tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48302566633224299142024-03-05T10:54:05.124-06:00no clear linesJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954678399258926561noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830256663322429914.post-47081734232003094242013-08-19T14:11:00.000-05:002013-08-19T14:11:07.058-05:00Spey resources:<br />
Poppy's Red Shed Fly Shop<br />
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We all want to support our local shop, and we all should. At the same time, being able to spread a few bucks across the world wide web is nice, especially when you find a good shop run by good folks. I first encountered Poppy's Red Shed Fly Shop after kicking around Speypages. Once I started to better understand rod lining, heads, Skagit, Scandi, Mid/Long belly lines, I started to look around Poppy's site. Definitely more gear than I could ever want. Even a decent selection of "experienced" gear too. <br />
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Here's a cool little clip I found the other day:<br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/21977539">Poppy's Red Shed</a><br />
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Just looking through what Red Shed has to offer sparks my interest around cutting heads and messing around with lines. But, as much as I would love to jump on that train, I'll stick with pre-made skagit and scandi heads for the time being. I've got too much to learn around wing setting and other tying techniques.<br />
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I'd like to make it out Poppy's way one day. If Mordor had a fly shop, it might be this one.<br />
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Support local, but when you can't - look for shops like Poppy's. Giving to angling programs, supporting the sport and habit, and being an all-around good guy add up to reasons I've bought from Poppy.Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954678399258926561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830256663322429914.post-52533986580104791852013-08-15T13:29:00.001-05:002013-08-15T13:29:34.191-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSh5H1qwU0kOuemxhntDwZXmzbIAlma-sarnLIMjiXvFddNvIYAo02IgyvkNy3epPmp6MRR64fwRllRr0cUcNFEuan62xUA_euwhumu443X8OQF7B9HXH4xHGSHrAOYctGghhvlahXZOta/s1600/YvonFlies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSh5H1qwU0kOuemxhntDwZXmzbIAlma-sarnLIMjiXvFddNvIYAo02IgyvkNy3epPmp6MRR64fwRllRr0cUcNFEuan62xUA_euwhumu443X8OQF7B9HXH4xHGSHrAOYctGghhvlahXZOta/s320/YvonFlies.png" width="320" /></a></div>
When you're busy...<br />
For over a year now, I have returned to this site often asking myself when it is I will write next, or find something of relevance to post. Things started to settle recently. Life is always full of change and
surprise - some good, some bad. We lost a huge part of our lives this
year, and recovering from that will take a lifetime. In between a new son, raising our other children, work, numerous fly swaps, and focusing on learning traditional Spey/Dee/Salmon patterns - there really hasn't been much time at all for posting or writing. Add in the fact that I often tell myself I need to write just to write, and I started to shy away. <br />Part of writing is reading, and most of my time has gone towards technical manuals or books on angling/tying. As much passion as I have for reading the latter, I did not feel the need to regurgitate what I read just for the sake of writing. Sure, I could have done comparative readings - but I survived enough of that in my Post Grad years.<br />
However, I feel I have fully entered into the realm of fly tying that has intrigued me since my introduction to two-handed casting and its origins in Scotland. The flies used for angling for Scottish salmon are wondrous in their complexities and construction. At the start, it all looked impossible. The thread control, the materials, the feather manipulations - so very daunting to the uninitiated. Book after book, DVD upon DVD...the amount of ingested information regarding selection, technique, historical significance...there is so much to learn. I am also realizing that for the level of tying I am at, there is much to set aside for the time being. I am not interested in artistic fly tying at the moment. I tie with the intent of using the fly. While some of the flies are amazing in composition, I don't have the time to complete them or money to invest in the rare feathers "needed" to be considered a quality fly. I often laugh at the last part. Somewhere someone is laughing all the way to the bank selling $300 feathers to people hellbent on tying a 7/0 gaudy fly. God bless them too.