Snowing Days

Lake effect snows have dumped over three feet of snow over northwestern PA.  Corry, PA recorded 64.3" in three days.  Chief canceled a combo hunting and fishing trip to the region.  Our esteemed Pro Staffer in Waterford needs to report his measured snow fall.

5th Annual Christmas Fishing Gathering

Saturday, December 18, 2010

The Gang will meet at the Waffle Shop in Bellefonte at 9 AM  for a hearty breakfast then head off to the
Paradise for some winter fishing.  The Chief will be preparing Wild Sheepshead Mushroom Soup and his Famous Skillet Venison Loin after fishing.  Coffee and hot chocolate will be on.  RBF's Eggnog with Apple Jack and many other libations will be available.  The RBF Mobile Command Center will be available for thawing out.  Last year it was a grand snowing day.  Let's hope for some great Christmas weather this year.

Chief Bags Rare Bird

The two-headed Eastern Wild Turkey Hen bagged by the Chief on opening day in WMU 2F proved to be his most difficult quarry in his 45 years of turkey hunting. You see, the damn bird had two sets of eyes. But using his finely honed outdoorsman skills and his Berretta A391 Xtrema 2 Shotgun and a Cody Drop Dead One Sider Box Call he prevailed.

Grand Slam for Midger

The Chief was not a bit surprised to learn that Midger bagged a gobbler then an archery bear after killing that monster buck.  What's next for this ungodly outdoorsman?

A Monster for Midger

Received word here at RBF Headquarters that Midger stocked up on venison bologna recently in Forest County. 20" spread, 170 pounds dressed.

Medal for Midger!!!

Get ready to pop a High Life: Not that you didn't already know it, but Midger is the real deal. Congratulations to Pat for his recent Silver Medal at the Clarion River Classic II:

"The silver medal went to Pat Weiss after placing well while having to fish the two toughest beats on the river."

http://troutlegend.com/team/?p=490

It won him a spot on Team Trout Legend. We can all say we knew him before he was famous.

Well done Champ.

Where's Waldo?

Hell if I know, but can you spot Midger and other Team Freestoners throughout these updated photo's just posted to the America Cup site?

http://www.theamericacup.com/photos.html

The Big Leagues

Midger, Coach Crocker and I concluded our practice sessions on the Blue River, confident that we had sufficiently climbed the learning curve on its finicky, midge eating trout. We had a game plan on the Arkansas, and we’d just have to figure out the “big” Colorado on the fly. No worries, we had the flies for any eventuality.

Then everything changed.

It started with the registration. Reality set in that we were no longer the only game in town. You could almost sense the trout darting for cover as the highest concentration of fly fishing mojo I’ve ever encountered radiated from the hotel conference room to the streams. There was some serious talent gathered there, and it was FOCUSED. No bravado. No swagger. Just skill.

Team Poland checks in. Houston, we’ve got a problem:

Team Freestone about to board the buses and head off to the beats. I must admit to feeling a bit like the Jamaican bobsled team here:

I drew 2 beats on the Blue River on my first day of competition. Phew. I felt good about my earlier trips on the Blue, and knew exactly how I’d approach it. Dry and dropper; a parachute CDC baetis or tape wing caddis, and a thinly dressed beadhead baetis nymph or serendipity on the drop. Get ready to measure, Mr. Controller.

This is the hydrograph on the water we hit in practice, kind of what you’d expect in mid-September in the Rockies, even on a tailwater (who irrigates in September?):

DOH!

The competition venue was switched to a private ranch. All part of the game I thought. Private water = dumb fish, right? Maybe so, but this ranch was below the Green Mountain Reservoir, and this was the hydrograph at the competition beats. I guess a golf course near Los Angeles needed to green up the fairways a tad, so the call went into Green Mountain to start dumping water.

Well over 700 c.f.s. worth. Waddya mean no split shot allowed?:

At these flows, I concentrated more on not falling in and embarrassing myself by needing to be rescued in my first hour of competition. Weighted zonkers and bunny flies replaced the dry and dropper. Still, I connected with several heavy fish, managing a break-off and several long distance releases. Coulda-shoulda-woulda – I managed only excuses in the morning. I did score a 47 cm rainbow on a zonker in the afternoon. I must admit a rediscovered liking of the metric system. Makes everything sound bigger. Or at least longer...

