Planning A “Summer Getaway” Trout Fishing Trip?

Planning your “summer getaway” trout fishing trip? Here are some things to consider… 

Maybe start with a visit to your local fly shop. Most shops are feeling the squeeze these days. Some of the “destination” shops are doing just fine, and deservedly so, but the shops that aren’t set up next to famous trout rivers are feeling it. I’m not saying you shouldn’t drop in and patronize the shop by the destination river–you should. Just don’t forget about the home shop that set you up in the first place. They have a ton of travel expertise and wisdom, and need your business now, more than ever.

I’d take a hard look at the calendar, especially if you’re headed West. Climate alteration isn’t a bunch of bull, and as I write this, it’s 58 degrees Fahrenheit in northern Colorado–in early February. Our snowpack to date is decent, but if the past few years have left any clues as to a pattern for gauging runoff, even big snowpacks melt hard and fast when it heats up quickly and rains hard in early spring. Mother Nature is unpredictable, and she makes no promises. But I wouldn’t wait until the dog days of late summer for western runoff to subside in most places. If you do, you might be too late. I’d come earlier, or later than late July and early August.

Speaking of which, if you’re stuck on that time frame, that may end up being just fine. After all, there’s nothing quite like hopper season when it’s right. But when the rivers warm, and “hoot owl” restrictions get enforced, I’d be darn sure to work with an outfitter who recognizes that hoot owl fishing is a Band-Aid on a larger issue, and they’re flexible enough/smart enough to adjust the hours and locations dramatically. Follow the insightful lead of those who genuinely understand and care about the river resources. 

Look at access challenges–near or far–as an opportunity to expand your own angling horizons. Consider a dedicated trip on lakes and ponds, or consider dedicated trips to chase alternate species like smallmouth bass, pike, muskies, panfish, or even carp. If the trout game is right, fantastic, go for it. But don’t force a square peg into a round hole. Take off the blinders and try new things. It’ll make you a better all-around angler. 

If you’re hell-bent on trout, fine. Do your research and find a bullet-proof option. If you don’t fancy the crowds that will congregate below tailwater dams, be willing to explore some “blue lines” and hike into the feeder creeks. Maybe trade that 5-weight every now and then for a 2-weight, and appreciate that size doesn’t always matter. There, I just did you a favor and gave you an excuse to buy that little fiberglass or bamboo rod you’ve been thinking about for years. 

Lastly, be willing to bring it all home. It’s not just your local shop that needs your help; your local river likely does as well. A “getaway” trip can and should be a wonderful excursion that expands your horizons as an angler, and allows you to experience those places with interesting people you either meet along the way, or those close whom you bring along.

But the number-one lesson those getaway adventures ultimately teach you is that home really is where the heart is, and most roads eventually lead your heart right back to where you started. – Kirk Deeter

Castwork Profile: Pete Cardinal

Pete is not a candor-challenged individual. He has his own blunt, succinct means of communicating in the heat of battle.

Words like “lefter” and “righter” give you a clear, if not grammatically correct, indication of where he wants the next cast to land. “Wrong” and “bad,” words that often are taboo among other guides, are common elements of the Cardinal dialect.

“I am not a tactful person,” he admits. “You hire me to catch trout, not to tell me what to do.

“If you want the lazy float down the river with a wine and cheese party, find someone else. Small talk, pretty checkered tablecloths and bottles of chardonnay are for people who struggle catching fish.”

Read the entire essay from Castwork: Reflections of Fly Fishing Guides and the American West (2002). 