<br />Recently, I participated in a Spey fly swap, and had a lot of fun with tying 13 different Spey patterns. I scoured "Autumns on the Spey" and Radencich's "<span class="heading">Classic Salmon Fly Patterns</span>" for interesting patterns; something outside the Lady Carolines of the tying world. The journey was interesting to say the least. I pushed my patience to new boundaries in attempting a perfect tie. Tinsel spacing, wing setting, hook selecting - all new ground for me. The coolest part was the additional fly we were asked to tie for a well-known outdoor activist and fly fishing enthusiast. The picture above are the flies tied for this man, and the two of mine were included (one is a pattern I developed, the other is a Glasso style). Some of the folks involved with this effort are well-known steelheaders and tyers. To be associated with them in this project is quite the honor. One I won't forget.<br /><br />I'll post up the pattern I tied in the near future...<br /><br />
<br />Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954678399258926561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830256663322429914.post-74781189348677969582012-04-08T07:49:00.005-05:002012-04-08T09:20:28.073-05:00steady<div><br /><div>This year continues to bring interesting days on the water. I've picked up spey casting, and it has become a favorite angling methodology. As in my first single-hand fly fishing casts, spey casting carries the same renewing properties. The element of immersion exists on a whole other plane. The weather is usually pure crap (cold/rain/wind/sleet/snow), and sight fishing is not really something in the equation as I have experienced yet. The casting and covering techniques are very rhythmic, with the only syncopation coming from a fish on the iron. Swinging flies through grayed winter waters is something else. When the toes go numb and the headwinds pick up, the moment slips on a sisyphean mask. At the end of a good cast, the line belly gliding casually atop the river, guiding the fly towards what one hopes is a holding steelhead, we do it again.<div>I have really enjoyed my outings, even without having caught my quarry. Folks say there are still fish in. I'll wait until next season...</div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday, a buddy and I headed north and got into a few spring browns:</div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0dezN5VZa4vvSbvTSnWlOb3li1kiCPXLssGHEyY-_6PkJ3bcoHydJ4V4v4rbj93gRd2JKoGt59US9A91oXoqNiO89On9gSdPOmK8pk28E8mYvO3acqaktlczMy8vqkCA7Gymzfh5uiYs/s320/bigbrownapr2012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729015804037854370" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW89_TGyE6Q_yCuclv9-4Ft7yjQHq6O8CDEuSYJ1uvYv3GTEOA51Do_llrHNGLbytsnvD0U6Du2La5fqXx4tEY6w4qWjk9jNyM28jcr0GPHDXxDNyerB-dOGT7ma88ml7syrU0_51v03Vq/s320/Charlie2apr2012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729015807898776194" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 127px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We started off using parachute BWO in 18, but after seeing no surface action, we went down and dirty, using Bethke's Pink Squirrel with great results.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqA4KWEaPIXjkBa6LLqFOP-7j51II8QyNkTJ-ozlnuVvGfGRsvIxYbA1BNkXt5hzB-S1YzNQ0nk5p76Vwzi1eC6o9V_WTGhaeMXIrCfIcPJIXGzo0PIEzhTedR9Ia7bQFOHLjbvQU75Dj/s320/ColorBrownApr2012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729015814823849154" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>this little fella was awful pretty.</div><div><br /></div><div>Having stood in a cool stream on a bluebird day is a big shift from the chilling rigors on WI steelheading. And every ounce as challenging - and rewarding.</div></div></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954678399258926561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830256663322429914.post-62717257982727258612012-03-26T20:27:00.008-05:002012-03-26T21:47:14.648-05:00Silence on the swing<div><br /></div><div>Last Saturday, I ventured out amidst the mists and fog in search of migrating steelhead. The weather is out of whack - we've had temperatures as high as 80 degrees in early March. I am not sure our spring steel know when to swim anymore. The river is sparsely populated with wintered trout - dark, slouching, lumbering slowly upstream as they seek out a home they never truly had. The numbers are not there. Yet. One friend I saw later that day remains hopeful, and said the unpredictability was still a good bet. The steel may still come. