tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59895503321888563092024-03-13T12:21:45.740-07:00FlyfishpimpMerchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-36103845073734930002013-02-16T08:06:00.001-08:002013-02-16T08:06:36.613-08:00All By MyselfI have always considered myself blessed. I have my health, great family and friends, and a job that lets me fish on weekdays. That my friends is REALLY a blessing. I headed to the Blue yesterday on a chilly and blustery day. Figured I would meet a few new friends up in the C&R..<br />
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Nope. Nada. No one.<br />
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I had it all to myself, all day. No trucks in the pens lot when I got there, none when I left. Fishing was good not great but had some vicious tugs. Most very subtle but some takes I will not soon forget. <br />
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Man I did not realize I reserved the whole C&R to myself. Was it ever nice.<br />
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I explored some new holes and found willing trout. Can beat that or the " crowds ".<br />
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Cheers and see everyone at the One Fly.<br />
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Merc <br />
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<br />Merchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-14924466561063168652012-08-31T14:25:00.001-07:002012-08-31T15:06:47.668-07:00Back to AlaskaWe started planning another Alaska trip (2nd in as many years) as soon as we got back. The ecosystem and vast wilderness of Alaska will get in your blood from the first trip there. That is what it did to Doc and I. We had to go back and since we now have made it two years in a row, why stop now. It is a wonderful place with wonderful creatures and people. And I can think of no way better to break up the Texas heat than by making the long flight up there.<br />
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This year we planned to take on the Famous Kenai River on the Kenai Peninsula, about 2 hours southwest of Anchorage. We got the rental car, hit Costco for grub and booze for the week and we were on. Now I could bore you with lots of words on how the fishing was and this and that, but I will let the pictures tell the story. The Kenai.<br />
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The River.....Beautiful.<br />
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The creatures...Wonderful<br />
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And the Fishing....Unreal<br />
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And the Company.....Terrific<br />
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Thanks to our guides at Troutfitters and Alaska Clearwater, great job. And thanks to Doc, JB and Al.<br />
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A Fantastic Trip.<br />
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Cheers,<br />
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Merc <br />
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<br />Merchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-29931452987262853422012-03-12T15:37:00.001-07:002012-03-12T15:39:58.626-07:00Skunked: Chrome Follow UpI was told by a good friend that this fishing report was " Blog Material". <br />
Some of you have read it but here it goes !!<br />
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This is from Thursday March 1st.<br />
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Nestucca River 3 Merc 0 ----- 9 Innings<br />
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<pre style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Well boys, I ask for the call up to the big leagues and am now headed </pre><pre style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">back down to AAA ball. Beautiful morning waking up to snow and freezing fog. </pre><pre style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">We took our time getting to the river as the roads were dicey.
When we got there it was absolutely beautiful. Took many photos that I will
share.
Got to the first hole and my drifts were spot on. No fish. We were up pretty
high and the run still has a month or so left. In the second at bat, I had my
chance. Indicator dove on a drift 40 yds or so below me. Fish on....fish gone.
Half dozen drifts later and Merc was in the water.... Not wading, literally.
Soaked. Off come waders to empty and in the truck to dry off. Half hour later,
I am back in the game. Luckily packed extra socks.
2-0 Nestucca.
After lunch I had a primo run in front of me. I told Chad to fish some and he
was just down river of me. We were using balloons as indicators since its big
water and they are really buoyant. Couple of roll casts in, my balloon pops.
No biggie as I yell to Chad. As I am reeling up the line sinks and catches a
big boulder and deep to get to it. No biggie I will just break off. All good
except the last section of my rod comes loose. In one fell swoop, bye bye tip
section rolling towards the pacific.
3-0 Nestucca.
Fish a couple more holes to no avail but all in all a great day on the river.
The blank can be replaced and Chad and I laughed at the day.
Final deductions:
If you are to wade a big river like this, you HAVE to have a switch rod,
minimum. You cannot roll cast far enough with the overhangs to hit the holes.
I was undermanned and overwhelmed. It's steelheading and I will be back. </pre><pre style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Next time with new weapons!!</pre><pre style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"> </pre><pre style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Cheers and Good Fishing !</pre><pre style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"> </pre><pre style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Merc </pre>Merchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-1538451890671313752012-03-05T14:39:00.000-08:002012-03-05T14:39:53.839-08:00CHROME !!The trip I made to Alaska last summer was a memorable one. It was my initial visit there and I will be back. The fruits of that trip continue to pay off. I met a great young guide up there from Oregon, Chad Lynch. (Check him out at chadlynchguideservice.com). Chad and I hit it off immediately at the airport and a fine young man he is. He can yuck it up with the best and take my BS and dish it right back. By the end of the week, Chad had told me I MUST come to Oregon to pop my Steelhead cherry. For those of you who know me, you don't have to invite me up to fish a place like that twice. So in November I booked my flights and waited till February. A long wait it was...but was it ever worth it.<br />
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Chad guides mostly spin anglers but is a very good fly fisherman himself and welcomes the company of experienced fly anglers. These fish take quality drifts and casting the amount of lead you have to cast is a workout with a 8 weight. Yes, I have been back 4 days now and my back is still a little sore. But I digress.<br />