Team Freestone licks its first day wounds. To quote Vince Lombardi: “What the hell is going on here?!?”

Midger made us proud on Saturday by winning his beat on the Arkansas. He also scored well with his bottom rolling nymph technique on the Blue. I had a decent beat on the Arkansas, but only scored 3 fish despite consistent hookups.

Not much else to say. Get the full damage report at www.theamericacup.com.

No pro-staff stickers on the cup this year:

We’d have to settle for borrowing a medal for a snapshot. Freestoner BJ Heigle gets in on the festivities:

This was a tremendous experience for me. My only regret was not having time to watch these anglers practice their craft during the competition itself. Techniques were as diverse as the individuals, and I felt I had something to learn from each and every one of them.

Team Emerger:

Brothers of the Angle – with Michael Drinan of Ireland. While RBF Pro Staffers might be able to catch trout in a sewer, Michael can make them rise to a tiny dry fly in a paved parking lot:


And the party never ends…

Pro Staffers Go A Mouching

Midger and I traveled with Team Freestone to Frisco CO to participate in the America Cup. I never thought much of using “competition” and “fly fishing” in the same sentence, but The Chief seemed to have been enriched by his experience controlling for the Spanish Youth Team. So it was with his mantra of “caddis and a bead” repeated under my breath that we headed west.

Frisco, CO. Just like Cooke City, MT. Or not.

We arrived a few days early to acclimate to the altitude and get in a little practice. We thought we’d go a-ridin' into town, a-whompin' and a-whumpin' every livin' thing that moves within an inch of its life and run up the numbers on some dumb canyon trout on the Arkansas River to help our confidence. We’d take it easy while our sea-level-lubbing bodies produced the extra red blood cells we’d need for serious competing.

What could be difficult about a place like this?

Plenty. I struggled to put a half dozen browns and rainbows in my musky sized net that was issued to all Team Freestoners. Midger did much better (go figure) and gained valuable insight into tweaking his nymphing system that would allow him to win his beat on the Upper Arkansas later in the competition. That system involved lots of lead on a very simple fly (maybe cuz we were fishing just downstream of Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the US), and a certain flavor of DMC Precious Metal floss. More sage advice via the Chief.

Below Granite, CO

Midger and Team Captain Sean Crocker rolling flies into the wee hours, debating the merits of frenchies, crystal dips, ju-ju baetis, WD-40’s and other flies I’ve never heard of. The key to Midger’s FIPS nymphing system is being prototyped: the Tootsie Roll. Me, I couldn’t keep pace with their late night and early morning tying sessions, as them schnitzengrubens can wipe you out at almost 10,000 feet elevation. Midger’s technique of hydrating with liquid from a brown paper bag won’t be featured any time soon in Outside magazine.

The next day it was onto the Blue River for practice on the notoriously finicky trout north of Silverthorne. Midger characterized the Blue as just like Spring Creek. It reminded me of a mini Madison, freestone in morphology, tailwater in temperature and fly life. Either way, we seemed to have had the cutt-bows, rainbows, and browns pretty well dialed in, both in the water above Green Mountain Reservoir and through the town of Silverthorne. Captain Crocker even nymphed up a kokanee that shot downstream toward the reservoir from whence she came.

Blue River Cuttbow on #20 Baetis Parachute

Blue River in the Blue River SWA

Working on mysteries without any clues.

Feeling supremely confident, we took a day trip to the upper Colorado near Parshall, not worrying that it would little resemble the competition water we would face further downstream near Dotsero. No problem here...caddis in the morning, baetis in the afternoon. The water was friendly, and the browns were cooperative.

Upper Colorado River Brown

They take midges pretty seriously in CO. I wonder why…

What’s that about the road and the party?

UP NEXT: EVERYTHING CHANGES

FIPS-Mouche Scoring Clearly Explained

The American Cup International Fly Fishing Tournament

The American Cup International Fly Fishing Tournament is just around the corner - September 17th 18th 19th!

Team Freestone representing Pennsylvania - USA features some ungodly fly fishermen, including two of our own.

