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So sit back, tie a few flies, enjoy the Easter break and remind yourself of what a spring day on the river should look like!
So tomorrow is the start of the trout season and, as feared, sleet, hail and heavy rain have been battering the rivers. It won't be the early open to the season I had hoped for since most of the small streams will be heavily in spate and resembling chocolate - instead of the 'tea-stain' colour that help all the promise last weekend.
So sit back, tie a few flies, enjoy the Easter break and remind yourself of what a spring day on the river should look like!
So sit back, tie a few flies, enjoy the Easter break and remind yourself of what a spring day on the river should look like!
VFG Sticker
To get your own, click the the PayPal Buy Now button at the top of the blog page and we'll get you your sticker in 5 to 7 days. Keep checking back, we will be adding more products to the VFG Store.See you on the water!
Paraduns
A few paraduns in size 16 and 20:
Hook: Partridge SLD #16 / #20
Thread: Sheer 14/0, tan
Abdomen: Orvis Spectrablend, cream
Thorax: Orvis Spectrablend, peacock
Wing post: Grey Funkyfibre
Tails: microfibbets
Hackle: Silver badger
~Dave
Hook: Partridge SLD #16 / #20
Thread: Sheer 14/0, tan
Abdomen: Orvis Spectrablend, cream
Thorax: Orvis Spectrablend, peacock
Wing post: Grey Funkyfibre
Tails: microfibbets
Hackle: Silver badger
~Dave
Patagonia launches Fly Fishing E-Catalog
Our friends over at Patagonia sent us this release, which since they are our friends, we decided to publish in it's entirety. In the interest of full disclosure, these guys have bought us an adult beverage or two in the past. Notwithstanding their plying us with alcohol, an e-catalog that won't end up filling up our landfills remains pretty darn cool.
PATAGONIA FISH LAUNCHES PAPERLESS E-CATALOG e-Catalog Saves Almost 200 Trees and Eliminates Almost 8,300 Pounds of Solid Waste
PATAGONIA FISH LAUNCHES PAPERLESS E-CATALOG e-Catalog Saves Almost 200 Trees and Eliminates Almost 8,300 Pounds of Solid Waste
www.patagonia.com/fishcatalog
VENTURA, Calif. (March 29, 2010) — Patagonia, the fishing and outdoor apparel manufacturer, launches its first-ever Fish e-Catalog – an online, interactive, 52-page flipbook. With a feel that’s more “magazine” than “catalog,” readers will be able to watch embedded videos, read unique Ambassador commentary, click on technical product information and provides avenues to purchase. The catalog will be distributed via e-mail and social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, blogs and certified Fish dealer websites. The user-controlled e-Catalog replaces the company’s traditional paper-based catalog this Spring, as it is easier to find and is a small step toward permanently eliminating a paper catalog for Patagonia’s Fishing line.
“We’re a catalog company at our core, so a non-traditional e-Catalog is a huge move for us – but a step in the right direction environmentally,” notes Casey Sheahan, Patagonia’s angling CEO. “This is a greener way to be in the catalog business. Our hope is that anglers are psyched to get product information this way so moving forward we can try to avoid sending catalogs to individual mailboxes.”
By eliminating the paper catalog, Patagonia saves about 74,826 gallons of wastewater, 8,279 pounds of solid waste, 176 trees and almost 16,300 pounds of Co2. The company hopes that anglers will take note and embrace the new e-Catalog model, "The success of this experiment depends largely on the fishing community's response. If they like it and it goes viral then the next one will be bigger, better, and even more interactive."
“The fishing market is the right place to launch an e-Catalog. Anglers are online, engaged, and we’re hoping they will help us get the word out on their own Facebook and Twitter pages,” continues Sheahan. “Anglers have turned to the internet to review water conditions, hatches, plan trips, research product news, blog, and more, making them the perfect customer for an online, interactive e-Catalog that feels more like a magazine or multi-media site.”