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Steelhead are hard to catch. There are no 20 fish days. That is the nature of that game. But with Chad's knowledge of these rivers, you can catch fish. BIG fish. That is what happened to me as my 2nd fish of the trip was this 12 pounder.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJ8h1_3TOCY/T1U_Glmy5oI/AAAAAAAAAX8/6dn6lmPUvXc/s1600/IMGP1394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JJ8h1_3TOCY/T1U_Glmy5oI/AAAAAAAAAX8/6dn6lmPUvXc/s320/IMGP1394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>For the trip, I landed 9 out of 12 fish from the boat. The 8 weight got a big workout and I cannot wait to make this an annual trek. Thanks for a great trip Chad, I will be back. Here are a couple of more pics from the Siletz.<br />
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Check the blog over the next couple of days. I had two great days on this river but I wanted the chance at a 20 lb fish. Chad made that happen but it was not to be and what a day it was. Like I will say in the next update, at least we got a good laugh.<br />
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Cheers and good fishing,<br />
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MercMerchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-33962986873105510072012-02-18T11:23:00.000-08:002012-02-18T11:23:07.553-08:00Fly Fishing and FriendsSince I started up fly fishing about 8 years ago, I have been blessed to make many friends through our sport. I learned the craft from friends who got me into it and have made many since then. I personally place a high value of my time on the water. I also enjoy fishing alone very much. I qualify it as great " soul " time.<br />
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But as I write this, I am very thankful to those friends I spend time on the water with. BT, Rusty, Phil, Pablo, Ryan and Chip in the San Juan crew. The Blue crew is no less special with Barry, Charlie, Chris and now John and Scott. Both Scott's for that matter. And I cannot forget Eric and Dave Dillow over on the Fork.<br />
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Time on the water is special. Time on the water with friends is priceless. Here are a few pics from the last couple of weeks both at the Juan and the Blue. <br />
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I also have the really thank our underwater friends. They made it all happen.<br />
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Cheers and Good Fishing,<br />
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Merc<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WA5dVEVYfFc/Tz_5p6sUOVI/AAAAAAAAAXM/5IrQRMENkak/s1600/IMGP1379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WA5dVEVYfFc/Tz_5p6sUOVI/AAAAAAAAAXM/5IrQRMENkak/s320/IMGP1379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3x4RJFRpXns/Tz_52pnjIXI/AAAAAAAAAXU/QIH09HpuWKA/s1600/IMGP1371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3x4RJFRpXns/Tz_52pnjIXI/AAAAAAAAAXU/QIH09HpuWKA/s320/IMGP1371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz115B8qR_U/Tz_5_vlc8fI/AAAAAAAAAXc/Exp00KNQU5Q/s1600/IMGP1372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz115B8qR_U/Tz_5_vlc8fI/AAAAAAAAAXc/Exp00KNQU5Q/s320/IMGP1372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hophedzy7Fc/Tz_6PWBAa1I/AAAAAAAAAXk/fnAExfsUrsk/s1600/IMGP1303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hophedzy7Fc/Tz_6PWBAa1I/AAAAAAAAAXk/fnAExfsUrsk/s320/IMGP1303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4rJe304tPsY/Tz_6XeWS1jI/AAAAAAAAAXs/TB1_JvfO16A/s1600/IMGP1383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4rJe304tPsY/Tz_6XeWS1jI/AAAAAAAAAXs/TB1_JvfO16A/s320/IMGP1383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6AIv21kAmU/Tz_6gkq7CLI/AAAAAAAAAX0/rxgZrNqBRU4/s1600/IMGP1353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k6AIv21kAmU/Tz_6gkq7CLI/AAAAAAAAAX0/rxgZrNqBRU4/s320/IMGP1353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Merchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-67521517426095030562012-01-24T19:32:00.000-08:002012-01-24T19:32:25.300-08:00PM Up NorthLast week I had the pleasure of meeting Charlie in the C&R for a PM trip. I was supposed to mix in another trip the following day but I have been under the weather and we'll get to that some other time. We had a perfect afternoon to fish and usually quitting fishing by 4pm to drive back to Texas, it is amazing what I am missing by that move. It sure is great to be able to fish this river to dusk. The last 2 hours are splendid, with long shadows, many tugs and wildlife on the move.<br />
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Things started a little slow on the day but with the sun and mid 50's temps but there were plenty of bugs on the water. Midges, small baetis, even stillwater calliebatis were out, along with gnats and some small bugs really hard to name. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The fish were on the small stuff early and I mean size 20 small. For the first time this year I really felt that the smaller size was the ticket. The fish were on the emergers and as well all know, that is a tough depth for success. With the clearer water, I was on 5X fluro and I really think that helped too. Here was a nice one from mid-afternoon.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVQ58vMVO3Y/Tx90Jpsp9FI/AAAAAAAAAWs/J0aqMrsZWLQ/s1600/IMGP1318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVQ58vMVO3Y/Tx90Jpsp9FI/AAAAAAAAAWs/J0aqMrsZWLQ/s320/IMGP1318.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>As the day progressed the river takes on a new glow. Long casting shadows really enhance the normal beauty of this place. At dusk, as Charlie were packing out, a huge Barn Owl flew across the river from us and observed from a safe distance. Just the extra hint of darkness did not allow me a pic of this great bird, but I will not soon forget it as he checked our every move. Really pretty place as the sun goes down.<br />
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At last light I decided to go back big and the fish responded to this offering. The Spanker put the hurt on them as this was a nice broad shouldered bow that could not resist.<br />
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Those of you who take part in our winter passion from Texas must take advantage a couple of times a year to fish the Blue at dusk. A great dinner and night was had in Sulphur and for those of you looking for an overnight place to stay, please consider Charlie's Sulphur Springs Inn. A great place to be and a great place to breathe, especially with good friends.<br />
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Cheers and good fishing everyone,<br />
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MercMerchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-89432047557457300292012-01-16T12:19:00.000-08:002012-01-16T12:19:32.920-08:00Fishing with FriendsFolks I have been remiss in posting over the last week or two. The Blue River has allowed me many moments of solitude over the last few years. I really love the area and its beauty. It is also afforded me new friends. As a matter of fact, these new friends really should be classified now as " old friends".<br />
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Barry and Charlie now fit this classification. We do not get many chances for all 3 of us to fish together but over that last two weeks or so, we have had the chance to fish together twice.<br />
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The first trip was a trip to discuss the One Fly Tourney and hit the South Wilderness and this last week we explored the C&R. I will say that we all have had more productive days in terms of numbers of fish caught, but to spend time on the river with these guys is just a pleasure. We all enjoyed the fellowship and yucking it up in between tugs. I forgot my camera this last week but the week before I was able to catch my " old " friends in action.<br />
