MICHAEL and AIMEE’S BEAVER KILL RECON…

Michael and Aimee left the environs of the Big Apple and headed out to do some exploring on one of the rivers I hope to visit with him when I travel back East later this year…these are some preliminary photos which he sent to me…

Yeah…well, I don’t know about THAT…

The surrounding area…

Moo’s BIIX Winston, 9′, 5wt. with a Tibor CL Reel and Aimee’s Sage SP, 9′, 6wt. with a Ross Canyon…

The Beaver Kill…

A local resident…I will be focusing on a lot more Eastern bugs in upcoming posts…to fill some additional fly boxes for the kids (and maybe for me)…

Beaver Kill Hatch Chart from troutu.com…looks like I have a few patterns to tie…

More Beaver Kill water…

Camping by the river…that kid keeps the most organized campsite I have ever seen…

I will finish the Retro Crippled Caddis series in a couple of days. Frankenfly is off Trouting the Ausable and he will be posting the SBS on those guys sometime in the next week…

After that…some additional Cripple, Emerging and Caddis dries that would work in the above water and some places here in the West…

PT/TB 

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ANOTHER – For Other People’s Fly Boxes…(IS DONE)

Time to get to some patterns that have been on the back burner for awhile. A portion of these will go into a box for a person who is new to Fly Fishing. So, these are patterns that will put that person into fish, no matter where they might use them…

In on a book and done…

ANGORA CINNAMON CADDIS LARVAE  – Culton/Variant …

Materials for ANGORA CINNAMON CADDIS…

HOOK:  Daiichi 1560, #14 – #18

THREAD:  Ultra 70 denier, Burnt Orange – Under Abdomen / Tiemco 16/0, Brown – Thorax forward

WEIGHT: *NOTE…this pattern is underweighted (wire dia. smaller than shank dia.)  – 0.10 lead wire

ABDOMEN: 60% Ginger Angora Goat / 40% SLF Standard Cinnamon Dub

THORAX: SLF Spikey Squirrel Dubbing, Brown

BEAD: Copper Brass or Tungsten, sized to hook

This is a Steve Culton pattern that I first saw in the Summer 2012 Issue of Flyfishing & Tying Journal. He now has his own BLOG on WordPress and it is linked to under his name <-. I have used both Angora Goat and Seal-EX for bugger and streamer patterns. My take on this fly differs a bit from Steve’s. I like a buggier effect, using the “brushed method” ( that is why there is a bore brush and Velcro in the materials photo) so I use the material like I do with Mink, in tying the “Mink Thing”.That is just my preference, it may be tied as one chooses…in any case, it is a buggy, translucent pattern that will take Trout – anywhere there are Caddis…I will be tying more up in some other colors so that Michael can match this experience…

…on waters he will be Fly Fishing in the East. The Brown above… was caught on the East Walker River…

UV2 SPARKLE WING RS2 – Craven/Variant…

Materials for UV2 SPARKLE WING RS2…

HOOK: Daiichi 1110, #16 – #24

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Gray – Head / Tiemco 16/0, White – under abdomen...* When using UV2 dubbing ALWAYS use a reflective base under it !

TAIL: White Fluoro Fibre – 2 short strands propped up by one THIN turn of dubbing under the tail(s)

ABDOMEN: UV2 Fine & Dry, Adams Grey

WING BUDS: 2 srort looped strands of DNA Holo Chromosome Flash, Pearl …or, what Charlie uses…

THORAX: UV2 Fine & Dry, Adams Grey

Ever since Rim Chung designed it, RS2′s take Trout…This is Charlie Craven’s version which may be found HERE.

I have taken good Trout in just about every location I have Fly Fished, using this pattern and a number of it’s variations. It may be tied to imitate just about ANY May Fly. They may be worked from the bottom of the water column to the top…I don’t leave home without them…

The RS2 has taken a lot of nice fish for me and my crew here, in the Lower Owens River, in Spring and Fall. The above pattern, in Grey, is a good BWO/Baetis imitation for the Owens…

HB PSF NYMPH …

Materials for HB PSF NYMPH…

HOOK:  Daiichi 1560, #14 – #18

THREAD: Under Abdomen – Ultra 70 Denier, Brown / Thorax forward, Tiemco 16/0, Dark Brown

WEIGHT: 0.10 Lead… stuffed into bead

TAIL: Coq De Leon, Light Speckled

ABDOMEN: Pheasant Tail Fibers, Brown

RIB: Wapsi Wire, Copper, SM or X-sm

WING CASE/LEGS; Six strands Rusty Brown Krystal Flash, pulled over Thorax then separated

THORAX: SLF Spikey Squirrel, Brown

BEAD: Orange Hot Bead, sized to hook

A pumped up Pheasant tail nymph that works well on the East Walker River and other locations, in the Spring when waters are off colored. I use a lot of Rusty Brown Krystal Flas for abdomens, wing cases and legs…in the rivers I fish. in the Sierras, it goes over well…

DNA DIP (PINK)…

Materials DNA DIP (PINK)…

HOOK: TMC 5262, #16 – #18

THREAD: Under Abdomen – Tiemco 16/0, White /  Head – Tiemco 16/0, Brown

RIB: Brown Ice Thread – coat body with SHAN for durability

WING: Sparkle Emerger Yarn, Clear White

A simple Caddis Serndipity pattern in PINK. For Hydropsyche or any other Caddis that appears TAN…Walter Wiese, of Park’s Fly Shop in Gardiner, MT has been playing around with a lot of patterns in Pink… because they work

…and they will slay in here, in the evening…on the Stillwater River, MT

YAMSI SPECIAL – Dave Hughes/Variant …

Materials YAMSI SPECIAL…

HOOK:  TMC 2487, Daiichi 1130, #16…

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Black

WEIGHT: 0.10 Lead Stuffed into bead

ABDOMEN: Ultra Wire Copper, SM and Fl Chartreuse, SM…I coat with SHAN

THORAX: SLF Squirrel Spikey Dubbing Dave uses black Hare’s Ear

BEAD: Black Brass or Tungsten

Dave Hughes created this wire pattern for Brachycentrus (Grannom) hatches on the Yamsi Ranch in Oregon. He notes that it works well in many “other” places. I have used a number of wired abdomen patterns ( excluding the Copper John series) and they have produced for me. I like to coat the abdomens with Dav’s Flexament  or Aqua Tuff, which adds dimension to the fly…in this instance, I have used SHAN

Wired patterns have put me into some rather large Browns in this section of The Madison River, below Ennis, MT…

