It's a new year of Health, Happiness, and Fly Fishing!

What’s been on your mind as you think about what’s most important in 2025?  Are you focusing on personal goals, relationships, or something else entirely?  I have always been a goal believer to grow, flourish, and create happiness into my life.  Really, none of these desires are anything new, but an ongoing life journey.  Most of my desires for growth are centered around fly fishing truth be told.  How about you?

Having good health enables us to participate and contribute to the fullest of our physical capabilities.  As a serious-minded athlete as a skier and a former competitive motocross racer, I am not naive in getting injured.  When I decided to immerse into my fly fishing endeavors, I presumed fewer encounters of injuries.  To descend freely by the force of gravity, or falling, is an unmistakable injury I have learned no one is exempt from in fly fishing.  Some of our river bottoms are incredibly rock, slippery, and unforgiving.  The natural reaction to falling is often extending our arms and hands, to try to catch oneself, or brace for impact.  

My right nondisplaced scaphoid
wrist waist oblique fracture.

I have encountered a few falls through the years with fishing resulting with broken fingers and even a fractured wrist.  All of which I have recovered and continue to fish and fly tie.  To improve any further falls, weight training particularly legs and core strength along with downhill skiing manifested great equilibrium and stability.  

My right hand with moderate first and third
interphalangeal osteoarthritis from fractures.

For hand grip and finger dexterity strength, for years I use the Grip Master, now the Finger Strengthener - Finger Exerciser for Forearm and Hand Strengthener on Amazon - Hand Grip Workout Equipment for Musician, Rock Climbing and falling Cat in the Hats.

 

Less falls means more days out on the river and being able to tie the best flies for the trout.  Plus, sheer happiness of catching lots of trout in all the lakes, rivers, and creeks.  Stay healthy, happy, strong, and injury free! Happy new year to you!  See you on the rivers!

Happiness and trout!

2025 Calendar of Fly Fishing Events!

March 22nd, 2025, Saturday is the West Denver Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Clinic!

Location:  Jefferson County Fairgrounds

15200 W 6th Ave

Golden, CO 80401

(303) 271-6600

Times: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

It is West Denver Trout Unlimited 46th year, with over 50 local and nationally-known tyers.  Also, you can buy previously owned gear and fly tying materials, and enter our huge bucket raffle.  Never tied a fly? Visit their Tie Your First Fly area and tie one!

Active military personnel and kids 12 and younger are admitted free.

Proceeds support West Denver TU’s conservation and education activities.

Anglers All, me and 4 other great women tiers for a Women's Showcase fly tying event, March 15th, 2025, Saturday!  

Anglers All 5211 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO 80120

Times:  1:00pm to 4pm

I hope to see you there!

The Fly Fishing Show, Denver 2025, February 21, 22, and 23rd the Gaylord Rockies Resort!

The fly fishing show of the year, join me, Dave Allison, Jonathan Artunez, Kevin Arculeo, Nick Benik, Marcus Bevier, Tyler Boroff, Michael Burgess, Jeff Currier, John Demuth, Jude Duran, Daryl Eakins, Joel Evans, Tim Flagler, Dylan Gonzales, Eli Gonzales, Jason Haddix, Travis Hanson, Larry Holt, Phil Iwane, Joe Jackson, Tim Jacobs, Stephen Johnson, Merne Judson, Bill Kirk, Lance Kittel, Chris Krueger, Steven Maldonado, David McElwain, Kim Mutaw, Hans Mylant, Carl Pennington, Juan Ramirez, Jane Retherford, Jeff Rowley, Allen Rupp, Shane Schuster, Steve Schweitzer, Spencer Seim, Robin Spaight, Scott Stisser, Rick Takahashi, Son Tao, Matt Thornton, Cat Toy, Todd Turner, Frank Whispell, Jason Yi, and Tom Ziegler.

• The largest exhibit floor in the history of the Denver Fly Fishing Show, yet again!

• New 2025 products from manufacturers.

• Programs and learning opportunities for youngsters and families.

• Women’s Fly Fishing Showcase focused on the

woman angler.