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Enjoy !!<br />
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Cheers,<br />
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Merc<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kAAvNK9R88A/TxSF0W7ZEDI/AAAAAAAAAWU/8sB3qT6FN4s/s1600/IMGP1301a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kAAvNK9R88A/TxSF0W7ZEDI/AAAAAAAAAWU/8sB3qT6FN4s/s320/IMGP1301a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zl-2LFbC2Ao/TxSGIxe7KqI/AAAAAAAAAWk/x5fbREgzvtM/s1600/IMGP1304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zl-2LFbC2Ao/TxSGIxe7KqI/AAAAAAAAAWk/x5fbREgzvtM/s320/IMGP1304.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Merchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-41658181838152118042011-11-20T13:40:00.000-08:002011-11-20T13:40:14.178-08:00Happy and Sad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Friday was my initial trip to the Blue River in OK. Boy was I glad to hop on the bike for the ride into the C&R. Excited enough to forget my rod tube as I turned the bike around to go back to the truck and get it. As I approached the water a new trout season on the Blue was before me. Man what a sight to be back and I could not wait to get a line wet. Many fish would find my net on the day and I snapped a photo of the first one taken with a Jig.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XuvkY2qDXOo/TslwfLvMXYI/AAAAAAAAAV0/EklDl-y1LnA/s1600/IMGP1279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XuvkY2qDXOo/TslwfLvMXYI/AAAAAAAAAV0/EklDl-y1LnA/s320/IMGP1279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>As you can tell by the pic, the water was murky and stained. Maybe a foot of visibility but that did not stop the fish from eating my many offerings on the day. I found fish in the many holes that I have grown accustomed to and I found that gratifying. What else I found, was honestly, kind of sad. <br />
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The drought has taken its toll on our beloved river and I stopped fishing for a moment and prayed for rain. The river could sure use a good flush and restore the flow to the falls. It would also create so many other areas to find fish. As I explored the river, I found a few fish out of the few deep holes but not many. I snapped a couple of pics of the river levels, hoping by season's end, we get the rain to fill up the river.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e95d8Tc0bdU/TslyGjb4YVI/AAAAAAAAAWE/pkTEESNtzww/s1600/IMGP1288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e95d8Tc0bdU/TslyGjb4YVI/AAAAAAAAAWE/pkTEESNtzww/s320/IMGP1288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-roybbSMyDTQ/Tslx9Y8uYJI/AAAAAAAAAV8/7zd_agbuwW0/s1600/IMGP1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-roybbSMyDTQ/Tslx9Y8uYJI/AAAAAAAAAV8/7zd_agbuwW0/s320/IMGP1287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I also found another hungry friend left over from the warmer season. It was a nice tug and he sure was pretty.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LddDpdMKN2o/TslybfmqXaI/AAAAAAAAAWM/9yx-vza3bY8/s1600/IMGP1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LddDpdMKN2o/TslybfmqXaI/AAAAAAAAAWM/9yx-vza3bY8/s320/IMGP1286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It sure was nice to back on the Blue. Like the title of this post, I sure was happy to fish again, but I sure was sad to see the state of the Blue. Lets all hope for rain. I would love to have to sacrifice a few days fishing for the rain our Lady Blue needs. <br />
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Cheers,<br />
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MercMerchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-42972458337171967232011-11-04T15:26:00.000-07:002011-11-04T15:26:18.788-07:00Fall on the JuanAnother great trip with friends and strong San Juan fish. Browns are on the move and the fall colors were off the charts. I will let the pictures do the talking. Lookout Oklahoma trout, your are next on the radar.<br />
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MercMerchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-8830305653845658342011-10-18T14:19:00.000-07:002011-10-18T14:19:49.876-07:00Been a WhileWell folks it has been a while since my last post. Living here in Texas and being a coldwater fisherman, summertime turns to work and golf and fishing takes a back seat. Well kinda. I had the blessing to have an invite to go on my first trip to Alaska this summer and I will be back soon. Like next year. What a place and as I have told many, the ecosystem up there is what resonates with me. Just wonderful. If you have not done it, do it. Pay the man, it will be money well spent. Here are some highlights.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju2Pibu8_kE/Tp3rNPc7lJI/AAAAAAAAATE/Hr21oZb2PW4/s1600/IMGP1036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju2Pibu8_kE/Tp3rNPc7lJI/AAAAAAAAATE/Hr21oZb2PW4/s320/IMGP1036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kB-of69LpR4/Tp3rWTtBgQI/AAAAAAAAATM/MCVfk-dJDSE/s1600/IMGP1062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kB-of69LpR4/Tp3rWTtBgQI/AAAAAAAAATM/MCVfk-dJDSE/s320/IMGP1062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BLRUE6qfLKU/Tp3rjznDp6I/AAAAAAAAATU/sUNcYCVinkc/s1600/IMGP1052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BLRUE6qfLKU/Tp3rjznDp6I/AAAAAAAAATU/sUNcYCVinkc/s320/IMGP1052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Fabulous place and we'll put a wrap on that. It's about 1 week to the first fall San Juan trip and trout season in Oklahoma is starting November 1, so I will not be a stranger. Look forward to seeing friends on the river and finding friends in the river. <br />
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Cheers,<br />
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MercMerchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-59799307592970861492011-04-10T12:35:00.000-07:002011-04-10T12:35:00.718-07:001 Weight HeavenGot to Rush Creek this am for about 2 hours of fishing before yardwork and the Masters. First cast and this little bluegill blew up the Miss Prissy. What a fun rod to fish. The 6'9" TFO Finesse.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ii-29q9gJsY/TaIFVvkFdWI/AAAAAAAAAS4/lQwM845BRxU/s1600/IMGP1961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ii-29q9gJsY/TaIFVvkFdWI/AAAAAAAAAS4/lQwM845BRxU/s320/IMGP1961.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I have seen and caught some good bass in the creek and have spent some time sight casting to them over the last month. I was stripping blind in a nice hole when all of a sudden there was the Toilet Bowl Flush !<br />
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</div>What a fun morning with about 30 to hand in 2 hours. Still more creek to explore next time.<br />
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Cheers and good fishing everyone !<br />
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MercMerchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-25165165733033265542011-03-01T18:48:00.000-08:002011-03-01T18:48:34.960-08:00LMRF One FlyThe last couple of years I have gone up to the Lower Mountain Fork Foundation One Fly Fundraiser. It is a fun event that raises money to put to river projects and other river enhancements. It is also a chance to get together with some darn good friends and I always try to make a few more every year.<br />