WIRED $3.00 DIP – Matthews/Variant…

Materials for WIRED $3.00 DIP…

HOOK: Daiichi 1130, TMC 2487, #14 -#18

THREAD: Danville 6/0, #47, Tobacco Brown

RIB: Waspsi Wire, Hot Orange, SM and Copper Brown, SM

WING: Bleached Coastal Deer Hair – Nature’s Spirit

Another fish catching machine from Blue Ribbon Flies and Craig Matthews. The original $3.00 Dip works anywhere…so will this. I have tied it on a curved, scud hook rather than a straight hook as seen in BRF’s instructional video…

The location , from whence, the above pattern got it’s name…$3.00 Bridge on the Madison River, MT…and the BEST time to be there…

NEXT: Fill this up…

PT/TB

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ALLY and HERO – OWENS VALLEY…dawn to dusk…

So Ally has been asking me to take her and her rescue pup, Hero, up to the Owens Valley to do some exploring, arrowhead hunting Ally’s favorite pastime and getting her dog familiar with the great outdoors and it’s inhabitants (ie. the ability to distinguish between a lizard and a buzz worm). What follows is a pictorial record of that one-day experience in the present and some related experiences from the past…

The general Lone Pine area…

The view of Mt. Whitney as the sunrises in the Owens Valley…

A closer view of the morning sun striking the peaks…

Looking a bit South at the Sierra Range…

Pit stop for Hero…

…at the Georges Creek Sand Trap…I have never seen the water this low in here. The was no outflow. This is one of the spots I brought Ally and Michael when they were young, to catch planted Rainbow Trout, first on Power Bait and later on a fly and bubble…

A smaller Michael using a spinning rod, bubble, sliding sinker and Power Bait in the Georges Creek Sand Trap…looks like he has got something…

Hardly any outflow…

Michael, lounging at the Georges Creek sand trap when he was thirteen and there was a lot more water…

One more walk about for Hero…

A long, long climb up from the Owens Valley floor to this spot,  just at the base of the Sierras…

We walked in here, this time…it is a tight fit for 4X4 although it can be done…

Ally has been doing this, here, since she was five…

Target away !!!

In Winter too…

She’s pretty good now…

Michael has been up more than once…

This is what is at the end of the road…

Among the Oaks…

…and this as well – Georges Creek – and there are Browns in here that get up to 18″… I have caught them…

Looking down on the floor of the Owens Valley…

Ridge running towards Independence…

Looking South to Lone Pine, CA…

Looking North, up the Owens Valley…

Hero cools off in Symmes Creek…the vegetation has yet to turn green at this elevation and the water is running low…

Hero seems to like the water…

Back down to the desert to look for these…

Three perfect bird points and 1/2 top and 1/2 bottom – all obsidian…

Ally, when she was younger with our dog pal Angelo, who loved this spot…

…and a selection of “SPARKLY” rocks Ally and I picked up for my Grandson, Miles – per his Mother’s instructions….

Back up the mountain to Lone Pine Creek where I learned to fish for Trout…

…and so did Michael and Ally…

Ally and Hero – posing…

Ally and Hero, waiting for sunset, above Lone Pine Creek…

Sunset falls on the Alabama Hills – looking towards the White Mountains…All’s Grandmother made a few films down there, in those hills…

Mom in “RAWHIDE”… in 1951…I was there with my brother and Dad…

Ally and I grab a quiet dinner at the Mt. Whitney Cafe as a storm brews up, blowing  60mph. winds down the valley…rough ride home…

NEXT: Finishing the Simuliids and bumping it above this post…

PT/TB  

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ATTRACTORS – SPRING 2013…IMAGINE…(COMPLETED)

Attractor patterns are just about my favorite flies to tie – and use…Many times we have been standing on an Eastern Sierra tail water and Michael will ask me, “Which fly should I use Dad ?” So, I peruse the boxes and after a few years of practical application and experience, I will choose a pattern and say, “Try this one” – with my fingers crossed behind my back…

Here are some guys that I and Ally will be using this Spring ( I’ll be giving them to her now since Michael and Aimee have moved to NYC).

Aimee at sunset, at $3.00 Bridge this past July…

SPRING 2013 ATTRACTOR BOX…

Delektable Lil’ Spanker… BLACK, Rainbow-Lavender…Dan Delekta/Variant…

Materials for Delektable Lil’ Spanker…

HOOK: TMC 5262, #12 – #18

THREAD: ABDOMEN -UTC, 70 denier, Black…Thorax forward – Tiemco 16/0, Black

Tail: Medium Dun Mallard Flank Fibers

RIB: Lagartun Silver Wire – sized to hook

THORAX REAR: Rainbow Sow Scud Dubbing

WING CASE: DNA Holo Chromosome, 6 strands, pulled over and divided to make 3 legs on each side – longish

HACKLE: Light Dun CDC – premium select – Trout Hunter

THORAX FRONT: Ice Dub UV Lavender

BEAD: Silver Tungsten , sized to hook

These are killer on the Madison River and I suspect elsewhere as well…

Beartooth Fly Fishing…home of the Delektable Lil’ Spanker…where Dan Delekta ties these critters and his wife thought I was a guide when I dropped in with my crew…Above the Madison River South of Cameron, MT…HERE is a video on how to tie ‘em…

LGM (Little Green Machine) DNA – Wilox/Variant …

LITTLE GREEN MACHINE Materials…the original by Vince Wilcox…HERE

HOOK: Daiichi 1130, #14 – #20

THREAD: Uni. 8/0 Gray – for underabdomen…Tiemco, 16/0 Gray – Thorax forward

TAIL: Three Brown Pheasant Tail Fibers

RIB: Fl. Chartreuse Ultra Wire – SM

OVER ABDOMEN: Micro Tubing, Chartreuse

WING CASE: DNA Holo Chromosome Flash, coat with UV Knotsense, Clear Cure Goo or 5 Min. Epoxy

GILLS: White Antron

THORAX: Ice Dub Olive/Brown or Peacock

BEAD: Copper Tungsten, one size under ( ie. 5/64″ for #16)

I tie these in a number of colors and they ALL work…especially the Green version…I am doing a series of these now in different sizes on curved LIGHT hooks…try some this Spring !!!