Readers will also enjoy new features such as “product system recommendations,” where one can learn about which products best suit different types of fishing and environs. Some examples include wet wading for backcountry trout, dry wading for backcountry trout and classic steelhead/salmon fishing. With the new e-catalog, Patagonia now has the luxury of providing its fans and customers more in-depth and individualized product recommendations. Patagonia encourages all bloggers, journalists, websites and anglers to post the e-Catalog link on their pages to get the word out.
VENTURA, Calif. (March 29, 2010) — Patagonia, the fishing and outdoor apparel manufacturer, launches its first-ever Fish e-Catalog – an online, interactive, 52-page flipbook. With a feel that’s more “magazine” than “catalog,” readers will be able to watch embedded videos, read unique Ambassador commentary, click on technical product information and provides avenues to purchase. The catalog will be distributed via e-mail and social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, blogs and certified Fish dealer websites. The user-controlled e-Catalog replaces the company’s traditional paper-based catalog this Spring, as it is easier to find and is a small step toward permanently eliminating a paper catalog for Patagonia’s Fishing line.
“We’re a catalog company at our core, so a non-traditional e-Catalog is a huge move for us – but a step in the right direction environmentally,” notes Casey Sheahan, Patagonia’s angling CEO. “This is a greener way to be in the catalog business. Our hope is that anglers are psyched to get product information this way so moving forward we can try to avoid sending catalogs to individual mailboxes.”
By eliminating the paper catalog, Patagonia saves about 74,826 gallons of wastewater, 8,279 pounds of solid waste, 176 trees and almost 16,300 pounds of Co2. The company hopes that anglers will take note and embrace the new e-Catalog model, "The success of this experiment depends largely on the fishing community's response. If they like it and it goes viral then the next one will be bigger, better, and even more interactive."
“The fishing market is the right place to launch an e-Catalog. Anglers are online, engaged, and we’re hoping they will help us get the word out on their own Facebook and Twitter pages,” continues Sheahan. “Anglers have turned to the internet to review water conditions, hatches, plan trips, research product news, blog, and more, making them the perfect customer for an online, interactive e-Catalog that feels more like a magazine or multi-media site.”
Readers will also enjoy new features such as “product system recommendations,” where one can learn about which products best suit different types of fishing and environs. Some examples include wet wading for backcountry trout, dry wading for backcountry trout and classic steelhead/salmon fishing. With the new e-catalog, Patagonia now has the luxury of providing its fans and customers more in-depth and individualized product recommendations. Patagonia encourages all bloggers, journalists, websites and anglers to post the e-Catalog link on their pages to get the word out.
Trout Creek Bend
New addition to the bookshelf.
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Water, water everywhere!
Despite having some lovely mild weather at long last, the rain has conspired against us leaving all of our rivers currently unfishable. Once they drop and clear, trout fishing should be superb with the higher water temperatures and spring really kicking in.
Fishing on Tinhay Lake is picking up slowly with the milder weather, and the fish are notably starting to feed on the first of the spring buzzers. Given a couple of weeks or so and some of the season's best stillwater fishing should be in full swing. Why not get the rod out and even enjoy a day's leisurely loch-style drifting in our new boat?!
Finally, on the salmon front. An odd fish has been seen on the lower river, as well as some very early sea trout. Fishing the tidal water last week, hotel instructor David Pilkington hooked something 'large and silver' that sadly didn't stay attached! The first of the year is still yet to come...
The tidal Tamar...
Fishing on Tinhay Lake is picking up slowly with the milder weather, and the fish are notably starting to feed on the first of the spring buzzers. Given a couple of weeks or so and some of the season's best stillwater fishing should be in full swing. Why not get the rod out and even enjoy a day's leisurely loch-style drifting in our new boat?!
Finally, on the salmon front. An odd fish has been seen on the lower river, as well as some very early sea trout. Fishing the tidal water last week, hotel instructor David Pilkington hooked something 'large and silver' that sadly didn't stay attached! The first of the year is still yet to come...
