A Brown on a Dry

For your viewing pleasure, here's a big brown trout smashing a dry fly.  Who cares the language isn't English?!?!  Isn't fly fishing the UNIVERSAL language?

Link: https://vimeo.com/249861384

Streamer Chronicles -- Andreas Andersson

Can't wait to start chucking some big streamers at some wipers and largemouth this spring.  it can't get here fast enough!  In the meantime, enjoy living vicariously through Streamer Chronicles.  Who knows, maybe you'll learn a thing or two.

Tying Tool

As we get closer to spring and with the thrill of good fishing days looming on the horizon, I know there are some of you that are ready to hit the water for the first time with a fly rod.  Maybe you received one as a Christmas present or you possibly want to head out on your own with a fly rod for the first time.  Either way, you might have a feeling of apprehension or intimidation when it comes to learning all of the intricacies and knots that are associated with green horn fly fishers.  If this speaks to you, let me introduce my favorite fly fishing tool that I own.  The TieFast nail knot tying tool is a must-have (in my humble opinion) if you're going to hit the water.  I always keep one in my truck, my fly fishing vest, my fishing backpack, and even one in my classroom...just in case.  You can find these tools at most fly shops, Bass Pro, Cabela's or at walmart.com as well as amazon.com.  I rely heavily on this tool when I need a nail knot tied to connect fly line to leader and a loop to loop connection isn't an option.  I hope the video In the Riffle helps and simplifies the intricate world of fly fishing...a little.

Jensen Fly Fishing

These are a couple of pretty cool videos from Jensen Fly Fishing.  They are both short, three minute videos that focus on targeting one fish and doing what it takes to get that fish to bite.  I won't spoil anything for you, but let me tell you that it will probably be worth the three to six minutes of dedication if you're up for the time commitment.

3 Trout

All I can write is WOW!  What amazing footage of some sweet, sweet dry fly fishing in a place I hadn't heard of until I watched this video.  The goal of this particular trip was to catch the three species of trout (rainbow, brown, and brook) that can be found in the The Snowy Mountains of Australia.  Hopefully this helps you get through your day and builds some excitement for warmer weather and amazing fishing this spring!

Link: https://vimeo.com/249285291

Zebra Midge

This is a mainstay in my fly box and has been a fish producer at trout parks here in Missouri as well as Lake Taneycomo.  If you're looking for a simple but effective pattern to tie or try out this spring, I cannot recommend this pattern enough!

Landsick- A Fly Fishing Film Tour Trailer

Yet another trailer from the upcoming Fly Fishing Film Tour.  This trailer looks about like it sounds; unconventional, gritty, and unique.

Link: https://vimeo.com/249452533

“Rio de Gigantes” (Trailer) - Official Selection, IF4™ 2018

I am more excited about this trailer and film than any other that has been released in the last few weeks.  The flies look awesome, the takes are violent, and the peacock bass are BEAUTIFUL!  While the IF4 is not coming to Kansas City, it IS coming to St. Louis so east-siders, you're in for a treat!  Go to the following link for more information about the International Fly Fishing Film Festival.

Link: http://www.flyfilmfest.com/

Fly Tying Instruction- The Articulated Mahi Mahi

I ran across this fly a while back at Frankenfly, and just had to share it.  It uses some of my favorite materials but what makes it so unique is its head.  The deer hair head is tied on a angled shank which gives it a diving-type head.  On top of that, the deer hair is coated with a UV clear coat as well.  Finally, and this is what got my attention with this fly, are the wicked-looking eyes.  The shape and angle of the head gives this fly a really aggressive look and while I have no idea if it will appeal to fish, it sure did appeal to me!

The African Tiger- An F3T Selection

While you watch this trailer, will you at least consider the following question: "Is it just me, or does a tiger fish look a whole lot like a wiper/hybrid if you don't look at its head?"  This is one amazing fish with an incredible set of chompers.  If you're going to the Fly Fishing Film Tour in Kansas City on Feb. 21, I'll see you there!

Link: https://vimeo.com/248079536

Fly Tying: Mike Schmidt's Maraceiver

Brian Wise, I have said it once and I will say it again, you are the MAN!  This is an amazing articulated fly, but I have a feeling that if I were to attempt this fly, it wouldn't quite turn out the same.  Once the bucktail came out, my confidence shrank!

5 Advantages of Fly Fishing from Fly Fish KC

My buddy Austin of Fly Fish KC wrote an interesting article on his blog about how fly fishing can actually be advantageous over conventional or even bait fishing.  The post makes some good points and to be honest, makes me proud to be a fly fisherman.  While it sometimes feels like we're making fishing harder than it needs to be, maybe we are just low key geniuses!

