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• http://www.tu.org/

For guys like me, fisherman and amateur photographer, it’s a humbling and exciting experience. Being surrounded by all the big name pros is somewhat intimidating, but it’s also a good feeling of accomplishment.

These images are from my travels around the West with friends. It only goes to show, not every day is filled with calm winds, sunshine and hungry fish.

Check them out –> http://www.catchmagazine.net/

The winter was full of laws, rather than fins. Utah lost the battle and is losing thousands of miles of fish-able streams to private interests. A long winded fight full of deceit and lies, and Utah’s fisherman will be awaiting the Utah Supreme Court date patiently.

As balance would have it, losing one opportunity to only gain another. It’s been nice staying busy with fishing related works. I am happy on the progress so far and am optimistic for the future. Hell, if half of the project actually work out, I’ll be a happy man… ah, even if they don’t, I’m still stoked as ever. Maybe its time to steer the ship towards free Rocky Mountain water, clean air, and head to the forest…..things are about to change.

Chris giving thanks

Its been a long grueling 45 days fighting for river rights at Capitol hill. In the end, the anglers will mostly likely lose, the Bill will not be vetoed by the Gov and Utah will be locking up rivers.  So much was going on during this time it was a task trying to keep up, all while trying to complete a work week and attending to my personal responsibilities so fishing was a not an option. Chris skipped on the work load and took on the issue head on, setting everything else aside.

My buddy Chris spent every day at the Capitol. Sacrificing money, time, fishing and day to day normal living is not easy task, it requires total commitment. Midway through the session we promised each other, the second this is all over we would go fishing, no matter what…well, that day finally came.

It couldn’t come soon enough. I really need to get back on the water, I know Chris did too. This legislature session was filled with corruption, lies, deceit and a blatant disregard for the Constitution.  I need to get back to what make sense to me… fishing.

I woke up to a phone call at 6am, it was Chris… it went something like this…

Chris – “you ready? I’ll be there in 40″.

Groggy with sleep in my eye I replied “Chris its barley 6am and its still snowing, I went to sleep at 3am, lets give a few hours.”

Chris – “you mean 4am”

Me – “huh? no, 3am”

Chris – “you did remember its daylight saving”

Me -”SHIT!”

Chris “laughing”

Me – “see you soon”

Normally I have a few bags ready to go depending on the day. BUT, since I had not been fishing lately, I wasn’t prepared. I grabbed a pack and started shoving in things I think I “might” need still while half asleep, on two hours rest. I had one goal, to not forget anything, so the words “might not need” were not apart of this packing equation. It barley zipped closed and my initial thoughts as, this is heavy, I definitely got it all.

The drive over the pass was a winter one, the clouds were racing across the sky pushing out the storm that laid down a fresh blanket of snow. Color broke through the dark gray clouds as we rounded the bend. A glace over at the windsock on the point, it was as stiff as a 2×4. Casting is going to be creative today.

The river never looked so beautiful. The smell, the sight, it all filled filled my senses. I instantly felt my body and mind recharging and once again, the world was filling with hope.

Karma must have been watching, the day was nothing short of fantastic. Big browns crushed our 4″ offerings. A few big fish were lost after a crazy thrashing battle, and a few made it to hand. Chris landed some brutes which was a great reward for all the hard work he has put into saving these precious rivers. Although, we might not be able to come back here for a while, the memory’s will last.

It was a great day back on the water. For the first time in a long time, everything was OK with the world.

Thanks for everything, Chris!!!!

More images here –> http://www.flickr.com/photos/1bg/

My buddy Clark “Cheech” Pierce set out on this little fun project. I must confess, I had a blast targeting Wipers at Willard Bay. One day particular, we experienced  some of the fastest warm water fishing either of us have ever had. Were not fish counters but when you go into the mid-range of double digits it gets quite hilarious.The rods were maxed and the reels were singing and laughter filled the air.

Cheech has been busy designing flies specific for these trips, and boy did they work! On more than a few occasions we were doubled up. I’d say pound for pound, Wipers will give you a run for your money.