• Casting demos and instruction with Christopher Rownes, Gary Borger, Landon Mayer, Jeff Currier, Mac Brown and more!

• Fly tying with Phil Rowley, Ed Engle, Tim Flagler, Pat Dorsey, Tim

Cammisa and more!

• Classes with the Experts where you can get one-on-one time with the Pros.

• The must-see International Fly Fishing Film Festival on Friday at 6:30

featuring award-winning fly-fishing films.

• The most extensive list of professional speakers across the globe.

• Lodges, resorts, exotic vacation destinations offering the best fly fishing

trips on the planet.

• Live, on site Podcasting

• Live and art demonstrations

• Live bamboo rod building demonstrations

• New rods, reels, lines, accessories, clothing, waders, boots, books, DVDs and

anything else you may want to purchase, plus our exclusive author’s booth.

• Conservation organizations and opportunities to volunteer for the sport

you cherish.

Please join this amazing fly fishing event!  I hope to see you there! 

The St. Vrain Angler Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Expo 2025!

WHEN | February 8, 2025, Saturday

WHERE | American Legion Post 32 Longmont, Colorado

ADMISSION | $20 - See Event registration page

Doors open | 12:30pm

Food and beverage available for purchase at venue

The St. Vrain Angler Trout Unlimited and Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop co-host an annual Fly Tying Expo that features expert tyers from Northern Colorado and throughout the state. This Expo offers the opportunity for one-on-one interaction with the tyers where attendees can chat and learn their patterns, tips, and pointers. With more than 30 tyers demonstrating an astounding variety of flies, attending the Expo is a crash course in upping your tying skills.

The Fly Tying Expo is a fundraiser to support the Chapter’s work and outreach. Flies tied at the event are donated by the tyers for bucket draws. The event also features a silent auction including trips and fishing related items. Fundraising proceeds go to:

1.  Youth programming that introduces kids to fly fishing and healthy watersheds; 

2.  St. Vrain Creek habitat improvement and restoration; and

3.  Educating our community on the value of healthy streams and trout habitat.

2025 Tyer lineup 

Jonathan Antunez | Scott Drake | Rod Dufour

Phil Cavendor | Chuck Esch | Jason Haddix

Kevan Davidson | Stephen Johnson | John YI

Shannah Fedus | John Majerus | Steve Maldonado

Dennis Martin | Mark Mcmillian | Teryll Monroe

Rich pilatzke | Jane Retherford | Micheal ringus

Dick shinton | Marty staab | rick takahashi

anh thai | cat toy | Susan underwood

James Ushiyama | Frank whispell | janine whispell

lydia wickizer | fran Blayney | Phil Iwane 

stephanie hazelton

January 18th, 2025, Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm!

Angler's Covey, Womens Fly Tying Showcase

Please join me for this very special event featuring a day of fly tying by the ladies!  Come see Anh Thai, Cat Toy, Rachel Leinweber, Amy Grigg, and Lydia Wickizer tie their favorite fly patterns.

This is a great opportunity for fly tyers of all abilities to ask questions, learn, and be a part of the fly tying community!  There will be some giveaways throughout the day.

Don’t miss this chance to see some of most creative and awesome women fly tyers!

Anglers Covey:

295 S 21st St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

We hope to see you there!

The International Sportsmen's Expo is happening January 9th through January 12, 2025

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!

The Denver Colorado Convention Center

700 14th Street

Denver, CO 80202

Phone: (303) 228-8000

Email: info@denverconvention.com

Public Show Hours:

Thursday Noon to 7:00pm

Friday Noon to 7:00pm

Saturday 10:00am to 7:00pm

Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm

2025 Fly-Tying Video Theater Schedules 

Thursday, January 9th, 2025 12:00-3:30pm: 

Steve Schweitzer - Dick Shinton - Susan Underwood – Richard Pilatzke- Terra Groah - Todd Birchby – John Yi - Joe Brenton - Jane Retherford - Mary Manka 

3:30-7:00pm: Steve Schweitzer - Ralph Rhoades - Hans Mylant - John Vevurka – Janine Whispell – Terra Groah - Eric Pettine - Todd Birchby – John Yi – Joe Brenton - Jane Retherford - Mary Manka 

