Wow...that was fast!
Seems like Santy has two lists he keeps. One is the "What I Want For Christmas List" and the other is the "you know what" list. Looks like I'm on the latter.
Anyhow...here's his reply.
Dear Barry,
This is to acknowledge that we did receive your wish list letter at the North Pole. I want you to know that I gave your wishes careful consideration. However,...after retrieving your file from the naughty or nice database I did find,...how should I say this,... well there were a number of red flags that popped up if you will.
The left side of the list was rather lengthy and I simply can't list all the infractions therein, so I just want to highlight a few so you'll know exactly where you stand.
For example, there seemed to be an incident at the workplace where you decided to take a roll of shrink wrap and completely engulf a co-workers vehicle. That in itself is not so bad but unfortunately the poor guy was expecting the birth of his first-born child that day...which did take place. To compound things, there was a torrential rain that came and this poor chap spent two hours cutting the shrink wrap from his car so he could rush to the hospital to witness the birth of his child...which we now know...he missed.
That's not very nice Barry.
The second thing that stood out also involved another co-worker. It seems this guy drove a pickup to work each day and parked in such a manner that once he left work he approached his vehicle from the front. In other words Barry, and this is something I'm sure you studied vigorously...he never looked at his tailgate. For some reason you decided to tape a sign on his tailgate that read "I just married my sister!". Barry, the poor guy got the living crap beat out of him that same day in front of the Golden Chick because of that sign.
That wasn't very nice either Barry.
Then lastly. It seems you developed some bizarre pattern or infatuation of breaking wind in the early morning hours and pulling the covers over Miss Carol's head. I'm sure Miss Carol relishes each of those memorable occasions.
You're kind of a sick puppy Barry.
Long story short Barry...you ain't getting squat on that list. You're getting nada...like in "not a" dadgum thing.
On second thought however, since I have to come your way anyhow, you can expect two things from me on Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Eve as I fly over your house I'll toss you a couple of packages of size 12 streamer hooks (Mustad 9672's to be exact), in hopes this will be enough to keep your little demented mind pacified for the coming year.
The second thing you can expect from me Barry is this. On Christmas Eve at eleven-forty-ish (like you said), you'll be standing in your front yard, drinking beer, scratching your butt probably, and peering up in the sky as I fly by.
Barry...look for my middle finger.
I plan on painting it fluorescent orange just to make sure you see it.
Ho, Ho, Ho, and Merry friggin Christmas you little prick.
Oh, by the way...the middle finger thing was the idea of Mrs. Claus.
Santa
Blue River Fly Classic
A One Pattern Fly Event
Monday, November 30, 2009
Cyber Monday For Fly Anglers
Today is that day that many outdoor based retailers are offering great deals to fill those Christmas stockings.
If you are an on-line shopper you might want to take a quick look at what some of these retailers have to offer because many of their bargains end tomorrow.
I've picked out a few just to entice you and I hope you enjoy our visits.
Cabelas. Better act soon.
Bass Pro. Yep, their promotion is coming to an end soon too.
Orvis. Orvis is the King Kong of the fly fishing retailing world and they have some good deals going.
L.L. Bean. I love L.L. Bean and they are one of my favorite outdoor retailers.
Hope everyone finds that perfect fly-fishing gift.
If you are an on-line shopper you might want to take a quick look at what some of these retailers have to offer because many of their bargains end tomorrow.
I've picked out a few just to entice you and I hope you enjoy our visits.
Cabelas. Better act soon.
Bass Pro. Yep, their promotion is coming to an end soon too.
Orvis. Orvis is the King Kong of the fly fishing retailing world and they have some good deals going.
L.L. Bean. I love L.L. Bean and they are one of my favorite outdoor retailers.
Hope everyone finds that perfect fly-fishing gift.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
My Letter To Santy
It's time to get your "What I want for Christmas" letters mailed off to the north pole. I mailed mine yesterday and want to share what's on my list.
Dear Santy,
How's it hanging big guy? Figure you and the boys are pretty hooked-up right now so thought I better get my list to ya. This year's list is about the same as last years which brings me to another subject. Try not and be such a cheese ball this year - tis the season of giving you know!
