched at the dam and did 26 miles of river! The upper section looked like teenage girls at a Justin Beiber concert. Lots of shrieking and pandemonium. Opting to not become embroiled in the mosh pit I went full steam ahead for three miles down river. My guests and I fished in blissful solitude all day. Lots of fish and several made the 20"+ club.
Speaking of 20" fish, how about a 14 lb walleye? The river gave up another monster the other day. Not sure what is going on with the big walleyes but sure it has something to do with Seal Team 6. God bless our military.
Pleased to report I purchased a mobile home in Alcova. I have been living in a camper for the past several years. Lack of running water is not much fun. A hot shower at night! Sorry Al, I do not have a low-flow shower head. I think not having a shower for many years makes us about even.
Have been snowed off river, blown off river and rained off river in the past ten days. In spite of all the "Al Gore" inspired weather, the fishing has been great. The other day I launched at the dam and did 26 miles of river! The upper section looked like teenage girls at a Justin Beiber concert. Lots of shrieking and pandemonium. Opting to not become embroiled in the mosh pit I went full steam ahead for three miles down river. My guests and I fished in blissful solitude all day. Lots of fish and several made the 20"+ club.
Speaking of 20" fish, how about a 14 lb walleye? The river gave up another monster the other day. Not sure what is going on with the big walleyes but sure it has something to do with Seal Team 6. God bless our military.
Pleased to report I purchased a mobile home in Alcova. I have been living in a camper for the past several years. Lack of running water is not much fun. A hot shower at night! Sorry Al, I do not have a low-flow shower head. I think not having a shower for many years makes us about even.
Monday, May 9, 2011
2 Fly and SEC Basketball Coaches
This past week was memorable on many levels. I guided May 5th and 6th for Casper's annual 2 Fly Foundation Tournament. The Foundation supports Wyoming charities as well as helping to preserve the habitat of the North Platte River. My guests caught lots of fish both days.
On Sunday, North Platte Lodge hosted 8 "biker" ladies for a day on the water. In my boat were LSU womens' head basketball coach, Nikki Caldwell, and Tennessee assistant coach, Holly Warlick. They are the co-founders of "Champions For a Cause Foundation" which supports the fight against breast cancer. The Foundation was started by Caldwell and Warlick while both were assistant coaches at TN under legendary coach Pat Summit. Nikki won national championships at TN both as a player and a coach. Nikki and Holly are both avid "Harley" riders and their "Crusin For a Cure", a six day ride from Rapid City to Las Vegas, raises funds for their Foundation. This was the first time either had ever fly fished for trout. They were a hoot to have in my boat and yes, they caught fish!
Nikki Caldwell
(my hands!)
HOPPER TIME IS COMING!Sunday, May 1, 2011
THIS WEATHER IS ^#$@?&*!
Ok, got that off my chest. Now if I could just get rid of the 20 lb. weight on my chest. No fun having "terminal' head and chest cold while rowing 17 miles in snow and rain and 35 degrees and 40 mph winds. I want this weather in December when the mallards and Canadas are here not in May. Oh well, I do love my job.
Fishing report: Of course my fly fishermen have to endure the same lovely weather. Fishing is almost always good on the Reef and this weekend was no exception. In spite of the horrific weather, the dedicated guide managed to control the boat well enough in the gale force winds and my guests put a respectable number of fish in the net. Several fish over 20" and that is real measuring stick. Most of the rainbows are now done spawning. I think they take a few days off and then begin their 6 month feeding binge. Size #18 Reef worms and egg patterns were the primary choices from the menu.
A shout out to all my hunting clients. If you have never hunted Sage Grouse, you need to add this magnificent bird to your trophy room. The North Platte Lodge has leased the finest Sage Grouse lands in the world. The season is a short few weeks the last half of September. We have only a few days available so call the Lodge right away to reserve a hunt of a lifetime. 307.237.1182
Go Huskers!
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