The tidal Tamar...
On The Rise, back on the air...
Back on the air beginning on March 30th, much anticipated new episodes of Frank Smethurst's fine Trout Unlimited series, On The Rise.
Look for the upcoming episode featuring the venerable Big "D" and "WB."
Look for the upcoming episode featuring the venerable Big "D" and "WB."
With three days to go before the trout season starts on my local rivers and streams, it was encouraging to see the rivers looking in fine condition. They were carrying a little colour, but the water was inviting. Without the forecast deluge of rain this weekend, conditions looked perfect. However, rain is forecast for the coming week - my fear being that these small streams could be knocked out of sorts for opening day. Fingers crossed the forecasters have got it wrong again...
~Dave
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Customer Service Excels
With a weekend full of guide trips approaching,weds finds my trim tab down on my Hell'sBay skiff. I call Lenco for a replacement part and customer service answers on one ring and simply says"Can I help you?"A few minutes later the part is being sent overnight at no charge with the quote"We have to keep you guys on the water." That is what will keep you loyal to a brand name. Some fly fishing brands do provide excellent service, others do not. Curious to hear your experience or story with the fly retail companies? Capt.Paul
With a huge propertion of visitors to the blog from the other side of the pond, it seems only right that I should give the heads-up for a CFR event that is coming up. I was asked if I could advertise it - and of course I will - CFR is a fantastic organisation.
In the past, I've tied a few flies for them and helped with some charity events here in the UK. If you can help in anyway, it is a very worthy cause. Full details can be found here: Casting For Recovery
~Dave
Gill nets in the news again in NC
The MFC in their infinite wisdom has come up with another half baked compromise. I say, not so much. Just wondering how long this can go on before the feds step in and totally take over flounder and turtle rules in this state and then the boys who fish for a living will really know what it's like to have no recourse. They can complain to the MFC members and get their way now. That will not be the case when the feds come in. They have been unwilling to change for so long that it will come crashing down right on top of them.
-Capt. Gordon
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NY Season Opener Festivities
Although the New York Trout Season officially opens on April 1st, there are several "events" staggered through the next several weeks in the Catskills area that you may want to check out.
Anglers Reunion - An evening of food, fun and comraderie on March 31st at the Rockland House in Roscoe, NY (607) 498-5765
First Cast - Beginning at 7:30 am April 10th on the Junction Pool in Roscoe, NY, the ceremonial start of the trout fishing season will be held. Sally Jesse Raphael and Assemblyperson Aileen Gunther will make the "first cast" of the new season. Take advantage of provided hot beverages and snacks. At the museum expect homemade soup and cookies. Ted Patlen will be on hand to demonstrate Italian fly tying. Wildlife artisit Jack Yelle will also be on hand to sell and sign "2010 First Cast" limited edition prints.
Two Headed Trout Dinner - More food and fun can be found at this annual dinner attended by many fly fishing "celebrities" at the Rockland House also on April 10th. (607) 498-5765
Hell or High Water - Celebrate the new season at the West Branch Resort in Hancock, NY starting @ 10:00 am on April 16th and concluding with the much lauded Fly Fishing Film Tour at 7:00 pm on April 17th. Expect to see boat & pontoon demos, spey and switch casting demos, new gear displays and wood pellets. Activities will include casting analysis, kids lessons, sporting clays and a 9 Hole Casting Competition.
Don't forget to save some time for a float or some wading in the local rivers.
Enjoy! Enjoy!
Anglers Reunion - An evening of food, fun and comraderie on March 31st at the Rockland House in Roscoe, NY (607) 498-5765
First Cast - Beginning at 7:30 am April 10th on the Junction Pool in Roscoe, NY, the ceremonial start of the trout fishing season will be held. Sally Jesse Raphael and Assemblyperson Aileen Gunther will make the "first cast" of the new season. Take advantage of provided hot beverages and snacks. At the museum expect homemade soup and cookies. Ted Patlen will be on hand to demonstrate Italian fly tying. Wildlife artisit Jack Yelle will also be on hand to sell and sign "2010 First Cast" limited edition prints.
