RBF Pro STaff

News

2012-01-24T20:37:00.000-05:00

Pop with his muzzleoader doe

I apologize for the lack of activity here. This Fall has been very trying for the Chief. One damn thing after another...most notably losing some eye sight in the right eye making it difficult to do computer work. Also Pop has been in the hospital nearly this whole month. Started with pneumonia and progressed into the dreadful infection C. diff. He finally turned the corner and will be moved soon to a rehab unit to get his strength back. Pop has always been a fighter but this bout has been difficult. He told me that his hunting is over but I bet when he starts feeling better he'll be planning on spring gobbler! I hope.

Waffle Shop

2011-12-02T23:34:00.003-05:00

The yearly X-mas outing (Dec 17th) is just around the corner. I just wanted to see who is up for breakfast at the waffle shop. I’ll be sure to have a nice hot bowl of chili for everyone fishing later in the day. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.
Good luck.

2011-10-08T08:53:00.002-04:00

While staying in Key West FL I spotted some fellas fly fishing on my way to dinner. Turns out ESPN's own CAPT Jose Wejebe aka-The Spanish Fly - calls me down to do a little fly fishing with him on the dock. "Here - use my gear - I had a 12 weight, 1 piece, 8" foot G. Loomis in my hands and had a blast. Pics and more info to follow -

Scary Weekend

2011-09-27T08:02:00.000-04:00

The Chief was in the process of preparing his new cider press to press some Concord grapes. The Fair Maiden noticed that the Chief wasn't his normal "color" and after consulting with Katie, transported the Chief to Lock Haven Hospital. Chief was admitted Saturday morning and was given three units of A+ blood over the weekend to cure anemia brought on by upper GI bleeding brought on by medications, another Pirate losing season, work, work and work. Not to mention the lack of fishing. Chief was discharged at 5:45 PM Monday and was told to avoid work.

Another Lousy Day in Paradise Valley

2011-09-24T21:31:00.012-04:00

Apologies to John Gierach for bastardizing the title. The Better Half, Cricket the Flyfishing Beagle, and I spent 10 days meandering from Bismarck to Livingston, MT and back at the start of September. We spent the first day trying to drive as fast as the highway number (I-94) to get out of the plains and into the mountains. Along the way we detoured to take in the Little Bighorn battle field near Hardin, MT.

Son of the Morning Star

After overnighting in Billings, we headed to Red Lodge and the Beartooth highway. Fortified with coffee and schneckens (a wonderful german concoction of cream cheese dough, sugar, almonds, and more sugar) from the City Bakery in Red Lodge we began the ascent of Beartooth pass. What a fantastic drive! We lost count of the switchbacks but the scenery and views, especially on the plateau, were breathtaking.

Beartooth Pass

Beartooth Plateau

Better Half with Cricket the Flyfishing Beagle
Once over the pass we headed into YNP for few hours fishing on the Lamar. Most of the summer crowd was gone but the river was still busy with fishermen and the bison were also crowding the river at several places. Landed a few Yellowstone cutts but I mostly took in the scenery and tried to become one with the water. After all, I hadn’t wetted a line since leaving State College in October.

For the main part of our stay, we stayed at Yellowstone Valley Lodge about 15 miles south of Livingston. Very nice place on the Yellowstone river with comfortable rooms, great breakfasts, and moderately priced. We gave it 4 stars. I was able to land a few modestly sized Yellowstone cutts behind the lodge along with a couple of whitefish.

I spent the next two days on Nelson spring creek and Armstrong creek. Hatches were few on both creeks and rising fish were scarce. Not to say that the fish were scarce. Plenty of big fish were lurking amongst the weeds sneering at the flatlander flailing a graphite stick in the wind. The only rises were to midges of about #26 to 28. My 55-year-old eyes can’t tie anything that small on 7x tippet so I was relegated to pounding the water with #20 BWOs on 6x and searching out the dumbest fish on the stream. Finally, I found him and was able to land it late in the day. No matter, it was a beautiful day, I was the only one on the stream, and I was not at work!

Nelson Spring Creek and Lodge

Nelson Spring Creek Cutt

Armstrong spring creek was nearly a repeat of Nelson’s except with a lot more water to explore. This nice sized rainbow finally felt sorry for my pathetic attempts to get a drag-free drift and slurped my #20 CDC BWO emerger. As at Nelson’s, I was in heaven simply wading the stream by myself and soaking in the scenery.