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This year was no different as I got together with Eric Jackson and David Dillow on Friday night after fishing. David is kind enough to offer up his cabin to Eric and I so the least I could do was burn some steaks for Nic, David's wife and the boys. Eric brings the Scotch and all be darned if I did not come home with it ! <br />
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Friday fishing was good as I got there in the PM and met David and Bree ( the cool fishing dog ) for some Oklahoma trout. We explored the Evening Hole as most of the crowd had not shown up yet and the trout were cooperative on Soft Hackles, Midges and Pheasant Tails.<br />
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Saturday was a early wake up call for the One Fly. We hit registration for the fly of choice. This year was a tough one as we were given a size 16 Parachute Adams Dry Fly. Oh yeah, it was sunny and the fish were NOT looking up. I realized right away we were going to have to sink this bad boy and fish it sub-surface. It did not take long on the 4th drift to hook a 17" bow in Lost Creek. I have never spent much time on the Creek and it has never been that good to me, but all my fish in the tourney came from the creek. Very surprising to say the least. The pic below is not a great pic to say the least, but this male was a really cool looking fish. You'll have to take my word for it.<br />
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Everyone had a good time at the One Fly and lots of money was raised for the river. Many thanks to the ODWC, LMFR Foundation Directors and Menbers who participated in the event. One thing I want to add. The Department has done a wonderful job with the redo on Spillway Creek. The habitat there looks great. If we only had some regs on that stretch of the Fork. Fished it PM Saturday and when the fish are able to stay in the river instead of being harvested left and right, it fishes great. The work there is wonderful and should be mentioned. <br />
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Cheers everyone and good fishing,<br />
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MercMerchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-74113990180698027742011-02-19T11:52:00.000-08:002011-02-19T11:52:07.974-08:00PM on the PaluxyWith the Trout Derby this weekend at the Blue and my aversion to crowds when fishing, I opted for a little Friday afternoon fishing down on the Paluxy River. One of the hidden gems of Texas rivers, the Paluxy holds numerous species of fish. Black and Spotted Bass, Perch, Pumkinseeds, Bream, Gar, Catfish and Carp are all occupants of this pretty piece of water.<br />
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My agenda for the day was to scout for some Carp in the waters an hour and half from my house. As I parked in the new and very nice Glen Rose Park, I was excited with my five weight in hand to see if I could chase some "freshwater bonefish". As I eased to the water what I found was an aquarium of shallow water Perch and Bass. The Bass were picky but the Perch and Pumkinseeds proceeded to hammer the Miss Prissy. Over and over again. Alot of fun, unless you are holding a five weight expecting a fight with a Carp, but tugs nonetheless. I did have get a couple of small bass to cooperate like the one below. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-enzeJvK3v7o/TWAbTzC14MI/AAAAAAAAARw/v4cuFG0nemI/s1600/photo%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-enzeJvK3v7o/TWAbTzC14MI/AAAAAAAAARw/v4cuFG0nemI/s200/photo%25282%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a> I eased down the road to find some shade because it was down right hot. About 82-85 degrees and no wind, I was looking to keep the temps feeling springlike. Headed to a piece of secret water, got a couple more perch to hand and found a hole I had not discovered before. This moss hideout held no less than six 2-3 lb Bass. Been a while since I have been this frustrated as time and time again one of those picky Bass would swim up the the bug, look it in the eye, and never eat. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a nice afternoon to spend some time on a pretty river. The big Bass did not cooperate and I failed in my mission to find some carp water, but I really enjoyed the time getting a little warmwater fishing in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The hot day finally cooled as I eased home with Coors Banquet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Thanks Mr and Mrs Perch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You made the day a blast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Good Fishing Everyone and Cheers,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Merc</div>Merchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-39192295029012455062011-02-12T12:21:00.000-08:002011-02-12T12:40:04.083-08:00A Pristine RiverLeave it to old man winter to make you feel like you're going back in time. This is how I felt yesterday riding into the C&R. I have never seen the river so beautiful. Yes, she is still a little low, but with the snow on the banks and animal tracks everywhere and none of a human, I felt like this was a river that never had been fished.<br />
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With the snow and ice over the last two weeks, the middle section of the C&R showed no evidence of human history. I thought of Matt Gamble as I have never seen so many ducks. Multiple species just sitting there in a couple of my fishing holes as if they had never seen a person. They would always be around after I jumped them, flying overhead and making soft landings all day long.<br />
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It seemed as if the fish took some time off too as fishing was tough. The water was cold as I made a smart move wearing base layer and fleece under my waders. Lack of tugs did not worry me, as this was a blue bird winter day. Just before lunch, I had just landed the first five fish of the day. Some in the channel pocket water and a couple in the deeper water down from the falls. Something just told me the fish were sluggish, so I took a water temp. 38 degrees. Yes 38 degrees. That my friends is cold as the San Juan in the winter has never been below 42 on my thermometer. As I put up the rod for a little cold fried chicken by the river, I had five fish to hand courtesy of the jig.<br />
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The sun sure felt great on the bank and I saw a spin caster catch and release a fish. Until then I had the Blue to myself. I then saw a couple more gentlemen head to the upper section and not another soul the rest of the day. The day heated up as I finally found the bugs the fish wanted. The Prince Nymph, Zebra Midge and some Baetis nymphs were the ticket as I quit counting around 25. At long last the tugs were plentiful and made the cold water bearable. It was also nice to see some fish back in a couple of my favorite spots for the first time this year.<br />
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The good news is I thought the river was up a bit. It sure looked like it. The water is still low, but it seems old man winter has helped a bit. Boy what a couple of inches of rain would do over the next couple of weeks. The delayed harvest is around the corner so get out there and enjoy this place. What a great day it was to be alive.<br />
