FIELDNOTES WI NTER | 2 0 2 6
A LOOK INSIDE: ALASKA FISHING ALL SEA SON LONG BAHAMAS: SPOTTING PERMIT & BONES FIRST TIME DRIVEN SHOOT GEAR REVIEW FLY TYING & MORE
contents WINGSHOOTING
05 i n t r o - C H A N G I N G S E A S O N S A LETTER FROM WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA BY MIKE FITZGERALD JR.
09 E Y E S O N T H E F L AT S SPOTTING BONEFISH & PERMIT ON BAHAMIAN FLATS BY KYLE SCHAEFER
21
ICE TO MIDNIGHT SUN
THE EVER CHANGING SEASONS OF ALASKA BY TOM GILLILAND
31 L E A R N I N G M O O R
PERSPECTIVE FROM A FIRST DRIVEN GROUSE SHOOT BY KIRK & SARA KOLBIE
F R E S H W AT E R
37 T H E E M E R G E N C E O F A N A N G L E R A CHANGING OF SEASONS WITH MY BETTER HALF BY HANK INGRAM JR.
45 B i g F u n & B i g F i s h o n t h e
Bighorn
SUMMERS END IN MONTANA BY JOE KOZIARA
53
GEAR REVIEW
FISHPOND THUNDERHEAD SUBMERSIBLE LUMBAR PACK BY HANK INGRAM JR.
59 W H I P F I N I S H O N T H E C O A S T FLOUNDER POUNDER BY JONATHAN KILEY
1 FIELDNOTES
S A LT W AT E R
" On average, I spend abo ut 70 % of my day scanning wit hin 100 feet f rom t he bo at ; abo ut 25% of my t ime f rom 100 to 200 feet, and t he rest o ut side t hat range."
FIELDNOTES 2
meettheAUTHORS MI KE F I T Z G E R A LD J R . As s o n o f th e F r o n t ie r s f o u n de r s, M ike F it z ge r ald, J r . was b ro u g h t up in the o u t do o r t r ave l bu sin e ss. Wit h 4 0 + ye ar s o f e xte n s i v e internatio na l f ly f ish in g an d win g-sh o o t in g f ie ld e x p e r i e n c e , h e has an intim at e kn o wle dge o f all o f o u r sp o r t in g ve n u e s. To d a y a s Pres ident, h e is st ill q u it e in vo lve d wit h sale s. M ike lo ve s to tra v e l w ith his fly r o ds, sh o t gu n s, an d c am e r as. H e is also pa s s i o n a te ab o ut co ns e r vat io n , h avin g h e ld B o ar d p o sit io n s wit h A m e ri c a n Fly Fis hing T r ade Asso c iat io n , T h e o do r e R o o se ve lt Co n s e rv a ti o n Partners hip, an d B o n e f ish & T ar p o n T r u st . Ou t side t h e o f f i c e y o u w ill find Mik e p layin g t h e bass in t wo ban ds, wo r kin g wit h h i s b i rd do gs o r s ne akin g o f f t o M o n t an a t o ski.
KY L E SHAE F E R Capt. Kyle i s a f ly f ish in g gu ide , lo dge o wn e r , c o n se r va ti o n i s t & co ns ultant wh o p o u r s so u l, de dic at io n an d c o m m it m e n t i n to ev erything h e do e s. Kyle lo o ks f o r align m e n t an d allo ws h is pu rpo s e to clo s ely gu ide h im . Wh e t h e r h e ’ s p o lin g a skif f , advo c a ti n g f o r w ild fis h o r h e lp in g o t h e r s su c c e e d, Kyle t r ave r se s t h e pa th l e s s trav eled, an d lo o ks f o r u n c o n ve n t io n al ways t o f lo u r ish .
T OM GI L L I LA ND To m Gillilan d, a lif e lo n g sp o r t sm an , jo in e d F r o n t ie r s in 2006. H e co o rdinates o u r Alaska an d C an ada p r o gr am s as we ll a s d o ra d o and peaco c k bass f ish in g t r ip s alo n g wit h bir d an d b i g g a m e s ho o ting v en u e s t h r o u gh o u t So u t h Am e r ic a. Ou t side o f th e o f f i c e , To m is an ex p e r ie n c e d f ly f ish e r m an an d h u n t e r wh o e n jo y s s h a ri n g his kno w led ge wit h o t h e r s.
3 FIELDNOTES
J O E KOZ IAR A J o e Ko ziar a is t h e Se n io r Sale s Sp e c ialist in o u r L o w e r 48 Fres hw ater P r o gr am as we ll as C e n t r al Am e r ic a B lu e wate r. J o e h a d p rev io us ly wo r ke d in o u r Salt wat e r De p ar t m e n t an d h as e xpe ri e n c e in America n We st , M e x ic o , Se yc h e lle s, C h r ist m as Islan d, B a h a m a s , and the Flo r ida Ke ys. Ou t side o f t h e o f f ic e , J o e e n jo ys s pe n d i n g time w ith h is f am ily, c h e e r in g o n h is so n an d dau gh t e r i n y o u th s po rts , liv e m u sic , an d m o st t h in gs o u t do o r s-e sp e c ially f i s h i n g .
H A N K I N G R AM J R . J o ining Fron t ie r s in 1 9 9 9 as t h e B ah am as e x p e r t , H an k h a s w o rk e d his w ay up t h e r an ks o ve r 2 5 ye ar s an d is n o w t h e D i re c to r o f Sp o rting T r ave l f o r t h e c o m p an y. In t r o du c e d t o f ly f i s h i n g o n Chautauqu a Lake , N Y at t h e age o f 1 2 , H an k f o llo we d h i s pa s s i o n to I daho an d t h e n o n t o f o u r c o n t in e n t s, c o u n t le ss c o u n tri e s a n d o ceans and c o u n t in g o ve r 4 5 ye ar s. An avid f ly f ish e r a n d g ra v e l cyclis t, H an k n o t o n ly e n jo ys in t e r n at io n al t r ave l bu t a l s o l o c a l l y re-dis co v er in g P A an d t h e U n it e d St at e s. H e wan de r s t h ou s a n d s o f miles o f gr ave l r o ad, f ly r o d o r bike in h an d, h is t e ar dro p c a m pe r in to w , in s e ar c h o f abu n dan t h at c h e s an d aban do n e d w i l d n e rn e s s .
J O N A T H AN K I LE Y J o nathan K ile y is a p r o f e ssio n al f ly t ye r an d t h e o wn e r o f F l y S k i n z LLC. W ith a lif e lo n g p assio n f o r f ly t yin g, h e h as sp e n t th e pa s t 12 years in ve n t in g an d m an u f ac t u r in g m at e r ials f o r t h e f l y ty i n g indus try. H is p r o du c t s ar e available t h r o u gh www.f ly s k i n z . c o m , and are d ist r ibu t e d n at io n wide by H ar e lin e Du bbin . J o n a th a n co ns iders h im se lf a st u de n t o f n at u r e , dr awin g in sp ir a ti o n f ro m its b eauty t o c r e at e f lie s t h at e m u lat e t h e m o ve m e n t f o u n d i n aquatic en vir o n m e n t s. H e is de e p ly p assio n at e abo u t th e ph y s i c s and s cienc e be h in d f ly t yin g an d e n jo ys sh ar in g h is kn o w l e d g e w i th fello w ang le r s. F o r h im , f ly f ish in g is a sp ir it u al e x p e r i e n c e th a t p ro v ides bo t h in sp ir at io n an d t h e r ap e u t ic r e lie f .
FIELDNOTES 4
CHANGING
seasons
A LETTER FROM WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA B Y M IKE F ITZ GE R A L D J R .
5 FIELDNOTES
Late autumn in Pennsylvania is early summer in Antarctica!
O ne of th e th ings I tre asure most a bout l i v i n g in west e rn Pe nnsyl vani a i s t he pr e sen ce o f four b e auti ful l y d is t i nct se a son s. T h e shi ft from one to the ne xt i s r a r e ly su btle a n d ofte n d ramati c, shap e d by th e un pr edicta b l e hand of Mothe r Na t ur e . W e f eel ea c h se asonal transi ti on d e e pl y : th e f ir st delicate snowfal l b l anke t i ng th e bir d-h u n ting fi e l d s, the p e rsis t e nt , so o th in g r ain f al l that coaxe s sp ri ng i nt o bl o o m , th e lo n g, sul try summe r e ve ni ng s c r o wn ed with gol d e n sunse ts, and the fi e r y e xpl osio n of cri mson and amb e r m a pl e l e a v es ign itin g t he hi l l s i n autumn.
Tr a v e l , much l i ke t he s e a s ons , fo l l o w s i t s ow n na t ur a l r hy t hm. As a ut umn t i gh t e n s i t s g r i p a t home a nd w i nt e r w h i s p e r s i t s a r r i v a l , t he s por t i ng w or l d o p e n s u p a br oa d. Acr os s E ur ope , s pe ct a cul ar d r i v e n s hoot s come t o l i fe , w hi l e i n t he S o u t h e r n H e mi s phe r e , r i v e r s s t i r w i t h ha t c h i n g d r y fl i e s , a nd t r ophy br ow n t r out c r u i s e t h e cr y s t a l - cl e a r w a t e r s of N e w Ze a l an d an d P a t a g oni a . Wi nt e r he r e a l s o nu d ge s u s t ow a r d t r opi ca l s hor e s , w i t h s a l t w at e r ge ar a nd s uns cr e e n i n t ow , or compe l s u s e v e n fa r t he r s out h, w he r e w i l d t r out s t i l l t h r i v e i n r e mot e , unt a me d w a t e r s .
A r o u n d Hallowe e n, my fl y rod s and g ol f c l u bs begin the i r se asonal hi b e rna t i on, g i v i ng way to we l l -worn shotg uns. O ur spi r i ted c o c kers, Lakl and and Je tt, s e e m to sen se th e s hi ft too, wi th the i r e ne r g y su r g in g as bir d se ason arri ve s i n ful l for ce .
Come s pr i ng i n P e nns y l v a ni a , t he s h o t gu n s r e t r e a t t o t he s a fe , a nd our s t r e am s a w a ke n a l i v e w i t h i ns e ct s , r i s i ng t r o u t , an d t he qui e t pr omi s e of r e ne w a l . S o o n af t e r , t he ma j e s t i c r i v e r s of t he Ame r i c an W e s t a nd t he w i l d e xpa ns e of Al a s ka cal l . In t h e
FIELDNOTES 6
he i g ht of s umme r , Ar g e nt i na of f e r s w o r l d cl a s s w i ng - s hoot i ng unde r e x p an s i v e s ki e s , a nd t he Afr i ca n pl a i ns b e c o m e a phot og r a phe r ’s pa r a di s e br i m m i n g w i t h w i l dl i fe , l i g ht , a nd dr a ma .
When Fall knocks on the Montana door, it's brown trout season
At F r ont i e r s , w e ’v e a l w a y s w e lc o m e d t h e s e a s ona l cha ng e s w i t h t he e x c i t e m e n t of w ha t come s ne xt . The s hi ft f r o m o n e s e a s on t o t he ne xt r e mi nds our t e am an d our cl i e nt s t ha t t r a v e l t oo mov e s i n c y c l e s . E v e r y de s t i na t i on ha s i t s mome n t , an d p ar t of t he j oy i s know i ng w he n a nd w h e r e t o fi nd i t . E a ch t ur n of t he ca l e n d ar b r i n gs i t s ow n l i g ht , i t s ow n t e mpo, a n d i t s o w n i nv i t a t i on t o e xpl or e … w he t he r t h at m e an s w a di ng a fa v or i t e t r out s t r e a m c l o s e t o home or pl a nni ng a fa r - fl ung ad v e n t u r e t ha t ’s be e n s i t t i ng on y our l i s t fo r t o o l o n g.
A weekend summer day in the Laurel Mountains of Pennsylvania trout fishing
7 FIELDNOTES
S o , a s th e da ys are shorte r he re at home w i t h w i nt e r s e t t l e d i n, w e ce l e br a t e t h i s s h i f t b e c a u se with each ne w se ason come s fr e s h pe r s pe ct i v e , unt ol d s t or i e s , a nd u n e x p l o r e d p l a c e s. Wh er ever thi s one l e ad s you, w e hope i t br i ng s t he fa mi l i a r comfor t of c h e r i s h e d t r a di tio n s an d the i nvi g orati ng i d e a of w ha t l i e s j us t be y ond t he hor i zon. As w e sh ar e th is e d i ti on of Fi e l d Note s w i t h y ou, w e fi nd our s e l v e s once a g a i n g a t h e r e d n e ar a c r a ck lin g f ir epl ace . Summe r and aut umn a dv e nt ur e s a r e s t i l l w a r m i n our me m o r i e s , an d t h e p r om ise o f what’s ne xt i s q ui e tl y b e g i nni ng t o s t i r . Whe t he r i t ’s t he s udde n fl u s h o f b i r d s o v e r Ar gen tin e fi e l d s, casti ng to a tai l i ng pe r mi t on a t ur quoi s e fl a t , me t i cul ous l y s e l e c t i n g t h e p er f ec t f ly t o “match the hatch,” or ca pt ur i ng t he hus he d e l e g a nce of a w olf p ac k an d t h e i r pu ps in Yell owstone throug h your l e ns … e a ch s e a s on s i ng s i t s ow n t une . C ha nge af ter a ll i s what ke e p s our w or l d a nd our w a nde r l us t a l i v e . I t r e mi nds u s t o l o o k f o rwa r d, to k eep e xp l ori ng, and to sha r e t hos e j our ne y s w i t h t he pe opl e w ho m ak e t h e m m e a nin gf u l. Fr om al l of us at Fronti e rs , t ha nk y ou for be i ng pa r t of our s t or y a nd f o r l e t t i n g us b e par t of yo urs. He re ’s to the ne xt s e a s on, w he r e v e r i t ma y t a ke y ou.
M i k e Fitzger ald Pres ident & Co -Own e r , F r o n t ie r s T r ave l
Our annual celebration of Midsummer Night in Norway
FIELDNOTES 8
EYES on the
9 FIELDNOTES
FLATS S
ta r ting and op e rati ng a fi sh i ng l odg e i s a l e a p of fa i t h ba s e d on a my r iad o f va r ia b l e s that are al l stacke d a g a i ns t y ou. B ut i n ce r t a i n ci r cums t a nces , n o m atte r how ste e p the cl i mb , i t 's a ppa r e nt t ha t t he v i e w fr om t he t op w i l l b e w or th ever y s te p . I am Kyl e Schae fe r , co- ow ne r , founde r a nd ope r a t or of S ou l Fl y L o dge. A f ter fal l i ng d e e p l y i n l ove w i t h t he B a ha ma s I kne w t ha t I w a nt e d t o f i n d a s p ecial cor n er of the i sl and s to b ri ng a l odg e t o l i fe . Aft e r a s e r i e s of e xpl or at o r y t r i ps to Gr eat Harb our C ay, e xp e r i e nci ng t he be a ut i ful fi s he r y a nd be g i nni n g a re l a tio n sh ip wi th the communi ty, w e j us t coul dn't t a l k our s e l v e s out of ope n i n g S ou l Fly Lodge wi th my wi fe K i tri a nd be s t buddy Al e c " G r i z" G r i s w ol d. Le g e n d ar y g u ide Per c y Darvi l l e we l come d us w i t h ope n a r ms s a y i ng " w he r e w e r e y ou 1 0 y e ar s a go ?" . T h is b l e ssi ng from the fi shi n g communi t y w a s v i t a l l y i mpor t a nt t o us i n t h at m om en t a n d i s sti l l our top p ri ori ty a nd t he ce nt e r of our ope r a t i ng e t hos . We' r e a f a mily - a f ami l y that hap p e ns to ha v e a de e p pa s s i on for cha s i ng ma t ur e bon e f i s h a n d per mit in the cl e ar shal l ow wat e r s of t he B a ha ma s . W elc o m in g a ngl e rs i nto thi s e nvi ro nme nt me a ns pr e pa r i ng t he m not j us t fo r t h e l o dge, bu t f or the wate r. And out h e r e , t r ue s ucce s s s t a r t s l ong be for e t he ca s t , i t s t ar ts with learni ng how to se e . Amo ng t he s ki l l s r e qui r e d for s ucce s s ful fl a t s fi s h i n g f o r bo n ef ish and p e rmi t i n the Baha ma s i s t he a bi l i t y t o s pot fi s h. L i ke a ccur at e f l y c a stin g, th er e i s a d i re ct corre l ation be t w e e n t he numbe r of fi s h l a nde d a nd t h e e f fic ien cy wit h whi ch the y’re sp otte d. S pot t i ng fi s h i s a s ki l l t o be hone d, a nd t h e r e i s n o su bstitute for ti me on the wa t e r , but t he r e i s s ome a dv i ce w e ca n offe r f r o m a f ar to h elp pre p are for the ‘re al th i ng . ’
SP O TTI NG B O N EF ISH & P E R M I T O N T H E FL AT S B Y K Y L E S C H AEFE R
FIELDNOTES 10
The three fish-spotting zones: Within 100 feet; 100 to 200 feet; and, 200 feet and beyond.