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I set foot in the river, I noticed just how blown out it was, and remained. There is a nervousness that finds me before I make my first cast. A few times, I thought I would lose my footing and wash downstream. I am not a fan of that happening, so I moved a few steps back and scouted blindly for better submerged ground. I got my bearings and began casting, working river right, then river left - three steps, repeat. Spey casting is brand spanking new to me. The tempo created by the rushing water often changed my casting rhythm. Mentally I would correct my speed, and then think each step:</div><div><br /></div><div>Rod down, then up slightly and to the side. Arc it back, then forward and down. Wait. Rod up, gently twisting inward, then forward. Swing. The lines shivers in my wake, buffeted by ever-renewing water. If done right, it will slowly center on me downstream. Now river left. </div><div><br /></div><div>Each movement carried focus, and the world's voices fell into the background. Nothing made a noise. There is love woven into that silence. A silence that deafens the river around me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have found a new doorstep to my home on the water.</div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954678399258926561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830256663322429914.post-47516236754305190702012-03-05T07:22:00.005-06:002012-03-06T15:26:06.512-06:00Fly Fishing Film Tour: Milwaukee - Wednesday, April 18th.<div><br /></div><div>Have you ever wanted to see some of the best clips from fly fishing films in a theater? What about in a brewery? This year, The Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) stops in Milwaukee, and will show fly fishing short films at Sprecher Brewery! The show includes over 10 short films on fly fishing from a variety of perspectives - there is something for everyone, and new views into the realm of fly fishing too. Pat Ehlers and The Fly Fishers (Milwaukee, WI) are sponsoring it, and will have a lot of great swag for attendees - to include a special craft brew from Sprecher just for the F3T! Pat has also donated one of his Echo Edge84 8wt rods, an Echo Ion reel, and an Airflo Bass/Muskie line to match! The rod/reel/line combo will be raffled off with all proceeds going to Southeast Wisconsin Trout Unlimited (www.sewtu.org). </div><div>Tickets for the movie are available at <a href="http://www.theflyfishers.com/">The Fly Fishers</a> in Milwaukee, the <a href="http://flyfilmtour.com/f3t">F3T website</a>, through SEWTU (http://sewtu.org/ - there is an email address listed at the bottom of the page). You can also obtain raffle tickets in advance through SEWTU. If you use SEWTU for your ticket purchase, please title your email "F3T tickets." </div><div>Don't miss out on a great night - films, craft beer, gear raffles, great people - the makings of a memorable night!</div><div>Cheers</div><div><div><br /></div></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954678399258926561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830256663322429914.post-51592437514659012112012-01-01T20:08:00.003-06:002012-01-01T20:19:42.166-06:00Year of Steel<div>Kyle and I went out on the MKE for one last go at 2011 Lake Michigan trib steelhead. Had a great day on some new water, and rounded out the year with a decent Northern that took a Chubby Muffin. Kyle took a steel hen that hammered some conventional gear he brought with - not such a bad idea actually.</div><div>All in all, I set out in 2011 with my sight on Northern and Musky, so it was a fitting way to finish.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kyle also noticed my WI Delorme. He smiled, and knew better than to ask why I have it between the seat in my car. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am going to make 2012 my year of steel.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a nice little piece that talks about my favorite waters (and more):</div><div><a href="http://www.jsonline.com/sports/outdoors/warm-weather-is-a-popular-trend-with-anglers-2n3jqk2-136490633.html">Warm water is a popular trend with anglers</a></div><div><br /></div><div>The featured angler is none other than Erik Helm. He gave a great presentation to our TU organization on steelheading last year. He is a hell of an angler, tyer, and works at our local Orvis. Great resource, great guy. Congrats Erik!