Sean Crocker - Team Captain

Robert Haegele

Andy Koons

RBF'er Greg Glitzer and

RBF'er Pat Weiss

Steve Good - Team Support/Alternate

Good Luck Team Freestone!

In Memoriam

"Honest to Pete"

Jack Russell Terrier

August 15, 1995 - August 2, 2010

Born in Aaronsburg, PA, Pete was a most loved member of our family. He wanted to be part of all of our activities. He had his nose into everything. He just loved our new motorhome. Pete was really Katie's dog. She mothered him as he was only 5 weeks old when we brought him home. They bonded. He was Katie's constant and trusted companion here at our mountain home. They enjoyed the outdoors together, venturing into the woods looking for stuff. Pete would lead her through the woods. Pete was Katie's "study buddy" for years always at her side helping her study even through nursing school. He missed Katie when she married and moved away. He would look for her throughout the house for days. Katie aways came to visit us, well to visit Pete mostly. Katie came to be with Pete in his final hours. He hadn't wagged his tail in two days. As soon as the little guy saw her, he stood and wagged his tail!

Pete was also the Fair Maiden's most trusted companion. She fondly called him "Peck" because of his size. Pete was small even by Jack Russell standards. Whether in the garden, washing clothes, reading books, picking berries or on morning walks, he was forever by her side. They napped together. Sometimes she went for walks just to take Pete because she knew he liked to check things out. He would ALWAYS greet her at the door when she came home. They had a very special relationship. When I would leave home on a business trip, I knew Pete would protect her and keep her company. Diane was with Pete and loved him at the end.

With all his love and devotion for the girls, Pete still had time to amuse the Chief. We were partners in crime. Pete was a cute, little dog for the girls; for the Chief and invading critters he was a destructive lightning bolt. He loved riding on the Mule, he loved going to camp, he loved to sit by the fire, relax and drink Straub beer. He loved to chase things. He loved to sit with me on the recliner and watch baseball games sharing pizza, peanuts and popcorn. He usually fell asleep by the third inning. We would sit on the porch and watch for things like chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, snakes and deer. If we were lucky, Pete would demonstrate what a Jack Russell does best. I put Pete out on the porch during his final days to watch for things. He had no energy to chase now, just look I thought. Well, he spotted a whitetail fawn sneaking through the vineyard. Off the porch he shot, a white streak across the yard! I had to carry him back to the porch. He had no quit in him.

Pete was the most intelligent dog I have ever known. He knew only one trick, "Roll Over". I believed it was not fair to make this wonderful dog do tricks. He was not a circus dog. He quickly learned hand signals when he was losing his hearing. He sensed our emotions, he knew how to get his way. He loved Christmas. He knew which presents were his. He knew if you fished with bait. I was sitting with him on a picnic table at Poe Paddy. Two fishermen walked by. Pete lowly growled. This was unusual as he normally wiggles and wags his tail when folks approach. Pete looked at me and then I knew. "You guys fishin with salmon eggs?" I asked. One angler responded, "How'd you know?" I chuckled but I didn't tell him that my dog told me.

Pete loved everyone, especially children. Well, he didn't like cats. He just loved being a part of this family. He loved going out for the mail, especially with David. He guarded our property. He knew what presented danger and what just came to play. He once made friends with a ruffed grouse. They played together for a couple of months. Turtles amused him.

Many stories could be told here about the wonders of this remarkable dog. They would be hard to believe. But he lived with us for 15 years and we know and believe. The Lord gave us this little fella for many reasons, some we may not yet know. Our family has been blessed by the presence of this wonderful, loving dog.

Pete loved wood-fired cookery when we went to camp. He's eyeing up the venison pot roast and lickin' his chops. He knew the Chief always made him up a plate.

Pete was loving, trusting, loyal, strong and brave every day of his life, an example for all of us.

I will miss you, my friend.