W i t h h elp f rom arti st and angle r , B r i D ostie, a n d the Soul Fl y gui d e s , w e ’v e pu t to geth er an i nfograp hi c that br e a ks do w n th e a n g l e r’s p oi nt of vi e w i nt o t hr e e di stin c t z o n es . Ad d i ti onal l y, we ’ve a dde d so me su ggesti ons and sp e ci fi c i nstruct i ons o n spottin g f ish re l ate d to the se zone s . O f c o ur se, n oth ing i n fl y fi shi ng i s har d- a ndf a st, bu t we h op e the se ge ne ral sugge s t i ons wi l l aid o u r gue sts as the y p re p are for t he i r n e xt tr ip to the B ahamas. T h e Three Fish-Spotti ng Zones: • • •
W it hin 100 fee t 100 t o 200 fee t 200 f eet an d beyon d.
11 FIELDNOTES
How t o L ook & W h a t t o L ook F o r Whe n i t come s t o e ffe ct i v e l y s p o t t i n g bone fi s h a nd pe r mi t , pr a c t i c e an d r e pe t i t i on a r e a l w a y s t he s ur e s t p at h s t o s ucce s s . Tha nkful l y , on mos t t ri p s , an gl e r s w i l l ha v e a mpl e oppor t uni t ie s t o s p o t fi s h i n a w i de v a r i e t y of s i t u at i o n s an d fr om v a r y i ng di s t a nce s . The re w i l l al s o undoubt e dl y be pl e nt y of chan c e s t o s e e t hi ng s t ha t l ook l i ke fi s h but a r e n ’ t . The s e e xpe r i e nce s ca n be e qual l y as h e l p f u l i n l e a r ni ng t o s pot fi s h, for i n t h e s e ar c h f o r bone fi s h a nd pe r mi t , i t s ome t i m e s h e l p s t o know w ha t not t o l ook for a nd w h at i s n o t a fi s h.
O u t he re, t r u e s u c c es s s t a r t s l e a r n i n g h o w t o s e e. . .
L O D G E D E TA I L S
l o n g b e f o re t he c as t, it s t a r t s wit h
FIELDNOTES 12
B e ca u se th e a b i l i ty to se e fi sh i s af fe ct e d by con ditio n s s uch as sun p osi ti on, cl ouds , g l a r e, win d, and more , how we l ook for fi s h c h a n ges f r o m d ay to d ay, fl at to fl a t , a nd h o ur to h ou r . I n te rms of whe re to l ook, a g re at a n d gen eral rul e i s to l ook wher e y ou c a n see. T h is ap p l i e s to b oth d i re cti on a nd di stan c e, so if the cond i ti ons onl y a l l ow y o u to see u p t o 80 fe e t b e twe e n 11 a nd 1 o ’ c l oc k, f or ex amp l e , the n that’s whe r e y ou sh o u ld f o c u s your e fforts. B e ar in min d, howe ve r, that thi s ‘w i ndow o f visibility’ c an and wi l l change ov e r t he c o ur se o f a singl e fl at, and ce rtai nl y a ft e r m o vin g to a diffe re nt one , as the an g l e of th e su n is always changi ng . I n a per f ect sce nari o, we cl e arl y s pot bo nef ish o r permi t swi mmi ng sl owly ov e r a l i gh t-sa n d bottom, and i t’s ob vi ous . B ut a s of ten a s n ot, we d o not se e th e fi s h
Bonefish, dorsals, and tails over a light-sand bottom.
13 FIELDNOTES
t he ms e l v e s ; r a t he r , w e s e e t he s h ap e s , s ha dow s , or s i g ns t ha t t he fi s h m ak e s . A s e xa mpl e s : •
B one fi s h t he ms e l v e s a r e i n c r e d i b l y ca moufl a g e d, but t he y s t i l l l e av e s ha dow s or puffs of mud on t h e f l at as t he y s w i m a cr os s or fe e d on i t .
•
I ndi v i dua l bone fi s h i n a s ch o o l w i l l oft e nt i me s be di ffi cul t t o s e e , b u t t he i r r e fl e ct i ons – br i e f or r e p e at e d s pa r kl i ng , s hi ni ng , a nd t w i nkl in g ar e as i n t he w a t e r – a r e much e a s i e r t o s p o t .
“Whe n s ca nni ng for fi s h, I ’m l oo k i n g f o r t a i l s , s ha dow s , ne r v ous w a t e r , s p l as h i n g, a nd mud be ds ,” s a y s he a d g ui d e P e r c y Da r v i l l e . “I ’m cons t a nt l y l ooki ng al l o v e r t he fl a t s a s fa r a s I ca n i de nt i fy , e ve n as f ar a s 5 00 fe e t , i f v i s i bi l i t y a l l ow s . ”
Permit and sting ray moving together over a waist deep flat.
FIELDNOTES 14
A s c h o ol o f crui si ng b one fi sh ma y c re ate a wa k e on the surface i n s i ze s c o r respon din g to how many fi sh are i n t he s c hool. Su ppose the school i s crui si n g v e r y s l o wly an d a c t i ve l y fe e d i ng . I n that ca s e , t h e wak e ma y ap p e ar more as ne r v ous w a ter (sh im me ri ng , chop p y, or r i ppl e d w a ter with a h i ghe r fre q ue ncy or vi b r a t i on t h a n its su r r ound i ng wate r) than a cl a s s i c V- s haped wa k e . I n sk in n y wate r, the same schoo l ma y re v e al itself f urthe r whe n tai l s or dor s a l f i n s br ea k the surface . We may s e e p a rts of th em more re ad i l y than th e fi s h t h e mselves: perhap s a tai l or a d ors a l fi n s t i c k in g u p, o r the nose of a fi sh s l i di ng a c r oss a ligh te r p atch of sand , or th e r e a r ha l f of a f ish crossi ng turtl e g rass. “ T he way I sca n for fi sh i s d e p e nd e nt o n t he s p e cies I’m targe ti ng,” says Bre nt D a r v i l l e . “ W i t h bon ef ish, I’m l ooki ng for trac e s of f e e din g – mu d or d i vots i n the sand – a s
Wakes and a tail at distance.
15 FIELDNOTES
w e l l a s s ha dow s , ne r v ous w a t e r , o r an y t y p e of mov e me nt . F or pe r mi t , I ’m w at c h i n g f o r mov i ng s t i ng r a y s , fe e di ng fi s h , b u t al s o t a ki ng i nt o a ccount t i de move m e n t s . In t e r ms of di s t a nce s , my he a d i s c o n s t an t l y on a s w i v e l ; e i t he r 2 0 fe e t i n fr o n t o f t h e boa t or a s fa r out a s I ca n s e e . ” P e r mi t t y pi ca l l y mov e fa s t e r ac r o s s t h e fl a t s t ha n bone fi s h a nd t r a v e l i n d e e p e r w a t e r , s o t he y ca n be mor e cha l l e n gi n g t o s pot . F or t una t e l y , pe r mi t ha v e s o m e go o d tells: • • •
S ha dow s of t he fi s h A s ma l l w a ke or “pus h” of w at e r The occa s i ona l pe r mi t t a i l s t i c k i n g o u t of t he w a t e r
S t i ng r a y s a r e e s pe ci a l l y not e w o r t h y w h e n l ooki ng for pe r mi t : t he y fl us h c r ab s an d s hr i mp fr om t he fl a t w i t h t he i r ow n f e e d i n g, a nd pe r mi t w i l l oft e n fol l ow t h e r ay s t o fe e d on w ha t ’s s t i r r e d up.
I n g e ne r a l , bone fi s h a nd pe r mi t s h o w u p a s ha de or t w o da r ke r t ha n t he bac k gr o u n d t he y ’r e fe e di ng ov e r .
Additio n a lly, b e i ng aware of condi t i ons a n d su r r ou n dings he l p s. F or e xamp l e : •
•
•
I n c h o ppy w ate r or wi th gl are , l ook for f lash es, sh ad ows, and shap e s mor e t h an tails o r wake s. On ca lm, c le ar d ays, e xte nd your s e a r ch f a r th er an d try to sp ot fi sh as e ar l y a s p ossible. B ottom c ol or matte rs: ove r l i g ht s an d, f ish w i l l ap p e ar more si l v e r or t r a n slu cen t; ove r grass fl ats, t he i r gr een s a n d g rays may stand out mor e .
F i na l l y , r e me mbe r t ha t y ou’r e n o t al o n e . Y our g ui de a nd fi s hi ng pa r t ne r w i l l al s o be on t he l ookout , a nd t og e t h e r y o u ’ l l communi ca t e w ha t y ou s e e , r ef i n e y o u r s pot t i ng , a nd ma ke be t t e r s hot s . I t s t a r t s w i t h be l i e v i ng t ha t y ou w i l l b e ab l e t o s e e t he fi s h. Whe n s pot t i ng b o n e f i s h a nd pe r mi t , w e a r e t r a i ni ng ou r b r ai n s , ov e r t i me , t o hy pot he s i ze , r e cog n i z e , an d ca t a l og ue – v e r y qui ckl y – w ha t o u r e y e s a r e s e e i ng on t he fl a t s . The more t i m e w e s pe nd on t he fl a t s , t he qui cke r o u r b r ai n s w i l l be a bl e t o di s t i ng ui s h s ubt l e s i gn s o u t of y our pe r i phe r a l v i s i on, a nd a t t e n t i o n i s ca l l e d t o t he fi s h…
FIELDNOTES 38 16
A te l l-ta le sign i s that most b one fi sh a nd pe rmit ar e movi ng. So, i f you’re d i stra ct e d by a sh a pe o n the b ottom that has mo r phe d i n to th e f ish of your d re ams, ask your s e l f i f t h e sh ape is movi ng or stati onary. S ome f i s h will la y u p and won’t move , b ut t ha t ’s m o re of a r a r ity than the rul e . F i s h-Sp o tting Zones T o help pr epar e for sp otti ng b one fi s h a nd pe rmit, we divi d e vi e wi ng d i stance i nt o th r e e z o n es whe n on the casti ng p l at for m: • • •
W ith in 100 fe e t 1 00 to 200 fe e t 2 00 f eet a n d b e yond
D e p en din g o n cond i ti ons, ang l e rs s houl d v a ry h ow m u ch ti me the y d e vote to e a ch z o n e. “ I s c an f r om a s cl ose as I can to as far as I ca n se e , ” says gu ide F re d d i e Dame s. “Any t hi ng I pi ck u p, I c he ck out. Any shad ow s a nd a ny gr ass I see, I scan i t as b e st as I ca n.
S ome t i me s e v e n s ha dow s fr om t h e w av e s ca n fool y ou. ” I n a v e r a g e s i g ht fi s hi ng condit i o n s , t i m e a l l oca t i on i s s ug g e s t e d a s : ~ 5 0 % o f sc a nning w it hin 1 0 0 feet ~ 3 0 % b e t w e e n 1 0 0 a nd 2 0 0 f e et ~ 2 0 % b e y o nd 2 0 0 f e e t I n e xce l l e nt condi t i ons , mor e t i m e m ay s hi ft t o t he fa r t he r zone s ; i n po o r v i s i b i l i t y , mos t e ffor t ma y s t a y unde r 1 00 f e e t . “Whe n I ’m s ca nni ng for fi s h, I n o r m al l y us e a s i x- s e cond i nt e r v a l l o o k i n g f r o m l e ft t o r i g ht ,” s a y s Che s t e r Dar v i l l e . “ I’ m a l s o s ca nni ng be hi nd me a nd al l ar o u n d me , l ooki ng for ne r v ous w a t e r , t ai l i n g f i s h , puffs of mud, or e v e n l a r g e cl o u d s o f m u d i n t he w a t e r . O n a v e r a g e , I s p e n d ab o u t 7 0% of my da y s ca nni ng w i t h i n 1 0 0 f e e t fr om t he boa t ; a bout 2 5% of m y t i m e f r o m 1 00 t o 200 fe e t , a nd t he r e s t o u t s i d e t h at r a ng e . ”
Within 100 feet, we see entire bonefish and permit, parts of fish, and tails.
17 FIELDNOTES
W i t hin 100 Feet Zone H e re yo u en jo y the b e st vi si b i l i ty, b u t a l s o th e least tim e t o re act. You mi ght p i c k up: • •
En tir e bo n efi sh or p e rmi t Pa r ts o r tails of fi sh ( si ngl e , d oub l e , or i n sc h o ol)
Y o u m u st pr oce ss what you se e q ui ckl y , f i g u r e dir ec tion, sp e e d , and p re s e nt th e f ly with mi ni mal fal se casts a nd a l i g ht tou c h . O nce the fl y l and s, re mov e sl a c k imm edia te l y and b e g i n stri p p i ng i f n e c e ssa r y. F r o m 100 to 200 F eet T hi s z on e of f e rs a use ful b al ance : fi s h m a y be easier to sp ot, and you have t i me to p r epa r e your cast. Pe rmi t may a ppe a r f ul l y , wh er eas bone fi sh mi g ht show o nl y a s sh a d o ws or n ervous wate r. Afte r sp ot t i ng , di sc u ss with your g ui d e to ad j ust boa t
pos i t i on, a nd y ou mi g ht ha v e r o o m f o r a fe w fa l s e ca s t s t o fi ne - t une di s t an c e an d a ccur a cy . 2 00 F e e t a n d B e yon d At t hi s r a ng e , unde r a v e r a g e c o n d i t i o n s , y ou’l l mos t l y s pot w a ke s , ne r v ous w at e r , o r fl e e t i ng fi s h s ha pe s . B ut t he a dv an t age i s t ha t y ou ha v e mor e t i me t o a pp r o ac h t h e fi s h. The g ui de s oft e n focus he r e , gi v e n t he i r v a nt a g e . S t i l l , don’t ne g l e ct t h e c l o s e r zone s e v e n w he n s ca nni ng fa r . “I f I ’m l ooki ng for bone fi s h, I’ m o n l y s ca nni ng i n t w o fe e t of w a t e r . F o r p e r m i t t houg h, I s t a r t fr om 5 0 fe e t , s ca n n i n g f r o m l e ft t o r i g ht . I ’m l ooki ng for a ny m o v e m e n t a t a l l . . . ” s a y s Tr a v i s S a nds . Tr a v i s not e s t ha t w he n t a r g e t i ng p e r m i t , h e oft e n a v oi ds s ca nni ng w i t hi n 5 0 f e e t ( t o o l a t e t o a ppr oa ch unobt r us i v e l y ) , i n s t e ad s ca nni ng fr om 50 t o 200 fe e t or m o r e .
From 100 to 200 feet, we can see fish relatively easy, as well as shadows, wakes, tails, and more. At 200 feet and beyond, we may only be able to see wakes, nervous water or get inexplicit, fleeting glimpses of fish.
FIELDNOTES 38 18
F a l s e Alarms W h i l e po lin g a c ross fl ats, you’l l se e ma ny s ha p es, sh a do ws, and col or chang e s t h a t a ppear f is hl i ke , b ut ofte n ar e n’t . D i s t i n gu ish in g “ fi sh vs not fi sh” q ui ckly i s a k e y skill. So m e common fal se al arms: • •
•
S ha r ks: big a nd consp i cuous; the i r s i de t o - side, ser penti ne moti on i s a cl ue . D ar k pa tc h es, te xture chang e s, fl a t i ncon sisten c ie s: the se may mi mi c fi s h s ha pes. If th e sp ot move s wi th the s ki ff o r sta ys sta tionary re l ati ve to surround, i t ’ s lik ely n o t a fi sh. C l ou ds an d glare : d i stort vi sual cue s . O n c l ou dy days or wi th gl are , focus m or e o n ta ils, wate r p ushe s, ne rvous w a t e r o r r ipples. O n sunny d ays, tai l vi sibi l i t y d epen ds on l i ghti ng ang l e s, so w a t ch f o r m o vement too.
Th e gu ide is your al l y: p oi nt the fl y r od t o w a r d a su spici ous sp ot, and the g ui de c a n co n f ir m o r ne g ate whe the r i t’s i nde e d f i sh .
19 FIELDNOTES
False Alarm, Shark!
C o n clus io n Str o n g spo ttin g ski l l s e nhance q ual i ty cha nce s a t bone fi s h a nd pe r mi t on fl a t s . K e e p t h e th r e e viewin g z one s i n mi nd , ( wi thi n 100 fe e t , 100– 200 fe e t , a nd be y ond 200 f e e t ) , an d a d a p t wh at yo u l ook for d e p e nd i ng on condi t i ons . Wi t h pr a ct i ce , g ui da nce , a nd r e al - w o r l d e xper ien c e, every gue st can b e come a de pt a t i de nt i fy i ng bot h s pe ci e s e ffi ci e n t l y . D o n ’ t f o r g e t y our polarized s unglas s es !