Video Tyers: Frank Whispell (12:30); Mark McMillan (2); Kirk Bien (3:30); Chris Steinbeck (5)

Friday, January 10th, 2025 12:00-3:30pm: Daryl Eakins - Dennis Martin - Dick Shinton - Susan Underwood - Frank Whispell - Janine Whispell - Ben Baxter - Cat Toy - Bret Oeltjenbruns – Steve Schweitzer - Tim Jacobs - Elkan Normadin 

3:30-7:00pm: Garrison Doctor - Scott Stisser - Steve Maldonado - Kevan Davidson - Barbara Luneau - Mark Rayman - Bill Kirk – Cat Toy - Joel Evans – Eric Pettine - Tim Jacobs - Renea Pedersen 

Video Tyers: Garrison Doctor (12:30); Steve Maldonado (2); Pat Dorsey (3:30); Steve Schweitzer (5) 

Saturday, January 11th, 2025 10:00am-2:00pm: 

Rick Takahashi - Chris Krueger - Chuck Esch - Kevan Davidson – Steve Rogers - Steve Schweitzer - Stephanie Hazelton - Joel Evans – Shannah Fedus – Frank Whispell - Cat Toy - Anh Thai

Sunday, January 12th, 2025 10:00-1:00pm: 

Daryl Eakins - John Vevurka - Chuck Esch - Phil Iwane - Bret Oeltjenbruns - Stephanie Hazelton - Antonio Rodrigues - Lydia Wickizer - James Ushiyama - Jon Easdon – Mark McMillan - Loren Mcglone 

1:00-4:00pm: Daryl Eakins – Joel Evans - Renea Pedersen – Stephen Johnson - Barbara Luneau - Mark Rayman - Joe Brenton - Eric Pettine - Fran Blayney - Natasha Blayney - Jonathan Antunez – Richard Pilatzke 

Video Tyers: Daryl Eakins (10:30); Phil Iwane (12); Loren Mcglone (1:30), Antonio Rodriguez (3)

We hope to see you there! 

Fly fishing in New Zealand

 

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have the opportunity to fish in New Zealand.  It is worth it to travel halfway across the world and fish here!  Picturesque rivers with gin clear water, and enormous, magnificent wild trout.  We were on central North Island which is primarily rainbow trout territory.  Some of the best trout hunting and sight fishing for the wary 8-10 pound plus stout rainbow trout.  

Mt. Taranaki.

Mount Taranaki is the second highest mountain in the North Island, and it is a monumental geographical feature of the region.  The word Taranaki likely reflects the Māori connection to the land, describing the iconic volcanic mountain in New Zealand, Mount Taranaki.  Mount Taranaki, stands at 8,261 feet, a majestic and iconic stratovolcano in New Zealand.  It’s not only the second highest mountain in the North Island after Mount Ruapehu, which rises to 9,177 feet, but also holds great cultural and spiritual significance for the Māori people.

Some of the most picturesque remote landscapes.

The foliage and flora found around the rivers on the North Island of New Zealand thrive in moist, nutrient-rich soils including plants like New Zealand flax, kahikatea, cabbage trees, mānuka, and rushes often grow along the banks of the rivers. Other native plants include New Zealand sedge, Māori onion, toetoe, purua sedge, cutty grass, tussock grass, and jointed wire rush.  The ecosystem is an incredibly rich that supports a variety of fish, native birds, and insects while also playing an essential role in the water purification and erosion control.

The incredible bug life in the river.

The morning skies were darkened overcast with an intermittent drizzle.  The water was crystal clear and the river bottom bejeweled with colorful large river rock.  Our guide, Adam Priest, from the Mount Taranaki area prepared us for a full day of miles to explore and fish onto one of North Island’s stunning rivers.  The river scenery was so breathtaking, I had to consistently concentrate on my wading in the river and where Adam was.  Stop where Adam did as these huge, wild rainbow trout are guarded and would flee a favorite riffle or pool immediately.

The scenery is magnificent and very remote.

