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]

UPDATE – 2/11/2010 – Committee Hearing(s) Friday!!

WOW, the past few days have been nothing short of a crazy experience.
Here is what we know…

* HB-80 -been assigned from the House “Rules Committee” to the House “Judiciary Committee”. Scheduled hearing is for this Friday, Feb 12th @ 2pm?! (not exactly sure of the time, but this is what we’ve been told)
o http://le.utah.gov/~2010/htmdoc/hbillhtm/HB0080.htm

o please contact the “Judiciary Committee” and ask them to support HB-80

* HB-141 [Rep. McIff] has been assigned from the House “Rules Committee” to the House “Natural Resources” committee. Scheduled hearing is for this Friday, Feb 12th @ 1:30pm!
o http://le.utah.gov/~2010/htmdoc/hbillhtm/hb0141.htm
o please contact the “Natural Resources” and ask them to oppose HB-141

* HB-290 [Rep. Webb] has been….. WITHDRAWN!!
*** please note – Legislative status of HB-290 on the web page is not updated yet****

***IMPORTANT – We need to attend these hearing(s) to show our Support for HB-80 AND opposition for HB-141***

Please contact the committees ASAP!! Time is ticking, we need to act quickly!!

More info at  –> http://utahwaterguardians.org/

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]

UTAH WATER GUARDIANS

ATTN: ACTION ALERT!!!!

Contact your representatives and senators NOW! Ask them as their constituents, to please support HB-80.

Rep. Fowlke has gone through the proper processes to ensure a compromised bill for all interested parties.  Over the last 6 months she has had  open public process at the capitol, met with the public, water users, private landowners, members of TU, the DWR, Utah Anglers Coalition, Attorney General’s Office, the Farm Bureau, etc, in order to come up with a fair and compromised bill.  We fully support Representative Fowlke, HB-80 and the process. We hope that you will be encouraged to contact your representatives now.

The grassroots movement will be a key part in getting HB-80 passed.

KEY POINTS

• Reflects a full and fair public process
• HB80 is the best faith effort for a common ground compromise
• Deserves a fair honest debate on the floor of the house.
• Answers the questions that the Conatser decision left open  - it narrows the scope of the easement and provides the certainty all parties need to move forward;
• Adopts the most widely accepted legal standard to define stream bed – Ordinary High Water Mark
• Contains a number of voluntary concessions by anglers, including one that will significantly limit the number of recreational users using public water of private beds (the access stamp).
• Supported by the DWR (Division of  Wildlife Resources
• Places accountability on water users to know the law and it gives a defined boundary for all to know as to allow clear enforcement.
• Strengthens trespass law and increases liability protection for landowners.

Please take 5 minutes of your time and look up your representative’s contact info.  Send them an email or give them a call.  Be professional and polite in your correspondence and let them know that their constituents feel that HB-80 is important.  Here’s a few links to help you find your reps and senators as well as links to HB-80.

How to find your Representatives –> http://utahwaterguardians.org/?page_id=19

Representative Finder –> http://www.le.state.ut.us/maps/amap.html

For more up to date information please visit the Utah Water Guardians website -> http://utahwaterguardians.org/

This year started off with great news!! OK, FANTASTIC news! Day 1 issue #9 of Catch Magazine featured my image on the COVER!!!!… AND one in the “Anglers Ellements Snow” section!! It’s my first fly fishing cover as a photographer and I can’t think of a better mag to start it off!

I am truly humbled and totally stoked!Its a huge honor to be apart of Brian O’Keefe and Todd Moen’s brainchild, Catch Magazine. I’m still in shock. Thanks guys!

A BIG thanks to my buddy  Scott Dicky pictured on the cover here. Image was taken on the Middle Provo River in Utah. Scott is known is certain underground circles for tying some of the cleanest bugs around, especially for the Provo and other local areas.

Also, a BIG thanks to Corey Kruitbosch! I have had the pleasure of being in front of Corey’s lens for awhile now, its nice to repay the favor and snap a few of him ; ) Corey work has been published in many publications and in numerous fly fishing media mediums.

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 I was walking up stream I just so happened to turn around to see this image of Scott fishing in this incredible light.

…. this issue also features an image by Corey Kruitbosch. As luck would have it, both Scott and I are on the opening spread “anglers Element Snow”.  The first day of 2010 started off with a bang, I just hope I didn’t shoot of all my bullets.

Above image by Corey Kruitbosch

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.

Utah Water Guardians DONATE button is now LIVE!!

“Donate for (Recreational) Access and Use Utah! Fund”

Your support keeps ALL our gained recreational rights preserved

For more information on what you can do to help please visit

http://utahwaterguardians.org/

Hey.. wanna help get the word out?…. post this on your blog! Pass the word!