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Good fishing everyone !<br />
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Cheers,<br />
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Merc<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Merchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-77013104932661499952011-01-23T19:13:00.000-08:002011-01-23T19:13:05.879-08:00Blue and NumbMet my buds Ryan Yarberry and Scott Spradling up at the Blue on Friday. Man was it cold. 17 degrees as we hit the parking lot at the Corrals. Hit the C&R in the am and the action was okay. Couple of fish early and the first fish of the year at the upper falls as Ryan and hit the foam line. Tugs and fun to wrap our visit up North. <br />
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Hit Scotty's for a great burger at lunch and then hit the South. Just too damn cold all day to take pics but did manage a few. The jig was the ticket in the South as these were the only pics of the day.<br />
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And some nice tail<br />
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Always good to be not working and until my next visit to the Blue, I hope there is more Blue and less Numb.<br />
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Cheers and good fishing,<br />
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MercMerchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-50743448252764483462011-01-16T19:55:00.000-08:002011-01-16T20:23:09.287-08:00Where Have I Been ! It's 2011Where has the time gone. I am a winter trout creature. Jobs, Heat, College Football. A lot of things get in the way of fishing<br />
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Its time to get back to the action<br />
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Good to be back.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Winter Trout in Oklahoma </b></div><br />
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Back soon with more. <br />
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Good fishing Everyone and Cheers, <br />
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MercMerchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-57812330772220951282010-07-03T15:06:00.000-07:002010-07-03T15:29:51.530-07:00Big Hole, Maddie and the GreenWell folks I am blessed. I do a trip with 12-16 guys every June to Montana. Great friends, guides and fishing. This is the 3rd year for me and probably the best. We mixed in the Green below Flaming Gorge this year for a 8 day fishing orgy in the West.<br />
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This always makes for a nice little reprieve as the Texas summer shows her mettle. The Big Hole flow was up and weather in the upper 60's, perfect summer God's Country weather.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a couple of pics from the Big Hole inhabitants. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-wSrEnsJI/AAAAAAAAAN0/CAicWHipKww/s1600/IMGP1614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-wSrEnsJI/AAAAAAAAAN0/CAicWHipKww/s320/IMGP1614.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-wPycAIsI/AAAAAAAAANs/WnNc7oy7gLE/s1600/IMGP1613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-wPycAIsI/AAAAAAAAANs/WnNc7oy7gLE/s320/IMGP1613.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-wNHqptnI/AAAAAAAAANk/pxR3t6eBXfk/s1600/IMGP1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-wNHqptnI/AAAAAAAAANk/pxR3t6eBXfk/s320/IMGP1598.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It was then on to Ennis, a great little fly fishing town on the banks of the Madison. Great weather, views of the Madison Range and fishing on this famous river, " The 40 Mile Riffle". Stone fly nymphs, streamers and big princes ruled these waters. We are just going to miss the salmon and stone fly hatches that are soon to come.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Check out this bug Chris Conner found under a rock at lunch !</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-xVV7kK_I/AAAAAAAAAN8/bsZYk90BDTE/s1600/IMGP1637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-xVV7kK_I/AAAAAAAAAN8/bsZYk90BDTE/s320/IMGP1637.JPG" /></a></div>Really great times with Jim Morrison, Chris Conner and Mike Stack as well as Chris Knott. Great guides and damn good friends. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Views were plentiful and here is a taste.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-x8Gp6cnI/AAAAAAAAAOE/Q8X09_Ua4og/s1600/IMGP1621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-x8Gp6cnI/AAAAAAAAAOE/Q8X09_Ua4og/s320/IMGP1621.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-yAsy3jbI/AAAAAAAAAOM/5DDlDByI-NM/s1600/IMGP1622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-yAsy3jbI/AAAAAAAAAOM/5DDlDByI-NM/s320/IMGP1622.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-yEN-7YjI/AAAAAAAAAOU/6rm7ImzyS2M/s1600/IMGP1626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-yEN-7YjI/AAAAAAAAAOU/6rm7ImzyS2M/s320/IMGP1626.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Last but not least the Green River below Flaming Gorge. The canyon is something that every fly fisher should take in. A great brown trout population with rainbows and cutbows. Lots of dry fly action and fish on the dropper. New guides who were great, but this same old river that produces 20-30 fish days.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-y7TXZYxI/AAAAAAAAAOc/FsesMEFIdZo/s1600/IMGP1650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-y7TXZYxI/AAAAAAAAAOc/FsesMEFIdZo/s320/IMGP1650.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-y9zp0nmI/AAAAAAAAAOk/pyWZRaO6uss/s1600/IMGP1651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-y9zp0nmI/AAAAAAAAAOk/pyWZRaO6uss/s320/IMGP1651.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-zApVsEBI/AAAAAAAAAOs/P4beRUHA7Vo/s1600/IMGP1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/TC-zApVsEBI/AAAAAAAAAOs/P4beRUHA7Vo/s320/IMGP1649.JPG" /></a></div>Great times again with a great group of guys. Thanks to Al May, The Maxeys, Bidells, Sparkmans and Herrings. Father and son combos which was very cool. Brian Robertson, Bill Hardin, Mark Haney, Tim Taylor, Mike Jones and Wayne Nail as well.<br />
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Just a blast in the High Country. <br />
Until 2011. <br />
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Cheers Everyone,<br />
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Merc<br />
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For link to the entire slide show of photos click below:<br />