Precise, quiet casting upriver to the trout, or the game was over.  A successful take and hook set required careful skills to fight and bring in these stunning wild trout.  The play of these trout was exhilarating, but needed ample opportunity to unleash, otherwise, it was a losing strategy.  If he ran, you hurdled along. The art of netting always comes right down to patience.  The first fish in the net seemed unbelievable, but an absolute moment of triumph!

New Zealand longfin eel live in the rivers and creeks.

Upon enjoying the unique plush flora, fernery, forests and coastal gardens, I discovered the New Zealand longfin eels.  They live an incredibly long life with recordings of females reaching 106 years in age and weighing up to 52 lbs.  They spend their lives in the rivers, lakes, and streams before migrating to the sea to breed.  They can grow quite long up to 79 inches in length.  Magnificent creatures if you asked me.  They may attack trout as one of my trout I caught had a bite to its tail.

This rainbow trout bit by a longfin eel.

A successful thrilling day of wading and stalking the trout!  A return to the to the hotel for a hot shower and some fish and chips for dinner.  A day full of amazing memories!  A day fishing on the North Island of New Zealand is definitely a goal or dream one would like to accomplish; I highly recommend it!

Digitalis Purpurea

The play of these trout was exhilarating!

Miss Mayfly Moxie Waders Pants and Boots Review

I had wondered if there is a women's wader pant specifically designed just for women.  Take a look at Miss Mayfly I am very thrilled to discover these fantastic women's wader pants, the Miss Mayfly® Moxie Wading Pant© are a comfortable women's wader pants that fit just right for women!  These comfortable waders are a great fit and have a padded high waist that is adjustable for size.  Good mobility in the knees and waist for wading and capability in covering a lot of river.

Winter is approaching with colder conditions where I have room in my wader pants for warm layering.  

Miss Mayfly® MOXIE Wading Boot©, Rubber- Blue are a comfortable lightweight wader women's boot with a comfortable fit, good insole foot support, and with a durable rubber sole.  I wear a 7 1/2 women's shoe with a nice comfortable fit in a size 8 of this boot. I love the grabby boot lace holders!  I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to have your boot laces come undone!  The lace holders keep everything in place and secure.   A grippy rubber sole with compatibility for cleats.

Use discount code: CATTOY for 10% savings!  

Note:  Above discount code cannot be applied additionally to promotional sales.*

Don't forget about fishing the scuds in the cold months

 

With the colder weather moving in and Old Man Winter is just around the corner, some of us may want to continue bundling up and fishing through winter.  Scuds are crustaceans that dwell in many habitats but are oftentimes in the shallow water areas on aquatic plants, river bottom leaves, and silt of cool tailwaters, springs, lakes, and ponds.  Scuds are highly nutritious and an excellent protein source for the trout. 

Fishing between weed beds can be very productive 
with some careful maneuvering.

Weeds beds are a favorite habitat for scuds, trout will often be grouped up around the weeds and river bottom areas and easily become pushed in the river current.  They are present year-round constantly swimming up and down the water column. 

One of my favorite year-round patterns to fish at
some of our favorite tailwaters.

A great fly pattern to swing by the trout all times of the year including the colder months.  My recipe in tying the scud in tan:

Hook:  Togens 3x heavy hook size 16

Thread:  UNI-Thread 8/0, tan

Back:  Scud back 1/8" clear

Thorax:  Dubbing for Scuds and Sowbugs, tan

Head/tail:  Antron yarn, tan

Segmentation:  UTC Ultra wire, gold extra small

UV:  Solarez Ultra thin, clear

Scuds come in various colors including olive, grey, greens, tans, and orange.  Scuds turn an attractive green at the late part of their lifecycle.  Scuds transform into orange in color when they die, and they can be vital to imitate in tailwaters with fluctuating water flow. When the water level drops, scuds can become stranded in the streambed, and as the water level rises again, the dead scuds are swept into the river and an easy meal for the trout.

The best way to fish a scud is a dead drift just as you would with a nymph.  Fishing within the weeds is complicated, but something you don't want to miss.  Casting into the larger channels between the weeds could hold lots of trout with the occasional hidden beast.  Fish the different parts of the water column as well as the casting into the riffles.  Fooling the trout with a tumbling scud in faster waters can be quite exhilarating!  See you on the river!