The next day I did a float on the Yellowstone with Bob Bergquist, a local guide out of George Anderson’s shop in Livingston. We floated from the Grey Bear put in point to Big Timber. It was a great day and a few more fish came to hand. In addition to some healthy rainbows and browns there were a few golden eyes and whitefish to be had.

Whelp, that was the fishin trip. It was good to feel the tug at the end of the line again. Best regards to my fellow Prostaffers.

The Chief's New Rig

2011-09-21T21:36:00.003-04:00

Not really. Saw this outfit at a rest stop on Hwy 89 in Paradise Valley, MT. I immediately thought of the Chief and his helicopter story told during one of the infamous Big Woods Summits. Short version of the story is that the Chief almost convinced the Fair Maiden that he had bought a helicopter to hop from creek to creek during their camping trips. To comprehend the entire version requires a pan of paella, some fine Spanish wine, and the company of fellow Prostaffers.

Hope to follow up with a boring story of fishing on the Yellowstone and spring creeks of Paradise Valley.

Best to all.

A Good Day at the Ball Park

2011-08-21T08:21:00.000-04:00

You know the Chief loves his baseball and typically spends a week in August attending the LLWS. He always picks a US team and an International team to root for. This year the US pick was easy. BEECH CREEK! Good luck!

http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2011/08/little_league_team_from_beech.html

Improving Your Concentration

2011-07-11T07:59:00.000-04:00

You can increase your odds of hookups if you concentrate on the matters in front of you. A very basic rule of fly fishing. As a service for our viewers, we offer this concentration improvement tool.

Apologies for my Absence

2011-06-15T13:05:00.006-04:00

One-pound bison burgers, squag paella, arduous fishing conditions and a table full of booze--sounds like the Big Woods Summit is alive and well. As am I, despite a tremendous lack of time spent on the stream during the past two years. Midger chastised me greatly last weekend for my lack of participation in RBF Pro Staff activities. Indeed, I deserved it.

Although I have not been in the good company of the RBF Pro Staff nor in the proximity of a trout stream recently, I have been keeping certain skills well-honed. For example, the making of Yucca. Midger and I learned just last Saturday that it is possible to make Yucca in bulk quantities. Of course, the most important thing to bulk-mixing is carefully adjusting the ingredients. (A factor, I suppose, which is also at play when cooking an extra-large pan of paella.) Diligent attention to both the quantity of ingredients and the shaking of the jar resulted in two outstanding batches of the spiked nectar, measuring approximately 1.5 gallons each. Someone made a third batch, but I do not remember how it turned out. Probably the best ever.

I have also been keeping my field-testing-under-arduous-conditions skills sharp, and have photographic proof. The first is from a climb in Utah in late February. The other is in New Mexico with the .50-caliber Barrett M107A1. That thing shoots cartridges the size of Potter County brook trout and is louder than Goose after a glass of Bombay Sapphire.

Rossiter Lodge Grilled Bison Burgers

2011-06-07T16:06:00.002-04:00

We all know that Bowhunter serves up some mighty fine meals featuring bison, from his famous Six Pound Meatloaf to his famous Hump Roast. He can cook the creature any which way. This year's bison meal featured Grilled Bison Burgers and Fresh Cut Fries. Over one pound of ground meat, seasoned with secret herbs and spices, topped with bacon and cheese went into the making. As Bowhunter carefully grilled the burgers on the Lodge porch, the aroma filled the valley. The Pro Staffers were treated to another great meal at the Big Woods Summit!

Add caption

THANK YOU BOWHUNTER AND GOOD LUCK.

The Making of the Six Squirrel Paella

2011-06-07T15:21:00.003-04:00

It has been proclaimed that the Chief makes the best paella this side of Barcelona. The Chief himself states that his paella has no rivals here or in Spain. Each offering has its own character. The Poe Paddy Paella was warming and full of flavor. This BWS Paella was rustic in character and possibly the Chief's best ever. But he could not have pulled it off without help. The two most important elements in making a fine paella is one, having a level pan and two, having a controlled fire. Finding anything level in Potter County had been difficult for the Chief this week and his 22" paella pan was giving him fits. Chief neglected his wood supply and it became soaked during a deluge. The paella was going to be a disaster thought the Chief so he hit the bottle. Well the Boys pitched in and began leveling the pan. How many Pro Staffers does it take to level a paella pan?

