I am a fortunate fly fisher. I have for many years worked on catching trout in many different settings. I live in Montana,and have for many years, and will live here in Lincoln for the duration. I could run a commentary about the obvious evolution of the sport, but want to limit  comments to my perspective. 

Jim is an old school fly fisher. I started to cast my line in 1986, when I was young and strong.  Now at my age, I take on fishing with less concern about equipment and techniques, and rely  on instinct, my very best tool. 

January has been a warmer than normal winter month, however cold weather set upon us early  this winter and snow is piled deep in the mountains. 

 Many of my fishing friends must travel a ways , hike for miles or even go to other parts of the world to find fish. I will and do occasionally drive or hike to fish, but mostly I walk and wade to my favorite stretches of the Blackfoot River. That equates to good fortune. 

Check out the old school wool gloves! The are warm, inexpensive, and easy to haul around!

When thinking goes to beauty and the fishing is only a part of the adventure!

Subscribe to my post at the bottom of this page. I appreciate feedback! Thanks...Jim 

Fishing:a beginner and always a novice!

     My first fishing catches were so good, I remember them after nearly six decades. A cane pole, a cork float and a big shrimp.  Those days on the jetties of Boliver, Texas thrilled this boy and I was forever to be a water man! I vividly recall the huge hammer head sharks hanging by their tails as the  commercial fishermen unloaded their catch! When I became a teenager, my granddaddy took me out in his boat to catch sea run trout. We launched the boat near the jetties and headed out a mile or so!
    I had never experienced the thrill of fishing way out on the ocean with a real rod and reel. When the summer vacation was over, we returned to California and I resumed my surfing years.  It wasn't a fishing addiction until we moved to North Bend Washington in 1984.  It was fate that we found a home there, the Snoqualmie River system included the three forks, the South fork was a ten minute walk from the house. That was the river that got me hooked on fly fishing. In those early years, before fly fishing became very popular the only way to learn was to read a book, so naturally after some trips to the library I was learning. I found a cheap fly rod, bought some flies, and started doing it. I was actually surprised at how fast it was to get a fish to take a fly! Even close to the bank.
I fly fished everywhere I could find fish. I worked lakes, streams, the big river and began to gain some control.
My favorite beginning pattern in Washington was the Adams Irresistible, the small trout would always go for it. The fly would ride high through riffles and was easy to see. It wasn't too long before Sandy became interested, and with that we began our annual family vacations to Yellowstone National Park. Those vacations opened our eyes to the wonders of Montana and Wyoming and turned us into complete fly fishing addicts. I must add that the course of our lives changed forever! The river is now my best friend, always honest and always healing for my spirit!

     

I do love to fly fish.

January 24, 2015
Today is Saturday, a very warm, but rainy day! The rain fell overnight and covered all the back roads became skating rinks with a glassy film of water.  The guys with sanding trucks were having a good day, and other friends had problems driving from their home to work.
I am planning on a fishing or two day soon, the ice is completely gone off the river and the trout are very hungry! Next week the weather looks promising, warmer and dry. Yea!
I was gifted with an outstanding partner in my life! Sandy was the complete balance for me and together we lived a life of challenge and adventure! Sandra cast a dry fly with the best and could be counted on to catch as many great trout as anyone. She had a jewel of a mind, shared her heart with her family, and lived a gifted life! She preferred to fish  the "cracks" in Yellowstone Park. The stretched where few ventured and the fish were grand! Together we fished nearly every fish able water in the park. I am now alone, but I have been there, a place so many have never been able to find. I will always love Sandy, and her mark will move on with me and through our grandchildren. :)