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/troutbum_merc/sets/72157624407959120/Merchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-61482420840823246832010-03-07T08:14:00.000-08:002010-03-10T18:47:00.970-08:00Blue River C&R- Banner Year in Pictures<div style="text-align: center;">Plentiful water this year !</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The People </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/S5PO_EeS5dI/AAAAAAAAAMc/YVKIuiuwebs/s1600-h/IMGP1276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/S5PO_EeS5dI/AAAAAAAAAMc/YVKIuiuwebs/s320/IMGP1276.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/S5hY8OnUNDI/AAAAAAAAANU/4WpKACIb_TU/s1600-h/blusandwich.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/S5hY8OnUNDI/AAAAAAAAANU/4WpKACIb_TU/s320/blusandwich.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/S5hZi_X0WVI/AAAAAAAAANc/B5192pDBxpc/s1600-h/IMG_2126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/S5hZi_X0WVI/AAAAAAAAANc/B5192pDBxpc/s320/IMG_2126.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/S5PPHvL8T8I/AAAAAAAAAMk/oXxcunyBFQQ/s1600-h/IMGP1412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/S5PPHvL8T8I/AAAAAAAAAMk/oXxcunyBFQQ/s320/IMGP1412.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To Charley, Ryan, Barry, Matt Gamble, Eric, Byron and his buds and the others I met on the River. Wish I had more pics of all of you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And of Course the Fish !!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/S5PP8pzORgI/AAAAAAAAAM0/WJ2fFjJ8Ofk/s1600-h/IMGP1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/S5PP8pzORgI/AAAAAAAAAM0/WJ2fFjJ8Ofk/s320/IMGP1310.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/S5PQdwy3mKI/AAAAAAAAANE/QeS-m7xx2jI/s1600-h/IMGP1425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/S5PQdwy3mKI/AAAAAAAAANE/QeS-m7xx2jI/s320/IMGP1425.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/S5PQn4lIfmI/AAAAAAAAANM/hL_pEuP6r8o/s1600-h/piggy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/S5PQn4lIfmI/AAAAAAAAANM/hL_pEuP6r8o/s320/piggy3.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A great year to celebrate friends and fishing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheers Everyone,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Merc</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Merchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-60947823095855728812010-02-14T17:43:00.000-08:002010-02-15T06:59:16.491-08:00The Fork at her FinestIt was a well planned mid week escape. A plan for for the C&R at the Blue. A day trip that no one would notice. Got the phone at the river to do a little biz and a LOT of fishing. Funny how plans change.<br />
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Weather had did us in with a murky moody Blue. My buddy Eric and I needed a fix. Yes a mid week fix. No one twisted anybody's arm. We headed for the Lower Mountain Fork. <br />
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My arm felt fine. It was ready for casting. Boy did my arm get a workout from setting the hook.. <br />
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Yes everyone, tugs were ever present and they were numerous. Here was a hungry one waiting for Eric's nymph.<br />
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We had found a nice run there in the Bluffs and the foam wing emerger I tied up was the ticket. Olive and Gray, did not matter. Pheasant Tail? Yes. Hare's Ear? Yes. Hit the foam lines or soft current and the indicator dived.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a delish Junction Burger we hit the Spillway. Not as silly as the morning but still more fish caught. Eric and I had landed at least 40 with another dozen or so lost. One big " HEN " that I am sure Eric has had dreams about just averted the net. That one was sweet but the best thing about it, she is still in there. Just on the other side of the river. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a pic of the Bluffs with Icicles. Very pretty. A cold day with HOT fishing. This was the FORK at her finest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheers and good fishing everyone,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See ya at the One Fly,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Merc</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/S3ilSocOcuI/AAAAAAAAAL0/7BASlPqpyIw/s1600-h/IMGP1492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Merchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-33932631445536549892010-01-16T13:34:00.000-08:002010-01-16T18:55:32.444-08:00Fishing with CharlieOne of the beauty's of fly fishing is spending time outdoors with friends. The BRFF Group on Yahoo has been good to me as I have made several friends over the years that I enjoy fishing with. Charlie Wright from Sulphur is one of these guys who is really fun to fish with. Charlie and I spend a couple of days a year meeting on the river, usually up in the C&R area. We both love the place and the fact that the area requires a little work to get to makes it that much more special. That is the beauty of this section of the Blue. This past Tuesday afternoon, Charlie and I met to rip some lips on the Rainbows of the Blue. A blue bird day it was with sunshine, light breezes and tugs from the fish. Here is a great pic of Charlie getting his rig ready for battle.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Charlie had a good day on the river Tuesday but as we all found out, our time on this earth is precious and we all should learn to appreciate our time here. Charlie just wasn't right all day he later told me. We had a great time on the river and he was kind for giving me the BRFF discount to stay at his Inn in Sulphur. Those who want to do an overnight, must take Charlie's kind offer to stay at his place. We went to a great dinner at Roma Italia in Sulphur and we parted ways until coffee in the morning. As most of now know, Charlie had a mild heart attack after dinner that night. He is doing well and resting after being flown to OKC Heart Hospital Tuesday night. Thanks again Sheri for emailing me the next morning so I could share this with our forum members for thoughts and prayers. Good luck Charlie, get to feeling better and God Speed my friend. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I headed to the C&R Wednesday and the fishing was just off the charts. Fish were eating midge larvae early in the slack water with a red larvae I tie doing most of the damage. Around 11am, this hits stopped and I tied on a mayfly rig with a olive hare's ear with a soft hackle dropper picking up fish and gray foam wing emergers taking fish as well. Here is a beauty from one of the side channels in the C&R and a cool photo of the area.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All in all another great day and a half on the Blue. This trip was outstanding for fishing and friendshp. Lots of big fish this go round and another chance to fish with a good friend. The Good Lord blessed Charlie and I this week and thank goodness we will have a chance to fish again together hopefully soon. One last pic of a new friend from the water of the Blue as well. This piggy was a pleasure to find in my net. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good fishing everyone and make sure to spend time with friends and family in the great outdoors.<br />
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</div>Merchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-67273725396000226662010-01-02T18:58:00.000-08:002010-01-02T19:32:57.258-08:00San Juan FreezeI love winter fishing. As a matter of fact, the gear nowadays is so good that winter fishing is usually very pleasant and has become my favorite time of year to fish. You can hike for miles with no sweat and mosquitoes. This is when I tend to fish the most. Especially when you live in Texas summers.<br />
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Well this was cold. And this was not winter fishing. I found myself in Navajo Dam NM at the San Juan and it felt like Arctic fishing. Thank the Lord above that the first two days had no wind. This was clear sky Northern NM frigid nights. Like 6 degrees at 8:30 in the morning. Yuck.<br />
