Tommy Lee Jones

One of the highlights of my career was taking Tommy Lee Jones fishing last week. Here is how it went.
I picked up Tom and his friends Jay and Wes at the hotel at 8:30. Small talk was made on the way to the Colorado River. Tom wanted me to get his friends started first so I did. I then put Tom in the best hole. He hooked a Rainbow on his first cast, and landed one one his second. YES!!!, is what I thought to myself. After helping Wes and Jay for a few minuets, I untangled Tom's rig and he promptly caught a brown trout. Mr. Jones seemed to enjoy himself, unhooking and releasing his fish, but more than that. Often sitting on a rock reflecting, commenting on the beautiful scenery, and even learning more about the sport. Jay and Wes also caught fish and then we enjoyed a decent spread prepared by Tom's personal chef. The day could not have gone better. I even learned a few things; Don't bring cellophane wrapped sandwiches to a movie star who has a personal chef, learn to shut up once in a while, and something I already know... I have an awesome job.

Pics From Russia

I took Budon Alexandr fishing a couple weeks ago and he just sent me some pictures. He only spoke Russian, and it was a cold day. The Eagle river was frozen over so we tried the Colorado where we managed a white fish. Alexandr is a good fisherman and an awesome guy. Communication barriers were crossed by an enthusiastic passion for fishing.  It's guys like this I wish could of had better fishing. Instead every Larry from New York to California catches a dozen. Budon Alexandr if you read this come fishing again... Your a great person to fish with and we can do better.

Frozen Fingers and Toes

The fishing on the Colorado River has been hot... and cold. If you can brave the frozen fingers, toes and rod guides the fishing has been good. The lack of snow in the rockies has extended the fly fishing season. People are finding alternative activities to the sub par skiing.

Meet your guide

                                    

It's cold

The water is low

We're catching browns

Bows

White fish and suckers

Famous

Guess I was on TV last night guiding Bill and Giuliana Rancic... they are Huge Famous Stars you know

Stagecoach Pike on the Fly

Flyfished for pike a few days ago, it was all right. We boated a half dozen, with the first fish being the best. Didn't matter the color much... just strip strip pause. Some banks were hotter than others, and we saw alot of fish busting bait real shallow.

Wounded Warriors

I spent the last three days taking some great people fishing.  Vail Veterans hosted a fun filled weekend for wounded warriors  home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Gore Creek Flyfisherman had the honor of taking these heroes and their families fly fishing. To all who serve thank you for defending our country and for the sacrifices that you've made.

Wisconsin June 2012

Just got back from a week in Wisconsin, visiting family and fishing. 

We arrived late, but I squeezed in an hour.

It was worth it.

How about a face full of that!

The next day was June Dairy Days in Markesean.

The parade sure had a lot of tractors.

Cows.

These goofy guys.

They hand out cheese.

Can't say my daughter liked the Tilt A Whirl.

She almost tossed her cheese.

The next day back to Little Green Lake. Caught this one on a skull beaded Mack Lure Whirly Gigger.

Better.

Then to Rhinelander, home of the Hodag.

Where my nephew caught this guy.

Everybody caught pike.

Had to tell my sis to stop reeling... you got him.

Teva Mountain Games 2012

Frank Smethurst dominated the 2 Fly Extreme presented by Maui Jim at this years Teva Games. He qualified first, finished first in the semi's and finals, and caught the biggest fish to boot. I failed to make the finals by two spots. After qualifying 8th, I once again slid in the semi's finishing 10th in the men's division. Disappointing, but always the crowd favorite. A big shout out to my friend Lisa who finished second in the women's division.

Do It!!!

Crap another miss.

I started hot, going 5 for 6 on the first two targets .  Then I fell apart missing  7 of the next 10.

The first round, slimming the field from 80 to 25.

Hopefully I picked up a sponsorship from Redington.

My friends Nate and KO.

Even if you don't like fishing there is a ton of other cool stuff.

Piney River

The Piney River is located north of Vail, it starts at the base of the Gore Range and travels 28 miles to it's confluence of the Colorado River. Much of the river is private, but a great public stretch can be found near it's headwaters at Piney River Ranch. The ranch is a popular destination for hiking, sightseeing, weddings, and fishing.

  

Driving to and hiking past the lake can provide excellent fishing. Between  this sign and the lake is the most pressured areas. I prefer to hike the trail downstream.

It's harder work.

For a better payoff.

Beautiful isn't it! Scenery ain't bad either.

We actually arrived to see that a land slide had wiped out half the hole.

This used to be all swamp that provided  sanctuary for young fish. 

Thank heaven they were still some here.

Some small.

Some not so bad.

My wife getting into the action.

All fish came on dries.

This was a cutthroat, we caught all but a rainbow. A great day on Piney River.