Product Buzz

We love the new Temperature Tape from Cling Fishing Products, to help keep fish safe in the heat of the summer. Nautilus Reels announces their new GTS 5/6 Reels. RIO introduces two new freshwater fly lines to its multipurpose Gold portfolio: Gold XP and Gold MAX. Sage introduces the next evolution in moderate-action fly rod technology with the CLASSIC R8: “Fish Slow, Feel More.” More from Deeter on the industry evolution towards slower, more “classic” fly rod actions. Airlite introduces a unique range of affordably priced, high-quality fly rods. Flylab partner, Four Wheel Campers, introduces their CampOut, a Fully Modular Truck Camper. “Take a slide-in truck camper design that has been refined over 52 years and add a fully modular interior, and what you get is the Four Wheel Campers (4WC) CampOut. This latest offering from 4WC starts at about $26K.” Tips for staying comfortable, safe, and making the most of cold-weather fishing from George Daniel: “Five years ago, I made the switch to bootfoot waders–which have an insulated type of muck book attached directly to the wader–and I’ve never had cold feet since, despite fishing during some extreme cold-weather events…”  

Fly-fishing News

Check out the BONEDALE FISHING REPORTS twenty nine and thirty, featuring legendary guide, Kea Hause, from Colorado’s Roaring Fork valley. Ted Williams considers the outdoor writer and Objective Advocacy: “The kind of reporting [Mike] Frome did was harder and served the reader better. Rather than recycle flack babble and press releases from, say, Weyerhaeuser and the Sierra Club–something readers could get on their own–he dug out the real story.” Deeter writes about an amazingly simple casting fly casting tip that fixes the two most common mistakes in seconds. From Outside, Kevin Costner Wants Americans to Care About the National Parks. From the Henry’s Fork Foundation: Ten Years of Aquatic Insect Data from the Henry’s Fork. “By all measures, the aquatic invertebrate communities of the Henry’s Fork are abundant, diverse, and stable.” The Mill House Podcast talks with iconic angler Carter Andrews. “This towering figure, both in size and hair, is eclipsed only by the immense love he has for his family and his passion for fishing. His obsession is woven into every breath he takes…”

Recent Press

“We love your emails and completely support Flylab. We also love that you’re looking out for the shops and little guys…” – Anonymous Fly Shop

“Nice job on the $25 memberships–thanks for listening to the users, and the price is more than fair for a lifetime value.” – Sander, Flylab Member

“What’s the deal with you guys promoting Bonedale Fishing reports with Kea Hause and he is deceased? It makes it sound like you are getting fishing reports from him? He was a fellow guide in our area here. Maybe just put it in your archive so you look like you know what is going on.” – John, Concerned Guide

Thanks for the feedback, and we’re completely aware of Kea’s passing–that’s the point of the publication series: to highlight his unique skills and qualities, particularly as a writer. Please feel free to read BONEDALE FISHING REPORT #1 for an overview of the project. 

We’re always looking for Flylab feedback–send any comments, thoughts, suggestions, and we’d love to hear from you.

Scouting Report

We’re hard at work hunting down the coolest new products, brands and partners you’ve never heard of.

Over It Raft Covers

“Living in the adventure town of Salida, Colorado, we spend as much time as possible outdoors. Our river (the Arkansas) is world-renowned, yet even the locals (that includes us) have made costly, wasteful mistakes when storing gear. After too many seasons of unnecessary damage to our rafts, we created a better solution. Over It Raft Covers was born from those backyard brainstorming sessions: a sun-protective, durable and secure cover that fits any boat you can float down the river.”

Flylab discount: 10% off raft covers (Inflatable Swim Deck not included).

Partner Spotlight

Soul Fly Lodge

Overlooking the east side of Great Harbour Cay and a short distance from an idyllic Bahamian beach, Soul Fly Lodge sits about a mile north of what Travel & Leisure calls the 13th most beautiful beach in the world. Located in The Berry Islands, Bahamas, the lodge caters to fly fisherman, pursuing bonefish, permit, triggerfish, mutton snapper and barracuda. The lodge guides, staff and hosts are all experts in their craft with decades of experience.

Flylab discount: 10% off destination travel packages (double occupancy required).

If you’re a fly shop, outfitter, fishing lodge or outdoor brand and interested in becoming a new Flylab partner, learn more about our program here. Join the best partner network in fly fishing.

“It’s a complicated and wonderful game.” Rolf Nylinder and Håvard Stubø talk about chasing summer dry fly fishing in the Scandinavian mountains. Areas of Swedish and Norwegian interest: Saxnäs, Ammarnäs, Sorsele, Tärnaby, Arjeplog, Kiruna, Finnmark, Narvik…