Big Woods Summit 2011

The RBF Pro-Staff descended on Potter County for the annual BWS

We covered the entire Sinnemahoning drainage area from Brooks Run to Prouty. Some of the guys also managed to hit the Kettle creek area.

Fishing conditions ranged from “Arduous” to “Not 2 Bad” and everywhere in between. Alcohol consumption was slightly elevated.

Stay tuned to updates by the Chief on the culinary delights at this year’s summit. No one lost any weight on this trip.

Good Luck!

And yes we did catch fish

BWS 2011

Any questions?

I read the news today oh boy...

...about a lucky man who made the grade.

Sorry to bump you from the headlines there, Woodrow. Something tells me you'll be heavily featured on this blog and I promise to be brief, but this is big:

Congratulations to Midger on his selection to Team USA!!!

http://troutlegend.com/forum/

Welcome Woodrow

The Chief engaged in a lengthly nationwide search for an Airedale Terrier pup from working/hunting parents. The search ended May 17 in Titusville, PA. The Chief had the pick of the litter and choose the big, calm male pup and named him Woodrow after the famous Texas Ranger, Captain Woodrow F. Call.

After nearly 20 years of living with little Jack Russell Terriers we decided to adopt an Airedale, the King of Terriers. Airedales are fearless and majestic in appearance. Their courage is unquestioned, but they are not quarrelsome.  They don't start fights, they finish them.

Most colorful among early Airedale fans was Theodore Roosevelt, who chose Airedales for his big-game hunting trips. “The Airedale” declared Teddy, “can do anything any other dog can do, then lick the other dog, if he has to.”

Woodrow seems special. In just three days at age seven weeks, he can sit, stay, come and shit on the floor. He has two speeds...Neutral and All Out. He investigates everything and anything and loves water.

Woodrow aspires to be a rabbit catcher, pheasant, grouse, duck and goose retriever and cat killer. He is well on his way as he is already attacking and eating June Bugs. It seems though Woodrow has taking a shining to the Fair Maiden. He follows her everywhere while the Chief has to lure him with treats.

Slate Run Tackle Shop & Wolfe's General Store

Next time you're up in the Pine Creek Valley stop in and see Tom and Deb.  After a morning's fishing, treat yourself to some hand-dipped ice cream.  Then before the evening spinner fall, enjoy a great sub with homemade bread.  Sit on the bench and relax.  Enjoy the big water with its brown drake spinner fall or fish the "Runs" and enjoy some the most beautiful scenery in all of Penn's Woods.

I suppose it was over 25 years ago when I would stop in the General Store to have my gobblers weighed.  It's also been about that long ago that I built the "Big Pine" 9 1/2' 5/6 wt. fly rod for Tom's new shop.

They have everything you need for a stay in the Valley except for Bureau of Forestry camping permits.

May in Potter County

With the break in the weather it was time for a trip north. Daily rains have filled the water tables. Here is a shot of the Shit House run. Conditions here will challenge the pro-staffers. Friday night had a lot of egg laying caddis. Fishing was quite slow, no mayflies of any type. I’m thinking it could be an excellent year if the rains ever stop.

Saturday morning had bowhunter climbing the mountain behind camp. A lovely climb that took almost 45 minutes, but I reached the summit in one piece. And I was greeted at the top with a couple gobbles.

Afternoon had me back in the woods looking for leeks (ramps) here is a shot of the mother lode.

A parting shot of Smokey. She is looking forward to sharing all the pro-staffers food.

7th ANNUAL BIG WOODS SUMMIT

Mike B enjoying himself somewhere

The BWS with be held at the Five Star Rossiter Lodge May 25 - May 30.  Reserve your bunk now with Bowhunter.  The Rossiter Lodge now features air conditioning, hot showers and TV so you won't miss the NHL Playoffs.  Good tenting spots are available for those that like to sleep on the ground.  There will be plenty of food.  There will be a Paella Night.  The Chief also plans to smoke a turkey.

Don't forget to make your plans with Bowhunter, VP of Culinary Affairs.