MACHINE water, at twilight…on the Madison River, MT…

UV 2 BH RENEGADE WET…

Materials for UV 2 BH RENEGADE WET…

HOOK: TMC 5262, #6 – #16

THREAD: UTC 70 denire, White – Under abdomen…Tiemco 16/0, White, rest of pattern (Remember !!! USE WHITE THREAD,  SILVER TINSEL or PEARL TINSEL UNDER UV 2)

TAG: Datum Glo-Brite Floss #5, Fl. Green…coat with Aquaflex or hard As Hull

BACK HACKLE: Brown or Furnace Hackle, dull side back, Wet style

ABDOMEN: UV 2 Peacock Herl, from Eye, I use 2 strands and reinforce with Tiemco tying thread

RIB: Tiemco 16/0 Thread, White

FRONT HACKLE: White or Silver Badger…dull side back – Wet style

BEAD: Gold Tungsten, sized to hook

I have been using variations on the WET RENEGADE since 1975 when Georges Odier turned me on to them on the Roaring Fork River in CO. This one is from Al and Gretchen Beatty and believe me, IT IS a good one…So good, that I talked about it HERE…but let me show you a photo of what it did on the Madison River…

A Brown to a BH Wet Renegade…Madison River, above $3.00 Bridge…

I carry a whole bunch of these in different sizes (lower right hand corner)…BECAUSE they WORK…

Like right in here in the channels section of the Madison where Michael and Ally are standing…I took a series of some of the largest Browns I have ever caught…Boom, Boom, Boom right through this area in June 2004…It also slays on the Lower Owens River in size #16 – #18, in late March and early April…

FULL GINGER MINKER SH…

Materials for FULL  GINGER MINKER SH….

HOOK: TMC 100 SP BL, #16 – #20

THREAD: Combo 6/0 Thread Tan/Orange – Cascade Crest – For Abdomen…Tiemco 16/0, Brown – Thorax forward

THORAX: Dubbed Mink Fur, Natural Brown

HACKLE: Starling, Bleached Ginger

BEAD: Plummeting Tungsten Bead, Brown, sized to hook

Another little soft hackle to throw at the Browns on the East Walker River (and some other locations) when the little Amber Caddis are about…

RUSTY DNA BUBBLEBACK EMERGER- Trina/Variant…

Materials for RUSTY DNA BUBBLEBACK EMERGER…

HOOK: TMC 100SP BL, #14 – #20

THREAD: Ultra 70 Denier, Brown or Tiemco 16/0, Brown dependent on hook size

TAIL: Coq De Leon, Dark Speckled

ABDOMEN: Rusty Brown Goose Biot, Fringed or plain – YOUR call

RIB: UTC Copper Wire, Sm or X-sm, dependent on hook size

WING CASE: DNA Holo Chromosome Flash – tied with a prominent hump

THORAX: Ice Dub, UV Brown

LEGS: Natural Partridge, Brown, V-Notched

BEAD: Copper Tungsten, sized to hook

This is a pattern designed by Adaam Trina who started Montana Fly Co. It has been around for a number of years. I first used it on the Madison River in 2004. HERE are a number of variants on Steve Schalla’s site. Note that all are tied on curved, scud type hooks…this one isn’t…

GLINT NYMPH – Mercer/Variant (Olive)…

Materials for GLINT NYMPH VARIANT…

HOOK: TMC 100SP BL, #14 – #18

THREAD: UTC Ultra, oOlive, 70 Denier – Under abdomen, Tiemco 16/0, Black – Thorax forward

TAILS: 3 Ringneck Pheasant tail fibers, natural

RIB: UTC Ultra Wire, metallic Olive, BR or SM, dependent on hook size

FLASHBACK: Spirit River Holo Mylar Motion, Black 1/32″ or 1/64″, dependent on hook size

ABDOMEN: Olive thread covered with wraps of DNA Holo Fusion, 3-5 Large. Strands and 3-6 Small Strands

WING CASE: 1/8″ Black, Scud Back

THORAX: UV 2 Caddis Nymph, Olive

LEGS: Natural Partridge, V-Notched

BEAD: Black Tungsten, sized to hook

A Mike Mercer pattern, new from Umpqua, that I have taken liberty with. Notice the color variations the pattern is listed in…then notice the  above color variations of DNA HOLO FUSION…I REALLY like this synthetic material for all its’ possibilities…

Something for the “fifty mile riffle”…

HOT TUNG SQUIRREL, Olive – Bethke/Variant…

Materials for HOT TUNG SQUIRREL VARIANT…

HOOK: Daiichi 1120, #12 – #18

THREAD: UTC Ultra 70 denier, Black for #12 – #14 – Tiemco 16/0, Black, #16 – #18

SHUCK/TAIL: DNA  Holo Chromosome Flash – Pearl – Mixture of large and small fiber strands, sized to hook

RIB: UTC Ultra Wire, Hot Orange, BR – SM. sized to hook

ABDOMEN: Squirrel Blend, dark Olive, brushed back with a velcro strip or bore brush after being ribbed

THORAX REAR: Micro Polar Chenille, Black

THORAX FRONT: Ice Dub UV Hot Orange

BEAD: Plummeting Tungsten Bead, Metallic Green, sized to hook

An Olive/Orange variation of John Bethke’s “Pink Squirrel” using some different materials in it’s construction…the original is a good’un…

SILVERBAK TUNG RED – Version # 1.

SILVERBAK RED TUNG – Version #2.

HOOK: Daiichi 1560, #14 – #18

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0 Black (for #18) – Ultra 70 Denier, Black (for #14 – #16)

TAIL: Coq De Leon Light, Speckled

ABDOMEN: Red Pheasant Tail Fibers

RIB: Ultra Wire, Black – X-sm or SM

WING CASE: Version #1. – Silver Holographic Tinsel, Med or SM…Version #2. – Silver Fire Fly 1-2 strands – * coat with UV Knotsense, Clear-Goo or 5 Min. Epoxy

LEGS: Midge Flash, 3 strands each side

THORAX: Strung Peacock Herl, dyed red

BEAD: Plummeting Tungsten Bead, sized to hook

Real Flashy and toned down version of a Red attractor that these guys might just like…

A Rainbow to Michael’s hand on the Madison River…

Materials for SILVERBAK RED TUNG…

BLUE DIAMOND SH -

Materials for the BLUE DIAMOND SH…

HOOK: TMC 5262, #14 – #18

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0 Black

TAIL: Coq De Leon fibers, Medium speckled

ABDOMEN: UTC Thread, Dark Gray

RIB: UTC  Wire,  Gray, SM

THORAX: Arizona Diamond hair, #.11, Silver/Blue

GLASS BEAD: In front of thorax, Killer Caddis Diamond Bed, sized to hook

HACKLE: Speckled Hen Saddle, Black #.33 – Nature’s Spirit

BEAD: Tungsten Plummeting Bead, Blue, sized to hook

Just another soft hackle, in neutrals and blue – ’cause Michael likes ‘em and they catch fish…