Link: https://www.fly-fish-kc.com/posts/2018/1/1/0hhoaawqczzv34fru22cqbmezb53n9

Fishing Beyond The River - IF4 Trailer

When I grow up, I want to be as good at life as these folks!  What an amazing group of people, doing amazing things to make the world a better place.  This is also another trailer from the International Fly Fishing Film Festival.

Link: https://vimeo.com/250156492

Dubbing Brushes- More Than You Ever Wanted to Know

Yesterday in the Streamer Chronicles post, Paul Zagorski mentioned dubbing brushes.  At that instant it reminded me that I had always wanted to learn more about dubbing brushes.  While I had seen them up at Rainbow Fly Shop, I didn't really know how to properly use them, how to tie them in, or how to make my own.  Well, thanks to inclement weather, I got a day off from teaching and was able to dive into all things dubbing brush related and boy did I learn A LOT!  Below are some videos that I ran across on dubbing brush odyssey and they cover everything from building a dubbing brush maker, what dubbing brushes are, and some instructional videos that show how to incorporate them into your flies.   If you need a weekend project (like I do because this lack of fishing is about to drive me crazy), then maybe you tie some flies with some brushes, make a brush builder, or experiment with making some brushes with different materials.  I hope you are able to learn something from the videos and are able to incorporate something new into you fly tying!

Streamer Chronicles -- Paul Zagorski

It is cliche to state, but this guy gets it!  Paul Zagorski is a down to earth, level headed, and appreciative guy.  This just might be my favorite Streamer Chronicles episode yet because Paul doesn't take ANYTHING for granted.  He also puts a very, very pretty brown in the boat too!  I hope that some of Paul's words renew a sense of gratitude and admiration for our beloved sport and all the beautiful things that it touches!

Crease fly

My buddy Luke from The Midwest Drift has created a video that shows how to tie a crease fly.  This is a short video for a pretty simple fly. 

Admittedly, I knew next to nothing about this fly prior to watching the video.  However, after conducting a little research, I learned that this fly can be fished in a variety of ways.  Below is a link to an Orvis page where you can read more about the fly recipe, reviews, and details but what I like most is the "Learn More" tab.  This tab gives information about the fly's origins as well as how to fish it.  This fly can be fished on the surface or subsurface and looks like a great largemouth, white, and hybrid bass fly!

Link: http://www.orvis.com/p/blados-crease-fly/44k5

Whiting Farms

Have you ever wondered where some fly tying materials come from?  Or have you ever picked up a feather and thought, "I wonder what type of bird this came from and who in the world was responsible for harvesting it?"  Chances are, the answer to those questions might just involve Tom Whiting, a poultry geneticist.  This is a pretty interesting article that goes behind the scenes of feather design, growth, and harvest.

Link: https://www.fieldandstream.com/perfect-feathers-for-fly-tiers

“Seriously North” Trailer and Important Fly Fishing Film Dates

I don't like Mondays, but I DO like fly fishing videos for arctic char.  I hope this video helps get you through your day and reminds you that adventure is out there, waiting for you. 

Also, the Fly Fishing Film Tour will be coming to Overland Park, Kansas, (suburb of Kansas City) on February 21 and in St. Louis on March 12.  As for the International Fly Fishing Film Festival, it will be in St. Louis on Jan. 10 (yes, day after tomorrow),

A New Blog I Am PROUD To Support

There is a new blog on the block and if you haven't checked it out yet, I highly suggest you give it a look.  It is called Fly Fish KC and has been up and running for a couple of months now.  It is a Kansas City based fly fishing blog with articles, videos, pictures, and good information.  While the site has its roots in Kansas City, it also encompasses other parts of our beloved sport.  It has a great layout and some amazing photography but that's only telling part of the story about this site and why I am so excited about today's post.  The administrator/author of the site is named Austin and he is a high school student in the Kansas City area.  It just so happens that  a few years ago I had Austin in one of my science classes.  On top of that, he was in my fly fishing club that I sponsor and we have grown to become good friends since having him in class.  I could not be more proud of Austin and his desire to start a blog of his own.  He is an award-winning writer and I will be sure to post about some of his articles in the future because I definitely think you will find them interesting and thought provoking.  Please check out his site when you get a chance and if you like what you see, I am sure that he would appreciate your patronage in the future.