</div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954678399258926561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830256663322429914.post-42728464227403472452011-12-29T21:47:00.004-06:002011-12-31T09:29:09.405-06:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFTBTfMOpnsHU1OlAN0K92aJPBA1QG177j03yzQcUy1acDD6q4CRwAKtTMfKZvO5S-gpMt78IozKgIa9EkZHBVoCM3XVXvreF0o3XVztpN0rP1QG0zvG8JFo667muY7Gb7UIWg4uQxH5G/s1600/williejoe.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFTBTfMOpnsHU1OlAN0K92aJPBA1QG177j03yzQcUy1acDD6q4CRwAKtTMfKZvO5S-gpMt78IozKgIa9EkZHBVoCM3XVXvreF0o3XVztpN0rP1QG0zvG8JFo667muY7Gb7UIWg4uQxH5G/s320/williejoe.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691763151743570258" /></a>Josh and I met back in 1991, when I showed up on the steps of A Co 2/187th. He was in the 1PLT CP talking to SSG Witherspoon, our acting PLT SGT at the time. Josh shook my hand and welcomed me to the best fighting outfit the 101st had to offer. I later realized that 1PLT owed that title to guys like him. He grew up in Oregon, somewhere remote, where the biggest threat to his family's plumbing system was a bear chewing on their water lines. He's direct without being inconsiderate. There is a recurve bow in his home that he uses with great precision in hunting deer. He'll throw a trout to the bank, as long as it was earned. In 2009, I asked him to be a groomsman in my wedding, having to drive 10+hrs each way. I hadn't seen him since 1993 we he left Fort Campbell.<div><br /></div><div>Fast forward to 2011: Josh returned from AFGH - he's home for the holidays for a two week stint. The call was kept brief as he is home with his family, and I know how much that means to him. We didn't talk about the war - I didn't care to ask, and Josh is comfortable with what he does. He asked about my steelhead season, and how he remembers vividly the salmonids from the West Coast. If there was a big push of water how they would still have sea lice on them even though Josh's favorite spot was well upriver. Did Lake Michigan salmon and trout have pink flesh or was is red? And the question of lake-run steelhead vs. true anadromous fish. We agreed that once Josh finishes his last tour of duty, we'll go back to his old haunts and see what kind of fish we can get to rise. <div>He never says goodbye, a fact that I realized years ago. He says it's better that way. Goodbye, to Josh, is final.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954678399258926561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830256663322429914.post-86453571968650550172011-12-23T21:48:00.003-06:002011-12-23T21:50:10.836-06:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNtEGXKkrh3KfTRvOX_qsOT9B7wYvJoMv3jeOePVy8rWRlc5iinaZ0UtfzHpK17hqswFIuGI97lx7dKClUpezz2-r2YbbEY0YwBV-9-TvJ1fk2nyXYhEDDU_Ml-x_ASBRp9IaorfCMK9z/s1600/Norman_Maclean.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 317px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNtEGXKkrh3KfTRvOX_qsOT9B7wYvJoMv3jeOePVy8rWRlc5iinaZ0UtfzHpK17hqswFIuGI97lx7dKClUpezz2-r2YbbEY0YwBV-9-TvJ1fk2nyXYhEDDU_Ml-x_ASBRp9IaorfCMK9z/s320/Norman_Maclean.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689536790837598610" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 14px; font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" >This evening, I noticed snow falling outside our kitchen window and it filled me with excitement. I will always harbor a child-like fervor for snow in early winter, even moreso now as it becomes a vehicle in which trout will surge forward into streams. I imagine them finning in a slow, deep hold, waiting for another push of snow to give the river a few more inches of negotiable water as they journey upstream. Some will winter over, others will find their final sleep. They are there with me in the cold onslaught, silver-sided and determined. If I am lucky, I may get one to come visit me on the bank, both shivering in the face of the strange worlds before us.