Here's the list.
Sage TCS 4 wt. 9 ft. Fly Rod
Ross Airius 4 wt. Fly Reel
Okuma Helios H-56 5 wt. Fly Reel
Orvis Wonderline 4 wt. WF (get some backing too)
Froghair 6X (A whole bunch of it)
Fishpond Blue River Chest/Lumbar PaCK
Another set of LL Bean Waders (They're great)
Whiting Olive Grizzly Buggerpacks (Two packages please)
Well, that about wraps it up Santy. Figure you'll be flying over my house around eleven-fourtyish or something so I'll be standing out in the front yard drinking beer.
Merry Christmas to ya Santy...and give Mrs. Claus a big wet one for me.
Barry
Dear Santy,
How's it hanging big guy? Figure you and the boys are pretty hooked-up right now so thought I better get my list to ya. This year's list is about the same as last years which brings me to another subject. Try not and be such a cheese ball this year - tis the season of giving you know!
Here's the list.
Sage TCS 4 wt. 9 ft. Fly Rod
Ross Airius 4 wt. Fly Reel
Okuma Helios H-56 5 wt. Fly Reel
Orvis Wonderline 4 wt. WF (get some backing too)
Froghair 6X (A whole bunch of it)
Fishpond Blue River Chest/Lumbar PaCK
Another set of LL Bean Waders (They're great)
Whiting Olive Grizzly Buggerpacks (Two packages please)
Well, that about wraps it up Santy. Figure you'll be flying over my house around eleven-fourtyish or something so I'll be standing out in the front yard drinking beer.
Merry Christmas to ya Santy...and give Mrs. Claus a big wet one for me.
Barry
Friday, November 27, 2009
Water Temperatures And Strategy
Looking at the coming weather predicted here on the prairie ocean it's time to think about how the cooler water temperatures will effect our fishing strategies for the bows of the Blue.
Over the years I have tried to keep hand-written notes as to the weather, sky conditions, and water temperatures while fishing at Blue. I must admit that many times it's difficult to read my own writing but non-the-less through these notes I've developed my own theory about water temps and capturing trout.
Again, this is just my theory and has no concrete basis as if it will work for anyone else...but hopefully my synopsis will.
WATER TEMPERATURES/WHERE & HOW/WHEN
When the water temperature is fifty or below:
Fish the deep pools.
Dead drift nymphs bouncing them on the bottom.
If fishing streamers then fish low in the column and slow in the action.
Fish during the middle of the day.
When the water temperature is between 50-55:
Again, dead drift the nymphs on bottom or use tandem rig so as to have a middle column trailer. Increase speed and movement on streamers.
Fish mid-morning to evening.
When the water temperature is between 55-65 (optimum):
Look for the risers and match with dries. Drift nymphs and also swing. Drift, high stick the wets and take the swing and let rest. Swing the streamers and rest, then strip.
Fish all day long.
When the water temperature is between 65-70:
Oh boy...stress is building up in the bows. Look for risers, fish small nymph patterns. Look for spring-creek confluences and fish the shade. Panic strip streamers from shaded banks.
Fish early.
Once more...these are moves or decisions that have worked for me over the years.
I would welcome comments from other Blue fly-fishers as to other strategies. Simply post a comment and add your thoughts.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Another Thanksgiving On Blue
Trout Season 2009/2010 Trout Fishing Day 10
This was my twentieth Thanksgiving to work at the same place and I guess I should be quite thankful for that fact. And...I am. I'm particularly thankful this year because the job situation looks like I may find myself adrift on the sea of joblessness at any time.
Today also was my eleventh year in a row to spend at least part of Thanksgiving day with the Lady Blue.
Battling a chest cold and feeling rather crummy the thought of not going at all crossed my mind but still I was compelled to go. Spending time with the river seems to have become some kind of requirement of my very existence. Fishing didn't seem all that important today...just being there did, but still I would put on the waders and cut the waters.
