Another great video from Tightline...  Simple BWO Emerger, fun to tie, and more fun to fish!

Fishing For Calm - Tedx Bozeman

The Ted Talk is officially online and can be viewed on Tedx Bozeman's Youtube Channel.

Thank you to everyone who helped craft the message and coach me on the delivery!

The message is important.  Post Traumatic Stress affects many of our returning combat veterans and they need our support.  If you can, please take the time to give of yourselves to thank those that put themselves in harm's way.

Anybody want to go fishing?

International Fly Fishing Fair - Put it on the calendar!

August 4-6, 2016 marks the International Fly Fishing Fair hosted by Park County's own International Federation of Fly Fishers at Park High School in Livingston, Montana.

Put it on your calendars.

The event will include a live auction, BBQ, tying and casting demonstrations, seminars, and much more, including an action packed exhibit hall all three days!  There is a photo contest for all you pic-junkies, stuff for the kids, and much more.  $10 for an adult, $15 for a family, kids 15 and under free.  A limited number of free passes will be available at the Livingston Chamber Office starting on July 1, 2016 for all you looking for a deal.

More information can be found HERE.



Get out there and enjoy in between chasing the hoppers on the Yellowstone...

Sharp Hooks,

Sky

Analyzing Trout Rise Forms - A great post over at the Limp Cobra

This morning over a cup of coffee I perused the usual fly fishing blogs... Orvis, ChiWulff, Yellowstoner, and Limp Cobra.  The Cobra came through with my favorite of the day, linking me to "a real gem from Alan Bulmer at Active Angling New Zealand for your trout hunting pleasure."  It goes into different rise forms (Bulging, Tailing, Sipping) and what the fish is likely to be feeding on.

Here's a link to the full article:  https://activeanglingnz.com/2015/09/30/analysing-trout-rise-forms-a-lost-skill/

It's complete with pictures (mmmmm.... pretttyyy), a great little chart, and some good knowledge to shove into your brain bucket.  Enjoy.

Sharp Hooks,

Sky

The Passing of Prince

When Eric Clapton was asked what it was like being the greatest guitar player in the world, he replied: "I don't know, you'll have to ask Prince."

Below are two of my favorite flies here in Montana.  The Prince Nymph (anywhere, anytime) and the Purple Haze (especially on Slough Creek after the cutties have seen every foam pattern imaginable all Summer long).  While the Purple Haze reflects a song made famous by Jimi Hendrix, I can't help but sing "I only want to see you standing in the Purple Haze.  Purple Haze, Purple Haze." along the lines of one of Prince's most famous hits, "Purple Rain".  He was set to play that song with several others during the halftime show of the 2007 Superbowl during a downpour.  When asked if he could play in the rain by the staff, he said "Yes.  Can't you make it rain harder?"  Like the performer, these flies are up to the challenge and they are a must in any fly fisher's box here in Montana.

While I'm more of a fan of two types of music, country AND western, I can certainly appreciate the guitar mastery displayed by Prince.  We're sorry to see him go.  "Count it".

Tying Videos are by Tightline Video Productions.  They are one of my favorite crews along with Davie McPhail when it comes to learning, honing, and practicing tying skills.  Find more of their videos online at  https://www.youtube.com/user/tightlinevideo

Sharp Hooks,

Sky

Tedx Bozeman - April 9, 2016

The Ted Talk is getting polished up for THIS SATURDAY, April 9th.  The title of my talk is:

Fishing for Calm  -  The Serenity of Fly Fishing and its Use in Treating Post Traumatic Stress in Our Combat Veterans.

If you'd like to view the talk on the live stream, check out the link HERE.

I go onstage at 4:36 pm Montana Time (give or take).

If you can't catch the live stream, I'll be posting a link to the YouTube version as soon as it's available!

I would like to thank:

All of my friends and family for helping me to make this opportunity possible, especially Tara Jean Ray, who is quite the coach, and patient enough to listen to me over, and over, and over...;

The fine folks running this first-class Tedx event... Your hard work is not unnoticed;

The Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation - For all that you do  (more on that later on);

And a special thanks to Saul Martinez at the Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation.  I have never served in the military, and his help and guidance in communicating this message properly was essential.