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Looks like my 8 hours fishing days just turned to 5. Keep the coffee going brother, I am staying in for another cup. My bud and guide friend Chip got to the cabin a little late on Sunday morning and I gave him grief but two hours later, I was kind of relieved. Cold out there on the boat. But the inhabitants of the San Juan don't care if it's cold. A leech, a larvae, and they will help warm you up.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This Juan trip was short and sweet and the leech was the go to rig. Leech to the red or in the PM a foam wing emerger and as always on the Juan, the right depth would be rewarding. The C&R area on Tuesday AM before my trip to ABQ and Texas would be more of the same along with my four friends.<br />
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Well everyone, Happy New Year for 2010. I ventured into my birthplace of Durango this week and all I can say is " Happiness is in your rear view mirror ". Looks like I have taken that to heart.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheers everyone and GOOD fishing !<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Merc<br />
</div>Merchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-75617192124984758632009-12-19T09:30:00.000-08:002009-12-19T09:30:34.603-08:00High Noon Skunk OffYou know the saying " Everything is just perfect". Well sometimes things are too perfect. I arrived at the Blue yesterday after watching a beautiful sunrise driving up from Texas. Compared to my last Blue visit in a downpour, I felt like I was due a " Bluebird" day on the river. Too perfect you say?? Yup, pulled in the lot north of 7 and I was the only one there. As a matter of fact, never saw another person in the C&R yesterday and I had the river to myself. Too perfect you say??<br />
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Ladies and Gents, the C&R has always been good to me. I have had 30 fish days and 10 fish days but I never have had a problem getting into fish upon my arrival. Did I mention something about too perfect. I digress. I road in on the Trout Cruiser looking for fun with the Rainbows in the Blue.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/Sy0HUSOMtYI/AAAAAAAAAJc/PesxTTBezaU/s1600-h/IMGP1304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/Sy0HUSOMtYI/AAAAAAAAAJc/PesxTTBezaU/s200/IMGP1304.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found the area totally to myself and decided to hit my honey holes in the middle section before I explored the lower end for the first time this year. The only problem was I never had a strike. NOT ONE. Wow this was rare and I soon found myself talking to myself. And no answers seemed to work. I threw everything, and still nothing. I had figured with the abundance of water this year like no other previous year in the C&R, that the fish had decided to spread out and yes they have. The water is so damn clear, you almost see down to the bottom of some of the pools below the falls. Thinking outside of the box is what it is going to take this year folks to get the tugs you came for. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here came 10:30 and 11:00 and then I glanced again at my watch from the lower area. 11:15 and no tugs. What in the world is happening up here I asked. Nothing in the lower so I decided to hit the upper section. I have never failed to hit fish there so up I went. I went to my favorite perch on the island below the falls where I showed Eric a week or so ago and still nothing. I was now perplexed and cussing. Okay, the fish have moved. I worked my way down river and the back up above the falls. Yup friends, the fish are ABOVE the falls too and the Red Copper John took the skunk off. My watch read 12:00 and hence the title, " High Noon Skunk Off". Thought about this title right then and went with it. Here is the hook jawed male that took the skunk off.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/Sy0KTCyx79I/AAAAAAAAAJk/oVwPWXlUN7Y/s1600-h/IMGP1306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/Sy0KTCyx79I/AAAAAAAAAJk/oVwPWXlUN7Y/s200/IMGP1306.JPG" /></a></div>I am not that much into fish counts folks but the day ended up at 7 fish. All on red and blue copper johns, soft hackles in various colors and the olive booger. Good new all fish were of size with the largest about 18" and close to 4 lbs. Not one tug on the pheasant tail which has been the producer this year on my previous trips. Sightfishing is in on the Blue so do it while you can with this clear water. Had a take on this fish I spotted in one of the channels that I will not soon forget. See the fish, watch him eat and set the hook. NICE!!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will wrap up this trip with a couple of cool pics from a fish who just HAMMERED the olive booger. Nothing like the tug on a streamer. Make sure you are using 4x folks up here when stripping boogers. Use 5X and you can kiss these fish goodbye. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for checking in everyone and have a great Holiday Season. Good fishing everyone and have fun out there. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Merc<br />
</div>Merchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-34719773794075753572009-11-29T18:24:00.000-08:002009-11-29T18:27:17.134-08:00A Day Late and Two Layers ShortEver had one of those fishing days where you should have never gotten out of bed. Late to bed, too much to drink the night before and you had all the gear you needed in your truck....but did not pack it. And oh yeah " The damn camera is in the back seat along with your clothes". <br />
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Well the title of the post says it all.<br />
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Meeting my bud Eric Jackson at the C&R and I was committed. Trust me, the headache from my sister's dinner party Saturday night was ever present and if I had not told Eric I would be there, this post would not exist. <br />
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Arrived at the corrals at 8.30 sharp. Wished he was late so I could cat nap but damn Eric, you are too prompt. No go on the nap. We geared up and got the bikes ready for the ride in. Did I tell you I forgot the camera??<br />
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I regress. Ready to roll and I look at Eric. My truck door is locked and keys in my donned backpack.. " Maybe I should get my vest and another layer". Of course I don't. A mistake for sure.<br />
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Scattered clouds turn to steady rain the C&R. This was catching weather and the results did not disappoint. Did I tell you I forgot the camera ??.<br />
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And to the fish that took me into the backing, thanks very much!! That was a sweet one and there were some more to follow as well. Would have made a nice photo.<br />
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Did I tell you I forgot the camera ??<br />
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Steady rain and cold........I mean COLD!!! This reigned the day but Eric and I had a blast, although a chilly blast at that. <br />
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Sorry no pics. Did I tell you I forgot the layers ?? They would have come in much more handy than the camera. Until next time, <br />
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Cheers and " Fish ON"<br />