Midger saved the Chief's Six Squirrel Paella. First with perfect marination of the tasty animals using no less than twelve ingredients. Second, Midger managed the fire with true expertise, controlling the heat throughout the cooking process and producing a perfect socrarat across the entire pan!

Thank you gentlemen for making the BWS Six Squirrel Paella a success!

GOOD LUCK!

Paella Night

2011-06-06T19:07:00.002-04:00

For those of you who are regulars to this blog no doubt are familiar with the Culinary Performance Art Tour De Force which is the Chiefs Paella. For those of you who have not experienced this dish here is a sample of what you missed.
Warning the following series of photos contains images which might be considered disturbing by tree hugging bambi lovers, young children, and anyone lacking an appreciation for outdoor cookery.

Rule one

Have atleast 2 apprentice "xefs" on hand at all times

This is a minimum as one will have the direct responsibility of attempting to start a fire with wood that was thoroughly soaked in the driving storm the night before.

The second apprentice will be primarily responsible for keeping #1 from murdering the "soc un Gran Xef" for leaving the firewood (especially the temperature control logs) out in said torrential downpour. This is best acheived by keeping a steady stream of freshly seared wild ramps and morels along with spirited libations in apprentice #1 hands.

Rule 2

Always start with the meat.

In this case a melange of wild game including:

Turkey sausage, venison sausage, Squag of the fox and gray variety and the absolutely critical Chorizo (and not that damned dried stuff from Mexico)

Rule 3

DO NOT STIR

The spoon you see is actually defending the Paella from the ungodly flies that were yet again invading the Rossiter Lodge

Rule 3-A

If it ain't Bomba it ain't Paella

Rule 4

Frozen Peas, Shrimp and Clams in a bag are permissible only if the tedious prep for these items would interfere with the pickling process of the Xef and first apprentice (more on this in a moment).

Rule Five

Always return the meat to the pan for serving. If for no other reason than it is just a wholly ungodly presentation.

Addendum

I mentioned pickling the Soc un Gran Xef earlier. The primary reason for this is so some smart ass with a camera can capture the shot above, not to mention it adds to the quality of the show. Sort of like making the guy at Bennihana take a shot for every shrimp tail he tosses into his hat.

Not wanting to be outdone, Bunyan offered up his own delicacy:

Fire Grilled Jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese and Prosciuto.

We are still awaiting the official judgement of Bunyans dish from the Chief.

All of the above dishes were tested on the animals of the Rossiter Lodge............

The verdict is still out on whether they were harmed or not!

Big Woods Summit 2011

2011-05-31T23:14:00.009-04:00

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

2011-05-31T21:25:00.002-04:00

Any questions?

I read the news today oh boy...

2011-05-24T09:08:00.005-04:00

...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

2011-05-22T09:27:00.000-04:00

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

2011-05-11T14:48:00.000-04:00

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

2011-05-08T23:44:00.010-04:00

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

2011-05-03T11:15:00.000-04:00

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.

Big Woods Memories

2011-04-14T21:21:00.001-04:00

Originally posted by Agrontrutta - May 2009

Ummm, sorry, I forgot.

Seriously, some of the reports about the raucousness at the Big Woods Summits are a bit overplayed and some are just pure fiction (mostly). Like, for example, the Chief did not set fire to his pickup (just the camp stove, which was on the pickup, which now that I think of it could have set the truck on fire, but it didn’t so let’s move on). And the rumor of the big rumble at the Old Tannery Inn between Midger, Flyrodder, and the local woods folk over their shuffle board abilities is just that, a rumor, or so I’m told. No, the Big Woods Summit is mostly a congenial gathering of like-minded souls who want to get in touch with their inner fisher-child, commune with the earth, breath the crisp air, be baptized in the piscatorial waters flowing through Penn’s woods, and gaze at the dazzling palette of stars in the evening. In others words, it’s just cosmic.

This is what the Big Woods Summit is about, the glorious splendor of woods, waters, and fish--

And the remarkable beauty of all creatures great and small.

Now, sometimes the boys get rambunctious and fix up some special spirits but its just for sippin while the grub cooks over the fire.

And speaking of grub, its mostly simple fare--the kind that any Valencian or Catalonian peasant might throw together for his friends.