Thank you all!

Sharp Hooks,

Sky Jones

Made In Montana Monday

I happen to have a large collection of old fly fishing magazines that I've acquired over the years and they're a lot of fun.  Occasionally I flip through one and look at the articles all about the latest and greatest thing in fly fishing... which are often about things that are now obsolete.  The greatest thing about these magazines are the old advertisements and I'll start sharing a few of them here every now and then.  These are taken from the June 1984 issue of Fly Fisherman Magazine with none other than Dave Whitlock on the cover.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Whitlock a couple of years ago at the Simms Ice Out event here in Bozeman where he and I were on one of the last tours of the day of Simms' headquarters in Four Corners, Montana, where we saw the production lines for the waders...  Of course they've come a long way since the waders they were advertising in this issue:

There aren't many color advertisements in these old rags, but this one certainly does the trick.  At the time they seem to have been out of Jackson Hole, but we're glad they're in our backyard now.

This last one is for Big Sky of Montana Resort.  I'm not sure why but I think it's a riot.

Enjoy and Sharp Hooks!

Sky

30 Subscribers - 30 Fly Giveaway

I saw where somebody in the Philippines viewed this blog...

I heard of getting lost, but that's a whole new kind of wandering around on the internet.

I also saw that I am approaching a whopping 30 subscribers!  Yes, you saw that right.  It's not a typo.  So, in celebration, once I hit the 30 subscriber mark I'm going to give away 30 flies tied by yours truly.  I'll even tie a few specific patterns for your local waters, wherever you may be.  I wonder if a Philippino Gar Fish would eat a size 16 parachute adams?

Once we hit the big THREE-OH I'll post a quiz, or an essay topic, or perhaps a haiku ad lib, and pick the best to receive the flies.  Maybe I'll put the names in a hat and draw one.  I don't know.

Fly Fishing Is ____________.
I like to __________ __________ ___________ __________.
That's why ___________ _____________ ______.
(Each blank space represents a syllable)

On another note, I've been selected to speak at this year's TedX event here in Bozeman.  More on that to come!

Subscribe on!  Who knows?  Maybe someday it'll be....dare I say it?  40!!!

Sharp Hooks,

Sky

Salty Monday - Big Jack Crevalle off the S.U.P.

Captain Brian Vaughn of Off the Hook Charters, Inc. off of Hilton Head Island with a big Jack Crevalle on the fly.  Nice footwork!  Certainly somebody we want to go fishing with as soon as we can!  Check him out at www.OffTheHookCharters.com and get a load of some of his artwork at www.OriginalFishPrints.com.  Good stuff Brian!

One Of My Favorite Streamer Patterns

This is a great little pattern tied here by Ryan Gabert of Dakota Angler & Outfitter.  I've used this pattern, or one very similar, quite a bit in recent years as I've thrown more and more "small" streamers.  In my opinion a size 6 streamer with catch more fish than an articulated pair of size 2s and you'll still get a look from the bruisers!  

Foam Caddis

Great use of foam for a segmented body....  These techniques may very well work for most any dry fly pattern that has a little bulk (stonefly, etc.).  Can't wait to try a few out on the Big Hole in June!

Yes... He ate the fly...

This fella is a goofball and I love it.  I'm sure he's a Springboks fan, and who wouldn't be?  Neat little fly, but I may stick with the 8/0 uni thread, even though it might not be as "lacquer".  Enjoy!

Great Weather and Redds

     It's that time of year again, when the out-of-towners are out of town until the ski resorts are in full swing, and the locals have a little (not a lot) more breathing room.  The brown trout are getting aggressive as they prepare for courtship.  