At Chris's Pool the risers were crazy and there was a mixture of black and grey bugs on the surface. Convinced I could entice them with a soft hackle I flung that sucker and hoped for the best. The wind was giving me more battle than the bows at first but finally I got into a rhythm and met a couple of bows.
Down in the channel there was a flurry of activity so I waded there. In the channels is challenge fishing, at least to me, because of the tight casting. However, if you can pull the cast off the fishing is priceless. More bows would be met in the channels but the bows actually got the best of the jousting with more strikes than I.
Today I was thankful for the chance to be on such a special natural occurring river as Blue. She is quite special.
Hope we all will remember our troops this holiday season.
This was my twentieth Thanksgiving to work at the same place and I guess I should be quite thankful for that fact. And...I am. I'm particularly thankful this year because the job situation looks like I may find myself adrift on the sea of joblessness at any time.
Today also was my eleventh year in a row to spend at least part of Thanksgiving day with the Lady Blue.
Battling a chest cold and feeling rather crummy the thought of not going at all crossed my mind but still I was compelled to go. Spending time with the river seems to have become some kind of requirement of my very existence. Fishing didn't seem all that important today...just being there did, but still I would put on the waders and cut the waters.
At Chris's Pool the risers were crazy and there was a mixture of black and grey bugs on the surface. Convinced I could entice them with a soft hackle I flung that sucker and hoped for the best. The wind was giving me more battle than the bows at first but finally I got into a rhythm and met a couple of bows.
Down in the channel there was a flurry of activity so I waded there. In the channels is challenge fishing, at least to me, because of the tight casting. However, if you can pull the cast off the fishing is priceless. More bows would be met in the channels but the bows actually got the best of the jousting with more strikes than I.
Today I was thankful for the chance to be on such a special natural occurring river as Blue. She is quite special.
Hope we all will remember our troops this holiday season.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Oklahoma Wildlife Department Becomes More Proactive
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife is now offering an additional chance for the outdoor community to address issues, concerns, and hopes.
The wildlife department has always held public hearings partially as a requirement and to gain input on specific topics that affect the department and the sportsman. But now, the wildlife department is taking it a step further by announcing Town Hall meetings where the format won't be so structured.
This is the perfect chance for the sportsman or woman to get involved in the development of new programs and policy changes within the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife.
Here is the wildlife departments news release.
Sportsmen will have a new opportunity this year to voice their thoughts on wildlife, hunting and fishing related issues at one of several town hall meetings held across the state by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
“These town hall meetings are a chance for sportsmen to have open discussions with Wildlife Department officials about matters that affect them directly,” said Micah Holmes, information and education supervisor for the Wildlife Department. “In the past, the Wildlife Department has held public hearings where discussions are usually limited to a posted meeting agenda, and while the Department will still collect formal comments on proposals, these town hall meetings provide a better opportunity for sportsmen to discuss other matters on their mind.”
At each town hall meeting, visitors will have the chance to speak with Wildlife Department officials about a range of topics of their choice. Law enforcement and wildlife and fisheries biologists from the Wildlife Department will be on hand to answer questions and facilitate discussion.
Meetings are scheduled for Dec. 7, 8, 9 and 11 at locations statewide. All meetings begin at 7 p.m. The following is listing of dates and locations:
December 7, 2009, 7 p.m.
Enid – Central Fire Station, 410 W. Garriott
December 8, 2009, 7 p.m.
Ada – Ponotoc Technology Center, 601 West 33rd
Jenks – Tulsa Technology Center, Riverside Campus, 801 E. 91st Street
McAlester – Kiamichi Technology Center, 301 Kiamichi Drive: SW corner of Hwy 69 and Hwy 270
Lawton – Great Plains Technology Center, 4500 W. Lee Blvd
December 9, 2009, 7 p.m.
Muskogee – Muskogee Public Library, 801 W. Okmulgee
Clinton – Senior Citizen Center, 323 S. 8th Street
December 11, 2009, 7 p.m.
Oklahoma City – Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Auditorium, 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd.
In addition to the new town hall meetings, the Wildlife Department also will be hosting three public hearings Jan. 11-12. One of the three hearings — to be held in Oklahoma City — will have an agenda that includes a slate of proposed rule changes to Oklahoma's hunting and fishing laws, while two others held in Miami and Pryor will have agendas limited to fisheries topics.