</span>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954678399258926561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830256663322429914.post-49411338515821979292011-12-14T22:19:00.003-06:002011-12-14T22:37:37.286-06:00One Year<div>January marks one year I have been the Chair of our TU Membership Committee. To say I have lead it would be a stretch as the guys on the committee have been great leaders. Our TU group as a whole really stays plugged in with our DNR, our local shops, and other folks who work/play the local waters - and beyond! In the past 12 months, I have been able to get to know our chapter better as well. I have gone out numerous times to local tribs this past summer and fall, and have even been show a good spot or two. Few things make me happier than when something secret, or sacred, is shared. It shows trust, and demands it in return. Sure, it may not be a complete secret - yet I think anyone who chases steelhead in SE WI has a honeyhole that they call "theirs." </div><div>Last night, we had our Holiday Party Chapter meeting. We watched "Eastern Rises" and had a gift exchange (bring one, take one). I scored a sweet set of Rising curved 'ceps and two flies that are known producers at a place I have yet to land a fish. Looking forward to New Years to say the least. All in all, I have had a great two years in this TU Chapter, and feel completely honored to Chair the Membership committee. Looking forward to another great year!</div><div><br /></div><div>One the fishing front, my obsession with Spey wings continues. I watched a really great youtube vid of Davie McPhail tying a nice salmon spey fly - truly glad he posted that as it helps me better understand the techniqes written down in John Shewey's book "Spey and Dee Flies." I am in the process of re-vamping my tying area with two simple homemade benches for storage/work of fly materials and gun cleaning. I've been able to get my sons involved with some of the prep and construction. Tonight I finished staining bench #1. This weekend, if I don't hit the local tributary, I'll finish up bench #2. It rained steadily today, and the temps have risen a bit - to around 50 degrees. A good buddy texted me today that the fish are in, and I should check locally for action. </div><div>All in good time.</div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954678399258926561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830256663322429914.post-29977452749006604282011-12-11T16:15:00.004-06:002011-12-11T19:08:05.226-06:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG14iv1fLCJzhYCpDHovkrCGWHWcD7Hn_F3JsuaqJef5AWdAi90s1So69ja6smn5mDP74icjlzgZGF6bQRI-iE-hvmw4kA3woSw3mhQffAfDQZ4GJ0upKY-fcXLC1aIiHGyphEp9tLRxZL/s1600/PikeShutDown.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG14iv1fLCJzhYCpDHovkrCGWHWcD7Hn_F3JsuaqJef5AWdAi90s1So69ja6smn5mDP74icjlzgZGF6bQRI-iE-hvmw4kA3woSw3mhQffAfDQZ4GJ0upKY-fcXLC1aIiHGyphEp9tLRxZL/s320/PikeShutDown.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684998492383979506" /></a>MY SAD STEELHEAD SEASON<div><br /></div><div>Off to a late start. My job keeps me pinned down during September, so I wasn't able to wet lines on the first runs of salmon and trout as they pushed into the Lake Michagin tribs. There is one trib in particular that I have been to less than the Milwaukee river this year, and it is pretty much down the street from me. Pike Creek is a pretty interesting little body of water. There are sections that flow past the United States oldest operating velodrome at Washington Park, as well as through Petrifying Springs, and a golf course. The trib section that flows past the velo is partially covered in some sections as it weaves through the city. One of my favorites sections lies just below the golf course. The mouth, the picture on the right, usually has a long run parallel to the lake before cutting in to the shallows, and opening a path for spawning. One day, I headed down to find the first pool off the mouth still and looking like light chocolate milk. A walk down to the lakefront and I knew why it was so odd looking: the mouth was shut (see pic). The waves weren't pushing enough water up to re-open, so I packed it up and moved upstream. Stopped off at the rearing ponds (now empty) just for good measure.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ5kpeydfVZOvZD9o5PdMvFunfNqiYZgPt2wg3RYIh2qwJcOwnsAwvi7Nr-gwTx1DJnpFv-3TksoYMnoHROpoJIQ6sMK_TzBTLPn3X4cE5HCVcJUhb4498NPOwEeWaCE4pYwK3_hXpLi3/s1600/KenoshaRearingPond.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ5kpeydfVZOvZD9o5PdMvFunfNqiYZgPt2wg3RYIh2qwJcOwnsAwvi7Nr-gwTx1DJnpFv-3TksoYMnoHROpoJIQ6sMK_TzBTLPn3X4cE5HCVcJUhb4498NPOwEeWaCE4pYwK3_hXpLi3/s320/KenoshaRearingPond.