A reflection looking back at 2023

2023 has been an amazing year for me with some changes and personal growth in the fly fishing industry.  First and foremost, I have the continued true pleasure of being a part of Blue Quill Angler's stellar team!  The positive energy, talent, and the motivation to be topnotch are all I could ask for in an exceptional crew.  Thank you!

Fly fishing guide, Geneva, and I at the shop.

I put in countless days fishing on the rivers and creeks.  Everyday is a day for brand new knowledge experience and adventure.  Most think I am just fishing for the day.  Some have tormented me that I fish way too much. I always believe, I cannot be a great guide on the river unless I do my fish homework.  Which means time invested on the river fishing.  There is much more to it but keeping it simple.

My time on the rivers doing what I love!

As a part time fly fishing guide, I still partake my fair share in the enjoyment of fishing.  Fishing with my friends and meeting new fishing buddies has been delightful this year.  I wish I had more time to fish with everyone.  Guiding has been such a blast meeting some cool people and sharing the enjoyment of fly fishing.

Loveland ski patrol.

I shifted my energy in a resignation with Loveland Ski Patrol.  I was so overwhelmed with being a full-time registered nurse, a part time fly fishing guide, and volunteer ski patrol.  Requesting time off, calling in sick, double booking myself, and trying to meet up with all my commitments made me realize that I had reached maximum capacity of what one person could do.  Once I left Loveland Ski Patrol, I was astonished how the fly fishing literally infused into those open slots. It gifted me to move forward with more time into my passion with fly fishing.

My time I gained back became exceptionally rewarding with fly tying and doing presentations for Colorado Women Flyfishers, Project Healing Waters, Angler Covery's Hootenanny, the International Sportsmen's Expo, the Fly Fishing Show Denver, Rocky Mountain Flycasters, St. Vrain Anglers Fly Tying Expo, Troutfest, and my dedication tying every 3rd Tuesday with West Denver Trout Unlimited.

     

Fly tying at the Troutfest 2023.

Guiding season began quickly in April meeting Amanda who was brand new into the sport of flyfishing.  She had the robust desire to learn and a style of a natural on the river.  It was two ladies on the river on a frigid, foggy, sleet day having a great day howling with joy with her first brown trout in the net!  Her trip brought me right back to why I love to guide.  I was gratified to witness her overjoyed success.  Thank you, Amanda.  I hope you are catching a ton of fish!

Amanda on her first trout!

Charlie wanted to improve his fishing skills and gave me the chance to tailor a guide trip with Euro nymphing on the Arkansas River.  I will admit, I was intimidated with a well-seasoned fisherman with many years experience in fly fishing.  What an excellent day it was customizing and teaching him how to be a proficient angler.  Charlie and I have fished a number of times since that day, and I am so honored of his continued successful days fishing on the rivers.  Thank you, Charlie, for your great friendship and being a great fishing buddy! 

Charlie had success learning Euro nymphing
with me on a guide trip to the Arkansas River.

Guiding this season had me meet and fish with a lot of locals around the Denver and Evergreen area.  I got the chance to guide and teach Keith Euro nymphing in Cheesman Canyon with a lot of sizeable, stout trout in the net.  It was just a couple days after this trip of Cheesman Canyon taking a significant hit with torrential downpour and heavy floods on the South Platte River.  So much sediment and debris washed into the canyon.  I am forlorn what happened to Cheesman Canyon.  I hope this beauteous fishery recovers hastily. 

Keith caught his personal best in 
Cheesman Canyon.

 

I have met some incredible new friends and fishing buddies this year.  Thank you, Kenny, for the fishing adventures and exploring the North Platte River.  I have heard about this river from friends, and I was so delighted to have the opportunity to run away from work and fish this special place.

Kenny on a fantastic rainbow.

The San Juan River is renowned for its excellent fly fishing in New Mexico.  What a spectacular time of friendships and fish!  I am so appreciative, Chris, for the opportunity to join you and your family on the San Juan River in New Mexico.  I cannot wait to fish again with you soon!

The San Juan River did not disappoint!

I am looking forward to the new year.  It only get better from here!  Stay healthy everyone!  Happy holidays and see you on the rivers next year!

Some time for me to fish!

Phil, thank you for your genuine friendship. Words cannot express my gratitude to you.  Thank you for the laughter and teaching me how to count the fish!  I am looking so forward to tying and fishing with you in many years to come!

Cal Winn, Phil Iwane, Chris Depew, and I.

Many thanks for your support and Togens Fly Shop, Anadramous Fly Company, Shopmcfly, Qualifly Reels, Lid Rig, Mystic Fly Rods, Solarez, and Fin River Gear.