Unlike town hall meetings, public hearings discussion is limited to a pre-established meeting agenda that includes a slate of proposed hunting or fishing rule changes. Examples include increasing opportunities for hunters and anglers and adding new laws to better conserve wildlife. The meeting agendas will be posted online at wildlifedepartment.com Dec. 1, and the public can comment at the meetings or online.
“If you are not able to make one of the public hearings, we encourage you to provide your comments through wildlifedepartment.com anytime before 4:30 p.m. Jan. 15, 2010,” Holmes said.
Additionally, those interested can submit written comments by mail to our main office in Oklahoma City (P.O. Box 53465, OKC, OK 73152).
Meetings will be held at 7 p.m. at the following locations:
January 11, 2010, 7 p.m.
Oklahoma City – Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Auditorium, 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Miami – Miami Civic Center, 129 5th Ave NW, Banquet Room (Fisheries topics only)
January 12, 2010, 7 p.m.
Pryor – OSU Extension Office, 2200 NE 1st Street (Mayes County Fairgrounds) (Fisheries topics only)
The wildlife department has always held public hearings partially as a requirement and to gain input on specific topics that affect the department and the sportsman. But now, the wildlife department is taking it a step further by announcing Town Hall meetings where the format won't be so structured.
This is the perfect chance for the sportsman or woman to get involved in the development of new programs and policy changes within the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife.
Here is the wildlife departments news release.
Sportsmen will have a new opportunity this year to voice their thoughts on wildlife, hunting and fishing related issues at one of several town hall meetings held across the state by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
“These town hall meetings are a chance for sportsmen to have open discussions with Wildlife Department officials about matters that affect them directly,” said Micah Holmes, information and education supervisor for the Wildlife Department. “In the past, the Wildlife Department has held public hearings where discussions are usually limited to a posted meeting agenda, and while the Department will still collect formal comments on proposals, these town hall meetings provide a better opportunity for sportsmen to discuss other matters on their mind.”
At each town hall meeting, visitors will have the chance to speak with Wildlife Department officials about a range of topics of their choice. Law enforcement and wildlife and fisheries biologists from the Wildlife Department will be on hand to answer questions and facilitate discussion.
Meetings are scheduled for Dec. 7, 8, 9 and 11 at locations statewide. All meetings begin at 7 p.m. The following is listing of dates and locations:
December 7, 2009, 7 p.m.
Enid – Central Fire Station, 410 W. Garriott
December 8, 2009, 7 p.m.
Ada – Ponotoc Technology Center, 601 West 33rd
Jenks – Tulsa Technology Center, Riverside Campus, 801 E. 91st Street
McAlester – Kiamichi Technology Center, 301 Kiamichi Drive: SW corner of Hwy 69 and Hwy 270
Lawton – Great Plains Technology Center, 4500 W. Lee Blvd
December 9, 2009, 7 p.m.
Muskogee – Muskogee Public Library, 801 W. Okmulgee
Clinton – Senior Citizen Center, 323 S. 8th Street
December 11, 2009, 7 p.m.
Oklahoma City – Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Auditorium, 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd.
In addition to the new town hall meetings, the Wildlife Department also will be hosting three public hearings Jan. 11-12. One of the three hearings — to be held in Oklahoma City — will have an agenda that includes a slate of proposed rule changes to Oklahoma's hunting and fishing laws, while two others held in Miami and Pryor will have agendas limited to fisheries topics.
Unlike town hall meetings, public hearings discussion is limited to a pre-established meeting agenda that includes a slate of proposed hunting or fishing rule changes. Examples include increasing opportunities for hunters and anglers and adding new laws to better conserve wildlife. The meeting agendas will be posted online at wildlifedepartment.com Dec. 1, and the public can comment at the meetings or online.
“If you are not able to make one of the public hearings, we encourage you to provide your comments through wildlifedepartment.com anytime before 4:30 p.m. Jan. 15, 2010,” Holmes said.