CASPER CADDIS LARVA -

HOOK: Daiichi 1120 or TMC 2457 – #16 -#20

THREAD: Underabdomen – Tiemco 16/0, White…Thorax forward – Tiemco 16/0, Black

ABDOMEN: AZ Diamond hair, #1., Pearl Green

RIB: Copper Ultra Wire, x-sm

THORAX: Peacock Ice Dub

BEAD: Black Tungsten , sized to hook

Materials for the CASPER CADDIS LARVA…

CASPER CADDIS water.. before the leaves burst out…

GR GUIDE DIP – Matthews/Variant…

Where this GUIDE DIP originated…

MATERIALS for The GR GUIDE DIP…

HOOK: TMC 100SP BL, #14 – #18

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0. Black – for Under abdomen and head

ABDOMEN: Glimmer Thread, Olive – Cascade Crest

RIB: UTC Ultra Wire, Red, x-sm

WING: Sparkle Emerger Yarn, Clear/White

I tie a lot of variations on this pattern, the original came out of Craig Matthew’s Blue Ribbon Flies…some other ones I use with further information, may be found HERE and HERE…these have taken many good Trout for us…

Like this Brown on The East Walker River…

PECCARY #47 HS…

MATERIALS for The PECCARY #47 HS…

HOOK: TMC 2499 SP BL, #14 – #18

THREAD: 3 of ‘em…Danville #47, 6/0, Tobacco Brown – Tiemco 16/0, Brown, Datum Glo-Brite Floss, #5, Hot Orange

TAIL: Two Peccary fibers

RIB: UTC Amber Wire, SM

ABDOMEN: Danville, #47, 6/0, Tobacco Brown – to thorax

THORAX: 70% Squirrel Blend, Rust – Spirit River/ 30% SLF Spikey Squirrel Dubbing, Brown/Olive – Wapsi

WINGLETS: Grizzly Krystal Flash, Copper/Blue

BEAD: Copper Tungsten, sized to hook

HOT SPOT: Datum Glo-Brite, #5, Hot Orange

This is a pattern I will use on the East Walker River as a lead fly with a Midge larva or pupa off the bend when working swift water…just never know what will jump on it…

NEXT: More thoughts on some CADDIS for Spring 2013…

PT/TB   

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MICHAEL and AIMEE’S WEDDING…

Ally and I went North to Occidental, CA for the wedding…These are some of the photos that we took. The other photos I took, were taken with film and will be added with some additional photos taken by other guests and family, at the wedding…later…

Occidental, CA ….just West of Sebastopol…

ALLY arrives on time so I can get a photo of before sunrise on the I-5, near the Grapevine…

Somewhere in the Central Valley…South of Bakersfield…

The only photo I have ever taken of the Golden Gate Bridge…North into Marin County…

The hilly, curvy roads of West Sonoma County…got lost more than ONCE…

ALLY, working on the slide and video presentation for the wedding…

The families gather for the Friday dress rehearsal…

Jean Marie and I prepare to walk Michael down the aisle…er, path in the field…

Ally checking Michael out while Mom takes his picture…

Michael…waiting for Aimee…

There she is…

Ally and Jean Marie approve…

After rehearsal Pizzafest  for Families and friends at the Union Hotel in Occidental, CA…mmmmmm good !!!

Nadia and Greg chow down while Lil’ MOO (MILES) is electronically inclined…

Michael and Jean Marie…posing…

Nadia and Michael…posing…

Nadia showing Aimee a load of baby photos…Hmmmmm…

Lil’ MOO , Lammy and Auntie Ally…

My Daughter Nadia…is henceforth, NOT ALLOWED to touch my camera settings…

PT with Michael and Aimee…

Greg and Lil’ Moo at the house in the redwood grove that Nadia found for us…

In the background – the Yoga and Meditation platform…

Nadia’s viewpoint…

Surrounded by a redwood deck…

A view from the back of the house…

Nadia catches up on herbal reading…

Ally continues working on the slide show…

PT takes a stroll to the meditation garden…

Putting things into perspective…

Lil’ MOO wants to look for bears…

Thanks Nad, this place was GREAT !!!

The seating is ready…

The dinner tables are ready…

Michael has to run additional wire for sound and lights…

Ally gives further instructions…

The dance area is done…

Aimee and Ally prep the wine bar…

The Wedding Cake table for serving…

The guest book sign in and leave a Polaroid…

Where U been, Where U going…pin the map, leave a card…kittys and dogs eat here…

Flowers and candles...everywhere…

Michael does more chores…

Ally tests the minted water…

One last beer with the guys…

Ally and Michael…

Michael with his Grandparents, Larry and Marie, Dad, Ally and Jean Marie…

Ally and Dad…

The Groom waits…

…for Aimee, on the arm of her Dad and a kiss from Mom…

Michael and Aimee exchange vows…(all this was shot on film and will be added to…later)

During the ceremony, Lil’ MOO samples a GRAVENSTEIN APPLE while O’POP fiddles with his film camera…

Miles, Nadia, Greg, Aimee, Michael, Aunt Cindy and Jean Marie…

Just ALLY….

Michael and Aimee a moment alone …(well, kinda’ – Nadia captured them)…

Lil’ MOO, looking to make mischief before the wedding dinner…

Aimee’s Sister, Noelle, offers a toast…

Nadia catches Dad – lost in thought…

A toast from Michael’s friend…one of many…

First (MARRIED) dance…

The Wedding Cake…

Michael shares a few thoughts before he and Aimee cut the Wedding Cake…

Aimee gives Michael the first bite…

Back to San Francisco…

Ally picks up HERO – aka/Zero from her friend Liz in San Francisco on our way back to LA…

Next: MORE for above and the flies…

PT/TB  

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ROAD TRIP – SF, Sonoma Fly Fishing Ranch, Food and MORE Food…

So Ally and I headed North to visit Michael and Aimee in San Francisco and to deliver those flies in the previous post for their trip to Montana next week. What follows is a account of some of the activities we engaged in including what we do best when together…try out eateries and try out eateries…with a visit to a Fly Shop, if possible…

Michael’s favorite joint for Szechuan, blow your head off, spicy seafood…I couldn’t tell what any of this was, since there was no ENGLISH on the menu and Aimee and I were the only non-asians in the place…