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684998303003871074" /></a></div><div>These guys work with our DNR to assist with salmon (coho) rearing and stocking. I'd love to get in there one day with my sons and have the throw some purina fish-chow to young salmon. Just north if us in Racine is a weir, known as the Root River Steelhead Facility. Our TU chapter (www.sewtu.org) works in conjunction with the facility annually to educate and assist with some of the tasks around the facility's involvement in the DNR's stocking program. The Root is lined with folks once the runs start, some folks snag, but the good folks throw conventional of flies. Never had patience for snaggers, especially the ones who say "it was an accident. I was just drifting a spawnbag." Sure it was. Just like me cutting your line with scissors is an accident. </div><div><br /></div><div>Milwaukee also has two really nice sets of water to fish. Jamie (getting bent and holding the fruit of his efforts) and I headed out to both this year, with Jamie putting me on some of his favorite spots. Unfortunately, the steelies were upriver, and most of the coho were tired and uninterested. Or at least that is my story.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewinK0S_NuPaGwILgpNxOXgOcWQbM3udxFfwj4kjgUqHVWRfdTu-W4v16rM4z9xzC8c_OojZJcWGgqm48gKbCFVevvsTlemWzP6HpbPDBNKBfEcT6NW6Nzrj9nfE1pN8UCYWaYMfAjiiV/s1600/BentJamie.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewinK0S_NuPaGwILgpNxOXgOcWQbM3udxFfwj4kjgUqHVWRfdTu-W4v16rM4z9xzC8c_OojZJcWGgqm48gKbCFVevvsTlemWzP6HpbPDBNKBfEcT6NW6Nzrj9nfE1pN8UCYWaYMfAjiiV/s320/BentJamie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684998288030860322" /></a><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-rc-F04j6bUQDkvOVgE2T0WGFwGXB6HAKC4OcN8_E3x6m8oYv94SsadOcSHCdmU4pEw613Ij4s4kvrf7r1Szr7OETm-oVlQyB0kW2X64hQ1a9wTwJeBdP2J4q2VJOWMa_OFKnAXpu-Qv/s320/CohoJamie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684998289988778898" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuReVNoILoxIEXw7X7WFx4sI0bjxZfy64MH-ubHQ8tFNpBctrYqVz-Izoi4wjEdWHvpUZ9a5iKdJIX5Wn0lVNCiDCq578encgHpBP71ui9t22ZBY1HnVXib9Xed54F97uM2vLhBHCJAjH/s320/GutterDuck.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684998296099171250" /></div><div>Here is one of Milwaukee's ditchbirds: an urban Wood Duck, just watching me walk the cement waterway in search of stragglers. This guy was walking the bank with me for a bit. Looked like he may have been winged (wouldn't surprise me based on the season), as he couldn't get air under him as I walked. He just hopped up a dirt pile and hoped I would leave. Which I did after snapping this photo. I had never seen a Wood duck before. Beautiful bird, amazing plumage.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Spawn 'til you die...</div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bsdFE9tZGqq4QNOIRK8QS4-7IuDOPnJr0Hq4Me7J-IIwaZiG5OQylAPqu0OiHKvGIX0tBBkpk_FjMhC_XMaBgTvsEm5EIrF9ZcrRIOy2t1G81hbubnW2PbqTS-uQQUU8rrUrrvJokJou/s320/CohoWight.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684998289453024146" /></div><div>But the season is not over for me yet. I am going to head out again during the coming week. Not sure where to head, but I have a few spots lined up, and hopefully a couple familiar folks will be on the water too. I'll be doing a little homework and making a few calls to pinpoint an activity on the waters that flow through the great city of Milwaukee.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954678399258926561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830256663322429914.post-52637018361436734902011-12-08T12:36:00.006-06:002011-12-09T18:22:22.508-06:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccx3ZBwcVG2YN8qXj7hK8IjZILmJTxUkVX8FAvkbanfB3HKTnRCZBVniZCwTMzziKaVfzJM8PIGiNEkK52QPTV_UFHH9LN9CxsuBs6b_negv44wnMFLCASzYZousSwfrLoLTQUq9QZJfn/s1600/LastWater.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccx3ZBwcVG2YN8qXj7hK8IjZILmJTxUkVX8FAvkbanfB3HKTnRCZBVniZCwTMzziKaVfzJM8PIGiNEkK52QPTV_UFHH9LN9CxsuBs6b_negv44wnMFLCASzYZousSwfrLoLTQUq9QZJfn/s320/LastWater.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684288108286119218" /></a><b>RIVER RAT</b><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="WHITE-SPACE: pre" class="Apple-tab-span">I</span> have spent a good amount of my time on the water this year stalking rivers and tributaries. I have a hard time putting to words exactly what it is about a moving body of water that truly offers a sense of "home" to me. I live around a good number of tribs, and have invested more time in these waterways this year. There is something to be said about standing in a river's autumnal flow. The quietude churned out by rushing waters guides me into a moment like nothing else has been able to do in a very long time. Many anglers comment on a sense of the spiritual while on the water. If you find God on the water, it probably means the flows were too high and you should have stayed on shore. For me, it is just a heightened sense of connectedness with everything, external and internal. Like the river, all things in contact with it are one; they are part and parcel of it. The old washes down, the new is up ahead. The river is a great metaphor. If I can find that in a few short years, I say my life is good. Very good.