Two Headed Trout Dinner - More food and fun can be found at this annual dinner attended by many fly fishing "celebrities" at the Rockland House also on April 10th. (607) 498-5765
Hell or High Water - Celebrate the new season at the West Branch Resort in Hancock, NY starting @ 10:00 am on April 16th and concluding with the much lauded Fly Fishing Film Tour at 7:00 pm on April 17th. Expect to see boat & pontoon demos, spey and switch casting demos, new gear displays and wood pellets. Activities will include casting analysis, kids lessons, sporting clays and a 9 Hole Casting Competition.
Don't forget to save some time for a float or some wading in the local rivers.
Enjoy! Enjoy!
When photographing flies, it is always a good idea to avoid the fly casting a shadow. However, I have just been photographing some of 'small-fly maestro' Andy Baird's flies and shot a shadow-heavy version which simply seems to work:
tied on a #32:
Check out Andy's blogs here:
Small Fly Funk
On the Burn
~Dave
tied on a #32:
Check out Andy's blogs here:
Small Fly Funk
On the Burn
~Dave
GaGa for Fishing?
The Daily Star is reporting that Lady Gaga and friends recently spent some time fishing:
“She’s pretty eccentric, she didn’t take her heels off once.
“She went down to Onetangi beach to go fishing in her eight-inch heels, undies and a man’s business shirt – that’s it. She still had her bright yellow hair.”
Another source revealed: “Lady GaGa on the beach was the funniest sight.
“She was surrounded by surfers who couldn’t believe it was her as she as stood completely still with a long fishing rod.”
No information as of yet as to the truth of the rumor that the event was actually a photo shoot for the next Moldy Chum Friday Pin Up.
“She’s pretty eccentric, she didn’t take her heels off once.
“She went down to Onetangi beach to go fishing in her eight-inch heels, undies and a man’s business shirt – that’s it. She still had her bright yellow hair.”
Another source revealed: “Lady GaGa on the beach was the funniest sight.
“She was surrounded by surfers who couldn’t believe it was her as she as stood completely still with a long fishing rod.”
No information as of yet as to the truth of the rumor that the event was actually a photo shoot for the next Moldy Chum Friday Pin Up.
Contact the fishing office...
With a bit of luck, this will be the last you'll hear of our e-mail changes...
To contact David Pilkington or Tim Smith at the fishing office direct, please use the following email:
fishingoffice@arundellarms.com
It's working again!
To contact David Pilkington or Tim Smith at the fishing office direct, please use the following email:
fishingoffice@arundellarms.com
It's working again!
Arundell Arms fishing tackle online...
Our online shop is now live. On it you can buy exclusive products from sea trout flies to fly lines to fishing clothing, all designed used and recommended by the hotel instructors. You can also purchase gift vouchers to spend at the hotel be it on a weekend away, evening dinner, or - most importantly - FISHING!
Some items are currently waiting to be restocked, but they won't be long...
Click here to visit:
THE ARUNDELL ARMS ONLINE SHOP
Devon trout fishing is underway!
Thankfully the start of the trout season coincided with a little milder weather... at long last! Few anglers have been keen enough to take to the rivers, although trout reports from the Tamar system have been very encouraging. Although most fish are being caught on deeply-fished nymphs, the warmer weather should bring with it more prolific hatches of grannom and perhaps even a large dark olive or two. With winter holding on for so long this year, we're hoping that when spring gets going it will REALLY jump start the rivers. Here's hoping.
On the salmon and sea trout front, rumour has it that at least one angler fishing on the lower river witnessed a large silver fish move. With a touch of extra water having just gone through and a steady increase in temperature, it shouldn't be long until we are reporting the first salmon and sea trout of the season.