Additionally, those interested can submit written comments by mail to our main office in Oklahoma City (P.O. Box 53465, OKC, OK 73152).
Meetings will be held at 7 p.m. at the following locations:
January 11, 2010, 7 p.m.
Oklahoma City – Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Auditorium, 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Miami – Miami Civic Center, 129 5th Ave NW, Banquet Room (Fisheries topics only)
January 12, 2010, 7 p.m.
Pryor – OSU Extension Office, 2200 NE 1st Street (Mayes County Fairgrounds) (Fisheries topics only)
Fly Of The Week
The Brassie
They say dynamite comes in small packages and this saying is particularly true when it comes to this simple pattern the Brassie.
The Brassie is simple in design and quite easy to tie. Consisting of only two materials - fine copper wire and dubbing, this fly will cause an explosion of activity in the trout community.
Having a body of copper wire adds weight to the fly and gets it down into the column. The Brassie can be nymphed alone or used as a dropper or trailer.
Originally the Brassie was tied as a copper body fly but now with the introduction of colored wires it can be tied to produce a varied scheme of colors and possibilities.
Tie this pattern in sizes 12 to 20 for best results. I use a curved caddis hook for the Brassie.
Good fishing!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Weekend Fishing
Trout Fishing 2009/2010 Day 9
Saturday
It seemed like Saturday was a near repeat of Friday and I was greeted with the same grey soupy sky while riding down the prairie ocean trail.
Actually I got a little earlier start Saturday leaving the bunkhouse about ten o'clock. John Mellencamp rode down with me and I always enjoy what he has to say. About half way to Blue, on the side of the road was a dead doe that had given her life not for the thrill of the hunt but rather at the grill of a damn vehicle. Eyes wide open, glaring like black mirrors...what a terrible waste on the prairie ocean and a sad sight to see.
Today, I decided to fish the island even though it was heavy with anglers. Unlike yesterday I decided not to use the soft hackle but stick with the olive/yellow split-tail bugger and with the very first cast I met the first bow of the day.
Again, the bows were frolicking but I paid them no attention and kept presenting the bugger. The action wasn't fast and furious but rather steady. The frolickers were certainly a distraction but for the life of me I could not see what was causing their explosions on the surface. It had to be small...very small.
Fishing for an hour and a half I would leave the river coming to know nine more of the bow community.
Trout Fishing 2009/2010 Day Ten Fishing
Sunday
Today I got an even earlier start leaving the bunkhouse at nine-thirty but having to ride into Tishomingo to make a delivery would end up putting me at the river about the same time as Saturday.
This morning there is no soupy sky and the sun is trying to burn off the wide spread haze. The fog is heavy-breathed on the trail down which causes me to pull up on the reins a couple of times along the trail.
I decide to stay around the crossing both above and below. Lots of fishers on the river today but the fishing is slow to say the least. After an hour I have only three bows to my credit - one taken below the crossing, the other two above on the bugger.
I keep wanting to go to the island but it is covered with people. Continuing to wait, a chance to fish the island finally comes open... and to these sweet waters I go. The fishing is even slower at the island and the risers are going nuts. I try Ole Grey and get two takers but no hook-sets. Then I dress Ole Grey and start getting lots of refusals. Evidently my dressing screwed Ole Grey up. There are thousands of grey colored mayflies up above in the wide water so I'm convinced this is what the bows want but it's just not working. I have another look and see some black bugs mixed in so I go to a Griffiths Gnat (way too large) and it produces absolutely nothing.
Starting to think emergers I try a hare's ear and get one take but that's it. Then comes the red midge larvae and I catch two.
It's about this time the big bows show up and they are a threesome. They travel together and even have a tag-along in the form of a small trout. These poor creatures have been tossed and flung at since derby weekend and they are as nervous and guarded as a community of Meerkats.
Kids are having a great time splashing in the middle of the Island pool which doesn't help the fishing any. I give up...and decide to go downstream.
Downstream with the bugger back on I quickly catch four more bows which brings me to nine just like the day before. I am done...it's time to go.
The river is as clear as I've ever seen her and the level is still good but diminishing every so slightly.
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