Link: https://www.fly-fish-kc.com/

Chuckin' Big Flies

Hook Shots from Field & Stream is back with another episode and this one hits close to home!  This episode features Brian Wise of Fly Fishing the Ozarks and the boys are chasing big browns on the White River and North Fork.  The conditions are changing, the fish are biting, and the flies are big old suckers.  They fish on the Arkansas side as well as the Missouri side so these locations are within reach for most of the followers of this site.  I hope you enjoy the episode and it motivates you to fish the amazing locations in 2018.  Heck, just go ahead and make it a resolution.  I bet this one will be easier to keep than exercising and eating better!

Link: https://www.fieldandstream.com/dredge-junkie-how-to-catch-big-fish-on-giant-streamers

Late Christmas Article From Project Healing Waters

I am so sorry for not getting this article from Jim Kissane (from Project Healing Waters) published in a timely manner.  While it got lost in the shuffle and confusion of the holidays, I didn't want his hard work to go unpublished.  Plus, the Christmas spirit is supposed to be embodied all year right?  Again, my apologies to Jim and everyone at the Kansas City Chapter of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.  

Those of us who fly fish through the Winter realize that there are limits to our craziness, and those limits are not necessarily imposed by weather. I have been known to go on fishing trips in sub-zero temperatures and ice storms – not the soundest decisions I’ve ever made, but in my defense the inclement weather moved in after my arrival at the water’s edge. Yet even people who understand that reasoning realize you have to draw the line somewhere.

Christmas, for example, is a good time not to go fishing. For the same reason fishing on your wife’s birthday, your wedding anniversary, or Valentine’s Day are good days to keep the fishing gear stowed, if for no other reason than to keep said fishing gear from finding its way onto Craigslist while you’re away.

But all is not lost. Santa – a fly fisher himself, I can assure you – understands such commitments, and honoring them will go a long way toward landing a spot on his “Nice” list. Want abundant dry fly hatches, plenty of casting room and a stream full of trout? The “Nice” list is where you want to be. Otherwise, it’s the “Naughty” list and a season full of knot failures, headwinds and tiny trout. Besides, it’s time to go through your fly fishing equipment and put together your Christmas list.

The participants and volunteers at Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing took a break from their holiday preparations to share what they’re asking from Santa this year. Here’s what members of the Greater Kansas City Program have on their Christmas lists:

• Program Lead Bob Barnett: “To be able to introduce our program to more people, to help more people.”
• Pat Saviano: “More success at Bennett Springs, where I usually fail miserably.”
• Dave Frank: “Spoiling my grandkids. I’ve got a new grandson.”
• Outreach Coordinator Mike Davis: “Pen blanks so I can make some fly fishing pens.” (Mike is a woodworker, too).
• Tim Powell: “Anything flyfishing in general. I’ve got the bug!”
• Mikel Davis: “Woodworking and flyfishing. I just refinished my bathroom, so I need new projects.”
• David Haynes: “I’d really like to get a good 5-weight fly reel – right now I have to borrow my wife’s. But just about anything flyfishing will do.”
• Dan Kellogg: “One of those UV silicon lights for fly tying. That’s about the only thing I don’t have. Otherwise, I’ve got just about everything I need.”
• New participant Denny Chestnut: “This is my first time here, so I’d like gift certificates to the fly shops.”
• Dan Durgan: “To teach my grandson how to tie flies and fly fish. I don’t need any fly tying stuff – I can’t even see the top of my fly tying table.”
• Greg Davison: “My son is a policeman, and I just want him to be safe. My daughter is a school teacher, and I want her to be safe, too. My wife and I have everything else we need.”
• Ken Hicks: “Ken needs a new vise – my beginners vise is not too bad, but an upgrade would be nice. I think Ken also needs to start tying flies again.”
• Volunteer Ron Carruthers: “Peace on Earth.
• New volunteer Scott Rogers: “A fishing trip to Patagonia. It’s been on my bucket list for some time.”
• New participant Steve Fuhr: “I’m new at this, so I need one of these fly tying kits!”
• Volunteer Merril Miller: “Just getting together with family and friends. I don’t really need anything.”

MDC News

The Missouri Department of Conservation has some opportunities for you to hone your fishing skill and improve fish habitat for years to come.  Please see the following links and I hope that something sparks your interest!

Ice Fishing: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/mdc-hosts-fourth-annual-ice-fishing-workshop-hunnewell-jan-13

Fly Tying: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/mdc-hosts-intermediate-fly-tying-clinic-kirksville-jan-20

Recycling Christmas Trees: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/christmas-trees-can-be-one-last-gift-nature