Really good vegetables…

Noodles…

Fish stew…

Dumplings…

Saturday morning, we left San Francisco and headed up to Sonoma County and paid a visit to the Leland Fly Fishing Ranch…an interesting place that is now their HQ – until they open another brick and mortar store in the city…I like this indoor/outdoor experience…with a casting and fishing lake…

A view from the deck…

Michael finds a buddy…

Aimee takes ALL of it in with a stroll on the deck…

Some of the “Red Truck” reels on the table…

Waders and a sail on the wall…

Small fly selection and a Trout…

Reading material…

Staff and friend spooling a reel with some guy looking to buy something in the BG…

Medium fly selection…

More “Red Truck” reels…

Must have PRINTED MAPS…

Michael purchases the MONTANA MAP BOOK…

Salty stuff…

Eye wear and informational materials…

Michael and the SHOP CATS…

TIME TO EAT LUNCH…

The Freemont Diner, Sonoma, CA…

Michael and Aimee – decision time…

For those so inclined – go left…

Kid friendly…

Where the families come together… at the Wedding House on September 8, 2012…out in the woods when Aimee and Michael speak their vows…

Whole lot of work still needs to be done…

Some dancin’ be going on when everything is moved…

Me (Virgin Mary), Michael (Lager) and Aimee…what in the hell is that ???…UNION HOTEL…

Bread and bakery – goodie stop…WILD FLOUR BAKERY…

Across the road from this place…

Gardens…

Lots of fresh herbs and flowers…

Sun flowers…

PT and Michael, Sunday brunch at Suppenküche…

Menu’s…

Going for it…

‘Ya gotta’ be fast in this family…

Ally and her friend Liz…

The “LOOK” from Ally…it’s OK – it’s NA…

…and FINALLY…

Michael and Aimee…Chinese food again with the Hong Clan in San Mateo…and there were too many people at two tables … , and this was just the first of way too much food to be placed on that lazy susan…

NEXT:

Montana reports from Michael and Aimee…a mixed bag of patterns for Fall and THE WEDDING…

PT/TB  

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REFIT, REFILL, REFURBISH and REPAIR…RECIPES COMPLETED…

These are some patterns that I put together for my recent trip to the EASTSIDE of the Sierras, in Bridgeport, CA, May 20th. through May 29th., 2012 go there <- (LINK) to see what worked…

A close friend Michael and I visited with on this trip…

I came across this site, somewhat belatedly, the other day. It is probably the current “HOLY GRAIL” on DUBBING…this is a Bookmark must:

Dubbing Techniques - UKFly Dressing-scotfly

THE BOX:

A report on how they fished, may be found by clicking on the word EASTSIDE, above…these patterns went in HERE – East Walker River, Bridgeport, CA…

.and…I have put in an add on or two……while I wait for the Aqua Seal, Goop and Zap-A-Gap to set…

RAO MIDGE (Rusty/Amber/Organza)…

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Brown

HOOK: Daiichi 1120, TMC 2457, # 18-#20

ABDOMEN: Rusty Brown Krystal Flash

RIB: Amber Wapsi wire, SM

WING: Sparkle Organza, White

BEAD: Copper Tungsten, sized to hook

I also tie a version of this pattern with a light coastal deer hair wing and copper wire rib. It is taken as a small Caddis that inhabits the East Walker River.

METRO MIDGE…

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Black

HOOK: Gamakatsu C12-B, #18-#20

SHUCK/TAIL: Pink Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Pink Holographic Flashabou

RIB: Wapsi wire, Black, x-sm

THORAX: Spirit River Purple Iridescent Peacock Herl

BEAD: Plummeting Tungsten Bead (HARELINE), Purple, sized to hook

HOLO HOTTIE (Black/Orange)…

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Black

HOOK: Gamakatsu C12-B, #18-#20

SHUCK/TAIL: Two short strands, Pearl Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Holographic Tinsel, SM, Black

RIB: Fl. Orange Wapsi wire, SM

THORAX: Spirit River Iridescent Peacock Herl, Black

BEAD: Black Tungsten, sized to hook

This pattern took some nice fish, early in the AM, on the East Walker…

CREAM MIRACLE MIDGE…

THREAD: For ABDOMEN, Tiemco 16/0, White…For HEAD: Tiemco 16/0, Black

HOOK: TMC 2487, Daiichi 1130, #18 – #22

RIB: Lagartun, x-fine, Copper

* Coat with SHAN or Loon UV Knotsense for durability…

This simple pattern accounted for a whole lot of fish on that trip and netted myself and Michael Browns like this:

East Walker River Brown Trout…

COPPERGANZA MIDGE…

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Black

HOOK: TMC 2499 SPBL, #18

ABDOMEN: Copper Krystal Flash

RIB: Wapsi wire, x-sm, Copper

WING: White Sparkle Organza

BEAD: Copper Tungsten…5/64″ or 2mm.

CRYSTAL DIP, GREY…(Variant/Tom Loe)…

THREAD: For the ABDOMEN- Tiemco 16/0, Grey…For the HEAD – Tiemco 16/0, Black

RIB: Lagartu Copper wire, x-fine

WING: 3 short strands, Pearl Midge Flash

This pattern is a variant on a Tom Loe, Sierra Standard…Tom is a guide in the Eastern Sierras…

OLIVE/COPPER CRYSTAL TIGER…(Variant/Tom Loe)…

THREAD: For the ABDOMEN – LT. Olive Uni-Thread, 8/0, For the THORAX/HEAD – Tiemco 16/0, Olive

HOOK: Daiichi 1120, TMC 2457, #14 -#22

RIB: Wapsi wire, Copper, x-sm

SHUCK/TAIL: 2 strands, Olive Krystal Flash

BEAD: Copper Tungsten, sized to hook

* I coat with SHAN or Loon UV Knotsense for durability

Another Tom Loe , Sierra Standard…

The above led to this:

MOO ( Michael) on the East Walker River…8 AM…

BLUE TUNG /  UV GRAY TIGER…MIDGE EMERGER…

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Gray

HOOK: TMC 2499 SPBL, #16- #18

SHUCK/TAIL: UV Gray Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying thread

RIB: Lagartun Copper wire, x-fine

WING: Grizzly Krystal Flash, Black/Silver – 3 short strands…

THORAX: Spirit River Iridescent Peacock Herl, Black…* Twist around thread for durability and stroke to the rear while wrapping…

BEAD: (HARELINE) Plummeting Tungsten Bead, Blue, sized to hook

Gray, on this trip, was not a Midge color that was effective on this trip…it WILL BE on some other occasion…

A REFILL…6 Boxes into 1…

SIDE # 1  …BAETIS/BWO’s – Nymphs and Emergers…

SIDE # 2  …BAETIS/BWO’s – Nymphs and Emergers…

ICE-T MIDGE EMERGER (Light Olive)…

THREAD: For the ABDOMEN – Lt. Olive, Uni-Thread, 8/0, For the THORAX/HEAD – Tiemco 16/0, Black

HOOK: Daiichi 1130, #18- #24

RIB: Ice Thread, Black * NOW, coat abdomen with SHAN or UV Knotsense..