     This is just a friendly reminder to watch out for the redds, or "spawning beds", of our most favorite salmonid.  This video, credited to Ben Lupton, shows a brown trout "cutting" a redd.  While this one is obvious to see, some of them are not, especially in our local streams and rivers.  Be careful where you walk, and try to leave actively spawning fish alone, as they are simply trying to stock the river with more brownies.  Perhaps attach a waterproof camera to a pole and get some underwater video... I'd rather see that than a grip-n-grin after dragging an egg rig over their backs 30 times.  Most of all, get out and enjoy the sights, sounds, and feel of the beautiful weather! 

Check out the rest of Ben's videos on YouTube..... Good stuff!

Sharp Hooks,

Sky  

Weekly Cribbage Tournaments at the Eagles Club, Aerie #326!

Bozeman, Montana is home to many things.... including a great Eagles Club Bar.  Open Cribbage Tournaments every Tuesday evening.  Sign up at 6:00, start at 6:30!  $8 buy-in, 100% payout, high hand bonus, and lots of laid-back, good times!  Come on down and play!

Seriously..... come on down!

We currently have between 12 and 20 players per week, all ages, guys and gals, and the beer is cheap!  Check it out online at www.facebook.com/bozemancribbageclub

See you there!

A Truly American Angler

The three of you that look at this blog may have read about the "dentist" at some point.  Here he is gracing the cover of the latest issue of American Angler Magazine.  Way to go Max!

Frozen Eyelets and Chilly Toes

Yesterday it was around 50 degrees in Bozeman.  Now, it's 16 degrees and snowing.  I guess winter has finally arrived.  Soon I'll be out on the river with frozen eyelets and chilly toes, but before I am, I'd like to pass along a few little tips when fly fishing in subfreezing temps.

Avoid the Freeze
Frozen eyelets are a complete drag.  Two years ago I fished below Ennis Dam in 3 degrees and could only manage about 3 casts before my eyelets were locked down tight.  We were fishing pretty small water and I found that the less line I had sliding through the eyelets, the more fishing I got to do without a freeze up.  I roll cast nymphs with no slack in my line anywhere.  I didn't bother holding a loop in my free hand, and found that fishing this way kept the line from sliding through the eyelets much, hence, less water, and less ice.  Nice little tenkara type roll casts got the job done and when a fish was on the line I could let it run without worrying about frozen gear.

Join the Pack
I got a pair of alpaca wool socks for Christmas last year.  While they are bulky, they are the warmest sock I've ever had on.  If you're feet get cold this time of year, go get some alpaca... Trust me.

Stay Dry
If you're like me you can't stand a pair of leaky waders.  Patch them up and keep dry and warm.  I have found the the easiest way to do this is to turn your waders inside out and spray them with rubbing alcohol.  (No need to fill them up with water)  If there are pin holes in your waders they should show up as a small brown speck after spraying with the alcohol.  Then, mark the spot with a small marker.  Dry the area with the hole and simply place a dab of aquaseal where the hole is... No patches necessary for very small holes.  For the big holes use a patch, or just send them to the manufacturer for repair.  I think Simms charges $15 to repair and they get ALL the holes.

Towel Off
Stuff a hand towel in your fly bag or in the front of your waders.  Keeping your hands dry is imperative to keeping them warm.  Wipe your hands off every time they get wet, which hopefully, will be a lot from holding fish for the camera.

Hopefully this helps.  If you've got any cold weather tips pass them along this way!

Sharp Hooks!

Sky Jones

A nice little trip.... until.....

The Dentist, the lawyer, and I took a little trip a couple of weeks ago down to Yellowstone National Park to chase a few fish.  The trip was great until I caught the norovirus that one of them had just gotten over.  The last day I slept...and was busy with other "things" while my friends merrily fished their little heads off.  Luckily, I had caught several nice fish the proceeding two days.

Nice little blue spot.

The dentist with another toothy brown.

Just after sunrise I was ready to get that pack off.

The lawyer with a spotted up brownie.

Not a bad fish there at all.

Pre-illness brownie.

Practicing my photography skills.

Ohhhhh.... Preeeettttyyyy.