BAHAMAS SPECIES BY SEASON - GENERAL Overview W i n t er ( Dec em ber–F ebruary ): This seaso n oft en pro duces larger bo nefis h al ong w ith o c c a s i o n a l c hanc e s at p e rmi t, plus st eady act io n fo r a v ariet y o f o t her s p e ci e s . C o l d f ro n t s c a n move through and affect condit io ns, and t arpon sight ing s on t he f la ts a re ra re d uri ng the se months. S p r i n g & E a r l y Summer (M arch–J une ) : More st able weat her pat t erns t y pical l y m ak e f o r co n s i s t e n t f i shi ng, w i th ave rage- siz e fish appearing in good numbers a cr os s al l s peci e s . T h i s i s al so w he n the f i rst wav es o f large migrat o ry t arpon begin s howi ng th r o u g h o u t t h e i sl and s. M i d - S ummer & E arly F all (J uly –Se pte m be r) : Alt ho ugh many lodges shut d own du r i n g t h i s s t re tc h, angl e rs w ho d o fish can st ill find go od t o v ery go od o ppor t uni t i e s f o r b o n e f i s h , p e rmi t, and tarp on. Fal l (S ep t em b er–No v ember ): A n excellent window for frequent sho t s at b one fi s h a n d p e rmi t , w i t h tarp on al so mak i ng o ccasio nal appearances. Anglers sho ul d r e m ai n a w a r e o f t h e h e i ghte ne d c hanc e of significant st o rms during t his period. Co n t a c t J o e L i nscot t, O ur B ahamas Exp ert
FIELDNOTES 20
FROM ICETO MIDNIGHT SUN THE EVER CHANGING SEASONS OF ALASKA B Y T O M G I LLILAND
21 FIELDNOTES
A
l aska’s se asonal tra ns for ma t i ons a r e on ful l di s pl a y e v e r y w ee k d u r i n g the fi shi ng se ason. . Whe t he r y ou'r e cha s i ng s pr i ng ha t che s , s o ak i n g i n e nd l e ss summe r e v e ni ng s , s a v or i ng a cr i s p fa l l , or fi ndi ng s t i ll n e s s an d so litud e of l ate fal l , Al aska i s for y ou. No day on the wate r i s e ve r qui t e t he s a me i n Al a s ka . As t he s e a s o n s t u r n , su btl e change s e me rge . The l i g ht l i ng e r s a bi t l ong e r w hi l e s now me l t s w e l l s t h e r iver and sal mon p ush thei r w a y ups t r e a m. The l a nds ca pe s hi ft s i n b o t h c o l o r an d mood . The se chang e s i n t he s e a s ons don't j us t s ha pe t he s ce n e r y , t h e y def in e how your fi shi ng e xpe r i e nce a nd t i me on t he w a t e r w i l l pl a y ou t . A laska’s fi shi ng se ason i s r e l a t i v e l y s hor t (r unni ng fr om J une t o O ct ober ) b u t i t ’ s pa c ke d wi th nonstop acti on a nd e v e r - cha ng i ng oppor t uni t i e s . E a ch w e e k b r i n gs so m e shi fts i n cond i ti ons and fi s h be ha v i or . M i s s t he t i mi ng by j us t a bi t , an d y o u cou ld ove rl ook the ve ry styl e of fi s hi ng y ou l ov e mos t . . . w i t hout e v e r k n o w i n g i t !
FIELDNOTES 22
Ju n e : Th e U n de r rat e d G e m of t h e F i s h i n g S e a s on . S molt M ig rat ion , S k a t e d Mi c e , D r y F lie s , R a in bow s , a n d K in g s ! J une i n Al a s ka offe r s a ng l e r s a c h an c e t o fi s h i s ol a t e d r i v e r s w e l l be for e t h e c r o w d s a r r i v e . Acce s s come s t hr ou gh f l y - o u t l odg e s , fi xe d- ba s e l odg e s , a nd t e n t c am p s , e a ch offe r i ng a di ffe r e nt w a y t o n av i gat e a nd fi s h t he s e r e mot e w a t e r s . Br o w n be a r s r oa m t he r i v e r ba nks , m o o s e w ad e t hr oug h ba ck cha nne l s , a nd t h e s c al e o f t he w i l de r ne s s i s j us t t r ul y unm at c h e d . W e ha v e s ome de s t i na t i ons w he r e y o u ’ l l l i k e l y onl y s e e y our ca mpma t e s for t h e e n t i r e w e e k. F i s hi ng condi t i ons de pe nd on t h e p r e v i o u s w i nt e r ’s s now pa ck. H e a v y r u n o f f c an cr e a t e hi g he r , mur ky r i v e r s , w h i l e a l i gh t e r s now pa ck ke e ps w a t e r s cl e ar an d l o w . R a i nbow t r out fe e d a g g r e s s i v e l y af t e r w i n t e r dor ma ncy a nd t he i r e a r l y J une s p aw n i n g. Dr y fl i e s a nd mous e pa t t e r ns bri n g e x c i t i n g s ur fa ce t a ke s , w hi l e s ma l l s t r e am e r s t h at i mi t a t e s a l mon fr y dr i ft i ng dow n s t r e am b y t he mi l l i ons , a r e a n e ffe ct i v e t a c t i c .
We h a ve s o m e d es t i n a t i o ns w he re
y o u’l l l i k e l y o n l y s e e y o u r c a mp m a t es f o r t he e n t i re w e e k.
23 FIELDNOTES
B y mid-Ju n e, ki ng sal mon e nte r t he r i v e r s a n d swingi ng fl i e s wi th si ng l e or t wo - h an ded r o d s b e come s a p re fe r r e d appr o a c h f o r king s. June al so ushe rs i n t h e s alm o n sm o lt mi grati on whe re mi l l i ons of ti n y f r y ma k e t he i r way b ack to the la ke s an d o c ea n to r eigni te the cycl e . Tr o u t F o r y e ar s, ear ly-se ason fi shi ng i n Southw e s t A l a sk a h a s qu ie tl y take n a b ackse a t t o t h e l a te-su mm er sal mon e gg fre nzy. B ut t h a t n a r r a tive is chang i ng, fast. The r i s e of b e ad f ish in g has shi fte d the sp otli g ht , c o n v i n c in g ma n y ang l e rs that the r e a l ac ti o n doesn ’t ki ck off unti l Aug ust, w he n s a l m o n a r e spawni ng, and the ri ver i s l o a de d with eggs . B ut he re ’s the thi ng: t ha t c o u l dn ’t be mor e wrong . Why Al aska i s not a s t a ndalo n e tr out d e sti nati on i s b e yond me. T ro ut spawn in earl y June , and the n t ur n i n to aggr essive p re d ators wi l l i ng to e a t j u st abou t a n ythi ng that p asse s i n fr ont of th em. M id-to-l ate June i s typ i cal l y a f l y f i s h er m an ’s d re am whe n i t come s
t o t e chni que s . Y ou ca n us e y ou r e n t i r e l ow e r 48 fl y box a nd fi nd t e r r i fi c s u c c e s s ny mphi ng , r unni ng s t r e a me r s , s k at i n g a mous e , or g e nt l y pr e s e nt i ng a dr y f l y . The s e t r out e a g e r t o fi l l t he i r b e l l i e s a ft e r t he s pr i ng s pa w n i s co m p l e t e d . Wa r m s umme r t e mpe r a t ur e s al l o w f o r i de a l fi s hi ng condi t i ons , w i t h fi s h ac t i v e l y fe e di ng on t he a bunda nt s a l mon f r y r u n . I t ’s a l s o a mont h of pl e nt i ful da y l i gh t . K ing Sa lmo n Al a s ka ki ng s a l mon ce r t a i nl y de s e r v e s i t s ow n he a dl i ne . Whe n t he mi g ht y ki n gs s h o w up a nd t he w a t e r be ha v e s , ma g i c h ap p e n s . And 2025 w i l l be r e me mbe r e d as o n e o f t hos e s e a s ons . J une a nd e a r l y J ul y b r o u gh t ne a r - pe r fe ct r i v e r condi t i ons , h o l d i n g s t e a dy a nd cl e a r , ne v e r t oo s ki nn y , n e v e r bl ow n out . F or bot h s w i ng pur i s t s an d ge ar a ng l e r s , t ha t me a nt pr i me fi s hi ng w i n d o w s a nd be nt r ods . The r e s ul t i s a l a r g e q u an t i t y of chr ome 2 0– 40 pounde r s t ha t re m i n d e d e v e r y one w hy Al a s ka t ops s o ma n y b u c k e t l i s t s . I f t he r e ’s one bi g t a ke a w a y f o r k i n gs i n 2 026, i t ’s t hi s : w he n t he fl ow s s t ay r i gh t , t he ki ng s don’t di s a ppoi nt .
FIELDNOTES 24
Sa l t w a te r O p ti ons Of f sh or e, h a lib ut, and rockfi sh f i s hi ng p i c k u p, pr o vidi ng anothe r op ti on f or a n a dv en tu r e a n d an op p ortuni ty to fi l l y our f r e ez er with tasty fi sh. We can e asil y a dd a da y or two offshore fi shi ng to any l odg e p a c ka ge. I f y ou ' r e in to s wi tch or sp e y fi shi ng, e a r l y s e a s on is yo u r p l ayground . Thi s i s the t i me w hen cr ea tivity, move me nt, and te chni que c o m e in to play.... l ong b e fore the be a ds t a k e over . So don’t sl e e p on e arl y su mme r w e eks. T h e tr out are fi re d up an d t he c ro w ds ju st h ave n’t caught on ye t!
J u l y: The Pinnacl e of Vari ety and Ac t ion . Soc ke ye B y th e secon d we e k of Jul y, Sout hw e s t Al a s k a er u pts wi th l i fe as the l a r g e s t s o c k eye sa lmon runs i n the worl d s ur g e i nto its r iver s. Whe n the run p e ak s , t he s he e r volu me of fi sh i n the wate r i s a l mos t
unbe l i e v a bl e . I f y our g oa l i s n u m b e r s , s ocke y e w i l l de l i v e r . Y ou ca n l a n d d o z e n s of fi s h i n a s i ng l e s e s s i on. The y ’ r e n o t o n l y fun t o ca t ch, but a l s o e xce pt i o n al t ab l e fa r e , a nd y ou w on’t fi nd fr e s her f i s h t h an s ocke y e s t r a i g ht fr om Al a s ka n w at e r s . Thi s i s a mus t - ha v e e xpe r i e nc e o n e v e r y a ng l e r ’s bucke t l i s t . O ft e n c al l e d t h e s t r ong e s t s a l mon pound - f o r - p o u n d , sockeye are pure muscle and determination. Ch u m J us t a s t he s ocke y e ma dne s s p e ak s , c h u m s a l mon s t a r t pour i ng i nt o t h e r i v e r s i n mi d- t o- l a t e J ul y . O ft e n ov e r l ook e d , c h u m s a r e one of Al a s ka ’s s t r ong e s t gam e f i s h . The s e t oug h, a g g r e s s i v e fi g ht er s p u t o n w i l d di s pl a y s of s t r e ng t h a nd s t am i n a, an d t he y s how up i n l a r g e numbe r s , p e r f e c t f o r t hos e l ooki ng for non- s t op a c t i o n . W h i l e t he y a r e oft e n ca ug ht w i t h s ubs u r f ac e f l i e s , us i ng poppe r s or " g ur g l e r " s t y l e f l i e s w i t h a n e r r a t i c r e t r i e v e ca n e nt i ce t h e s e f i s h t o hi t s ur fa ce pa t t e r ns .
Silver Salmon Double
25 FIELDNOTES
Alaska: a family friendly destination!
FIELDNOTES 26
T r out J ul y isn ’t ju st ab out socke ye , thi s i s a l s o g rea t tim e f or rai nb ows, wi th strong a ct i on o n n ymph s, stre ame rs, and d ry fl i e s . L a r ger tr o u t w i l l ag g re ssi ve l y take bug g e r a nd sc u lpin p atte rns, offe ri ng ang l e r s h a rd-f ou gh t b attl e s. The d ry fly bi t e h o l ds str on g throughout the mont h, a nd m ou sin g r em ai ns an i ncre d i b l y e xci t i ng a nd pr odu c tive te chni q ue for those s e e ki ng th i s u n iqu e t op wate r acti on and v i s ua l ta k es. A l a ska S a lmon G r an d Sl am T he Gr an d Sl am: an e xtrao r di na r y o p por tu n ity t hat hap p e ns onl y dur i ng se l e ct weeks in Jul y, whe n l and i ng a l l fi v e species o f P aci fi c Sal mon, ki ng , chum, si l ver , so c keye, and p i nk, i n a si ngle w e e k be com es a r eal p ossi b i l i ty. And th e be s t pa rt is yo u ca n d o i t al l on the fl y. D u r in g th is wi nd ow of l ate Jul y i nto e a r l y A u gu st, Kin g Sal mon are sti l l ba t t l i ng u pr iver wh ile Si l ve r Sal mon make t he i r a p pea r an c e. Me anwhi l e , hard -ch a r g i ng So ck eye, f eisty C hum, and e ve n Pi nk S a l mon i n c er tain spots comp l e te the l i ne up. Thi s i s a r ar e c o n ve rge nce , offe ri ng fl y a ng l e r s th e ch a n c e to l i ve the i r d re am. T he va r iety d oe sn’t stop the re , Al a s ka bo asts ar o u n d twe l ve fre shwate r s pe ci e s wa i tin g to be caught. B e yond th e fi v e pa cif ic sa lmon you’l l fi nd rai nb ow t r out , a rc tic ch a r , Dol l y Vard e n, northe r n pi ke , sh eef ish , la k e trout, and grayl i ng. I t’ s a ver itab l e smorg asb ord of fi s hi ng sty les a n d c hal l e nge s, from d e l i cat e dr y f l y pr esen tations on a 3 or 4-we ig ht for g raylin g, to sw i ngi ng b i g fl i e s on a 10- w e i g ht si n gle-h an ded or Sp e y rod for ki ng s .
27 FIELDNOTES
Augus t: S ilver Sal mon, V a r d e n, and Char
Trout,
Do lly
S i lv e r S a lmon A u g ust br in gs wave s of si l ve r sal mon i nt o re g i o n al r iver s and stre ams, d e l i ver i ng so m e of th e most awe some top wate r ac t i on o ne c an f in d. Wa tchi ng the se fi sh e xp lode o n p o l lywogs c h ug g i ng al ong the surfac e i s n o t h i n g sh or t of ep i c. T r ou t A t t h e sam e tim e, trout acti on i nte nsi fi e s a s th e so c keye eg g d rop ki cks off e arl y i n t h e m on th . Hu n gry trout, d ol l i e s, and cha r a re l a ser -f oc u sed on e gg p atte rns, an d a si m pl e bead u n de r a fl oat i s ofte n a l l i t t a k e s to en tic e the se savvy fe e d e rs. Wi t h t h e i r s igh ts loc ke d on sal mon e ggs, tr out o f f e r u p r ema r ka b l e stri ke s and b attl e s . A u g ust is th e perfe ct b ri d ge b e twe e n t he so c k e ye f r en z y a nd the ri si ng si l ve r run. An a c t i o n-pac ked m onth whe re b oth trout a nd sa l m o n deliver n onstop e xci te me nt. You’l l sti l l h ave all f ive Paci fi c sal mon sp e ci e s t h a t a r e c atc h ab l e i nto Aug ust. Most w i l l be sh o win g th eir fal l col ors at the e nd of t h e i r s pa wn in g cycl e s.
S e pt e mbe r: S ilve r S almon , Tr ou t F r e n z y, a n d S t e e lh e ad
Trophy
T r o ut S e pt e mbe r i s pr i me t i me for t r o p h y t r out i n Al a s ka . De s pi t e t he s om e t i m e s unpr e di ct a bl e w e a t he r , t hi s mont h b r i n gs t he bi g g e s t l a ke r a i nbow s fl ood i n g i n t o r i v e r s by t he t hous a nds t o fe e d h e av i l y . The s e fi s h know i t ’s t he i r l a s t cha nc e t o b u l k up be for e w i nt e r a nd a r e on a re l e n t l e s s mi s s i on t o fe e d. R a i nbow s r e ma i n f i e r c e l y focus e d on s a l mon e g g s , r e a dy t o c h ar ge a fl e s h fl y w i t h w i l d a g g r e s s i on. They ’ l l s t r i k e a t ne a r l y a ny t hi ng y ou t hr ow t h e i r w ay , ma ki ng S e pt e mbe r t he ul t i ma t e t i m e f o r a ng l e r s t o hook i nt o ma s s i v e , ha r d - f i gh t i n g t r out . M e a nw hi l e , S i l v e r S a l mon numb e r s s t ay s t r ong w e l l i nt o mi d a nd l a t e S ep t e m b e r a cr os s ma ny pr i me fi s hi ng l o c at i o n s , ke e pi ng t he a ct i on e xci t i ng . St eelhea d S e pt e mbe r a l s o us he r s i n t he s t ar t t o t h e Al a s ka S t e e l he a d s e a s on. S e l e c t l o d ge s fi s h w e l l i nt o O ct obe r for s t e e l h e ad an d fa l l fa t t e ne d t r out a nd dol l i e s . As l o n g as t he r e i s no i ce , t he fi s h w i l l be t h e r e an d fe e di ng he a v i l y . M os t s t e e l he a d l o c at i o n s a r e a ppr opr i a t e for s pe y fi s h i n g an d s w i ng i ng fl i e s for chr ome br i g ht fis h . If t h i s pi que s y our i nt e r e s t , I ca n’t r e com m e n d i t e noug h!