SOUTHWEST MAGAZINE March/April 2010
www.matchthehatch.com/SouthwestFlyFishing/Default.aspx

Fisher ….”CHEECH”…AKA Clark Pierce
www.flyfishfood.blogspot.com/
www.rainysflies.com/clarkpierce.php?pageNum_rsPierceFlies...

Brian and Todd are really pushing the limits with fly fishing photography & cinematography.  My image landed in the “Angler Element” section of the mag.

Grizz is always accompanied with his trusty furry companion, Chili dog.  She has traveled the West and is very well-seasoned, be it by boat or  onfoot.  I’m stoked I had the opportunity to capture our furry crew-mate.

This shot was captured on the first, of our three day float…. half way to camp it started to rain, shortly after, a down pour.  Two days later we encountered gumball sized hail…overall… the fishing was ON the hook! Another fantastic trip.

Thanks Grizz and Chili!

Check out CATCH [HERE] and [HERE]

I was fortunate to get the call to work on this Winter Special for This is Fly.

We all really like the direction Paris and Tim are headed and are always stoked on the opportunity to be aprat of their brainchild.

When asked for a story on trout in the dead of winter we were faced with two choices. Try and drum something up that we already have in the archives or  make something happen. We stayed with the winter theme but avoided the standard winter midge fishing article type of thing.

We gassed the sleds and blazed off on the road less traveled. It was a terrific few weeks of fishing with friends in the backcountry.  A big thanks to Grizz who wrote the article and Cor snapped some incredible images. The red machine will forever be remembered on that trip, its always something… and no good trip ever runs smooth.  This was the first project for our new underground company launching this fall.  More details on specifics shortly.

Check out the  full-article at [THIS IS FLY]…… don’t forget to click the music playlist while browsing the rag.

Check out Corey’s creative work [HERE] and [HERE]

More images from this  project [HERE]

It became apparent late Thursday the House Natural Resources Committee was not going to allow HB80 to pass to the House floor.

In a quick turn of events Representative Fowlke called a bill file. She met with Senator Neiderhauser, Sen. Bramble, lobbyist Jeff Hartley and Chris Barkey about moving the bill to the senate.

This bold move will allow HB80 to avoid all House committees, which was stacked against us. Senator Bramble was ready, willing and able to help.

SO… House Bill 80 has a new name, Senate Bill 267. [text will not be available until Monday. SB267 is identical to HB80]

We ask you to now contact your Senators and let them know you support SB267/HB80

**BILL WATCH**

• Rep. Webb -HB290 –>http://le.utah.gov/~2010/bills/hbillint/hb0290.htm
• Rep. McIFF – HB141 – [box car/no text] –>http://le.utah.gov/~2010/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hb0141.htm

other Bills we’re keeping an eye on…

• Rep. Ferry – HB374 [boxcar/no text] –>http://le.utah.gov/~2010/htmdoc/hbillhtm/HB0374.htm
• Rep. Cosgrove – HB450 -[boxcar/no text] –> http://le.utah.gov/~2010/htmdoc/hbillhtm/HB0450.htm

***Article Image – [click] courtesy of Heather Nan Photography [click]

I’m always stoked when I get to go fishing with Cor, this particular day was cold freezing! At 4:30am the parking lot was empty and the frigged temperatures tempted the warm drive back down the canyon to bed. Three of us, Corey, Scott Dickey and myself braved mother natures cold hand to enjoy a winters day of fishing. As an angler in front of the lens and a photographer behind the camera, I think Corey would also agree, it was one of my most productive days shooting. Thanks and Congrats Corey!

Trout Unlimited Magazine –> http://www.tu.org/press-room/trout-magazine

If you haven’t had a chance to check them out I highly suggest you do so. MidCurrent provides fly fishing tips, fly fishing gear advice, videos, interviews, and the best in fly fishing writing. They are experienced anglers, guides and authors who enjoy sharing the excitement of fly fishing and bring you the latest in fly fishing news.