A fantastic brownie fooled by a tan scud.

Water Temperature and Trout Metabolism

 

One of the first things I like to do when I arrive at the river is retrieving my thermometer from my pack and check the water temperature.  Trout are ectothermic, or cold-blooded and their metabolism is affected by the temperature of their environment.  As temperatures rise and fall, enzymes of the trout that control the speed of their metabolism undergoing different adjustments.  These changes result in increase or decrease of the trout’s metabolism.

Tailwaters generally holds a consistent
temperature year-round.

As water temperature rises, trout’s metabolism increases, leading to a higher demand for food to fuel their energy needs.  At these higher temperatures, their oxygen requirements increase.  Trout have a specific temperature range where their metabolism is most efficient, often around near-freezing temperatures for their lowest metabolic rate.  As temperatures rise, their metabolic rate gradually increases until it hits an engaging hunger curve point (around 55–65°F for most trout species).  Beyond this point, if temperatures continue to rise particularly above 70°F, their metabolic rate declines rapidly as the trout experiences heat stress, potentially leading to lethal conditions.

In most streams, particularly freestone rivers, water temperatures tend to rise significantly on sunny days, especially during warmer seasons.  However, tailwaters and spring creeks often maintain more stable temperatures.  Tailwaters benefit from water released from deeper, cooler parts of reservoirs, while spring creeks are fed by groundwater that generally holds a consistent temperature year-round.  This stability creates a more favorable environment for fish and aquatic insects.

Vegetation along stream banks can significantly
lower water temperature by blocking sunlight.

Vegetation along stream banks can significantly lower water temperature by blocking direct sunlight. More shadows usually mean cooler water temperatures.  Larger bodies of water generally have a greater capacity to absorb and distribute heat without a significant rise in temperature. Smaller streams, with lower volumes, can warm more quickly and be more susceptible to temperature fluctuations.  The angle of the sun affects how much solar radiation hits the water. This varies by season, time of day, and latitude.

A successful fishing day for the crew
fishing in January fishing pocketwater.

Streams that are wider and shallower heat up more quickly because a greater surface area is exposed to sunlight relative to the volume. Narrower, deeper streams tend to stay cooler as less water is directly exposed to solar heating.  Warmer ambient air temperatures can increase the heat exchange between the air and the water.  Summer days or prolonged warm spells could lead to warmer water temperatures.  Faster-flowing water tends to mix more efficiently and may stay cooler than slow-moving water, which is more likely to stagnate and heat up.

Welcome winter fishing.

While we are headed into winter, carrying a thermometer isn’t just for summer.  Temperatures 32 to 35, maybe for little activity.  As water temperatures head to 36 to 40 degrees, there may be some pick up in trout activity.  45 degrees, the fish are moving around and in larger pools and runs.  Temperatures headed to 50 degrees, the trout will move into shallower waters such as riffles.  The temperatures the trout are into their peak metabolism rate of 51 to 60 degrees.  Trout will be holding most everywhere in the river but the fastest water.  With winter fishing, focus on fishing the slow and deeper waters.  When the water temperatures rise during the day, fish the shallow riffles and pocketwater.  When the water temperatures drop below 32 degrees, time to head home for a hot shower.  See you on the river!

My brother fishing with me in December.

Living the Dream

My boyfriend and I had dinner last Saturday evening with some great new friends at their house.  A charcuterie board full of crackers, cheese, salami, jams, honey, cashews, macadamia nuts, and pasta toppled with chunky spicy sausage tomato sauce and crispy French bread.  The evening was filled with an endless conversation of joviality, sharing, and happiness.

The trout live in beautiful places.

I had returned from a camping and fishing trip from the Yampa River near Steamboat Springs.  An extraordinary fly fishing retreat catching lots of sizable brown trout. It was a great way to maybe top off a good guiding season.  Last July, I recently resigned as a full-time registered nurse, a decision I finally leapt for after 4 1/2 years of brood, contemplation, and distress.  I have been apprehensive if this decision was wise.  After all, I have been a registered nurse for over 18 years, and it seemed logical that I must satisfy this professional career until I retired.  So many nurses always answered back to me when I asked how they are, they often replied they were "living the dream."  As nurses, are we really living the dream?