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Expo photo recapitulation
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| Hutch Hutchinson demonstrates how to properly fix 'your buddies' casting techniques. |
But I suppose if you are not going to spend a wonderful spring Saturday on the water, then hanging out with a great group of fly junkies telling war stories, watching tying demonstrations, snapping photos and learning better and more efficient ways to make the local water inhabitants bow to their sensei is the next best thing.
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| Emerson "Chief" Craig sharing some of his 30 years worth of White Mountain trout fishing knowledge |
Another highlight was the demonstration of Mike Leed's improved grass frog. Tied on a Waddingtin shank with a top-side looped weed guard, and a upturned TroKar 1/0 drop shot hook attached to the leader with a 2 foot section of weed-slicing 30lb PowerPro braided line, I cannot imagine running into any problems dragging this frog across even the nastiest of weed beds.
It still looks like a heavy bitch, but losing the rabbit zonker legs for feathers might help a bit. Still, don't think you will be throwing this on anything less than an 8wt. Mike uses a 10wt, which helps get these surprised fish out of the weeds and into the boat.
A thank you should also go out to Dave Brown for his talks surrounding fly fishing in BC, and John & Cullen Murphy for their presentations on the guiding and services they provide, as well as some great fish porn helping make this event the best it has been in nearly a decade. Great job, gentlemen.
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| I should have been paying attention, but I was too busy playing with my camera to tell you where Cullen caught that large fish. |
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| The Future |
-Alex
Gyoko Band
Gyoko is a Japanese Music group trying to promote the eating of fish to the youth of Japan. It seems their taste for Bluefin and Blubber isn't keeping pace with prior generations and Goyoko sings about the joys of fish in an attempt to boost demand.
An article in the Wall Street Journal spells it out.
"I love fishing, but I hate eating fish," he said, as he hung out with friends in Tokyo's fashionable Harajuku neighborhood. "They smell fishy, and I don't like their bones."
Sounds like their may just be an opportunity for conservation.
**Update - Our man on the ground in Japan, Jason Murdock, provides a culture lesson in the comments to this post. Jason is my Cousin and is one of the American Hero's who protect and serve from our military bases overseas.
Alaska Bans Felt Soles
The Alaska Board of Fisheries announced that it will outlaw felt soled wading shoes starting in 2012. Trout Unlimited made the request and their blog has news of the decision.
"The board on Friday, March 19, passed the proposal unanimously after hearing testimony earlier in the week from anglers, lodge owners and others who warned that unless Alaska takes action to protect its freshwater rivers, lakes and streams, they risk becoming infected as in other parts of the world. Alaska is now the first state to enact a complete statewide ban on felt sole wading gear."
While we understand the motivation, of interest to some is the lack of a ban on boot laces or nooks and crannies on vibram boot soles and other fishing gear. There is however no ban on slipping and falling on your hindquarters. Seriously though, can't someone come up with felt impregnated with something that will kill the nasties and keep us dry? We can put a man on the moon....
Tip 0'the hat to Moldy Chum
At Sweden's show last weekend, I spent a little time chatting with Charles Jardine. He was tying flies and also exhibiting some fine casting diplays.
Amongst other things, we chatted about the use of jig hooks and the advantages they offer the fly fisher - both for trout and grayling fishing. He clearly explained the benefits of using jig hooks as he saw it, especially in terms of added movement of the fly through the water.
Charles took pen to paper to help discuss the merits of jig hooks over the traditional nymph hook:
Certainly when lifted as it moves with the current, the fly moves on its fulcrum and emits a very life like movements. There is much experimenting to be done here I feel.
~Dave
Amongst other things, we chatted about the use of jig hooks and the advantages they offer the fly fisher - both for trout and grayling fishing. He clearly explained the benefits of using jig hooks as he saw it, especially in terms of added movement of the fly through the water.