WINGCASE/LEGS: Six strands Black Fluro Fiber, split and pull back 3 strands in each side, while making the HEAD…

ICE THREAD (Mono)…

“BROWNIE” (PINKIE’S Cousin)…

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Brown

HOOK: Daiichi 1130, TMC 2487 _ #16 – #18

TAIL: Six strands, Brown Fluro Fiber

ABDOMEN: Brown Holographic Flashabou

RIB: Wapsi wire, Copper, x-sm…* NOW coat with SHAN or UV KNOTSENSE

WINGCASE/LEGS: 6 steands of Rusty Krystal Flash, pulled over BEAD and 3 strands on each side, tied back as legs…

BEAD: Copper, Brass or Tungsten…depending on where one wants this pattern in the water column…

Methinks “BROWNIE” will get a work out the first week in August…(see rock in river photo – below)…

FLURO FIBER MIDGE (Olive Dun)..Zimmerman/Variant…

THREAD: For the ABDOMEN -Uni-thread, Olive Dun, 8/0, For the THORAX/HEAD – Tiemco 16/0, Brown

RIB: Wapsi wire, Chartreuse, x-sm…* NOW coat with SHAN or Loon UV KNOTSENSE…

WINGCASE/LEGS: Brown Fluro Fiber, pulled over, split and tied back…

Another pattern that will be employed further NORTH come August…

Déjà vu…soon…

Déjà vu…done…

SHUCKA KAHN… Emerging Midge,CREAM-ISH/TAN…Variant/Paul Freeman…

THREAD: Wapsi Ultra 70 denier, Cream – (Paul uses Gudebrod size A rod wrapping thread) – Good luck with that at the moment…

HOOK:Daiichi 1110, #18 -#24 – (Paul uses Daiichi 1100)

SHUCK: Amber Sparkle Emerger Yarn  – (Paul uses copper brown Antron)

ABDOMEN: Tying thread

LOOPED WING: White Sparkle Organza

RIB: Wapsi wire, Copper, x-sm – (Paul uses twisted white thread)…* NOW coat with SHAN or Loon UV Knotsense _ (Paul does not coat)

HEAD: Tiemco 16/0, Lt. Cahill…pull wing over and tie off at head when the coating dries…

I really wanted to use this pattern along the edges on the EWR on this trip…the lower flows made this a difficult proposition…so, I did not…maybe next time …. ???

PURUV’s and SIMPLY RED (and PURPLE’s)…

SIMPLY RED…(And, PURPLE)…

HOOK: Gamakatsu C12-B, #18
THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Black
BEAD: 5/64 Black Nickel, (4 wraps 0.10 lead)…or Tung
ABDOMEN: Red Krystal Flash
RIB: Wapsi, Silver, xsm
THORAX: Spirit River Iridescent dyed peacock eye, Purple

This was a KILLER pattern in May and September of 2011 on the EWR…this year…not so much…again, I attribute this to the higher temperatures and lower flows on the river..

PURUV…

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Black

HOOK: TMC 2499 SPBL, #16 – #18

TAIL: Pearl Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: UV Purple Krystal Flash (over black tying thread)

RIB: Lagartun Silver wire, x-fine

THORAX: Spirit River Iridescent Peacock Herl, Black…twisted around thread and stroked to the rear…

BEAD: (HARELINE) Plummeting Tungsten Bead, Purple, sized to hook

MOO’S (TRUE) BLUE MIDGE…

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Black

HOOK: Gamakatsu C12-B, #18 – #20

SHUCK: Blue Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Blue Holographic Flashabou

RIB: Lagartun Silver wire, x-fine…*NOW coat with SHAN or Loon UV Knotsense…

THORAX: Spirit River Iridescent Peacock Herl, Purple…twist around thread and stroke to the rear…

BEAD: (HARELINE) Plummeting Tungsten Bead, Blue, sized to hook..

MOO is Michael…and it works…REAL GOOD !

DEEP PURPLE PERIL…Variant/Kelly G. Glissmeyer…

THREAD: Ultra, 70 Denier, Black…for ABDOMEN then, Tiemco 16/0 Black from THORAX forward…

HOOK: TMC 2488, #16 -#18

TAIL: Pearl Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying thread

RIB: Purple Holographic Tinsel, SM -  I used purple haze holographic 1/64″…*NOW, coat with SHAN or Loon UV Knotsense…

WING: Three short strands of Grizzly Krystal Flash – Black/Silver

THORAX: Spirit River Iridescent Peacock Herl, Purple…twist around thread and stroke to the rear

BEAD: Silver Tungsten, sized to hook…

Lots more to come…fixin’ up Michael’s Waders and so on…

The PROBLEM…why Michael’s rear keeps getting wet…a little sprayed rubbing alcohol reveals the source…AQUASEAL solved the problem…

NEXT :

Some PMD, Epeorus Albertae and Caddis patterns for two of the brood who will be standing right about HERE..

…come the first week in August…

Git ‘r done…

PT/TB 

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NO BROWNS in the EWR…

I have just returned from a nine day trip to the Eastside and am still unpacking and cleaning gear…a taste…

One of mine…

One of Michael’s…

Meanwhile, my grandson MILES, checks out some locations for Fly Fishing…outside Munich, Germany…

Michael…just DOES NOT enjoy Fly Fishing….