FIELDNOTES 28
I n A l ask a time move s wi th the se as ons , c h a ngin g dr a m ati cal l y we e k b y we e k. F r om th e f i rst tr ou t c h asi ng rod e nts i n June , t o t he r e tu r n o f sea bri ght ste e l he ad i n Octo be r , e v e r y mon th is a chance to e xp e ri e n ce a di f f e ren t wild and unforge ttab l e p ar t of th e A la sk a f ish ing se ason. Whe the r you’r e a f i rst timer with a sp i n rod , or a se asone d f l y o r spey a n gle r chasi ng a targe t sp eci e s , A l a s k a of f er s a fi shi ng e xp e ri e nce t ha t c a n’ t be r eplic ate d anywhe re e l se i n t he wo rl d. So d on ’t ju st pl an a tri p , chase a se a s on a nd f o llow th e fi sh! Be cause i n Al a s ka , th e dif f er en c e b e twe e n a g ood tri p a nd a tr ul y u n f or gettab l e one ... i s al l ab ou t t he ti m i n g.
P a c i f i c s a l m o n s p e c i e s & e s t i m at e d r u n d at e s K in gs ( c h i n o o k sal mon): June /Jul y. W inding down early August in so me sy ste m s . R e d s ( s o c k e y e sal mon): E arl y Jul y. They ’ll be in sy st em unt il Sept ember Hu m p i e s ( p i n k sal mon): Jul y. Typ i c ally run heav ily o n ev en- numbered y ears. D o g (c h u m s a l mon): M i d -Jul y. Bi g, tough fish, oft en ov erlo oked but a blast t o cat ch. Sil ver ( c o h o s a l mon): M i d -A ugust. T he o ut - and- out st ar o f t he show in Augu s t .
Co n t a c t Tom G illiland, O ur Alaska Expert
29 FIELDNOTES
I n Al as k a, t he d i f f e re nc e b e t w e e n
a go o d t r i p a n d a t r u l y u n f o rg e t t a b l e o n e. . . is a l l a b o u t t he t i m i n g.
FIELDNOTES 30
LEARNING
MOOR P E R SPECT IVE FROM A FI RST D R I VEN GR O USE SHOOT BY KIRK & S ARA KO LB I E
31 FIELDNOTES
F
or those ra i s e d i n r ur a l G e or g i a i n t he southe rn U ni t e d S t a t e s , hunt i ng i s mor e t ha n a sp ort, i t’s a w a y of l i fe . M y ow n l ov e for t he fi e l d b e gan e arl y, s hoot i ng dov e ov e r pe a nut fi e l ds wi th my g rand fat he r . P ur s ui ng g r ous e a cr os s t he B ri ti sh moors b eca me a que s t y e a r s l a t e r w he n I d i scove re d a vi nt a g e pr i nt by Ar chi ba l d Thor bur n. I n the l i ve l y sce ne, a s por t s ma n s t a nds poi s e d a mi d swe e p i ng he athe r a s g r ous e bur s t s ky w a r d— a n i mag e that cap tur e d bot h a r t a nd a dv e nt ur e . The hunt b e cam e a r e a l i t y i n Aug us t 2025, w he n my wi fe and I c e l e br a t e d our 28t h a nni v e r s a r y wi th a j ourne y t o t he U K. Aft e r count l e s s onl i ne se arche s, we stumbl e d upon F r ont i e r s Tr a v e l a nd the e ve r-cap ab l e Ta r qui n M i l l i ng t on- Dr a ke . Wi t hi n d ays, he crafte d a be s poke i t i ne r a r y t ha t i ncl ude d a d ay of shooti ng i ns t r uct i on, e s s e nt i a l for a fi r s t ti me p arti ci p ant i n t he r e v e r e d t r a di t i on of dr i v e n g rouse .
FIELDNOTES 32
Kirk with his first driven red grouse
D espite years of hunti ng e xp e r i e nce , th e in str u cti on p rove d i nval uab l e . M y l o ader in tr od uce d me to the sub tl e t i e s of e t iqu ette, th e rhythm of p assi ng g uns , a nd th e str u ctu r e of e ach d ri ve as we ll a s t he c r i t ic a l sa f e ty protocol s. B y d ay ’s e nd, m y n er ves gave way to anti ci p ation a nd c o nf iden ce, and I cannot re comme nd a da y o f pr eparati on hi g hl y e noug h. I n fa ct , I wo u ld say it i s cri ti cal to your e nj oy me nt o f th e day (or d ays) to come . A t wo -h ou r d ri ve b rought us to C ra g H a l l a nd a n ex qu isi te e ve ni ng me al . St r a ng e r s so on bec am e fri e nd s, shari ng t a l e s of e xper ien ces and a re sp e ct for th e l a nd. Se ver a l c o m me nte d on the d i ffi cul t s e a s ons i n year s pa st and the rare e xp e ri e nce of
33 FIELDNOTES
The 4 x 4 convoy makes its way up to the moor w i l d g r ous e hunt i ng . We fe l t h o n o r e d t o s ha r e t he t a bl e . The fol l ow i ng mor ni ng , s l e e p el u d e d m e . I r os e be for e da w n, coffe e i n ha n d , an d s at on t he col d s t one s t e ps w a t chi n g p h e as an t s w a nde r t hr oug h t he mi s t y y ar d . L at e r , a ft e r a bount i ful br e a kfa s t w i t h o u r f e l l o w hunt e r s , w e dr e w pe g s a nd t h e ad v e n t u r e be g a n. O ur conv oy of L a nd R ov e r s w ou n d t h r o u gh fi e l ds a nd ov e r br i dg e s , a Thor b u r n p ai n t i n g come t o l i fe . The ca ma r a der i e am o n g g uns , l oa de r s , be a t e r s a nd pi ck e r s - u p w as i nfe ct i ous , a nd t he a i r s e e med c h ar ge d . We hi ke d t hr oug h t he l ow - g r ow i n g h e at h e r unt i l w e r e a che d t he a nci e nt s t o n e b u t t s i n
FIELDNOTES 34
O u r d e e p es t t h a n ks t o Ta rq u i n
Mi l l i n g t o n- D ra k e a n d Fro n t i e rs Tra ve l f o r o rc hes t ra t i n g a m e m o r y t h a t wi l l f o re ve r c o l o r t he p a g es o f o u r l i ves .
35 FIELDNOTES
o rder o f ou r p e g p l ace me nt. In tho s e qui e t mome nt s , t he dr i v e be g a n a ft e r m o n t h s o f ca r ef u l pr ep arati on. Sp ani e l s and La br a dor s w or ke d t he moor i n s y nchr ony al o n g th e h o r iz o n , w hi l e the b e ate rs chant e d t he i r s i ng - s ong s pe l l s . W hen th e f ir st cove y l i fte d i nto the w i nd, I r e a l i ze d I w a s n’t j us t s hoot i ng , I w a s p ar t o f so m eth in g ti me l e ss. Thi s was th e s e pe opl e ’s w a y of l i fe t hous a nds of mi l e s f r o m Geor gia. T his is a m emory that wi l l fore ve r c ol or t he pa g e s of our l i v e s . Dr i v e n g r ous e h u n t i n g e xc eeded o u r e ve ry e xp e ctati on, and w e l ook for w a r d t o r e t ur ni ng s oon. - K i r k & Sar a Kol b i e
BOOK A EUROPEAN DRIVEN SHOOT T a r q u i n M i l l i ngton-Drak e f rom our UK Office is highly experienced in arra ng i ng gr o u s e s h o o t i ng f or Fronti e rs c l ient s, so much so he published a book A Yea r o n t h e M o o r i n 2015. If y o u n e e d g ui d anc e f or d ri ve n grouse shoot ing and preparing for it , cont act T a r q u i n a t t md @f ronti e rstrvl . c o.uk. He can build t rips fo r ‘t eams’ of up t o 9 gu ns o r a s s i st i nd i vi d ual guns to jo in part ies. Grouse shoot ing is generall y s ol d i n p a i rs o f d ays. If you have not shot driv en gro use befo re, a day o f educat i on a n d t ra i n i n g i s w e l l w orth i t and in some cases would be required.
Con t a c t Ta rquin M illingt on-D r ake, Our Euro pea n Exp ert
36 FIELDNOTES 50
the Emerge Angler
A CHANGING OF SEASONS WITH MY BETTER HALF B Y H A NK I N G RA M
37 FIELDNOTES
ence of an F
al l i s he re i n We ste r n P e nns y l v a ni a w hi ch i s a n a ma zi ng ti me . C ol ors are e l e ct r i ca l l y v i br a nt a s na t ur e mov e s toward hi b e rnati on i n a nt i ci pa t i on of a l ong w i nt e r slumb e r. Much ne e d e d r a i n be g i ns t o bl e e d fr om t he s ki e s a f te r what has b e e n a pa r t i cul a r l y dr y bl ue - bi r d s umme r whi ch fol l owe d a p arti cul a r l y v e r y w e t s pr i ng i nt o mi d- J une . T h i s summe r has b e e n be t t e r for bi cy cl i ng t ha n fi s hi ng by a lo ng shot, e xce p t for th i s s pr i ng . I t w a s a s pr i ng a nd e a r l y su mme r to re me mb e r he r e i n P e nns y l v a ni a . F or me , fa l l i s a ls o a ti me for re fl e cti o n a nd, w ha t a r e fl e ct i on t he fa l l of 2025 i s. H owe ve r, thi s y e a r i t i s not r e fl e ct i ng on t hi ng s past, b ut of thi ngs b ud d i ng a nd g r ow i ng , ‘s pr i ng i n t he fa l l ’ a s i t we re . Six ye ars ago thi s Octo be r , I me t a n a ma zi ng w oma n i n a parki ng l ot afte r a moun t a i n bi ke r i de . At t ha t t i me ne i t he r of us thoug ht anythi ng w oul d come of t he cha nce me e t i ng , h owe ve r afte r a fe w b i cy cl e r i de s a nd out i ng s t hi ng s s t uck a n d he re we are … si x y e a r s l a t e r . I me nt i on t hi s be ca us e in the ve ry e arl y months of our r e l a t i ons hi p – dur i ng t ha t sill y p and e mi c no l e ss – w e w oul d t r a v e l by t r uck a nd a
FIELDNOTES 38
n e w tear dr o p camp e r to ri d e our g r a v e l a nd m o u n ta in b i ke s i n vari ous p a r t s of Pe nn sylva n ia and , l ate r, around the e nt i r e U SA . T h e diffe re nce the n was I a l w a y s h a d my f ly-f ishi ng g e ar i n tow and S a mr a – “ S am” f o r sh ort – woul d e i the r ri d e or hi ke wh ile I h it lo c al ri ve rs and stre ams. F l a sh f o r war d to a g l ori ous sp ri ng da y on a r iver f lo wing through the “Pe nns y l v a ni a Gr an d Ca n yon” i n ce ntral PA. Sa m ha d e xpr essed h er i nte re st to an “i ntroduct i on to f ly f ish in g” and me b e i ng e age r a s e v e r we nt cr az y wit h g e ar and ki t p urcha s e . O n h e r f ir st day s he l ooke d l i ke a walki ng fl y sh op or ten u re d g ui d e – we we re a l l s e t . N o w as with most coup l e s, one t r y i ng to m en tor th e othe r i n a ski l l i s t e nuous a t best a n d usual l y mi grati ng t ow a r d c o nf r on ta tio n al ( ha! ) , and thi s da y w a s n o dif f er en t. S o, afte r a fe w p oi nter s on a
ny mph r i g , S a m de cl a r e d s he w o u l d l i k e a bi t of “a l one s t r e a m t i me ” a nd s u gge s t e d I s houl d w a l k up a r ound t he c o r n e r t o e xpl or e . Thos e t ha t know S a m kno w s h e i s a g g r e s s i v e l y pr ofe s s i ona l l y d r i v e n an d ha s a ha r d t i me di s conne ct i ng f r o m h e r e xe cut i v e cons t r uct i on ca r e e r . T h e y w i l l a l s o poi nt out he r i ncr e di bl e d r i v e t o compe t e a nd t he n qui e t l y m e n t i o n h e r he s i t a ncy t o s i t s t i l l for l ong an d f o c u s upon one s i ng l e t a s k – s he i s a m u l t i t a s ke r a t he a r t . I me nt i on t h i s b e c au s e a ft e r a pa r t i cul a r l y he a l t hy S ul p h u r h at c h t ha t a ft e r noon I ha d l os t t r a c k o f t i m e a nd r e t ur ne d t o t he g l i de w he r e I h ad l e f t S a m e xpe ct i ng a “w he r e ha v e y o u b e e n ! ” conv e r s a t i on. I ns t e a d, I w a s m e t b y m y pa r t ne r di l i g e nt l y s t i l l a t i t w i t h u n f al t e r i n g focus a nd compl e t e r e l a xa t i on . S h e h ad
Sharpening casting skills on the Allegheny River, Pennsylvania
39 FIELDNOTES
I n s h o r t – a n d p a r d o n t he p u n – s he w as h o o k e d. . .
FIELDNOTES 40
S a m t o o k t o f l y f is h i n g, a n
wo u l d p e r h a ps b e d e f i n e d
“ s p r i n g ” o f he r f is h i n g c a
l o s t tr ac k o f ti me , e nj oye d the s i l e nce , e mbr ac ed th e ri ve r and i mme rsi on i nt o n a t u r e an d eve n move d a fe w fi sh. I n s hor t – an d par don the p un – she was hooke d. W i t h th is a star was b orn ( or d e p e nd i ng on y o ur per spec t i ve , a monste r was cr e a t e d) bo t h h a ppily and wi l l i ng l y. Sam took t o fl y f i s hin g, a n d thi s woul d p e rhap s b e d e fi ne d a s th e “ spr in g” of he r fi shi ng care e r – a l l wa s n ew a n d fre sh and the l e arning w a s a f oot. F a s t f or war d ag ai n, and Sam and I w e r e l u c ky en o u gh to have my d e ar fri e nd Ca t hy B e ck tak e h er und e r he r wi ng and be g i n th e m en tor in g p roce ss that I was ne i t he r qu a lif ied n o r i nvi te d to p ursue . Thos e ti m es u n der he r tute l ag e are mo me nt s Sa m - an d I - wi l l b oth che ri sh. La t e r my f o r m er m en tor and forme r b oss Joe C. t ook u p th e ca stin g i nstructi on whe re C at hy ha d
41 FIELDNOTES
l e ft off, a nd I a m pl e a s e d t o r e p o r t S am i s a he ck of a s t i ck t he s e day s c o v e r i n g w a t e r i n a l l ma nne r of v a r i e t y a n d w e at h e r condi t i ons . P e r ha ps s umme r h as ar r i v e d . I t ’s a n a g e - ol d de ba t e . I s i t be t t e r t o h av e a pa r t ne r w i t h s i mi l a r i nt e r e s t s o r b e t t e r t o di v i de a nd conque r ? I a m s u r e e ac h pe r s on r e a di ng t hi s ha s a uni q u e o p i n i o n , but t hi s s t or y i s mi ne a nd t hu s – m i n e i s t he opi ni on t ha t w e w i l l s e t t l e u p o n . A f t e r much ponde r a nce … I a bs ol ut e ly l o v e i t . N ot onl y ha s our fl y fi s hi ng an d b i k i n g ope ne d t he door t o ma n y am az i n g de s t i na t i ons bot h for e i g n a nd d o m e s t i c , but i t ha s a l s o ki ndr e d our s pir i t s i n a w ay onl y be i ng i n na t ur e ca n a cco m p l i s h . Fl y fi s hi ng ha s t a ke n us t o pa r t s o f t h i s e ar t h t ha t I ha v e a l w a y s w a nt e d t o s e e , an d S am pe r ha ps ha d ne v e r cont e mpl a t e d s e e i n g.
n d t h is as t he
a re e r .
FIELDNOTES 42
I t h a s im merse d us i n the wat e r s of h a rdsh ip – and arg ume nt – and e na bl e d u s t o celebr ate succe ss toge the r bot h on a nd o f f th e w ate r. It i s now a col l e ct i v e j o ur n ey sh a r ed wi th many up s and dow ns . T ri u mph an t in he r fi rst Bahamas Bone fi s h do uble h a u lin g off a ski ff b ow and try i ng on a blan k ed cold Nove mb e r d ay on the La ke Er i e “ tr ibs” f or ste e l he ad whe n i s s houl d h a v e been “ perfe ct” b ut was not. How e v e r , th e ex per ien c es whe re had , the hards hi ps sh a r ed an d both of us are j ust that much str on ger an d more d e te rmi ne d for it .