So, if you desire a tonic that refreshes the body and spirit, if you seek the tranquility that quiets the mind, if you are searching for the answers to life’s most persistent questions, then stay the hell away from Rossiter Lodge during Big Woods Summit, because we means to fish, eat, drink, and have a good time!

"The road goes on forever and the party never ends!"

2011 Baetis Summit

2011-04-10T10:55:00.001-04:00

The 2010 Baetis Summit was a great success. Fishing, fellowship and food. The Chief had to endure a TU State Council Youth Committee Meeting during the opening hours. Midger was already catching fish at the Sycamore Run. After the meeting, the Chief and Midger joined forces and sight fished for bluegills. Bowhunter introduced a cocktail that will rival Yucca as a deadly sin. A combination of apple cider, apple juice and grain alcohol. Tastes like apple pie. Elliott was scarfing down Oreo's and casting like a pro. After hammerin the dumb trout, GregG polished off several of the Fair Maiden's Golbaki. The Goose repented during Lent and joined the troop on this snowless day. GlenG served an incredible clam chowder that would compete with any chowder served in NE. JonK loves fly fishing and beer. Midger was presented with the Prestigious Chief's Award for bagging the Triple Trophy in 2010. Yes, we caught fish. None were measured.

Next up - The Big Woods Summit - Don't Miss This One!

How I Want to Die

2011-04-02T23:20:00.003-04:00

The following obituary of Stanley Bogdan, fly reel craftsman, appeared in the New York Times:

Stanley Bogdan, Maker of Much-Coveted Fly Reels, Is Dead at 92
By MITCH KELLER
Published: April 2, 2011
Stanley Bogdan, a maker of fly fishing reels so coveted that anglers were willing to spend years on a waiting list to buy them and then to pay far more than they would have for reels of only ordinary excellence, died March 27 in Nashua, N.H. He was 92 and a lifetime Nashua resident.

His death was confirmed by his son, Stephen.
In fly fishing, in particular fly fishing for the mighty Atlantic salmon, owning a Bogdan reel signals high seriousness about the sport and, not infrequently, a fair amount of disposable income. Many expert anglers consider it the finest reel ever made, a synthesis of incomparable engineering and aesthetic elegance.
Yet many fly fishermen, unless they have spent time on the classic salmon rivers in places like Quebec and the Maritimes, may have actually seen precious few Bogdans, let alone dared to dream of owning one. In a sport that is already expensive, they are content to pair their fly rods with any number of fine reels that will provide many years of service for a few hundred dollars.
A new Bogdan, on the other hand, ranges in price from about $1,500 for the smallest trout reel to about $2,400 for the biggest salmon reel. Hand-tooled by Stanley and Stephen Bogdan in their shops in New Hampshire — originally in Nashua and then in New Ipswich — Bogdan reels could not be rushed. Only 100 or so have been produced a year, and it has not been unusual for buyers to have to wait three or four years for delivery.
“Almost from day one, there has been The Waiting List, a sort of secular purgatory on the way to achieving tackle bliss,” Graydon R. Hilyard wrote in his biography “Bogdan” (Frank Amato, 2006). “How long must you dwell therein, who can tell? As the dreaded list has never actually been seen, your position on it can never be determined.”
Its salmon reels are what S. E. Bogdan Custom Built, the company’s official name, is best known for. What sets them apart and makes them so expensive is their innovative system for controlling “drag,” the adjustable resistance by which a properly handled reel tires and ultimately controls a powerful game fish.
Stanley Bogdan invented a braking system for his reels that allowed for drag of extraordinary smoothness and strength, greatly decreasing the chance that the fish of a lifetime would be able to strain and break an angler’s line. A Bogdan may not help you hook more fish, but it will help you land more of the fish you hook — and much more stylishly.
Stanley Edward Bogdan, one of four children of Polish immigrants, was born on Dec. 16, 1918, in Nashua. Like his father, a machinist, he had good mechanical aptitude, and after finishing high school he went to work at the Rollins Engine Company in Nashua, a manufacturer of steam engines. From an early age he had a deep interest in fishing, hunting and the outdoors. His entry in his high school yearbook was prescient, noting that the young man “could work miracles with fishing tackle.”
For years Mr. Bogdan made what reels he could on the side while working as a machinist and raising a family. His big break came in 1955 when he entered into a deal to provide reels to the original Abercrombie & Fitch, that era’s big retailer of high-end sporting goods. A few years later he struck a deal with Orvis, and gradually word spread that there was no fly fishing reel quite like the one being made by the friendly, smiling, occasionally contrary Yankee in Nashua, N.H.
Mr. Bogdan’s wife, Phyllis, died in 1995. In addition to his son, Stephen, of New Ipswich, he is survived by a daughter, Cheryl Doughty, of Palm Bay, Fla.
Stephen Bogdan, 61, started working with his father in 1973 and became the company’s sole owner in 1996.
A passionate and accomplished angler in his own right, Stanley Bogdan was devoted to the Atlantic salmon and pursued it on the sport’s best rivers. “He was a very, very good salmon angler,” said Bill Taylor, the president of the Atlantic Salmon Federation.
Last September, Stanley Bogdan, at 91, caught a 32-pound salmon on the Grand Cascapedia River in Quebec. “I believe that was his last fish,” Stephen Bogdan said