FULL CIRCLE:

My Grandson MILES today (5.30.2012) with my friend, German Actor FRITZ WEPPER at Lake Tagensee, outside of Munich…Fritz was with me on my first extended Fly Fishing trip to Vancouver Island, BC in 1975…

A full report and finishing the recipes for the patterns below…will follow…

PT/TB

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FOR OTHER PEOPLE’S FLY BOXES…BAETIS and CADDIS…(done)

As I mentioned in my last post, I am doing some ties for Casting For Recovery and a drawing box over at Fly Fishing Addicts…here are some things I have completed for deployment in the coming months by myself and a few other fly fisher persons…I have the utmost confidence that these will put the users into good Trout…I just don’t tie for any other reason – it’s a utilitarian point of view…

HALO CADDIS LARVA…

HOOK: TMC 2457, Daiichi 1120, Daiichi 1130, TMC 2487 #12-#16, TMC 2499 SPBL #12-#16

THREAD: Abdomen, Fl. Chartreuse Ultra 70 denier – to” hot spot “, then Tiemco 16/0, Brown

OVER ABDOMEN: Halo Wire, Spirit River

HOT SPOT: Fl. Red Ultra 140 Denier – or Datum Glo Brite floss, FL. Red

THORAX: 50-50 Mix, Peacock Ice Dub/Olive Squirrel Blend (Spirit River)

This pattern appeared in the Fall 2011 issue of Flyfishing and Tying Journal tied on the new Umpqua competition hook. I would imagine it would be successful on any number of different hooks…so my crew and a few other will be giving them a go…

REFRACTORY CADDIS PUPA – AMBER…

HOOK: Daiichi 1760 #18 or Daiichi 1120/1130 #16

THREAD: Under Abdomen – Ultra 70 Denier, Burnt Orange to thorax – the, Tiemco 15/0, Brown

OVER ABDOMEN: Halo Wire

UNDER WING: Puglisi Short Fiber Streamer Brush – Clear…short sections cut from wire

WINGS: V-Notched Brown Partridge

THORAX: SLF Squirrel Dubbing, Rusty Brown

REFRACTORY – <believing that rules are only for other people, he’s been refractory virtually his entire life>…so, I have been playing with some off- the- wall materials to add some sparkle and bubble illusion to Caddis Pupa…this is one such effort…I’ll let Michael put this puppy to work…he’s good at that…

The above pattern is for HERE:

This little Amber Caddis comes off the water, in the Spring and Summer, on the East Walker River. I think it will keep Michael BUSY…that one has a “PINKY” in his mouth…Oooooppppssss, wrong “PINKIE” – try this ONE…

GUIDE SERENDIPITY…Matthew’s/Variant…for the “Mother’s Day” Hatch and Brachycentrus “echo” hatch in the Fall…

HOOK: Daiichi 1130, TMC 2487, Daiichi 1560, TMC 3761 – #14-#18

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Black or Gordon Griffith 14/0, Black

ABDOMEN: Chartreuse Zelon or Antron strands, split and twisted

FLASH: Twisted with Zelon or Antron – 1 strand Black KF, 1 strand Pearl KF

WING: White Zelon

This pattern is based on Craig Matthew’s Guide Serendipity…it is a very simple tie and has accounted for ridiculous numbers of good fish for me and my guys…more about these HERE and HERE…

ALLY with her friend Liz in San Francisco…sends regards…Nice TAT LIZ !!!…

BH AMBER SERENDIPITY… (for Helicopsyche borealis)…

HOOK: TMC 3761, #20, Daiichi 1560, #18

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Brown or Gordon Griffith 14/0. Brown

ABDOMEN: Amber Zelon – split strand, twisted

FLASH: 1 strand Rusty Brown KF, 1 strand Pearl KF…twisted with Zelon

WING: White Zelon

BEAD: Copper Tung. or Brass with lead sub. wraps pushed inside – sized to hook

See above HERE and HERE links…for variations, these catch fish !!!

BH AMBER SERENDIPITY UV THORAX…

HOOK: Daiichi 1120/1130, #16-#18, TMC 2457/2487, #16-#18

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Brown or Gordon Griffith 14/0, Brown

ABDOMEN: Amber Zelon, split strand – twisted

FLASH: 1 strand Rusty Brown KF, 1 strand Mirage Accent Opal

WING: White Sparkle Emerger Yarn

THORAX: UV Ice Dub, Brown

BEAD: Copper Tung. or Brass with lead sub. wraps

Another variation on the theme…a bit flashier for some biggies that lurk bank side in…

…the East Walker River in late Spring and early Summer…

TUNG READY BAETIS NYMPH… Scott Smith/Variant…

HOOK: Daiichi 1560, #18, TMC 3761, #18-#20, TMC 100BL, #22

THREAD: (Abdomen) – Wapsi 70 denier, Black then, Tiemco 16/0 Black thorax forward

TAILS: 3 Melanistic Pheasant Tail fibers, (Black),,,Scott uses Black micro fibbets

FLASH BACK: Micro Flashabou, Pearl

RIB: UTC Ultra Wire, Black, x-sm

THORAX: 1-2 strands Peacock Herl

HACKLE: 1 – 1 1/2 turns, Starling

BEAD: Black Tung. or brass with stuffed lead sub. – 1 size OVERSIZED – (ie.  3/32 for #18)

This is a Scott E. Smith pattern. He is also a designer for Solitude Fly CO… and trust me, this is ONE GOOD Baetis fly pattern. I foisted this recipe on a close friend (See Keith’s PURPLE DISBELIEF) , to use this past fall on the East Walker River…I do that to him…it represents that darkened Baetis just before it “POPS”…Keith caught, maybe, one or two Trout on this fly…

P&PT TWIST NYMPH…La Fontaine/Variant…

HOOK: Daiichi 1560, #16-#18, TMC 3761 #16-#20

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Brown

TAIL: 3 Natural Pheasnt Tail fibers

ABDOMEN: Natural Pheasant Tail in a dubbing loop with Rusty Brown Antron “touch dubbed” to one waxed side of thread

RIB: Lagartun, x-fine Copper wire

THORAX: 1-2 Strands, Peacock Herl

WINGCASE: SM Silver Tinsel

LEGS: Brown Partridge – lower back of skin

It is a basic design by Gary LaFontaine using “touch dubbing”…need I say more ???