Thi s w i l l be my 2 6t h y e a r w i t h Fr o n t i e r s t r a v e l a nd by fa r t he fa s t e s t g r o w i n g t r e n d i n t he i ndus t r y i s w ome n i n fl y f i s h i n g. No t j us t i n coupl e s t r a v e l , but i n a maz i n g f e m al e g ui de s , a ng l e r s , a nd l odg e ow n e r s b o l d l y bur s t i ng ont o t he l a nds ca pe of a h i s t o r i c al l y ma l e domi na t e d s por t . H ow e v e r , t h e l ad i e s a r e not j us t s i t t i ng i n t he ba ck o f t h e d r i f t boa t ! O h no. The y a r e l e a di ng t h e c h ar ge a nd i n a ddi t i on t o t r a v e l i ng w i t h s i gn i f i c an t ot he r s a r e noma di ca l l y v e nt uri n g o f f f ar a nd w i de t o fi s h w a t e r s unk n o w n w i t h l i ke - mi nde d a ng l e r s . S a m ha s o p e n e d m y e y e s t o t hi s s pe ct a cul a r s i de of m y c h o s e n
Sam at Brooks Creek Ranch, Canada
43 FIELDNOTES
p r o f e ssio n in a way onl y havi ng a fi s hi ng “ pa rtn er ” c o u ld. He ck, Sam e ve n re ce nt l y l e f t me a t th e offi ce to he ad off to Ital y on he r o wn o n a h oste d tri p wi th Barry Be ck, b r a v i n g obn o x io us we athe r and b ri ng s ome b e a u tif u l f ish to ne t… summe r has arr i v e d i nde e d. W h e re to n ex t and what wi l l b e our ne xt s e a s on ? I’m n ot ce rtai n, b ut I am of a mi nd t h a t th e best ad ve nture s are the one s s ha red. O n e cast, one country, or one c a m pf ir e at a time e mb raci ng nature a nd t h e o u tdo or s … al thoug h occasi onal l y S a m s t i l l t r ies to get me to mature a b i t a nd s t a y at th e R itz C arl ton! But I m e a n ho ne s tly… wh o fi she s from a Ri tz C arlt on?
c o u p l e s f r i e n d lY L O D G E S A cu ra t e d s e l e c ti on of c oup l e s-f ri endly lo dges around t he wo rld. We hav e t he p e r fe ct pla c e d e s i g n e d f or f un f i shi ng, re co nnect ing, and enjoy ing t ime t oget her. Tu r n ef f e I s l and L o dg e, B eliz e – A fly fishing, SCUBA div ing and eco - a d ve nt ur e r es o rt w i t h a c c e ss to 250 sq uare miles o f flat s and coral reefs. . M ang r o v e C a y Club, B ahamas – S pacio us wat er- front accommodat io ns, spe ct acul ar din ni n g a n d amb i anc e , and a p ool wit h a v iew inside t he middle bight of And r os Is la nd t e a m i n g w i th b one f i sh. M i ss o u r i Cl i f fs , M o ntana – Ne w luxury lo dge wit h just 5 priv at e guest r oom s and a cce s s t o t h e f amous M i ghty mo and t ro ut t o spare! Pa ta g o ni a Ri v er Ranch, A rg ent ina – Riv erfro nt lo dge wit h proximit y t o wat e r s th a t a l l o w s a ngl e rs to f i sh 6+ ri vers during t heir st ay . Not t o ment ion t he hi k i ng , m o u n t a i n b i k ing, horse b ac k ri d i ng , cooking classes and so much more.
Co n t a c t H a n k I ngr am, O ur D estina tio n Exp ert
FIELDNOTES 44
BIG FUN BIG FISH
45 FIELDNOTES
ON THE
BIG HORN SUMMER’S END IN MONTANA B Y J O E KO ZI ARA
T
h e f ir s t fe w we e ks of Se p tembe r , t hos e w e e ks be t w e e n L a bor Da y an d t h e A u tu m nal Eq ui nox, are som e t hi ng of a s e a s ona l pur g a t or y for ma ny f o l k s . I don ’t know too many p e op le t ha t s t i l l cons i de r t he s e w e e ks t o be s u m m e r , a l t h ou gh tec hni cal l y the y are ... They oft e n fe e l i t t oo, w i t h bl ue bi r d s ki e s a nd d ay t i m e h i gh s th a t r each the 90s. But Labor Da y come s a r ound w i t h a l l i t s pi cni cs a n d ge t to geth er s an d p uts an e nd to the ca r e fr e e s umme r fun. B e s i de s , t he l oca l b i g b o x sto r e h a s a ful l ai sl e of ove rsi ze d H a l l ow e e n de cor a t i ons , a nd t he a i r i s t hi c k w i t h pu m pk in spice . At my house , we a r e s t i l l ope r a t i ng on t he s chool y e a r ca le n d ar , so it' s ba c k-to-school ti me , wi th a s che dul e ful l of s occe r pr a ct i ce s a nd me et - t h e te ac h er n igh ts. F or Bar r y Beck, thi s i s the ti me for M ont a na ’s B i g hor n R i v e r . B a r r y ha s ma de t h i s t r i p e ver y yea r f or d e cad e s now, e ve r s i nce he a nd hi s l a t e w i fe Ca t hy s t umbl e d u p o n i t ba c k in th e 70s. As the story goe s, t he y w e r e he a de d fur t he r We s t , w i t h pl a ns t o d r i v e a g ia n t loop as the y had d one b e fore , hi t t i ng r i v e r s l i ke t he Y e l l ow s t one , M a di s o n , an d H en r y’s Fo r k, and the n cutti ng b ac k t hr oug h t he pa r k w i t h a l l i t s g r e a t w a t e r. T h e y a re gr a bbin g a b i te at a l ocal p l ace s ome w he r e out s i de of B i l l i ng s w he n t he y h ap p e n to o ver h ear some e xci te d angl e rs br a g g i ng a bout t he e xt r a or di na r y fi s hi ng t h e y ’ d been h avin g on the ‘Horn, now th a t t he ne w l y fi ni s he d da m w a s pus hi ng t h r o u gh c old, c o n sistent, and nutri e nt ri ch fl ow s . Wi t hout he s i t a t i on, Ca t hy & B a r r y po i n t t h e V W bu s so u thward and are on the w a t e r t he ne xt da y .
FIELDNOTES 46
I t w a s e v e r y t hi ng t he y hope d an d t h e n s ome . B y l uck, t he y found t he m s e l v e s i n t hi ck cl ouds of Tr i co ma y fl i e s , w i t h b i g t r o u t nos e s di mpl i ng t he s ur fa ce e v e r y w h e r e t he y l ooke d. Abi di ng by t he a da ge t h at y o u “don’t l e a v e fi s h t o fi nd fi s h”, t h e y s t ay e d put a nd bur ne d t hr oug h t he i r al l o t t e d t w o w e e ks r i g ht t he r e i n F or t S mi t h ! E ac h y e ar , a s t he hi g h- s chool s a nd col l e g e c am p u s e s a r e ce l e br a t i ng H ome comi ng , Bar r y h as h i s v e r y ow n s or t of home comi ng as h e r e t u r n s t o t he r i v e r t ha t he a nd Ca t hy f e l l i n l o v e w i t h a l l t hos e y e a r s a g o. M e nt i on t he S l i me H ol e , 2 0 Do l l ar , o r T w o Le g g i ns a r ound mos t fol ks a n d y o u ’ l l ge t a n unde r s t a nda bl y confus e d l o o k . Bu t for B a r r y , he w i l l di g de e p i n t h e m e m o r y ba nk a nd pul l out a s t or y for e ac h o n e - an e pi c ha t ch, a bi g fi s h br oug ht t o t h e n e t , a bi g g e r one t ha t ca me undone , s o m e h o w , o r ma y be j us t a s pe ci a l mome nt w i t h s p e c i al pe opl e a nd g r e a t l i g ht . H un d r e d s an d hundr e ds of r i v e r da y s ha v e le d t o s o m e de e p r e l a t i ons hi ps - w i t h t he l an d s c ap e , t he r i v e r i t s e l f, a nd ce r t a i nl y t h e gu i d e s o n t he r i v e r . I n l a t e Aug us t , j us t be for e t h e an n u al t r i p, a s pot be ca me a v a i l a bl e d u r i n g t h e s e cond w e e k of B a r r y ’s hos t e d s t ay at B i g hor n R i v e r L odg e . I w e dg e d m y s e l f i n t o t he g r oup, j oi ni ng up w i t h 3 g u y s f r o m P A t ha t ha d be e n g oi ng for y e a r s ( d e c ad e s ? ) a nd, be ca us e of t he i r odd numb e r e d p ar t y , ha d a n ope n boa t s e a t for t h e i r s t ay . I l ov e me e t i ng ne w pe opl e , a nd w h e n t h o s e pe opl e a r e he a de d on a fi s hi ng t r i p , I k n o w w e a l r e a dy ha v e pl e nt y i n com m o n . I h ad t a l ke d t o mos t of t he fol ks i n t h e gr o u p be for e ov e r phone ca l l s i n t he d ay s l e ad i n g up t o t he t r i p. I w a s v e r y opt i m i s t i c ab o u t conne ct i ng w i t h a nd e nj oy i ng e v e r y o n e ’ s compa ny .
47 FIELDNOTES
Barry Beck, Trip Host M y e xpec tatio n s we re e xce e d e d i n e v e r y p o ssi ble way. Eve ryone i n the p arty w a s w a r m a n d welcomi ng , and i t was e as y t o s e e th a t th ey h ad forme d a sort of t r i be o v e r th e year s of trave l l i ng and fi s hi ng t o g e th er . A s f or the thre e ge ntl eme n ( D a u l to n , Jim , & Larry) I had j oi ne d , we ha d k n o w n eac h oth e r for j ust l ong e nough t o g e t th r ou gh h alf an ord e r of wi ng s and one t a l l beer bef or e I was d oub l e d ove r i n fi t s o f l a ugh ter . O v e r t h e n ex t f ew hours, we b ond e d ov e r a v a ri ety of topics rangi ng from ol d L a nd Ro v e r s to n ew bl ue grass musi c, b ounce d i n a nd o u t of lo c al e stab l i shme nts for w i ne , b e e r, a n d liqu or , and mad e our way dow n t o t h e lodge. We al so formul ate d a s or t o f p l an . I wou ld fi sh wi th my ne w b oa t b uddy Da u lto n , and we woul d try to fi nd
s ome a ct i on on dr i e s , but a l s o t hr o w s o m e s t r e a me r s . O ne of t he g r e a t t hi ngs ab o u t t he B i g hor n i s t he oppor t uni t i e s t h at e x i s t for a v a r i e t y of fi s hi ng s t y l e s , but o u r f i r s t fi s hi ng da y w a s H O T w i t h t e mps i n t h e 9 0 s , cl e a r , bl ue s ki e s , a nd l ow w a t e r . We kne w t he s t r e a me r g a me w ou l d l i m i t our s ucce s s . We s t a y e d w i t h i t , ca s t i n g an d r e t r i e v i ng l i ke ma dme n, a nd e v e n t u al l y ca me t o a r i ffl e w i t h a ha ndful of s p o r ad i c r i s e r s w or ki ng i n t he s e a m. Aft e r p u l l i n g ov e r a nd hoppi ng out t o fi s h on foo t , w e h ad s pe nt a bi t of t i me fi s hi ng t o, a nd h o o k i n g one or t w o s ma l l - i s h fi s h. I n t he me an t i m e , w e w a t che d a fe w boa t s come t hr o u gh t h e s a me r i ffl e , ke e pi ng t he i r ny mph r i gs d e e p i n t he s l ot , a nd hooki ng bi g fi s h a s t h e f l i e s t umbl e d i nt o t he he a d of t he pool .
FIELDNOTES 48
M y e x p e c t a t i o ns
w e re e x c e e d e d i n
e ve r y p os s i b l e w a y. . .
W a tch in g oth e r p e op l e catch fi sh i n fr ont o f you is n eve r al l that fun, we we re onl y a m ile o r so into our fi rst d ay and al r e a dy o ur r eso lve was b e i ng te ste d . We de ci de d to c o n tin u e down ri ve r and soon cam e t o a l a rge isla n d whe re the mai n curre nt of t he r i v e r pu sh ed t he d ri ft b oats and angl e r s t o r i v e r lef t, lea vi ng a l ong, q ui e t, g l ass y g l i de o n th e r igh t. We anchore d at the top of t he i sl a n d a n d c r e p t d own the ri ght-si d e ba nk to i n vestigate. Se ve ral ri se forms-th e onl y di stu r ba n c e to the smooth surface of t he wa t er - ga ve a way the l ocati on of the l a zi l y f e e d in g tr ou t. B r a dy, ou r gu i d e for the d ay, l e d D a ul t on to a c astin g p osi ti on j ust far e noug h off th e ban k to al l ow for a b ack cast. A l i ne o f a qu atic ve ge tati on ran p aral l e l t o th e ban k an d gre w to the surface of t he
49 FIELDNOTES
w a t e r , pr ov i di ng a bi t of a br e ak w al l f o r a ny w a v e s ca us e d by w a di ng i nt o p o s i t i o n . At t he he a d of t he pool , a fi s h h ad t ak e n t o fe e di ng w i t h s ome r hy t hm , an d t h e l a r g e bul g e s s ug g e s t e d a b e t t e r - t h an a v e r a g e s i ze d fi s h. Ca s t i ng a cr os s t he v e g e t a t i on b r o u gh t an a dde d l a y e r of di ffi cul t y t o t he pr e s e n t at i o n , not t o me nt i on l a ndi ng a fi s h i f w e w e r e a bl e t o e nt i ce a n e a t . We s oon f o u n d o u t . Da ul t on’s ca s t put t he t i ny t r ic o s p i n n e r a bov e a nd t o t he r i g ht of t he bi g f i s h , an d t he t r out mov e d t o t he fl y a nd s i p p e d i t i n . The hooks e t s e nt t he bi g br ow n i n t o a f i t of l e a pi ng a nd cr a s hi ng a cr os s t h e q u i e t pool , g i v i ng us a l ook a t i t s i mpr e s s i v e s i z e . As s umi ng a l l t he r uckus e s ha d p u t d o w n a ny r e ma i ni ng r i s e r s , B r a dy w a d e d t h r o u gh t he w i de ba nd of g r a s s t o ne t t h e f i s h , a
A sweet catch and release from Daulton
b e a u tif u l br o wn trout that ushe re d young D a u l to n r igh t pa st the 20/20 C l ub and i nt o 2 2 / 2 2 ter r ito r y. W e h ad ba r ely starte d the d ay, the fi rst da y , a n d Dau lto n h a d l and e d a gi ant b rown on a t i n y d r y in a tec hy, ski nny, l i ttl e b ackwa t e r . W h e re do we go from he re ? D aul ton kne w e x a c t ly wh er e to g o and b e e l i ne d to t he b o a t c o oler f o r a ce l e b ratory b e er . I w a n der ed down stre am, l owe r i n the pool , w he re so m e move me nt had caught my e y e . Mu c h to m y su r p ri se , the l owe r p ool c a me b a c k to lif e, with a hand ful of fe e d i ng fi s h. I f o c u sed o n a f ish j ust on the othe r si de of t h e g r ass. Fr om my vantage p oi nt, the fi s h w a s not h u ge but wasn’t smal l e i the r. I a m n o t su r e If I had mi sj ud g e d i t, or i f a l a r g e r f ish move d i n to ste al the fl y, but
w i t h my fi r s t g ood dr i ft a fi s h r os e u p an d a t e . O nce a g a i n, a l a r g e br ow n w as z i p p i n g t hr oug h t he pool , l e a pi ng fr om th e w at e r l i ke a s t e e l he a d. Aft e r a s hor t fi g ht , B r a dy w a s ab l e t o ne t t he fi s h- s hor t of t he s pe ci m e n t h at Da ul t on ha d j us t ca ug ht , t he fi s h w as w i d e a nd he a l t hy none t he l e s s , e a s i l y t h e l ar ge s t dr y - ca ug ht fi s h I ha d l a nde d t h i s y e ar . La ug hs e ns ue d, be e r s w e r e r a i s ed , b o x e s ha d be e n che cke d. The r e s t of t he da y , a nd for t he n e x t f e w da y s , w e r e l a xe d i nt o t he r out i n e an d t ook w ha t t he r i v e r w a s w i l l i ng t o p r o v i d e , hopi ng for s ome r i s i ng fi s h i n t he m o r n i n g, but a l s o pr e pa r e d t o t hr ow s t r e a me r s w h e n t he condi t i ons a l l ow e d a nd r un nym p h r i gs i n be t w e e n.