As the days get shorter and colder my inclination to get to the vice increases exponentially.  The next post just might be tying related.... that is unless I can get out and wet a line between now and then.

Sharp Hooks!

Sky

Fishing Reports......of sorts.

When I first moved to Bozeman I found a valuable resource to help me begin the journey of "figuring out" the local waters.  That was Hatchopedia, a now defunct website where actual fishermen (and women) who were out on the water, guide or not, could post their own reports.  After reading it for the first time I walked a few hundred yards to the Gallatin and, armed with the info, slayed 'em.  That site is no longer updating reports and I'm not sure what is going on with it, but when I haven't been on the water in a few weeks (i.e. right now) I always like taking a glance at the local shop's fishing reports.

The shops around here do a great job of providing current, accurate information that is very helpful.  For instance, one now reads that a guide floated below Livingston and had a great streamer day.  That is great news.  I've got a box labeled "Yellowstone" that I'm going to have do dust off soon.  However, if I wasn't as prepared as I am, I would be a bit frustrated by the "flys to use" section of almost all of these reports.  A local report from this week provides this list:

Fly Pattern Suggestions

Dries| Elk Hair Caddis: 10-12, Chubby Chernobyl Golden: 8-10, Goofball Yellow: 10-12, Purple Haze: 14-16, Comparadun PMD: 14-16, Hi-Vis Adams: 18-20, CDC Thorax Sulphur: 16-18-20, Flag Dun Slate BWO: 16-18-20, Griffiths Nat: 18-20-22, Low Rider Midge: 18-20-22

Nymphs| Tungsten G6 Caddis: 14-16, Copper John red, yellow, lime: 12-16, Serendipity, Brassie Red, Black, Purple, Biot Midge Pupa, Rubberlegs Olive, Turd, Black, Rusty Orange, Charcoal: 4-6-8 Delektable Brown Stone: 6-8-10 Mr Rubberlegs Goldenstone: 6-8-10 Mega Prince: 4-6-8 Lightning Bug Gold, Pearl, Silver: 14-16-18 TB Bad Habit: 16-18-20 Purple Berger: 12-14-16 Tungsten Sunkist: 14-16-18 Clouser Crayfish Tan & Dark Brown: 8-10 Copper and Pearl Zonker: 4-6 GBRLKB Black, Olive: 6-8 Bush's Dad Crayfish 8-10

Streamers| Black Leach,Micro Streamers, Natural Copper Zonker, T&A Bunkers Olive/White, Rainbow & Whitefish: 2 Swimmin Jimmy Rainbow: 2 Sex Dungeon White, Yellow: 2 Fathead White, Yellow, Olive, Black: 2 Silvey's Sculpin Black, Olive/Black, Olive, White: 2 Buck Rogers Whitefish, Rainbow: 2 Home Invader Black, Yellow, White, Olive: 2 Flash Fry Whitefish, Black/Olive: 2

If I was new to the game this list would look completely Greek.  Further, it lists no less than 38 different patterns and with most lists several different sizes and colors.  To me the "suggestion" is to come into the shop, and buy one of everything.  If there was a "go-to" fly listed, I'd be impressed by the gamble the shop was taking.  "Throw this."  Put it out there.  Their take is a little like a weather man stating that the wind might blow, there is a chance of rain, the temperature should be between 40 and 78 degrees, and who knows, it might be sunny and nice.  Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the reports, but I consider myself lucky being from here, and having the ability to pick up the phone and finding someone to talk to who fished recently.... and getting a "Throw this."

So, I'm going to do it.  While I haven't been on the river in a while, I'm taking all of the "Fly Pattern Suggestions" listed above, and through reasoning that can only be described as throwing a dart at a spinning wheel of 38 different patterns, I give you:

Throw these.

The Beaverhead

Another good find from the moldiness.  Warning:  "Salty Language"

One of Many More to Come...

When the whirlwind of office life settles down a bit I'll go through this year's Yellowstone Park Trip photos and get them up for all to see.  Here is a little taste starring Kyle Nelson.