Insights
Explore Your Curiousity
This is where I share the tips, techniques, and viewpoints that have led to my success on the water. I am not a guide or expert angler, though I believe this is a sport of lifetime learning where the most successful angler is the most curious one. I also believe teaching is the best way to learn and grow as an angler, so I hope sharing these insights benefits me as much as it does you. Not only do I share practical tips that will help you catch more fish, but I also share perspectives to ponder in fishing and life.
The Case For Stealth In Fly Fishing
I see it all the time. Fishermen causing a complete ruckus on the river. Splashing through the water, playing music in the boat, smacking their big bobbers on the surface, and casting shadows over feeding fish. In many cases, stealth feels like an afterthought in today’s fly-fishing environment. Wild trout are wary creatures. From the moment they are born, they live under constant threat from predators like larger fish, otters, birds of prey, and fishermen. And with
Why Tie Your Own Flies
As we head deep into fly-tying season here in the Yellowstone Region, fly-tying is at the forefront of my mind. With a variety of hatches in the region and many trips to prepare for in the upcoming season, there are a lot of flies to be tied in the winter months. I’ve grown to love fly tying just as much as fly fishing itself, and I look forward to winter days behind the vise. Tying your
When It All Comes Together
A lot goes into a fishing trip. Whether it’s hours of research, tying flies, traveling to the fishery, or developing the skills to succeed on the water, it takes time and effort. There is also a lot out of our control, with luck, weather, and conditions being major determinants in the success of a given day. With all that goes into a day of fishing, it’s inevitable that many of our fishing trips will not
To Learn A River
Every so often, you come across a fishery that touches you in a unique way. Something about it feels different. The river piques your curiosity, and you want to learn all its secrets. It’s hard to put into words why you are drawn to that fishery. It’s probably a mix of the scenery, fish, hatches, and when that fishery came into your life. Sometimes, you know it the first time you fish there; other times,
The Ideal Fall Weather
Weather is an important factor in trout fishing, and this is especially true in the fall. The Yellowstone Region experiences a mix of weather patterns from September to October, each bringing different fishing conditions. While a second stint of summer weather is always welcomed, what die-hard anglers look for is dark skies and inclement weather. The ideal weather for fall fishing. Just like hunters hope for stormy weather to move animals around, anglers call in sick
It’s Not The Location
Something I have been pondering lately is the importance of location when determining success in fly fishing. We put so much emphasis on the location we fish, always looking for the next secret spot that holds bigger trout that are easier to catch. I have begun to question this mindset, thinking that location is not as important as many anglers chalk it up to be. Now, don’t get me wrong, some fisheries are better than others,
September Fishing in Yellowstone
If I could have one month off work a year to fish in the Yellowstone Region, September would be it. The weather cools, the colors change, and big fish are on the prowl as we head into fall. In this blog post, I go over why September fly fishing in the Yellowstone Region is so exceptional. September Fishing In the Yellowstone Region Fishing the Madison River in September. Shorter Days and Cool Nights By September,
Montana Hopper Fishing
Imagine it’s early August on a small prairie stream in Southwest Montana. You wade up the stream, prospecting your favorite hopper pattern along the undercut banks. The sun warms the air as you look for any bit of shaded bank where a big trout may hide. The grass around you is clicking with grasshoppers of all shapes and sizes. A big brown trout comes out of the bank to gulp your fly. Is there any place
The Dry Fly Hookset
Imagine you are in casting position on a large trout rising to an intense pale morning dun hatch. You see the fish slowly rise from the bottom and gently sip each dun that goes by. You make the perfect cast and lay the fly in the trout’s feeding lane. As it floats over, the trout tilts its fins and rises to your fly. Your excitement takes over, and as the fish eats your fly, you
Slow Down
In this article, I share an insight that has helped me on the water the past few weeks and contributed to my success over the years. Slowing down on the river. I have found tremendous success by taking the time to sit on the riverbank, getting out of the boat, and observing what’s happening on the river. So many anglers run up and down the bank, casting every which way. Or rip
To Be A Fisherman
What does it mean to be a fisherman? Many of us identify as fishermen or women. We tell all those around us (whether they ask or not) that we are fishermen. Those around us tell others the same, and eventually, we are known as the fishermen in our circle of friends and family. I’m sure that for many of you, your identity is closely tied to fishing. I am even tempted to answer the
Fishing the Lakes of the Greater Yellowstone Region
Fishing the Lakes of the Greater Yellowstone Region The Greater Yellowstone Region is renowned worldwide for its numerous rivers, famous for fly fishing. Anglers travel from around the world to fish rivers like the Henry’s Fork of the Snake, Madison River, and the many rivers in Yellowstone National Park. While the rivers draw numerous anglers to the area, the lakes in the region are equally worthy of a trip, offering excellent fishing, stunning views,