Charles took pen to paper to help discuss the merits of jig hooks over the traditional nymph hook:
Certainly when lifted as it moves with the current, the fly moves on its fulcrum and emits a very life like movements. There is much experimenting to be done here I feel.
~Dave
Orvis Days @ Dry Creek Outfitters -Tucson AZ.
Saturday was again spent drooling and talking Fly-fishing this time it was at Dry Creek's Outfitters annual Orvis Days .Eric (the Shop Owner)does a great job and there was a ton of support from the local Fly-fishing community. Project Healing Waters and Trout Unlimited where at the shop talking up their Noble causes .
Some of the seminars included tying Bass Bugs ,Fishing The White Mountains and yours truly on Fly-fishing the Canadian Rockies.Hutch Hutchinson the Orvis Rep. for the South West was also on hand displaying Orvis Fly-Rods and conducting casting demos .
The turnout was excellent , it was great to see old friends and meet new new ones.
Dry Creek Outfitters will be hosting a trip to the Bow river August 19th -Aug 23rd.
HOPPER TIME ! contact me for more info.
The Tucson Air Show was also going on so there was lots of "excitement in the air "
over Tucson and the Fly-shop. having spent 5 years as a Paratrooper in the Canadian Army
I still get pretty stoked when I see transport aircraft flying around, that usually means something
cool is going to happen ,namely a Parachute drop! and sure enough a C-17 was circling around with the ramp open dropping members of the US Army Parachute Team .. the Golden Knights .
Most of my jumps where out of C-130's,which normally would hold 40 Paratroopers with equipment,the C-17 is double that.
I would hate to be the Anti -Western World Scumball looking up from his camel and seeing about 25 of these bad boys flying at 500-750 feet, low and slow ...someone is going to get their butt kicked .
Orvis Fly Fishing Show - Blenheim Palace
On the 11th April, I'll be joining Orvis at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire for their Fly Fishing Show. There's alot to see, including casting demonstrations, fly tying (I'll be tying a few flies) and talks on stillwater trout, river and salt-water fly fishing.
Paul Procter, Jim Williams, Toby Coe and Roy Christie are just a few of the names there.
More information here: Orvis Fly Fishing Show, 11th April 2010
Blenheim Palace was the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill. It's a beautiful place, steeped in history with Capability Brown lanscapes:
Well worth a visit. I hope to see you there.
~Dave
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For Immediate Release:
West Branch Angler Hosts “Come Hell or High Water” a Fly Fishing Expo and Film Festival
Hancock, NY, 4/16, 4/17 — "Come Hell or High Water" is a two-day annual fly fishing festival and film tour to be hosted at West Branch Angler. The idea is to bring new people into the sport, celebrate the Catskills, the beginning of spring and a new fly fishing season. We have been working closely with the major fly fishing manufacturers and local business's to bring something for everyone. The expo is free to the public and an event you won’t want to miss.
Highlighted events:
The Fly Fishing Film Tour: In just its fourth year, The Fly Fishing Film Tour, sponsored by New England Wood Pellet, has become the fishing entertainment event of the year and will showcase some of the best independent outdoor film makers. Tickets are on sale now.
Kids Learn To Fly Fish Free: Each morning of the event free fly fishing lessons will be held, members of The Orvis Company will be onsite giving instruction and advise.
Spey Casting Clinic With Rick Kustich: Rick Kustich is considered by many as a pioneer of Spey casting and is the co-author of the acclaimed book Fly Fishing for Great Lakes Steelhead. If you have ever wanted to learn the art of Spey casting you will not want to miss this free clinic.
Free Hardy Reel Maintenance: John Shaner of Hardy USA and resident Hardy expert will be set up at the fly shop with a work-bench where he can clean and lubricate reels as well as answer any questions regarding the history of Hardy products.