Agrontrutta comment:
Thats how I want to go: hooking a 32-lb Atlantic salmon at age 91. Carry on!

Baetis Summit

2011-03-20T11:38:00.002-04:00

The Pro Staffers may well have good weather on their initial outing of 2011. PSU's Weather World is calling for a chilly morning followed by a cloudy day in the 40's. The Mobile Command Unit will be stationed below Stackhouse at the hatchery bridge parking lot as suggested by Bowhunter. The main paved parking lot may be full of flatlanders by mid-morning. They don't like to get their tires muddy. The Chief will be arriving early and fully medicated. The MCU shitter may be in operation. Fresh coffee will be available. The Chief will probably dredge some no-hackle sowspawns for an hour from the banks and then will retire to the MCU for recuperation and leader tying. Agrontrutta wished us well in a hand written note.

Baetis Summit - March 26th 2011

2011-02-25T12:35:00.000-05:00

How time flies! Haven't even gotten to the happenings of the Christmas Gathering and how JohnW caught a creel full of dumb trout on sucker spawn and how the Chief created another ungodly cocktail drink and how Bowhunter served up some tasty deep-fried striped bass and how GregG ate all the smoked steelhead and we need to make plans for the Baetis Summit.

There are no signs of Spring here in Northern Centre County, still cold and snowing days. Would be nice to feel some sunshine on my face, cast to a rising trout, hear the tales of a fellow RBF Pro Staffer and possibly gather at the new Otto's in the evening for some fine food and drink.

Chief Has Surgery

2011-02-23T20:48:00.001-05:00

After suffering through a year of foot pain with conservative treatments for Morton's Neuroma, the Chief has surgery to rid himself of a nerve gone bad in his left foot. Morton's Neuroma is fibrous tissue formation around nerve tissue on the ball of the foot between the toes. Painful sumbitch. He could only manage a couple hours of fishin and didn't even bother muzzleloader hunting. After undergoing open heart surgery, the Chief thought that this outpatient surgical event would be a snap. He was dead wrong. Painful sumbitch. Foot still thumping after four days. Relief finally came fortuitiously while fly tying. Seems the combination of narcotics and head cement works wonders. The Chief will find out Thursday when he can slip on the waders.

Davy Knot

2011-02-07T14:07:00.000-05:00

USA Youth Fly Fishing Team Member Dan Marino taught the Chief this simple, yet effective knot a couple years ago. Once you master this knot, you will never use another.

The Prestigious Chief's Award

2011-02-06T17:54:00.000-05:00

Only awarded three times in the past, the Prestigious Chief's Award, has been awarded to our very own, Midger. Past winners were Woodrow F. Call, Teddy Roosevelt and Bowhunter. Midger completed the Triple Trophy, competed admirably in the America Cup, won a Silver Medal in the Clarion River Classic II and landed Red Tail at the Big Woods Summit.

My Daughter Can Out-Fish Your Honor Student

2011-02-04T22:20:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T13:09:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year

May the New Year bring great hatches and tight lines.
Have a great year adn stay safe.

Snowing Days

2010-12-09T22:42:00.001-05:00

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

2010-12-05T12:18:00.001-05:00

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

2010-11-26T20:20:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-26T19:45:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-16T21:32:00.003-05:00

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!!!

2010-11-05T15:22:00.002-04:00

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?