1 dead, 2 injured in bear attack at Cooke City campground

Wade notified the Chief of this ungodly event. After reading about Wade's latest Western adventure, the Fair Maiden and I began working on a short trip to Paradise Valley and Northeast YNP to get away from this damn PA heat. Planned on camping three nights at Pebble Creek. Now the Chief is OK with a daily dousing of corn starch right here in PA.


http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-07-28-bear-attack_N.htm?loc=intersti

Today's Weather in Yellowstone

Chief on the Soda Butte in August wearing a flannel shirt and wading jacket

Today: Sunny, with a high near 66. West wind between 7 and 10 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. West wind between 5 and 8 mph becoming calm. Dewpoint 29. Visibility 10 miles. Wish I was there.

The America Cup

The America Cup International Fly Fishing Tournament will be held in Colorado this September. Two esteemed RBF Pro Staffers will be competing in this event. GregG and Midger are members of Team Freestone from Pennsylvania. The tournament, based on FIPS Mouche rules, will feature teams from Poland, Ireland, Australia, Japan, Wyoming, North Carolina and Arkansas. GregG and Midger can catch trout in a sewer, so I know that they will do well in the Arkansas River, Blue River, Ten Mile Creek and the Upper Colorado River.

GregG (Summiteer Emeritus) is famous for his Polish Nymphing Techniques.

Midger (Second in Charge) is famous for his ability to catch Orange Trout.

Besides being great anglers, our Pro Staffers are of high moral character. They will compete with dignity bringing honor to our sport. They will be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Let’s wish them well! Good Luck Pro Staffers and Carry on!

http://www.theamericacup.com/index.html

6th Annual Big Woods Summit

The RBF Pro Staffers were shin deep in trout infested waters during the 6th Annual Big Woods Summit; but they were faced the most arduous conditions every placed before them. Scorching heat and an Alfred Hitchcock-like fly encounter would have sent most other anglers packing, but not these men. Highlights of their latest expedition were as follows:

Survival of the S. Aldrichi fly infestation. The Pro Staffers often resembled UNICEF poster boys, covered by those “friendly” sumbitches. But that didn’t stop them from enjoying themselves and fellow Pro Staffers.


Midger – finally is on the winning side of a shuffleboard game. The Chief promptly restored his permit to compete in future events.


Mike, newly appointed Pro Staffer, subdues large brown trout after working 12 feverish hours on a set of small cubby hole doors. The Chief netted the beast earlier but lacked the necessary photographic evidence. Smile Mike...hell you look like the Chief holding one of Donnie's fish.


Gentlemen...that is a meatloaf. Bowhunter expertly prepares a Buffalo Meatloaf three times the size of a car battery. WeightWatcher Points per serving - 70.

The finest batch of Yucca ever produced is consumed for the first time under the stars. The passing of the Yucca Jar seems to be the highlight of every BWS. Midger, without the expert help of Flyrodder, prepared this ungodly tasty batch. Sufficient Libation Index calculated at 1 glass. I think the Ranger had two, but he's a Ranger.

Chief defeats Bowhunter this time in a One Fly-Two Hundred Fly Challenge. Chief started the scoring minutes into the event. Then after being rather annoyed by two hundred flies he sought shade and a cold Straub beer knowing Bowhunter would not land a fish in the scorching afternoon heat. He was right, as always. Photographic evidence is not required here.


Agrontrutta decides to pass on moderation in favor of sufficient libation after he got his turn with the official cocktail of the RBF Pro Staff. Actually, he started libating soon after his feet hit the ground in God's Country.

The Maiden Voyager is converted into the RBF Mobile Command Unit.

Bunyan masters his art of procrastination by still not producing sketches for the RBF Cookbook.

GlenG continued to be the outfit’s example-setter. His cherub demeanor helped the men survive this arduous expedition. Here he instructs the men on fly tolerance, use of 2-ply shitter paper and personal hygiene while in camp. Never met a man so concerned about others.

Ranger Totonkahunter is appointed Pro Staffer by applying Ranger-style survival techniques and not dancin around like a Kansas City faggot while attending his first Big Woods Summit.


Midger nets Red Tail, a fabled brown trout known for his coloration and refusals of the Chief’s earlier offerings.

Bunyan catches trout after trout in a mountain stream. He claims to be an accomplished angler. But wait…he fished in the kiddie section. True story.

Bunyan almost redeems himself with his ungodly Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler, one of the many excellent culinary delights of the 6th Annual Big Woods Summit.

Another summit and another good time had by all. And yes, we caught fish.