9 Hole Men's & Women's Fly Casting Contest: John Stacey of Cortland lines will be setting up a 9 hole problem area casting course. The course's nine holes will each highlight different problems that anglers face on the river. A prize will be awarded to each division; this is a lot of fun and a good way to work off the rust on your cast from winter.
Fly Tying Competition: Bring you vice and skills to win a chance of being included in the Montana Fly Catalog as well as winning great prizes.
Fly Shop Grand Opening: West Branch will also be having a grand opening for the newly renovated fly shop, which has just recently received an 1800 sq ft addition full of equipment for all skill levels.
Featured Guest Speakers include:
Austin Mac Francis author of “Land of Little Rivers”, Art Lee author of “Fishing Dry Flies”. John Shaner of Hardy USA, and Justin Sterner of Simms Fishing Products.
Company Profile: Built in 1991 the Orvis Endorsed West Branch Angler Resort's 26 upscale log cabin accommodations are nestled in a sprawling 300-acre park like setting along a 2-mile private section of the West Branch of the Delaware River. Known as the Gateway to the Catskills, the surrounding mountain scenery and grounds are marvelous. The resort features a sport shop, restaurant with bar, swimming pool, sporting clays and 5 stand range.
Contact:
Sam Batschelet
West Branch Angler & Resort
607-467-5525
sam@westbranchresort.com
http://www.westbranchresort.com/
Hancock, NY, 4/16, 4/17 — "Come Hell or High Water" is a two-day annual fly fishing festival and film tour to be hosted at West Branch Angler. The idea is to bring new people into the sport, celebrate the Catskills, the beginning of spring and a new fly fishing season. We have been working closely with the major fly fishing manufacturers and local business's to bring something for everyone. The expo is free to the public and an event you won’t want to miss.
Highlighted events:
The Fly Fishing Film Tour: In just its fourth year, The Fly Fishing Film Tour, sponsored by New England Wood Pellet, has become the fishing entertainment event of the year and will showcase some of the best independent outdoor film makers. Tickets are on sale now.
Kids Learn To Fly Fish Free: Each morning of the event free fly fishing lessons will be held, members of The Orvis Company will be onsite giving instruction and advise.
Spey Casting Clinic With Rick Kustich: Rick Kustich is considered by many as a pioneer of Spey casting and is the co-author of the acclaimed book Fly Fishing for Great Lakes Steelhead. If you have ever wanted to learn the art of Spey casting you will not want to miss this free clinic.
Free Hardy Reel Maintenance: John Shaner of Hardy USA and resident Hardy expert will be set up at the fly shop with a work-bench where he can clean and lubricate reels as well as answer any questions regarding the history of Hardy products.
9 Hole Men's & Women's Fly Casting Contest: John Stacey of Cortland lines will be setting up a 9 hole problem area casting course. The course's nine holes will each highlight different problems that anglers face on the river. A prize will be awarded to each division; this is a lot of fun and a good way to work off the rust on your cast from winter.
Fly Tying Competition: Bring you vice and skills to win a chance of being included in the Montana Fly Catalog as well as winning great prizes.
Fly Shop Grand Opening: West Branch will also be having a grand opening for the newly renovated fly shop, which has just recently received an 1800 sq ft addition full of equipment for all skill levels.
Featured Guest Speakers include:
Austin Mac Francis author of “Land of Little Rivers”, Art Lee author of “Fishing Dry Flies”. John Shaner of Hardy USA, and Justin Sterner of Simms Fishing Products.
Company Profile: Built in 1991 the Orvis Endorsed West Branch Angler Resort's 26 upscale log cabin accommodations are nestled in a sprawling 300-acre park like setting along a 2-mile private section of the West Branch of the Delaware River. Known as the Gateway to the Catskills, the surrounding mountain scenery and grounds are marvelous. The resort features a sport shop, restaurant with bar, swimming pool, sporting clays and 5 stand range.
Contact:
Sam Batschelet
West Branch Angler & Resort
607-467-5525
sam@westbranchresort.com
http://www.westbranchresort.com/