Where the above pattern proved… SPECTACULAR…

BAT WING BAETIS EMERGER…Tracy Petersen…#16-#20…this is a #20

THREAD:  Gordon Griffith’s 14/0, Gray or Olive, Tiemco 16/0 Gray

HOOK: TMC 2487 or Daiichi 1130, #16-#20

TAIL: Dun Hen Hackle Barbs

ABDOMEN:BWO or Olive Goose Biot ( I use Stalcup’s)…it may be tied fringed or flat

WING: Fluffy, butt end of a Dun Hen feather, mounted convex side up and pulled over Abdomen and Bead

ABDOMEN:Brown or Dk. Tan Beaver

BEAD: Gun Metal Glass or Black Metal sized to hook

I put this pattern up earlier. This is a better photo and the top view may assist in understanding how it is tied. This fly has accounted for more Trout than any other except for the KF Emerger, which is one of the first patterns I put up. I fish this fly from the bottom to the top of the water column…it bangs ‘em all the way…I included this pattern, in this batch of flies for others, because it is a MACHINE…PERIOD

CDC BUBBLE BAK BAETIS EMERGER…

HOOK: TMC 3761, #18-#20

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Brown

SHUCK: Hi-Vis, #16, Medium Gray

ABDOMEN: Olive Pheasant Tail

RIB: Lagartun, x-Fine, Gold

WING CASE/WING: Trouthunter, Medium Gray CDC

THORAX: UV Ice Dub, Brown

BEAD: Gunmetal glass, sized to hook

A Baetis to use as a dropper…I am inclined to fish this from the bottom of the water column to just under the surface…the same way I fish the Bat Wing Baetis…

GRAY DAY BAETIS EMERGER…Murphy/ Variant…

HOOK:Gamakatsu R10-B #16-#20

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Gray

SHUCK: Hi-Vis, #16, Medium Gray

RIB: UTC Ultra Wire, x-sm, Silver

ABDOMEN: Pheasant Tail, Muskrat Gray, Nature’s Spirit

THORAX: Ostrich Herl, Natural Gray

WING CASE/LEGS: 6 strands, Midge Flash, Black – pulled over and separated

This is a variation on Rick Murphy’s excellent Krystal Emerger which appears on pg. 99 of this book:

It is, hands down, the BEST emerger patter I have ever used on the “BIG REEDY”…

TAK’S PB BAETIS NYMPH…Takahashi/Variant…W/O the paintbrush fibers…

HOOK: TMC 100SPBL, #18-#20, TMC 100BL, #22

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Olive

SHUCK: Hi-Vis, #27, Dark Brown

ABDOMEN: Micro Tubing, Black

WING CASE: Mirage Accent Opal over Black, .5MM, Razor foam (Wapsi)

LEGS: Brown Partridge or Brown India Hen Neck

This is a variation on Rick Takahashi’s “Paintbrush Baetis Nymph”…using different materials. Though probably best known for his recent book, “Modern Midges”, Rick also ties some other interesting patterns…I wanted a couple of other Baetis patterns in BLACK to be included in this batch of flies…

BREAK TIME…Miles’ 1st. BIRTHDAY !!!

(L-R) Front: PT, Auntie Ally, MOM – Nadia, Great Grandama Hong

(L-R) Rear: Great Grampa Hong, Grandma Jean Marie, MILES, Dad – Greg, Grandma Maratea

MIKE’S HAZED BAETIS EMERGER…TMC 2488, #18-#20…side view

MIKE’S HAZED BAETIS…tilted view

HOOK: TMC 2488, #18-#20

THREAD: Tiemco16/0, Olive

SHUCK: Hi-Vis, #27, dark Brown

THORAX: Ice Dub Olive/Brown

WING CASE: 1 strand Purple Haze Holographic Flash Fiber (Hareline) over .5MM, Razor Foam, Black

A Baetis in a smaller size  which incorporates a number of elements from the above patterns, specifically for the body of water that runs along side where Michael is leaving his footprints in the grass below…those big guys in there go for flash and tiny…

Michael, in the meadow, on the “Miracle Mile” section of the East Walker River, Bridgeport, CA…

NEXT: My take on some EURO patterns followed by some NINJA FLIES for the EW and Owens Rivers…

PT/TB

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ALLY and PT… OWENS VALLEY TURN-AROUND…

As is the custom in our family, we generally spend a day or two up in the Eastern Sierras during Thanksgiving weekend or, later during the Xmas Holidays. This time, Ally and I did a quick up and back to the Owens valley to recon some places for us to initiate my Grandson Miles (or Moo 2) into the Troutastic angling arts…I had mentioned in a previous post - “THE MUTHA’lode…”, that I would put up some information on places that MY Dad took my twin brother and I to fish for Trout when we were little – here is a bit on Lone Pine Creek…we also spent some time looking for “pointy obsidian and jasper” objects and roamin’ around…that’s how we roll…

The Owens Valley, just after sunrise, from the White Mountains…

After a long “mush’, up from East of Independence, we stopped here for some deserty activities…

We pulled in here for some lunch and spent some time flipping over pieces of shiny black flakes…

Desert GOURMET lunch…

This place has been quite productive through the years…my Dad would get my brother and me out here at the crack of dawn on really cold December days…

It would be worth it to find a batch of these…this time we came up with only pieces…not a single complete point…

Ally wanted to send some pills out of her BHP… “THE SHADOW” documented her efforts…

Sunlight was getting short so we decided to gain some altitude…

Ally, bushwackin’ Lone Pine Creek…

Ally with Mt. Whitney in the background…it gets very cold when the sun drops below those peaks…

PT stands on a boulder overlooking Lone Pine Creek…this is one of the spots I would take my Dad into, to fish the creek…when he was two years younger than I am now, he refused to go down this hill, fearing he would take a fall…As Ally said: “What a WUSS”…

My Dad, Jess Barker, about the time he became a WUSS, in 1974…along Lone Pine Creek…

Ally, preparing to clobber her Dad with a snowball where the road was closed heading up to the Mt. Whitney portal…

PT shows Ally where her Grandfather would make us sit and fish with a size # 18 Mustad, gold, treble hook and Velveeta cheese for planted Rainbows…while he wandered off – elsewhere…This is at the bridge above Movie Flats road…

Ally checks out the water on the upside of the bridge…it looks like this…

While we were standing there, we saw a 17″ Trout wave out into the current, just above the mossy rock…

A reminder of memories past and fishing Lone Pine Creek with salmon eggs, crickets and red worms…

Somebody else, sitting on a rock at Lone Pine Creek, with FRYE BOOTS, when she was about Ally’s age…

Looking East towards the White Mountains from the base of Mt. Whitney at dusk…

Another location along Lone Pine Creek where one has to slither in like a serpent to present an offering to the residents…there are Rainbows and Browns in this creek…I have taken Browns up to 18″ in here if I do my part…

The sandtrap at the bottom of Lone Pine Creek just before it enters the LA Aqueduct…this will be the location of my Grandson’s first Trout outing…Ally MADE this decision…

My son Michael, explaining to Muy ( Miles ), the size of the TROUT he will catch with his Grandfather…on Thanksgiving…

Mt. Whitney at sunset…

OK…time for dinner…and Virgin Marys…

…and the best spot for food on the EASTSIDE is:

SEASONS…Lone Pine California…hands down !!!

Back to tying…

PT/TB

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