</div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Heraclitus' thoughts on "Panta rhei" was on point, folks.</div></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954678399258926561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830256663322429914.post-18820185409738318782011-11-22T07:31:00.003-06:002011-11-22T08:48:43.370-06:00One thing I have always valued in life is the journey. Moving from one point to another, having a sense of accomplishment at each step, and learning while on the go. Kinesthetic learning at it's best; on the water training. A book is the catalyst - they remaining the driving force for exploration and change in my life. A good book can change you in ways you never thought possible. I recently underwent such a change, albeit more of a silent ripple in a deep woods spring than a wave on the ocean.<div>This past summer, I read the book <b><a href="http://andershalverson.com/">An Entirely Synthetic Fish</a></b>. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in fish-stocking programs, hatchery work, invasive species populations, fly fishing, and early American ideas on sport fishing. Enough of that for now. What this book showed me, in a nutshell, is that rainbow trout are truly West Coast indigenous fish. They are also anadromous. They do not belong in the streams, rivers, and lakes across America, at least as nature had it sorted. But that was before man stuck his hands in the water and transplanted Rainbow trout throughout a good amount of American water, Lake Michigan included.</div><div>Why is this on my mind? Right now (or at least a few weeks prior), we finally had enough rain to open up the tributaries here in the SE Midwest, so our lake salmon and trout can make their runs upriver. To the logical me, the <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/pubs/rainbowtrout.pdf">stocked rainbow trout</a> in Lake Michigan are not true steelhead. I don't know if that is the part of me that likes to ruffle feathers, yet I have had a hard time calling lake run trout by the name "steelhead" and apparently I am not the only one. However, the stocked strains of Skamania, Chambers Creek, and Ganaraska River qualify these fish as "steelhead" based on lineage. </div><div>After conversing with a former fishery biologist, I have decided to lay down the sword of lake-run trout. It's a silly battle. And after all, for me, it is about being in the water swinging flies to these fish. </div><div>I have been to the tribs many times this season. North of my home when the flows were clicking in at 1400cfs, and when the silt disturbed by my footsteps remained hovering for a good amount of time. I have yet to bring a salmon or trout to hand this year, which means I just need more time on the waters. A fellow angler said (after 5 hours with lines in and nothing caught) that steelhead can be like musky: you just gotta keep after them and work the water. Eventually, they will come. As they do every spring and fall.</div><div><div><br /></div></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954678399258926561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4830256663322429914.post-87332492054934208192011-11-20T10:57:00.003-06:002011-11-20T11:05:51.886-06:00Clean Slate<div><br /></div><div>I sat here the other day, actually for a quite a few days throughout the year, reading and thinking that most of what I am writing here is not what I am accustomed to writing. It was a surface level salute to my view of life and the lives around me. It wasn't bad; it just wasn't how I am accustomed to relaying my positions and interpretations of the world through which I travel. I likened my words to a painter taking photographs for the sake of quickly sharing his view, instead of following his craft.</div><div><br /></div><div>My passions deserve more effort.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Joshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954678399258926561noreply@blogger.com1