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.
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,
Where To Fish This Weekend?
We are blessed to have many fishing opportunities in the Greater Yellowstone Region. Whether it be the famous rivers known for their abundant hatches or little-known gems where native trout swim. With so many options, it can be challenging to decide where to fish when you have a day off. And with only so many days off, we want to make the days we get to fish count. In this article, I share a
Isn’t Fly Fishing Supposed To Be Hard?
Isn’t fly fishing supposed to be hard? With all the new techniques and technology that fly fishing has seen over the last few years, I catch myself asking this question more and more. Before discussing the methods, I hope you know that I encourage all anglers to get out on the water and fish the way they enjoy. I am not one to tell others how they should fish and enjoy a day
Spring Streamer Fishing
Spring is a magical time here in Montana. The days grow longer as the sun warms the vast valleys. The snow-covered peaks standout amongst the cloudy skies. Rivers break free of ice as water temperatures warm. Green grass grows, and the landscape fills with the colors of spring. Every spring feels like a new awakening as we survive another harsh winter and have lots to look forward to. As fly anglers, spring streamer fishing
Short Leash Nymphing
Many think of nymphing as oversized bobbers, split-shot, and heavy nymphs. Or for those that euro nymph think of long rods, perdigons, and sighter material. In this article, I overview a different way to nymph that is less common but just as effective as other techniques. Many call it short-leash nymphing, and I have enjoyed learning about it over the past few years. What Is Short Leash Nymphing? Short-leash nymphing is just another way to
Success Is In The Details
We have all been there at some point: fishing a blue-ribbon trout stream, struggling to catch a fish even though trout are rising all around us. You have tried everything you can think of, but nothing seems to be working. Then, you notice the angler upstream of you netting fish after fish. You can’t help but think, “What fly are they using?” While this may be our first thought, I believe it is more