During the pandemic, I was one of the few nurses who showed up for work despite the fact so many nurses abandoned ship, called in, or simply were too fearful to work in Covid.  Management called and texted me every day I was off, pleading me to come in and work because there were no nurses.  As hard as it was to say no, I knew I was doing the right thing for myself.  I was suffering internally of a profound depression of anguish and gloom.  One of my roughest days of the pandemic working on the Covid unit was putting down 3 patients to rest.  Gary the night nurse who came in to relieve me ran up to me, and I collapsed with tears.  He just held me until I could try to stop crying.  I'm tearing up typing this as I feel like I am reliving the most challenging part of my nursing career.

I hid the pain and tears at work.

I recalled having a mandatory nursing meeting with management.  I listened intently to their perspective of the pandemic and what else can we do to survive this.  After listening to what they had to say, I rose my hand to tell them what I was going through.  I did not know if any of the other nurses and CNAs were having similar experiences, but I would advocate.  I choked as I tried to speak, and I broke down in tears from the melancholy and mourning of all the patients we were losing.  I cried every night I came home from work.  I lost the passion to get myself out to the rivers to fly fish, only to find myself sitting in my living room with the lights off.  Work provided us profession counseling.  A hospice nurse insisted and demanding I return to the river and fish.  It was utterly everything I had to pack an overnight bag, fly rods, waders/boots, and drive to fish the Yampa River.  To get away where there was no cell service, but myself, the river, and the trout.  I did, and I never felt so much life come back to me.

I made it a consistent habit in returning to the rivers to feel a sense of wellness, life, and happiness again.  I realized, I had to keep fishing to make it through this pandemic.  

Loveland Ski patrol training.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the outbreak as a pandemic.  I was on the volunteer Loveland Ski Patrol patrolling the mountain on this day.  The very next day, all the ski resorts closed for the season.  The following ski season as with nursing, very few ski patrollers came up to patrol.  I met and always surpassed my required days on the mountain as a ski patroller due to the great shortage.  I rendered a ton of days of myself to assist during this outstretched pandemic. 

The Burnt French Fry coming soon
spring/summer 2025, Discount Flies.

The world underwent from this pandemic as well as the healthcare industry.  We all did our very best.  As a registered nurse, I still felt the battering with how patients and patient's families wretchedly treated healthcare workers.  While I always believed I was making a difference, I found myself tolerating so much remorse from patients and patient's families for things that were beyond my control.  My intentions as a nurse have always been the desire to help.  Unfortunately, nurses who did come in often worked short on top of management placing some of their tasks to lighten up their load.  I worked every weekend since the pandemic, worked major holidays, because nurses wanted to spend it with their families. I understood this wholeheartedly, but when could I have a weekend or holiday off?  

Being a fly fishing guide has been amazing.

A dependable nurse who nevermore called in sick, performed the position to the highest level, and completed all my patient cares, charting, and putting out fires on weekends and holidays before management came back on Mondays.  I pleaded for a holiday rotation and if I could possibly have every other weekend off.  Nurses where I worked were granted weekends off, new hires got every other weekend off.  With the most seniority of all the nurses and nearly 6 months of inquiring gratifyingly for even every weekend off, management stated they would try to get one weekend off a month for me, "but that doesn't seem possible."

I was fishing to stay sane with nursing.

3 seasons ago, I had the pleasure coming onboard as a professional fly fishing guide with Blue Quill Angler.  People respected me more as a fly fishing guide than as a registered nurse.  Go figure.  I have no sorrows parting from a profession I felt like I did not matter.  I craved for my life back and a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and happiness.  How does this pertain to dinner with friends the other night?  I don't want to fish because I am trying to survive a demanding profession, but rather that I am passionate and savor what fly fishing is all about.  To fish because I enjoy it.  Not because it is requirement.  Fly fishing is sport and passion I can partake and cherish with family, friends, and clients.

Some incredible friends I have met in fly fishing!