FIELDNOTES 50
A s th e week p rogre sse d , the we a t he r sh i f ted f r om summe r l i ke to a d e c i de dl y a utu m n f eel. By Thursd ay, my 4th an d fi na l r i v e r day, th e d ayti me hi g hs had d r oppe d so me 25 degre e s si nce our arri va l . The sk i e s wer e ove rcast, and a ste ad y, s t i ff br e ez e wa s blowi ng up ri ve r. We fi nal l y ha d str e am er wea the r. I was fi shi ng wit h J i m, a nd ou r pla n w as to fl oat from the 3- M i l e l a un ch to th e Bi g horn Ri ve r Lod g e . E a ch o f us wer e r igge d wi th two stre ame rs , one l i g ht a n d o n e d ark, i n l i ne . The i d e a be i ng th a t we wou ld d oub l e our od d s of a n e a t a nd h opef u lly fi gure out a p re fe re nce of c o l or alo n g th e way. Al thoug h condi t i ons se e m ed r igh t, we we re sl ow starte r s a nd h a d n ’t m o ved many fi sh i n the fi rs t fe w r un s. Co lo r s and p atte rns we re sw a ppe d h e re an d th ere , and afte r a whi l e t hi ng s we re pick in g up . I had l and e d one or t w o
Late season brings more shots for big fish
51 FIELDNOTES
s ol i d fi s h, a nd J i m ha d s e v e r a l s h o r t e r f i s h t o t he boa t . We me t up w i t h La r r y a nd Da ul t o n i n t h e ot he r boa t a nd pul l e d i nt o a p r o t e c t e d e ddy for l unch. The y ha d had a go o d mor ni ng , fi ndi ng s ucce s s w i t h l a r ge , b l ac k s t r e a me r s . We e a ch t i e d on t h e c l o s e s t pa t t e r ns w e coul d fi nd a nd s e t o f f f o r o u r fi na l a ft e r noon of fi s hi ng . O n a pa r t i cul a r l y s w i ft r un, J i m w as ab l e t o put hi s fl y a g a i ns t a t r oot bal l an d go t a qui ck e a t fr om a g ood fi s h t ha t u s e d t h e cur r e nt i n i t s fa v or unt i l w e w e r e f i n al l y ab l e t o l a nd i t i n t he ca l m a r e a be l o w . A l i t t l e w hi l e l a t e r , w e ha d pul l e d ov e r f o r a b r e ak w he n w e he a r d s ome l oud c o m m o t i o n comi ng fr om t he r i g ht ba nk.
A y o u n g bu ll was aud i b l y up se t, and a ft e r l i s t e ni ng a nd w a t chi ng for a bi t , i t w a s f u n t o se e h im en ter t he ri ve r and swi m( ! ) a cr os s a de e p r un. At one poi nt , i t a ppe ar e d as i f h e w as plan n in g to j oi n the angl e r b el ow us i n t he i r boa t . I ns t e a d, he found hi s f o o t i n g, a m b l ed o n to th e b ank and j oi ne d sev e r a l cow s t ha t s ur e l y s w oone d ov e r hi s s w i m m i n g pr o wess. It was j ust a fe w hund re d ya r ds be l ow t ha t s ce ne w he n J i m ca me t i g ht t o a f i s h th a t con tin u ed movi ng toward the b oa t , de ce i v i ng hi m i nt o t hi nki ng a not he r s h o r t f i s h h a d fou n d h is f l y. I nste ad , as Ji m stri p pe d a l a r g e l e ng t h of s l a ck a nd r e g a i ne d p r e s s u r e , th e f i sh a wok e and turne d , showi ng a l ong , da r k fl a nk. Aft e r a s hor t fi g ht , t he fi s h w as i n th e net, a n d we hop p e d out to ad mi re w ha t t ur ne d out t o be t he be s t fi s h of t h e d ay - a so l i d 24” with the p e rfe ct d ark me tal l i c col or i ng t o ma t ch t he s ky . A f t e r th at, we f ishe d our stre ame rs w i t h a r e ne w e d s e ns e of pur pos e , a nd e v e n f o u n d a f e w m o r e f ish , but nothi ng ap p roachi ng t he qua l i t y of t he bi g br ow n. The fi s hi ng p o r t i o n o f th e tr ip wa s b ooke nd e d b y two re ma r ka bl e fi s h, s ome 48 i nche s of w i l d B i g ho r n R i v e r br o wn tr o u t, wit h the fi rst comi ng on a t i ny s pe ck of a dr y fl y , a nd t he l a s t com i n g o n a h e a r t y, 5-in ch stre ame r mad e of rab b it fur , fl a s h, a nd l e a d w i r e . A w e e k t ha t s t a r t e d i n t h e 9 0 s, w ith clea r bl ue ski e s was e nd i ng w i t h t hi ck fl e e ce a nd P r i ma L oft j a cke t s t o s t av e o f f th e c old win d. We had al l the d i ve rsi t y one coul d hope for !
BIGHORN BY SEASON M u ch l i k e t h a t one c razy f ri e nd at a ho use part y , t he Bighorn sho ws up ear l y and s ta ys l a t e . T h e c omb i nati on of the lo w desert landscape and t he t ailwat er nat ur e o f th e ri v e r a l l ow f or more c onsi st ent t emperat ures, bo t h abov e and be l ow t he wa te r’ s s u rf a c e. Sp r i n g t i m e: A pril-M ay Hard y l oc als will fish t he riv er y ear round, but t he l od g e s a r e t y p i c a l l y c omi ng on l i ne i n A p ril, when anglers might st art out wit h a s t r e am e r o r d o u b l e n y m p h ri g unti l the tro ut begin rising fo r midges o r small Blue W i ng O l ive ma y f l i e s . Su m mer : J u ne-A ugus t S umme r has higher flows depending o n ho w much wat e r i s b ein g re l e a s e d f rom Ye l l ow tai l Dam, but usually by mid- June t he flows hav e l e ve l e d o ff a n d t h e h a t c he s of Cad d i s, Pal e Morning D uns, and Yello w Sally st o nefl i e s ar e co m i n g o n . B y mi d -Jul y, the PM Ds and Sallies st art t o fade, but t errest rials b e com e mo r e a v a i l a b l e and ti ny Tri c o mayflies show up. St reamers t ake a back seat t o t he n ymp h ri g s a n d c hanc e s at d ry f l y o pport unit ies. F al l : S ep t em ber-O cto ber E arl y Sept ember can see so me residual Tricos , al ong wi th c a d d i s a nd te rre stri al s. S treamer fishing picks up as t he cooler, s hor t e r d a ys t ri g g e r t he trout to f e e d mor e aggressiv ely . As alway s, t he deep ny m p hs wi l l p r o d u c e . M u c h l i k e the start i n sp ring, t he riv er will fish well past Hallo we e n, b ut th e l o d g e s a re mostl y c l ose d . Co nt a c t J o e K oziar a, O ur M ontana Exp ert
FIELDNOTES 52
GEAR REVIEW FI SHPOND THUNDERHEAD SUBMERSIBLE LUMBAR P ACK BY HA NK I N GR A M
I
a m a chi l d of t he 80’s . We l l , ful l d i s c l o s u r e , I a m a chi l d of t he 6 0’s , 7 0’s , a n d 8 0 ’ s , b u t my r e a l “fi s hi ng ” a nd fa s hi on f o r m at i v e y e a r s w e r e i n t he 1980’s – s o w e’ r e s t i c k i n g w i t h t ha t for now . As a y oung ma n I s a w t he unfor t un at e ( i n m y opi ni on) r i s e a nd s ubs e que nt c e l e b r at e d fa l l of t he or i g i na l “fa nny pa ck” w h i c h w e r e us ua l l y che a p ne on- col or e d ny l o n s ac k s t e t he r e d t o a n e l a s t i c ba nd t ha t d r o o p e d a r ound one s w a i s t a nd w a s us u al l y c o l o r coor di na t e d w i t h a M e mbe r s O nly j ac k e t o r s ome B ug l e B oy pa r a chut e pa nt s an d t w o
53 FIELDNOTES
P o l o sh ir ts worn one atop one ano t he r w i t h t h e c o lla r s p op p e d up … Ye ah, I w a s a c hi l d of th e 80’s . F l a sh f or war d to my p assi on for fl y-fi s hi ng a n d th e sea r ch for the ul ti mate on-w a t e r p a c k i n g meth o d. F i rst i t was the cl oth v e s t , t h e n a m esh ves t. Ne xt, I transi ti one d t o a b a c k pa c k/c h est ri g, whi ch furthe r e vo l v e d i nto a slin g pa ck, and fi nal l y, I thoug ht ( l o w th ese m an y ye ars l ate r) a mi ni ma l i s t w a te rpr o of ch es t p ack. I found i t. I ha d re a c h ed th e en d of my j ourne y. I was i n ri v e rf r on t n ir va na wi th no mountai ns l e ft t o c o nqu er . I h ad my p re fe rre d mi ni m a l i s t s o l u tion … satisf acti on. An d th en m y “ f r i e nd ” se nt me what I coul d o n l y d escr ibe as a “fanny p ack for fi shi ng ”. I l a u g hed, scof f ed, and tosse d i t i n a co r ne r . S ur e l y th e f an n y p ack was not maki ng a c o m eba c k!
H ow e v e r , ov e r t he mont hs , t he i t e m t au n t e d me a nd be g a n t o ha unt my dr e am s . T h i s ce l e s t i a l g r e e n mi ni ma l i s t w a t e r t i gh t p o u c h w a s be ckoni ng me . S ur e , I w e nt t h r o u gh t he fi v e s t a g e s of g r i e f. F i r s t , t h e r e w as t he de ni a l , no w a y w a s I w e a r i ng t h i s t h i n g. The n a ng e r , w ha t w a s my buddy t h i n k i n g, a nd I a m t os s i ng t hi s t hi ng out ! T h e n t h e ne g ot i a t i ng comme nce d, do I t r y i t ? Bag i t - no pun i nt e nde d, or pe r ha ps ho w b ad i t coul d be . The n s e t i n t he de pr e s s i o n . My “pr e ci ous ” i s s i t t i ng i n t he cor ner c al l i n g t o me . H a d my w hol e a ng l i ng p l an b e e n a fa r ce ? A l i e ? Wa s I t oo s ur e o f m y s e l f , or ma y be not s ur e e noug h! Then , f i n al l y , one a ft e r noon on a dr i zzl y da y o f gr e at l a ke s s t e e l he a d fi s hi ng , i t ha p p e n e d … a cce pt a nce . I w i l l t r y i t , O N CE , a n d t h e n I a m done . Tha t w a s 1 2 mont hs a g o, a nd n o w t h e F i s hpond Thunde r he a d S ub m e r s i b l e
FIELDNOTES 54
L umba r P a ck ha s be e n t o t he Bah am as , M e xi co, B r i t i s h Col umbi a , P ue r t o R i c o , It al y , O hi o, F l or i da , a nd ha s bl a nke d w e s t e r n an d ce nt r a l P e nns y l v a ni a . We a r e i n s e p ar ab l e . F i r s t a nd for e mos t , t he de s i g n i s m i n i m al i s t , a nd t ha t I a ppr e ci a t e . The ma i n p o u c h h as a mpl e s pa ce for 2 or 3 fl y boxes o f v ar y i n g s i ze s . The i nt e r i or V e l cr o a t t a c h e d t r av e l pouch s t or e s a fe w ha nd- t i ed l e ad e r s , M O E t i ps , w e t w i pe s , ce l l phone , an d a b ar or t w o for hung e r on t he r i v e r. T h e f r o n t pocke t i s a n e l a s t i c me s h t ha t e x p an d s t o hol d my dr y s ha ke , G i nk, l i ne d r e s s i n g, a fe w i ndi ca t or s , a t he r mome t e r f o r w at e r t e mpe r a t ur e , a s pl i t - s hot di s p e n s e r , an d a coupl e of t i ppe t s pool s . A n d t h at i s a bout my ki t on t he r i v e r for a d ay t r i p . Comfor t a bl y a mpl e . O n t he e xt e r i or of t he ba g , I l i k e t h e c l e an l i ne s a nd t he mi ni ma l numbe r o f gad ge t s t o ca t ch y our l i ne on. O n occa s i o n , I h av e be e n know n t o a t t a ch a t i ppe t h o l d e r , b u t t ha t i s r e a l l y my onl y a cce s s or y . P e r s o n al l y , I do not ca r e for g i zmos a n d gad ge t s da ng l i ng w i l l y - ni l l y off a pa ck o r v e s t – Space for 2 or 3 Fly Boxes & More!
55 FIELDNOTES
j ust my pr ef er ence . The p ack ce rtai nl y h a s m u ltiple – and amazi ng l y sturdy – ca rg o loops a n d re i nforce d Hyp al on t a bs . A l l w e ll pla c ed and we l l thoug ht out. The e nc l o s u r e on th e mai n b ag i s one of my f a v o r i t e f ea tu r es. No zi p p e rs that can fa i l a n d h a ve to be se nt b ack. F i shp ond ha s a un i qu e water ti ght “se l f-he al i ng” zi p pe r s y s t e m (n ot u n like a re usab l e zi p -l ock ba g ) t ha t , i f it do es part, one onl y unzi p s t he b a g a nd r ez ips f or a ful l y re furb i she d s e a l . M i n e h a s n ever parte d , b ut i n case i t d oe s , t hi s i s a gr ea t f eature for those afar i n t he f i e l d or r iver . The in c o r por ate d p ad d e d belt ha s a ddi ti o n a l ta bs, and I have attache d a p ur p ose-bu ilt wate r b ottl e hol d e r w hi ch my o f t en -deh ydr ate d ki d ne ys thank me for . Hy dr a tion h a s a lw ays b e e n a we ak p oi n t of
mi ne , a nd t hi s i s a t houg ht ful a dd i t i o n t o be ce r t a i n. Whe n i n t he s a l t , I h av e al s o be e n know n t o a dd my fi s hi ng pl i e r s t o t h e V e l cr o t a bs on t he s i de of t he be l t . I t h i n k t he s e V e l cr o t a bs ha v e s e v e r a l pu r p o s e s , but I fi nd t hi s i s a pe r fe ct a nd s t u r d y u s e for t he m. O n t he r i v e r , one of my fa v or i t e f e at u r e s i s t he i nt e g r a t e d ne t s l ot i n t he bel t / p ac k . The s l ot i s a r t i cul a t e d s o a r i g ht o r l e f t ha nde d a ng l e r ca n e a s i l y s t ow t h e n e t t o t he i r pr e fe r r e d s i de . I n my ca s e , b e i n g r i g ht - ha nde d, I l i ke i t t i l t e d t o t he l e f t . T h e ne t i s qui ck t o ha nd, a nd t he s l ot i s l ar ge e noug h t o e a s i l y fi nd w he n r e t ur n i n g t h e t ool ba ck i n i t s pl a ce a ft e r a fi s h. A gai n … s i mpl e a nd w e l l t houg ht out , us e r - f r i e n d l y , a nd mi ni ma l i s t .
FIELDNOTES 56
D o I h ave a n y gri p e s? I me an … for any one wh o k n ows m e, sure , I d o. H owe ve r , t hus f a r , th ey a r e ab sol ute l y mi ni mal . I a dde d a ru bber en d cap to my 30” ne t, an d now i t c atc h es wh en I p ul l i t from the h ol de r . I s th a t a design fl aw? I d o not thi nk s o. I t i s j u st a f ac t a nd i s a mi nor i nconve n i e nce a t t i mes. I also p urchase d a b rand -sp e ci fi c m a gn etic doc ki ng stati on for fl i e s to a ppl y to th e o u tside of the p ack. Mayb e i t 's j us t m e , a n d ma ybe some one can cal l m e a nd se t me str aight, b ut I cannot for th e l i fe o f me f igu r e o ut how to attach i t. Pe r ha ps th e pr o du ct is not for the d ry p acks , a nd I recon c iled that wi th anothe r fav or i t e pr o du ct – T h e C l i ng fl y p atch – s o a l l
g ood t he r e . B ut ki ds , t ha t i s a b o u t i t . My mi ni ma l i s t he a r t i s ful l . I n s umma t i on a nd i n ful l di s c l o s u r e . I ha v e or de r e d t he l a r g e r v e r s io n o f t h e Thunde r he a d S ubme r s i bl e L um b ar P ac k i n s ha dow ca s t Ca mo, a nd my Fe d E x ap p i nfor ms me t ha t i t i s a w a i t i ng m e o n m y fr ont por ch a s I t y pe . Y ou know … w h e n I mi g ht ne e d a fe w mor e t hi ng s or am gu i d i n g a fr i e nd. I me a n, i f be l l - bot t oms an d t r ac k s ui t s ca n ma ke a come ba ck, w hy n o t f an n y pa cks a ft e r a l l ?! B ut no pa r a chut e p an t s . No w a y . N o how . I dr a w t he l i ne t h e r e ! O r d o I ? The y di d ha v e a l l t hos e zi ppy p o c k e t s ...
L o c at i o n s t o R E A L LY p u t y o u r g e a r t 0 t h e t e s t M ay a z ul L o d g e, Punta A l l e n M e x ico : Bo ut ique Oceanfront Lodge in Mexi cos P e r m i t A ll ey Bai r s L o d g e , A nd ros Isl and , Bahamas: Beachfront Co mfort wit h access t o t he fam e d w es t s i d e o f A nd ros Br oo k s Cr eek Ranch, Bri ti sh Col umbia, Canada: Luxury fly fishing lodge w i t h r e l i ab l e dr y- f l y f i s h i n g and op p ourtuni ti e s for bull t ro ut . Al p h o n s e I s l a nd L o dg e, S e yc he l l e s: On at olls ho me t o bo nefish, t riggerfish , b ar r acud a, s n a p p e r, g ro u p e r, p e rmi t, 3 sp e c ies o f t rev ally and milkfish. C o n t a c t H a n k I ngr am, O ur D estinatio n Exp ert
57 FIELDNOTES
Travel Insurance for Close to Home or Around the Globe.
