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Hey folks.  Exciting announcement.  This blog has moved.  Adjust your bookmarks and subscriptions accordingly.  Quality fly fishing content is available for your perusal at: http://catchsnaprelease.com

Over and out.

DZ

Brown is the New Black

July is off to a killer start.  Summer time around here can be really hit or miss, depending on what the last six months have put in motion.  The bigger fish are in faster water now, which is not to say that you won't find fish all over...but my biggest grabs have been in the quick stuff.

 

Hiking in. 

 

Reading and moving.

A spirited 22" brown.

 

Light and water.

 

Breathin better. 

 

Jan fights something serious. 

Net was barely up to the task.

 

Fooled you Pa. 

Birds and mice are not safe on this river.  25" of predator.

Other than being a faithful friend, Jan Nemec knows his stuff.  I wouldn't find half the fish I do without his sage advice and generosity.  Instead of pissing away your cash on fancy gear, book a trip or class with Mimic Fly Fishing this summer to take your fishing up a notch or three.  You won't regret the small investment.

When the Heat Gets Hot

Sorry folks, June got away from me.  Now for some catching up.

When people ask why I fish, I usually reduce the mountain of reasons to something like "it's the perfect balance of competition and relaxation".  This is 100% true, but it really only scratches the surface.  Another primary reason: fishing forces the raw beauty of Nevada right up in front of my face.

Desert, wha?

Things have heated up substantially now with triple digit days happening at least a few times a week.  This is the desert, so no complaints here.  I'll take it dry and high over the humid armpit many others face each day.

I hit the river out east a few last times last month before I knew it would be off the menu.  Did alright, but nothing compared to what spring was like in term of numbers and vigor.

Eatin' good.

Release and return.

Brandyn in mid-flight.  Click to see it bigger.

Healthy fish right in town.

Took another out-of-towner out recently, a mentor and incredibly wise man that has been speaking into my life for the last two years.  He only had a little fly fishing experience but he was a quick teach.  Had a guide friend offer to join us, give us a location, then had an emergency come up so I was left "touring" in water I'd never seen before.  Not a recipe for success but we made the most of it.

Hooked something for a brief moment right at the top of the day, but immediately lost it.  After a few slow hours of exploration, I checked the same slot for a second shot and hoped that a couple of hours was enough to clear the slate.  It was, as evidenced below:

Not often do you get a second chance around here.

Jim checking the lanes.

Riffle and run.

Protein pack.

Flash some gill.

All in all, I didn't see the river a whole lot in June.  The weather has been incredible but I can't help but wonder what lay ahead this year.  The fate of the whole ecosystem hinges on enough water moving from Tahoe to Pyramid all summer.  Stuff out east is already dismal.  We'll see what happens.  In the mean time, grab a souvenir from the local aluminum hatch and help everyone out.

Caddis and Kickstarters

This past year some friends and I raised funds to make a new record through the crowd-source favorite, Kickstarter.  One of the prizes for select backers was a guided fishing trip with myself (amateur) and a local guide (professional).  I didn't expect folks in other states to choose that prize, but a couple did.

We finally got Alan out to the high desert from his home in Chicago to hit the river.  Alan did quite well, given it was his first visit to northern NV.  Enough fish to keep the day interesting anyway.

 

Chicago gettin' bent. 

 

Fly that flag.

 

The river was kind to this first timer.

 

Off ya go. 

 

Claw in blue.

Caddis in green.

 

Biggest of the day.

 

Personal favorite.

Entertaining out of town guys is great because you can properly set their expectations, let them experience the beauty and challenge of the local water, and know you won't find them in your favorite hole next week.  Caddis in green and rust, small stones, and copper johns are moving fish.  Grab a few and get outside.

Solo and Stormy

When the weather turns on you, you have a choice. 
1. Pack it up and wait for better conditions.
2. Throw the hood up and enjoy the river by yourself.

This particular time I made the right choice.

 

Finger paint.

 

Breach. 

 

Dorsal.

 

Cutbow doesn't mind the rain.

 

Spots and spots.