Patterns

At a work related conference that I recently attended, the presenter mentioned that the human brain seeks out patterns everywhere.  Being a slightly obsessed fly fisherman I immediately thought of patterns in fly fishing and no, not the type to tie up, but the seasonal patterns.  Now that I've lived in NY for the better part of thirteen years, I now have some waters that I call home.  Part of what makes these home waters special is that after spending so much time on them I now see and can even anticipate the seasonal patterns of insects, migration, and the places where the fish I seek hang out.  With each season it's like visiting an old friend; oh they're still here etc.  I don't know if I'm alone in this or not, but I find this pattern anticipation extremely satisfying on some kind of level that I can't explain nor do I even what to try to explain.  Case in point I got to visit one of my so called home waters recently in search of the fabled Hendrickson hatch and it did not disappoint.  Well the hatch did, but not the spinner fall.  The fish were in the same predictable spots and rose to a well presented trusty rusty spinner.  Some things I never tire of.

Spring Steel

This past weekend spring appeared out of nowhere and we were lucky enough to be on the water.  Well it may not have been so lucky as we were all a bit overdressed and lacked enough liquids so that on the ride home we each consumed about a half gallon of water/Gatorade.  Despite some of the trails involved in the outing, it was a glorious day to be on the water and after covering a good share of the river we found some eager players. Thus a chapter closes on one type of fishing and now trout will be on the menu til further notice.

And so it begins

After a prolonged and drawn our winter, trout season finally has greeted us. I happened to make its acquaintance the other day. It was so nice to meet such a dear old friend. Our relationship is such that we can pick up right where we left off after our last visit. There was much to catch up on and stories to share and build anew.

The 5wt spey getting a workout.

They like nymphs still



A long lost bud who shared its presence with us. 

Which resulted in the first dry fly fish of the season for yours truly. 

Tying base V 3.0

Two winters ago I built myself a nice little tying base. As soon as I started using it, many improvements became clear. So last winter I built another one that while good in theory, the improvements I envisioned didn't materialize. Version two was used for a short while and many mental notes were made and final preparations we in place to create my ultimate tying base.

The raw Cherry from the store Rough cut after joining and planning. Test layout, all pieces in place.  Now for some drilling, lots of sanding and glue. Drilled, sanded and clamped The final product including brass rods inserted for thread, and matting for the bottoms of the holes. All equipment added (room for more) and fully functional. The back row holes have several 3" holes and the rest are 2". The others are 1.5, 1.25, 1 and 5/8". My favorite touches are the angled holes for the bodkins on the right and the slot for the razor blade.  All in all I'm pleased with the layout, it is a joy to work with.

Why Never to eat Farmed Salmon

Saw this on the internet and it proves again why not to buy or eat farmed salmon for any reason.  It is well worth the one hour of time and very well done. 



Salmon Confidential from Twyla Roscovich on Vimeo.

Spey Nation part 2

A video overview of Spey Nation 2012 Part 2 featuring Tim Rajeff, owner of Echo Fly Rod Co.  He is a former champion caster and funny presenter.  Well worth watching.
Spey Nation 2012 Part 2 from Robin Hill on Vimeo.

Spey Nation 2012 part 1

A video overview of Spey Nation 2012.  Part 1 includes some great instructional video of Simon Gawesworth as well as parts of presentations by Eric Reed of Beulah and Patrick Ross, plus footage of the general event. 

Spey Nation 2012 Part 1 from Robin Hill on Vimeo.