Venture Farther. Travel Smarter.® Insurance benefits included: Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption Trip Delay Occupancy Upgrade Missed Connection Baggage & Personal Effects
Baggage Delay Emergency Medical Expense Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation of Remains Political or Security Evacuation Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Partner of This provides a broad overview of your policy provisions and does not revise or amend the policy. Insurance coverages are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, NAIC #11150, under policy series LTP 2013 and amendments thereto. Plans are offered and disseminated by registered travel retailers on behalf of Arch Insurance Solutions Inc., a licensed travel insurance producer (CA License #0I18111, TX License #1787195). Both the travel insurance producer and the underwriter referenced above may be reached at 1-844-812-2601. Your policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage. Certain terms, conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply and coverages may vary in certain states. Please refer to your policy for detailed terms and conditions. Consumer Disclosures can be found at: https:/frontierstravel.archinsurancesolutions.com/disclosures. Privacy policy can be found at: https://www.archinsurancesolutions.com/documents/ArchPrivacyNotice. pdf. Plans are solicited by licensed producers in NY and HI.
FIELDNOTES 60
Whip Finish THE FLOUNDER POUNDER BY J O N A T H AN K ILE Y
E
ver y n ow and agai n, the sal t ca lls m e. It’s not a whi sp e r eith er , it’s a ful l -on si re n song , a nd th e on ly cure i s to d ri ve 3.5 h o ur s east u n til I can sme l l the marsh a nd h ear th e gul l s. If chasi ng that f i x mean s packi ng up l ast-mi nute a nd bu r n in g r ub b e r to the coast of N o r t h Ca r o lin a, so b e i t. Be cause l e t ’ s be h o n est: the re ’s nothi ng q ui te a s t h r illin g as hunti ng re d fi sh… e rrr, r e d d r u m, spo ttai l b ass, p up p y d rum, c o p per dr u m. . . whate ve r you want to c a l l th em depend i ng on whe re you sta nd on th e map . I ’ v e sta lked the m from F l ori d a to T e x a s, th r ou gh the marshe s of L o u i sia n a a n d the fl ats of South Ca rolin a , bu t thi s tri p ? Thi s one was W i l min gto n , N C . A fe w months p ri or, I ’ d f ou n d go ld i n the Oute r B anks wi th an o ld-sc hool col or comb o — “ e l e ctr ic c h ic ke n,” that b ol d cl ash of c h a rtr eu se an d hot p i nk. You can b e t i t w as c o m in g al ong for the ri d e .
59 FIELDNOTES
N o w, book in g a l ast-mi nute gui d e can fe e l l i k e pla yin g r oul e tte . You fi re off ca l l s , bl o w u p ph on e s, and hop e some one ca l l s y o u ba c k bef o re your hal l p ass e xpi r e s . L uc ky m e, n ot one b ut two g ui d e s ran g me ba c k , a sm all mi racl e i n i tse l f. B e tte r s t i l l , th e s ta r s wer e al i g ni ng : farme r’s al ma na c, m o o n ph ase, and we e ke nd ti d e s al l p o i nt e d to magic . Even the ske p ti cs coul d n’t de ny th e copper -n u gge t shi ne of thi s se tup . So o ff I wen t, 9- we i ght i n hand and a doze n sh r i mp f lies tied up i n that e l e ctri c ch i cke n sc h em e. A bou t an hour out, I sp ot t e d a sto rm c ell br ew i ng offshore . And not j us t a ny sto r m, th is was a sq ual l that woul d’v e m a d e For r est Gump p roud , rai n sl i ci ng fr om e v e r y dir ec tion . We d e ci d e d to wai t it out , e a c h o f u s h u n k e re d i n our trucks, l i st e ni ng to t h e delu ge h amme r the coast. The n, j us t l i k e t h at, th e sky cracke d op e n, the w i nds dr o pped, an d the wate r g l asse d out. Tha t ’s m y f avor ite m o me nt. The sti l l ne ss after t he
FIELDNOTES 60
f ur y, wh en th e marsh fe e l s l i ke i t’s hol di ng i ts br eath . T he gu ide h and e d me a b l ack p op pe r a nd su ggested we te ase some re d s i n the g r a s s . N o r ma lly, I’m stub b orn ab out fi sh i ng my o w n f lies, bu t I p l aye d al ong. We saw s ome pu ppy dr u m n osi ng around , hal f-i nte r e s t e d bu t n ot commi tti ng. Afte r 20 mis s e s , I f i na lly said, “ Look, I’ve g ot the p e r fe ct fl y f o r th ese little d ud e s. Le t me g i ve it a g o. ”
w e i g ht y , s t ubbor n he a ds ha ke s . U p c am e a fl ounde r , a nd t he n a not he r , a n d an o t h e r . B e for e l ong , I w a s s t a cki ng t h e m u p l i k e pa nca ke s . Tw e nt y fl ounde r i n t h e f i r s t t w o hour s . The g ui de fi na l l y s hook h i s h e ad , l a ug hi ng . “Wha t do y ou e v e n cal l t h at f l y ? ” “I don’t ,” I s a i d. “Wha t w oul d y o u c al l i t ? ” H e g r i nne d w i de . “The F l ounde r P o u n d e r .” And j us t l i ke t ha t , t he na me s t u c k .
H e ch u c kled whe n I cracke d op e n th e box. “ Th e o l’ electr ic chi cke n, huh?” he sai d w i t h a gr in . “ Y e ssir , ” I r epl i e d . T w o ca sts la te r, I fe l t some thi ng s t r a ng e tu ggin g ba c k. Not the thump of a r e d, but
Perfect for redfish, flounder, and more...
61 FIELDNOTES
The da y r ol l e d on, a nd a s t he t i d e s h i f t e d , w e pus he d t o cha s e bi r ds ne a r t h e l au n c h . S ur e e noug h, a s chool of r e d s b o i l e d unde r t he m. Ca s t a ft e r ca s t , t h e Fl o u n d e r P ounde r w or ke d i t s ma g i c a g a i n , t h i s t i m e
o n d r u m , pr o ving i tse l f a fl y for al l sp e ci e s . We ha d t o ca l l i t w he n my t i me r a n o u t , b u t bo t h of u s k n ew we coul d ’ve staye d anot he r hour a nd ke pt ha mme r i ng fi s h. W he n I pac ked up and shook the g ui d e ’s ha nd, I coul dn’t s t op g r i nni ng . Tw e nt y fl o u n d e r , a pi l e o f r eds, an d a fl y that had j ust e a r ne d i t s na me . Wha t s t a r t e d a s a de s pe r a t e s al t f i x tu r ned in to on e of those rare d ays on t he w a t e r . N ot j us t for t he fi s h ca ug ht , bu t f o r t h e sto ry th at was born. T he da y th e Flo und e r Pound e r came t o l i fe .
Sh op th is D e si g n an d Mo r e C usto m Fl y Se l e ct i o n s Fo r T r i p s • M a t e r i a l O r d e r s • C us t o m F l i es www.flyskinz.com
FIELDNOTES 62
meet theteam
63 FIELDNOTES
MI KE F I TZGERALD
M O LL I E F I TZG E R A L D
President & Co-Owner; Destination Specialist f or European Wingshooting, General Sporting, and Elegant Journeys
Co-Owner & Director of Elegant Journeys; Destination Specialist for Atla ntic Salmon and Elegant Journeys
KRISTENE FI TZGERALD
H AN K I N G R AM
Destination Specialist for South Pacific, Europe, and Elegant Journeys
Director of Sporting Travel; Destination Specialist for All General Sporting, Elegant Journeys, and Skiing Programs
TOM GILLI LAND
E LAI N E WI S S O L I K
Destination Specialist f or Alaska, South America, and Big Game Hunting
Destination Specialist for South America Wingshooting & Fishing, and Elegant Journeys
BEN H OFF MAN
E TH AN B R I S TO L
Destination Specialist for Patagonia, Iceland, Cuba, and Mexico
Destination Specialist for South American & European Wingshooting
JOE KOZI ARA
J O E L I N S CO TT
Destination Specialist for American West Fishing, Offshore Angling
Destination Specialist for Bahamas, Belize, US Saltwater and US Wingshooting
TARQUI N MILLI NGTON-DRAK E
B R I AN AN TO N E T T I
Managing Director UK; Destination Specialist for General Sporting
ROD DY H ALL Destination Specialist UK for General Sporting
Marketing Specialist
CALL AN R E Y H E R Marketing Specialist
FIELDNOTES 64
Freshwater trout
F r e s h w at e r T r o u t
A R G ENT I N A A rge nti na Water s
Sight-fishing at its best in the lakes region
Collon C ura L odge
Quick access to the mighty Collón Curá River from Bariloche or San Martin
Esta nci a A r r oy o Verde
Clear water stalk-style fishing near San Carlos de Bariloche, northern Patagonia
Esta nci a L ag un a Verde
Goliath rainbow trout in Santa Cruz province, southern Patagonia, Argentina
Esta nci a P i l o L i l
Northern Patagonia trout lodge on a remote canyon estancia on the Alumine River
Esta nci a Tecka
Diverse trout fishing on one of the largest uninterrupted Patagonia estancias
Esta nci a Ti pi l i uke
Walk and wade the famous Chimehuin River surrounded by extraordinary luxury
H ost er i a San Hu ber to
Prolific hatches and pods of feeding trout under the shadow of the Lanin volcano
Lima y Ri v er L odg e
The Limay River, Patagonia's finest tailwater with larger-than-average rainbows & browns
Pa ta go n i a Ri v er Ran ch
A waterfront guest ranch situated on the banks of the fabled Chimehuin River
Tre s Ri os L odg e
A secluded trout fishery near the confluence of the Chimehuin and Collón Curá Rivers
CAN A D A Bro oks C r eek Ran ch
Reliable dry fly fishing, opportunities for bull trout; Luxurious, and scenic
I gloo Lake L odge
Brook trout nirvana in remote labrador with fly out Atlantic salmon and char
Sc ot t L ake L odge
One of the best pike and lake trout waters in North America on the 60th parallel
65 FIELDNOTES
Coyhaique Ri v er L odge
Central-southern Chile fly fishing offering dozens of trout-filled waters
Esta nci a de l os Ri os
One of Chile's largest ranches offers abundant small-river trout fishing variety
Flyw ise A ngl ers
A quaint personalized fishing & exploring experience in the Aysen region, Chile
Fut a Lodge
"Futaleufu" is a Mapuche Indian word meaning grand waters and it truly is
Ma rt in P escador
Unmatched trout diversity in one visit: Unparallelled beauty of Chilean Patagonia
R io Pal en a L odg e
Unmatched sophistication and comfort deep inside Chilean Patagonia
R umbo P atag on
Fishing off the beaten path but in the middle of spectacular scenery
ICEL A ND La ke Th i n g v al l av atn
Some of the prettiest and biggest brown trout in the world
The Mi nn i v al l al aekur
Technical fishing for prized trout
F r e s h w at e r T r o u t
C HI L E
IT A L Y It a lia n Fly Fi sh i n g Tou r s
Europe's most scenic rivers with extraordinary fly fishing in the Dolomites
N EW Z E A LA ND Ce d a r L odge
Fly fishing in New Zealand is an experience unlike any other in the world
Fiordl an d L odg e
Fine fly fishing and eco-tourism in the Fiordland and Southland regions
O w e n Ri v er L odge
Outstanding South Island sight-fishing in Nelson Lakes region
Poronu i L odg e
A premier luxury sporting lodge on New Zealand's North Island
S t onefl y L odge
350 acres of private forest for perfect for both fly fishers and ecotourists
T ongari r o L odg e
Over four decades of fishing excellence in the Taupo District of the North Island
FIELDNOTES 66
Freshwater trout S L O V E NIA Fly F i sh i n g Sl ov en i a
Classic freestone and chalkstream multispecies trout fishing
SPAIN
F r e s h w at e r T r o u t
S a lv eli n us Outfi tter s
Fine trout fishing in the Spanish Pyrenees
U NI T ED KINGDO M The C hal kstream s
The home of upstream dry fly and nymph fishing
H a ddon Estate
Some of the UK's best wild trout fishing
U NI T ED S TA TE S Boulder Ri v er L odg e
This small, all-inclusive Montana lodge is ideal for couples or small groups.
Big Hol e L odge
Southwestern Montana's premier trout fishing lodge for over 30 years
Bighorn Ri v er L odge
Iconic tailwater fishing offering big biomass and bigger trout
Bla ckfoot Ri v er Outfi tte r s With outstanding accommodations at Blue Mountain B&B
67 FIELDNOTES
Br ush C reek Ranch
Luxury Rocky Mountain guest ranch located in the heart of southern Wyoming
H e al ing Waters L odg e
Centrally located an hour from Bozeman near Twin Bridges in southwestern Montana
K ingf i sher L odge
Magnificent fishing on Montana's prolific Bighorn River!
Lone M ou ntai n Ran ch
The best luxury dude ranch experience in Big Sky, southwestern Montana
Ma d ison Dou bl e R
New luxury accommodations on the Madison with decades of lodge experience
Ma d ison Ri v er L odg e
An intimate, upscale, all-inclusive lodge right on the edge of the Madison River
Ma d ison Val l ey Ran ch
Legendary fishing on one of Montana's blue ribbon rivers, the mighty Madison
Montana Fl y Fi sh i n g Lod ge Missou r i Ri v er Ranch
All inclusive luxury fishing lodge in Yellowstone country
Missour i C l i ffs L odge
A new luxury lodge overlooking the renowned Missouri River
Nort h Fork C r ossi ng Lod ge
Offering the Blackfoot, Missouri, Clark Fork, Smith River floats, and more
The Ran ch at Rock C reek
All-inclusive, five-star luxury guest ranch located in Philipsburg, Montana
S a ge Lodge
Welcome to paradise! Nature's playground awaits you in southwestern Montana
S mith Ri v er M ontana Floa t Trip
An immersive float trip to fish the trout-filled waters of the Smith River
S oa ring Eag l e L odge
Premier riverfront lodge on the San Juan River in northern New Mexico
South For k L odge
Riverfront luxury on the famous South Fork of the Snake River
S outh Hol ston Ri v er Lod ge
Best sulphur hatch in America, the south's premier fly fishing destination
Thre e Fo r ks Ran ch L odge & Spa
A premier fishing, hunting and guest ranch 40 miles from Steamboat Springs, CO
Thre e Ri v er s Ran ch
Premier eastern Idaho location gives this lodge unmatched fishing diversity
Me a d o w s on Rock C reek
Luxury family-friendly lodge in the scenic Rock Creek Valley in Montana
The W hi te Ri v er I n n
An all-inclusive trout fishing experience on the famed White River tailwater
F r e s h w at e r T r o u t
Wonderful accomodations on one of the West's best dry-fly fisheries!
FIELDNOTES 68
Freshwater
trout/ Anadromous
F r e s h w at e r T r o u t
AL A S K A
69 FIELDNOTES
Alaska Rai nbow Ad v entu r es
Providing first-class float trip options on the finest rivers in Alaska
A laska Troph y Ad v entu r es
Remote 160 private acres within Katmai National Park on the fish-rich Alagnak River
Ani ak Ri v er L odg e
Extraordinary diversity - all 5 salmon types, trout, and everything in between
B e ar Tr ai l L odg e
The Naknek River is the number one rainbow trout river in Alaska
Br istol B ay L odge
Fly-out fishing in Wood-Tikchik State Park, Bristol Bay, and southwest Alaska
Chrome C hasers Fis h & For age
Unique small venue salmon fishing and forageing in SE Alaska - family friendly
Copper Ri v er L odg e
A top rainbow trout fishery feeding Lake Illiamna, Alaska
Cro oked C r eek Retreat a nd Ou tfi tters
Luxury all-inclusive multi species fishing and adventure lodge in Kasilof, Alaska
Ench anted L ake L odge
Waterfront on Enchanted Lake, Katmai National Park, southwest Alaska
Go odnews Ri v er L odg e
They don't call it "Goodnews" River for nothing! Front-page worthy locale
Grosv enor L odge
Located in Katmai National Park between Grosvenor Lake and Colville Lake
H o odoo L odg e
Located on the extreme northwest tip of the Alaska peninsula near Nelson Lagoon
Intr i cate Bay L odge & Ou tpost
Fly-out to the best rivers of the Katmai from this newly built luxury lodge
K e n ai Ri v er Recon
Fly or spin fish the Kenai & Kasilof Rivers. No experience needed!
K ul i k L odg e
Katmai National Park, southwest Alaska, between Kulik and Nonvaniuk Lakes
Prince of Wales Island, southeast Alaska; serious fishing meets serious adventure!
The Lodge at 58 Nor th
New luxurious, all-inclusive fly-out fishing lodge on the famed Naknek River.