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MercMerchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-43758181097136275632009-11-15T16:19:00.000-08:002009-11-15T16:53:00.474-08:00Blue Plate SpecialThe Trout Season is Here!! That is for us trout river challenged folks here in Texas. This time of year is my favorite as the day trips to the Blue River in OK get into full swing.<br />
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I met my buddy Ryan for the initial trip to the Blue this Friday for a little C&R action. I was really excited to see the river again in its glory with the word of higher flows and deeper pools from the rains. Man does the Blue look GREAT!! In one word...YES and she is as clear as I have ever seen her.<br />
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Folks that fish the C&R will be glad to see lots of water for the fish to spread out. The fish now have some new holding areas in the side channels and it was really cool to see 17" holding for sight fishing opportunities. It is going to be a good season everyone.<br />
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Here is one of the pics that I took of one of the fighting bows. Fish were taking pheasant tails, copper johns, olive boogers and midge larve. With the overcast skies there were some size 16-18 Mayflies hatching but no fish looking up. Keep adjusting that split shot and indicator to get the right depth and you will have a blast. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My day ended by meeting the Lady Blue Ambassador, Barry Schrader and Miss Carol. Pleasure to meet you again Carol. Barry and I had arranged a fly swap so we hooked up at 17. He and I share the love for this area as it is a great place to work on line control and your nymphing techniques. Barry had quit for the day as I was a few minutes late. He and Carol decided to watch me fish for a few and I was getting REAL nervous as drift after drift went by with no fish. Finally with pressure mounting, I was able to land one of new inhabitants at the Blue and I had a sigh of relief. Barry, thanks again for your work on the vise and tie on one of those "Shuka Khan's " as it is a great PM fly for emerging midge and mayflies. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everyone have a great season on the Blue. I plan to!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cheers and good fishing,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Merc<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Merchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5989550332188856309.post-26901444027426187292009-11-08T16:17:00.000-08:002009-11-08T17:41:00.757-08:00Fall at the San Juan October 09Made another trip to my " home " river back in October. I have been VERY remiss in posting here on FFP blog. As you can see, I am a fall and winter fisherman primarily and as the golf season took from April till now, my blogging went to heck. I did a couple of trips this summer but with work and such, I have just not made the time to blog.<br /><br />BT and the Camp Bitch met me at the Juan along with Kevin Haney, the CB's brother. Kevin is a great dude and it was cool to turn him on to our Juan trips full of fishing, great food and cocktails.<br /><br />Fall on the Juan is one of my favorite times to be on the river. Cooler temps, crisp mornings and the potential Baetis hatch breakout. As you can see in the pic below we had golf weather for fishing so the hatch was not on and the catching was slow for San Juan standards.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/SvdhHIesHwI/AAAAAAAAAHY/jvF1LhDg-PA/s1600-h/IMGP1141.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/SvdhHIesHwI/AAAAAAAAAHY/jvF1LhDg-PA/s200/IMGP1141.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401893053217382146" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />Rusty(CB) loves to get in the boat and Chip made his boat available for us on Saturday of the trip. I had one 17" fish on a ULTRA SLOW take on the CDC Compardun and it will be a take I will not forget. Rusty got hot and Chip, well Chip always hooks fish. He could have had a couple on the "Toon" but forgot that " God save the Queen thing".<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/SvdiP_-BG8I/AAAAAAAAAHg/F6tjtwT2Ii8/s1600-h/IMGP1136.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/SvdiP_-BG8I/AAAAAAAAAHg/F6tjtwT2Ii8/s200/IMGP1136.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401894305063312322" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/Svdje_xlPqI/AAAAAAAAAH4/jcYmZHyeTfM/s1600-h/IMGP1145.JPG"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/Svdje_xlPqI/AAAAAAAAAH4/jcYmZHyeTfM/s1600-h/IMGP1145.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/Svdje_xlPqI/AAAAAAAAAH4/jcYmZHyeTfM/s200/IMGP1145.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401895662220820130" border="0" /></a></div><br />Chip and Aaron made dinner that night with us for drinks, tying bugs and the Killer tenderloin. And yes it was killer. Great marinade Bill.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/SvdizbWskSI/AAAAAAAAAHo/utewTnn8hUM/s1600-h/IMGP1262.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/SvdizbWskSI/AAAAAAAAAHo/utewTnn8hUM/s200/IMGP1262.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401894913710002466" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br />Billy hooked some nice fish as usual with just a few tugs on the streamer this trip. With high skies and blue bird days, it was far from streamer weather but here is a piggy that was looking for a cheeseburger and pics from Bill and I in the Upper Flats.<br /><br /><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/Svdj78nSvII/AAAAAAAAAIA/2WVUNrgV-YQ/s1600-h/IMGP1840.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/Svdj78nSvII/AAAAAAAAAIA/2WVUNrgV-YQ/s200/IMGP1840.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401896159588564098" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/Svdj_GGpipI/AAAAAAAAAII/UfJuWPGxBOc/s1600-h/IMGP1842.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/Svdj_GGpipI/AAAAAAAAAII/UfJuWPGxBOc/s200/IMGP1842.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401896213675608722" border="0" /></a> <br /></div><br />All in all another great trip to the Juan. Although the fish were few on Sunday, good friend and guide Bubba Smith and his significantly better half, Deb, floated the Lower River. If you have not done this, it is a must. Absolutely beautiful water down there, it is a shame there are no regulations on this 11 mile float. The fishing down there can be extremely fickle but the times it is on, it is on top, all the time. Big hoppers and stimmy's do the trick down there so keep it in mind when you have time and need a change of pace from the Quality Waters. Be sure to hire someone who knows the take out because if you miss it, say hello to Blanco.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/SvdllpJLW7I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/RgVXtQNHofo/s1600-h/Bub+and+Merc.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PG_Z3WU3D2k/SvdllpJLW7I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/RgVXtQNHofo/s200/Bub+and+Merc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401897975428111282" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Take care everyone and good fishing.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Merc<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Merchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08499284755871877338noreply@blogger.com0