It is true.  I really am living the dream.

Fall Fishing

Fall in Colorado offers a unique and breathtaking fly fishing experience. The crisp air, golden Aspen leaves, and snow-capped peaks create a beautiful backdrop for anglers. During this season, trout become more active in preparation for winter, making the fishing particularly rewarding. Popular rivers like the Arkansas, Gunnison, and South Platte offer great opportunities to catch brown and rainbow trout.

Fall in Colorado's rivers is indeed a prime time for anglers, particularly those targeting Brown Trout during their pre-spawn period. The trout become more aggressive and hungry, providing excellent opportunities to catch them, especially using streamer patterns. However, it's crucial to respect the spawning process once it begins by avoiding actively spawning fish and keeping away from their redds to protect future populations.

Orange egg tied with McFlyfoam, hotspot with
Solarez UV color resin fluorescent red

Targeting other fish, such as Rainbow Trout or non-spawning Browns that take advantage of loose eggs in deeper runs, is a great strategy during this time. See you on the river!

Cat's Caddis Larva aka the Green Cheeseburger now available at Discount Flies!

Cat's Caddis Larva aka Green Cheeseburger

I am very excited to announce that Cat's Caddis Larva fly pattern, aka Green Cheeseburger is now available online at Discount Flies!  This fly is available in colors:  olive, caddis green, sand, and chartreuseb to come.  Sizes available are #14, #16, #18, and #20.  No secret, this has been one of my #1 flies on the rivers, creeks, streams I fish and guide at year round!

Keith caught this fantastic brown
 on Cat's Caddis Larva.

The Green Cheeseburger came to life on a day fishing the Eagle River in Colorado with a little caddis larva I found clinging to my waders.  I carefully took a deep look and studied the larva of its features, color, and characteristics.  Before returning home from the river, I drove straight to Charlie's Fly Box where I strolled the aisles grabbing materials of what I believe would create this imitation of the caddis larva.  I may have tied 3 or 4 of these caddis larva and returned to the Eagle River the next day to fish it with an overwhelming success!

A beautiful rainbow trout from the Eagle River.

The Green Cheeseburger fished so incredibly well that day, I knew I had to tie more!  I fished this larva at every river, creek, and stream with consistent amazing catches.  If I could catch lots of great fish on this fly, surely my guide trips with Blue Quill Angler could make excited clients happy!🎣

A beefy rainbow chomped on the
Green Cheeseburger at the Blue River.

I shared with my fly tying friends how to tie the Green Cheeseburger, and I am very happy to hear of their success in filling their fishing nets with great catches.  I have been fishing this caddis larva the last 4 years from the S. Platte River:  Deckers, Cheesman Canyon, Eleven Mile Canyon, Tomahawk, the Dream Stream, to the Blue River, to the Yampa River in Steamboat Springs, to the Arkansas tailwaters in Pueblo, also to the Arkansas River, to the North Platte River in Wyoming:  Miracle Mile, Fremont Canyon, Grey Reef, to the Eagle River, to the creeks:  Clear Creek, S. Boulder Creek, Bear Creek just to name a few places this trout pastry has fooled the trout.

A fantastic rainbow I caught from the Blue River
on the Green Cheeseburger.

I will be tying at a number of fly tying expos, fishing events, and the Fly Fishing Show, Denver.  I will be regularly updating my events calendar of where you can find me fly tying.  Please stop by, say hello, and share your fishing stories of the many big fish you caught on the Green Cheeseburger!

Fly tying at the Troutfest

This fly pattern, I have year round great success including in the heart of winter.

Stock up on some of Cat's Caddis Larva aka, Green Cheeseburgers for your fly box at Discount Flies!

Peter caught this brownie on Cat's Caddis Larva.

The Matchstick Midge.

I also want to share of my Matchstick Midge also available at Discount Flies!  This midge evolved while I was fishing on the S. Platte River by myself.  They were very abundant in the waters which pushed me to drop in to pay a visit to Charlie's Fly Box to tie an imitation of this midge.   Such an effective midge I discovered.  

Thank you for your support!  See you on the rivers!

Cat's Caddis Larva.