Mission L odge
Multi-species luxury fly-out lodge in Bristol Bay, perfect for groups or singles
No S e e Um L odge
Small venue flyout lodge located riverside on the fish-rich Kvichak River
R a p id s C am p L odg e
Luxury fly-out lodge with single rooms on the Naknek River
R e e l Ac ti on A l aska L odg e
Lies within the Togiak Wildlife Refuge, famous for mousing for huge rainbows
R oya l Coach man L odge
This fly-out lodge sits on Nyukuk River, offering 2 4-hour fishing
R oya l Wol f L odge
K atmai National Park, Rainbow Trout focused fly out Lodge
Ta la he im L odge
Small water heli-fishing that's great for small g roups and completely remote
Tikchik Nar r ows L odg e
Amazing peninsula lodge with every imaginable species and daily fly-out fishing
Togia k Ri v er L odge
An all-inclusive salmon and trout fishing experience on the remote Togiak River
A R G E NT I N A Be lla S ofi a L odg e
Sea-run brown trout & spring creek fishing all on one famous Argentine estancia
I C EL A ND D e ild a ra
Scenic, remote and private, a fantastic river to experience.
H e id a rvatn
Unparalleled hideaway in Icelandic solitude with fly great fishing
Ice la nd Trout & C h ar
Extremely diverse wild trout and char fishing in dramatic scenery
Myra rkvi sl
Northern Icelands small river that offers big suprises
The S og
Cl assic double-handed rod fishing in a beautiful setting
V a t nsd a lsa
Excellent char fishing with a very good chance of catching salmon
V id id a lsa
Very beautiful with bigger salmon and great run of arctic char
F r e s h w at e r T r o u t / A N A D R O M O U S
The Lodge at Wh al e P ass
FIELDNOTES 70
Freshwater ANADROMOUS ALASKA Chrome C h aser s S te e lhead
April and May sight fishing for wild steelhead in southeast AK
Ala sk a S te e lh ead C om pany
Heli fishing the Kenai Peninsula for wild fall steelhead
F r e s h w at e r A N A D R O M O U S
A R G ENT I N A K a u Tapen
The first and absolutely foremost lodge on the Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego
V illa M ar i a
Sea-run brown trout on the exclusive lower Rio Grande/Tierra del Fuego
C AN A D A S ke e n a Spey Ri v ersi de Wild ern ess an d L odg e
Catch mint bright huge kings and steelhead with top guides from a superb lodge
S te e lhead Val hal l a
Exclusive access to steelhead runs on the renowned Sustut and Skeena Rivers
Tr out C reek L odg e
Bulkley and Skeena River steelhead fishing from a river front private property
IC EL A ND D e p lar Farm
Perhaps Iceland's most exclusive property with summer and winter activities
Ea st Ranga
Located on the South Coast if you want the most reliable fishing, this is it!
Grimsa
One of Iceland's top rivers, easy physically, situated in the west
H a f ral onsa
A beautiful, remote river with bigger fish
H of sa
A scenic and iconic salmon river in the northeast with bigger fish
Ice la n d Sal m on
Fascinating, productive, light-tackle, clear water fishing in dramatic scenery
La nga
Very pretty, classic Icelandic salmon river in the west
La xa A A sum
Wonderful, classic two-rod private river in the north-west
La xa I n Kj os
Scenic, classic, and convenient river in west Iceland
Mio
Two-rod gem with private lodge in east Iceland
Nord ura
One of the great rivers that typifies Icelandic salmon fishing
S e la
One of Iceland's best and most challenging salmon rivers
The Thv er a
One of Iceland's best salmon rivers, finest lodges and physically easy
71 FIELDNOTES
Freshwater ANADROMOUS NORW A Y The Mal sel v
Good private salmon beats on a very pretty northern Norway River
Boe n Gard
Southern Norway salmon fishing on a historic estate
Cove re d Br i dge Outfi tter s Steelhead focused full-service fishing/hunting lodge on Conneaut Creek, Ohio a nd Lodge
Freshwater JUNGLE A F R I CA Chia w a C amp
Located in the lower Zambezi National Park on Zambia’s southern border
T ige r Fi sh
Probably the biggest tiger fish on fly…
R oya l Zambezi L odg e
Fishing for tiger fish and game viewing on the lower Zambezi River
F r e s h w at e r J U N G L E / A N A D R O M O U S
UN IT ED S TA TE S
A R G E NT I N A De lt a Lodg e
Unspoiled golden dorado fishing and eco-lodge under the Buenos Aries skyline
Golde n Dorado Ri v er Cruise r K a ra nd á
Luxury golden dorado fly-fishing mothership on the lower Paraná River, Argentina
Pira Lo dg e
Stalking golden dorado on the fly in the vast Ibera Marsh, Corrientes, Argentina
S uind a L odg e
Dorado, pira pita, and pacu on the upper Paraná River, in Corrientes, Argentina
Subtropical golden dorado fishery also ideal for combined cast and blast
FIELDNOTES 72
Freshwater JUNGLE
F r e s h w at e r J U N G L E
B OL I V I A T siman e - A g ua Negra Lod g e
National park and indigenous territory Bolivia; fly fishing for golden dorado
T simane - P l um a L odg e
Three unique golden dorado rivers from one premier eight-guest lodge
T simane - Secure L odge
Fly fish for golden dorado in the jungles of Bolivia
T simane - Hel i -Fi sh i n g
Heli-fishing for golden dorado deep in the Bolivian Amazon
BRAZIL Agua Boa
Protected, clear-water and fly fish only. Peacock bass in Roraima, Brazil
K e ndj am
Clearwater jungle fly fishing in the exclusive Mekragnoti territory
Pira ru cu
Go big in the Brazilian Amazonarapaima on the fly!
R ive r P l ate An g l er s
Peacock bass fishing in remote Amazon rivers via innovative shallow water tech
R io Mari e
Outstanding liveaboard program for trophy size peacock bass in Brazil
X ingu L odge
Payara and multi-species fishing in unbelievably clear water
M ONG O LIA Mong ol i a Fi shi ng
Aggressive taimen on top-water and subsurface flies in north-central Mongolia
SOUT H AFRIC A S outh A frican Yel l ow Fi sh Hunt the powerful yellow fish on the stunning Orange River .
Pongola Ti ger Fi shi ng
73 FIELDNOTES
Fly-fishing for tigers in the prolific Lake Jozini
saltwater flats Ab a c o L odg e
A true fishermen's lodge - waterfront digs with all the comforts of home
And ros Sou th
Legendary fishing lodge and home to some of the finest bonefishing in the world
Ba irs Lodge
Located on south Andros between Deep and Little Creek; beachfront comfort
D e lp hi C l ub
Perfect destination on Abaco Island for fishermen, couples, or families
H 20 Bonefi sh i n g
Trophy bones and easy access make H20 popular with anglers of all levels
K a ma la m e C ay
An oasis of laidback hospitality and extraordinary bonefishing
Mangrove C ay C l u b
Located on the Middle Bight on eastern Andros Island - an industry benchmark
Ma rs Bay B on efi sh L odge
South Andros Island, Bahamas; bonefishing at its best with no pretense!
Nort h R idi ng P oi nt C l u b
World-class bonefishing and customized service on Grand Bahama Island since 1994
S te lla Mar i s Resort
A relaxing venue for anglers, leisure travelers, and family vacationers
S oul Fly L odg e
Consciously crafted flats fishing adventures in the Berry Islands
B EL I ZE Be l iz e Ri v er L odg e
Accommodating anglers on the banks of Olde Belize River for over 55 years!
Blue H o r i zon L odg e
A completely renovated lodge located in one of the worlds finest permit waters
Cop a l Tree L odg e
Agritourism chic: the essence and spirit of Copal Tree Lodge in southern Belize
El Pe sc ador Resor t
Forbes has voted El Pescador one of the “Top Ten Eco-Resorts in the World!”
Long Caye Ou tpost
Enjoy flats fishing or just relaxing on your own private tropical island!
Turnef fe Fl ats L odge
Be pampered in paradise- a fly fishing, scuba diving, and eco-adventure resort
BRAZIL S ilve r Ki ng Tar pon
S A LT W AT E R F L AT S
BAHAMAS
Easy travel for great fishing for adolescent tarpon
C H R I S T M A S IS LA ND Christmas I sl an d L odg e
Flats fishing at its finest, in a remote saltwater angler’s paradise
Ika ri H ou se
Excellent service and a diversified fishing program close to the lodge
FIELDNOTES 74
CUBA Za p ata M other shi p
D UB A I D ubai Fl y Fi shi ng
Exclusive grand slam fishing inside Zapata National Park in Cuba
Great short stop or short stay, city fly fishing...
M A UR I T IUS S t. Br an don's A tol l
Look no further, double-digit bonefish, treva lly, and permit on this exotic atoll
S A LT W AT E R F L AT S
M EX I CO Asce nsi on Bay L odge
Great location in Punta Allen and the famed Ascension bay fishery
Ca sa Bl anca
The Casa Blanca experience: top-notch fishing, accommodations, cuisine, service
Fin Ch aser s
Great flats program north of Cancun at Isla Blanca in Mar Caribe biosphere
G ra nd Sl am L odge
Near the village of Punta Allen - great fishing and modern accommodations
Ma yazul L odge
A boutique oceanfront lodge in the heart of Mexico's Permit Alley
Pa lo m eta C l ub
Northern Ascension Bay’s premier fishing lodge
Pla ya B l anca
30 minutes south of Sister Lodge, Casa Blanca, on Punta Pajaros, Mexico
X f lats
Experience Xcalak, Mexico and Chetumal Bay – fly fishing for bonefish and permit
OMA N Ara bi an Fl y
A permit fisherman's dream
P UE R T O RIC O No Nam e L odg e
World-class tarpon fishing & tailing permit with domestic conveniences
SEY CH ELLE S
75 FIELDNOTES
Alp honse I sl and Resor t
If you check one destination off your bucket list, it should be Alphonse
Ast ov e I sl and L odge
Perfect for adventure-seeking anglers; wild, remote, fabulous fly fishing
Perfect, once in a lifetime adventure; remote, legendary fishery
Fa rq uhar A tol l
One of the most exotic saltwater fly fishing destinations in the world
P rovid en ce A tol l
Species lover’s nirvana + rested waters for 5 years = fish on!
Provid ence - M otor Ya cht Qu o Vadi s
A true fly fishing wilderness experience
UN IT ED S TA TE S Ba hia Hon da
Sight-fish for tarpon in the florida keys, with an all-inclusive, lodge-based experience
Ele v e n Experi en ce Louisian a
Tailing redfish and black drum on the pristine southern Louisiana Bayou
Woodland P l an tati on
Sight-fish for tailing reds while taking a step back into history in New Orleans
s a lt w at e r F l at s / B L U E W AT E R
Cosmol edo A tol l
FIELDNOTES 90
saltwater BLUEWATER C O ST A R IC A Crocodi l e B ay Resor t
Year-round offshore and inshore fishing off the Osa Peninsula in Golfo Dulce
Za ncu do L odge
Great fishing combined with high-end accommodations and eco-touring
C O L O M B IA
S A LT W AT E R F L AT S
Bla c k San ds
The perfect destination for Yellowfin, Sailfish, Roosterfish, Tarpon, Snook
G UA T EM ALA Pa ci fi c Fi ns Resort
The sailfishing capital of the world also has consistently calm waters
M EX I CO Ba ja P en i n sul a
Mexican treasured sportsfishing paradise: modelo, margaritas, and marlin mayhem!
PANAMA
77 FIELDNOTES
Pe sca P an am a
Saltwater species diversity and remote liveaboard solitude
T r opi c Star L odg e
Renowned lodge on Pinas Bay, Panama, with fabulous offshore and inshore fishing
WINGSHOOTING UPLAND A F R I CA Bird H un ters Afr i ca
Seriously challenging shooting combined with great hospitality
Che ye nn e Ri dge S igna tu r e L odg e
South Dakota pheasant hunting at its finest
Flying B Ran ch
Unlimited wingshooting in scenic and historic Lawyer Canyon, Idaho
H ighla nd Hi l l s Ran ch
World-class wingshooting for pheasant, chukar, quail, and Hungarian partridge
R io Pie dra P l an tati on
Traditional bobwhite quail hunting in the heart of Georgia's wingshooting belt
WINGSHOOTING
DOVES & PIGEONS
A R G E NT I N A Cord oba L odge
Fiscally minded, volume dove shooting in Las Penas, Cordoba province
El Monte L odge
Located in the province of San Luis, Argentina doves and pigeons
La D ormi da L odge
Offers year-round dove shooting at a small venue in Cordoba province, Argentina
La Torcaza L odge
Decoyed pigeons easily combined with volume Cordoba dove shooting
Pic a Zu r o
The first lodge ever established in Cordoba, high volume dove shooting in a luxury estancia
S a ntia go del Ester o
New high volume dove shooting lodge in quiet rural area north of Cordoba
Tuku Lodg e
Extraordinary volume pigeon and dove shooting in scenic Salta Province
Tucuman L odge
Year round dove lodge ideal for small groups up to 12 with short drive times!
WINGSHOOTING UPLAND/DOVES
UN IT ED S T ATE S
BO L I V I A Bolivia n Adv en tures Dov e Dove and Pigeon at two luxury resort lodges in Bolivia a nd Pigeon Shooti ng
FIELDNOTES 78
WINGSHOOTING
MIXED BAG
WINGSHOOTING MIXED BAG/DRIVEN
A R G E NT I N A Los Cr estones L odge
Mixed bag shooting less than 2 hours from the heart of Buenos Aires, Argentina
R ive r P l a te Wi n g shooti ng - 5 Fe ather P rog r am
Mixed-bag hunt from 2 classic estancias in La Pampa and Buenos Aires Provinces
R ive r P l a te Wi n g shooti ng - Entr e Ri os
Argentina's best duck and dove combos located only 3 hours from Buenos Aires
UR U G UA Y Ca re mel o L odg e
Dove Shooting in wine country
Esta nci a L a B el l aca
Uruguayan coastal decoyed pigeons, perdiz over pointers, and mixed bag shooting
S a n Ju an L odge
Mixed bag: volume dove, perdiz over setters, and decoyed ducks - Flores, Uruguay
Uruguay L odge
Mixed bag: perdiz over dogs, doves, and puddle ducks - Young, Uruguay
UN I T E D S TA T E S P he a san t Bon an za
World class upland, waterfowl, turkey, and deer hunting in Tekamah, Nebraska
S kyf a ll Reser v e
Premier Texas destination for waterfowl, whitetails, hogs, and world-class shooting
WINGSHOOTINGDRIVEN SP A I N V e nt o si l l a
Shooting at the home of driven partridge shooting in Spain
La N av a
One of Spain's best shoots in every regard
La Flam en ca
The perfect option to shoot and stay in Madrid
Los M el on ares
A beautiful family estate with fine shooting
79 FIELDNOTES
F R A NC E Cha te au De Vi l l ette
Fine driven shooting in Burgundy
D EN M A R K D e nma rk
Classic estate shoots for mallards and driven pheasants pioneered by Frontiers
Grouse Sh ooti n g
Most agree that driven grouse is the pinnacle of driven game shooting
Ma in S eason
The heart of the pheasant shooting season
Ea rly S eason
Driven grouse, partridge, pheasants, and duck the season gets underway
WINGSHOOTING
WATERFOWL
A R G E NT I N A Est a nc ia Santa Ri ta
Migratory ducks over decoys from dry blinds & more with Patagonia Outfitters
Los Picazos L odge
Exclusive duck hunting experience just 90 minutes from Buenos Aires
Ja ca na L odge
Decoyed ducks and 5-star accommodation in famous Lincoln, Buenos Aires province
W I N G S H O O T I N G D R I V E N / W AT E R F O W L
UN IT ED K I NGDO M
UN IT ED S T ATE S S kyf a ll Reserv e
Premier Texas Destinaton for waterfowl and world-class shooting.
FIELDNOTES 80
BIG GAME HUNTING A F R I CA Umdende Hun ti n g Safari s A family-run south Africa operation with plenty of activities
BIG GAME HUNTING
A R G E NT INA AK Hu nts
Free range stag; Lake District of Patagonia, Rio Negro province, Argentina
R e d Stag Tu pu ngato
Red deer in Argentina's wine country. Hunt in the shadows of Mt. Tupungato
R incon de L un a
Trophy stag and exotic species in the Calamuchitas Valley; southwest of Cordoba
NE W Z E A LA ND Poron ui
Fine red stag, sika deer and luxury accommodations "Down Under"
UN I T E D KINGDO M S ta lki ng (Deer Sh ooti n g )
Traditional hunting areas covering the 6 main species and others
UN I T E D S TA TE S
81 FIELDNOTES
Three Forks Ranch
Trophy elk, mule deer, and pronghorn; highend, game-rich, fair-chase hunts
S kyfal l Reser v e
Premier Texas Destinaton for whitetail, hogs , and world-class shooting.
Fishing. Wingshooting. Luxury. Leisure. The Leader in Custom Outdoor Travel.
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