2010-10-13T16:30:00.002-04:00

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

2010-09-30T21:26:00.017-04:00

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

2010-09-24T21:16:00.023-04:00

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

2010-09-24T14:38:00.002-04:00

The American Cup International Fly Fishing Tournament

2010-09-10T20:36:00.003-04:00

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

2010-08-03T08:17:00.011-04:00

"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

2010-07-28T16:57:00.003-04:00

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

2010-07-14T09:19:00.003-04:00

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

2010-07-05T14:58:00.002-04:00

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

2010-06-13T19:48:00.006-04:00

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.

Fishin is Good

2010-05-26T21:31:00.003-04:00

Finally got a day to fish with my daughter Katie. We spent the day on Spring Creek fishing, drinking beer and sharing a shore lunch. Fishin was tough throughout the day, but Katie managed several fishin the Caddis and Beadhead. It started to rain hard in the evening so we took cover in the Maiden Voyager and enjoyed Seyval Blanc wine, anchovy stuffed olives and Manchego cheese. We finished the wine and began fishin above Paradise. Sparse sulphur emergence but a saving spinner fall. We caught many trout on the RBF Sulphur Half & Half. An enjoyable day on the stream with my lovely and talented daughter.

Poe Paddy

2010-05-17T22:54:00.003-04:00

Next stop...Little Juniata. The rivers flow on forever and the fishin never ends.

Big Woods Summit

2010-04-21T09:36:00.000-04:00

The Big Woods Summit dates have been set.
I will be heading for the camp after work on Tuesday May 25th and staying thru May 31st.
Hopefully, all the Pro-Staffers can make an appearance at some point during the week. Please let me know if you are planning to attend, and the date you plan to arrive. Also, if you require a bunk, they are on a first come basis.

Bowhunter

Third Generation Pro Staffers?

2010-04-03T14:47:00.003-04:00

SO one might have wondered what could possibly keep any member of the vaunted Pro Staff cloistered away for such a long period of time? To that I offer the following photographs as evidence that my absence from Pro Staff events has not been in vain.

Haydens Whopper

Olins "Crappie" Catch

These fine specimens were taken on a local farm pond. Inside information had it that the Crappie (or calico if you prefer) bite was very hot. So it was time to take the young'uns out and open the season properly. Nowthe older of the two has been going fishing with Dad for the last three years and alreay has largemouth of 3, 5, and 8 pounds to his credit. This however was Haydens first outing ever with rod and reel and the crappie picture above his first fish ever. Needles to say I was extremely proud of my boys. And while we "fished with bait" I can assure all who read this that the fish were promptly released unharmed but both boys are keepers for a lifetime of fishing.

Obama to Ban Recreational Fishin?

2010-03-10T17:13:00.011-05:00

"We are endangering all our little fishies!"

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/saltwater/news/story?id=4975762

The Chief has refrained from political commentary on this ungodly blog until now. That's it...I ain't gonna take it no mo.

A Different Kind of Spring Excitement

2010-03-07T18:23:00.003-05:00

Seems every Spring, the Fair Maiden manages to catch something on fire. One year it was two power poles; another year, it was two acres of donkey pasture, yet another year it was the grape vines. This year, damn near the homestead. The prompt response by the good men of Beech Creek Fire Company lowered the Chief’s blood pressure to a manageable level knowing that the home would be spared. She only managed one-half acre this time. The Chief hid all matches and lighters. With the Fair Maiden there is no such thing as a controlled burn. Photographs were taken for evidence.

Coltsfoot

2010-03-07T11:02:00.004-05:00

Coltsfoot

Grannoms and skunk cabbage, March Browns and redbud, and coltsfoot and those Little Olives. You can count on it. Yes, coltsfoot is an invasive species. We suspect the Frenchies brought it to the US for medicinal purposes, of all things.

Springtime in Pennsylvania

2010-03-07T07:15:00.004-05:00

Marsh Marigolds & Skunk Cabbage

...continuing the slouching........ Figured I toss up some shots of spring because, well, because I can.

Look for both of the above species in boggy riparian wetlands and along stream banks in early spring. The Marsh Marigolds in particular are in decline due to the draining of agricultural wet lands. While they're always a welcome sight in early April, they seem to disappear as quickly as they emerged. The above specimens where photographed in Poe Valley early one April morning just prior to the Grannom emergence.

Slouching Toward the Vernal Equinox

2010-03-06T20:55:00.003-05:00

There must be a connection between the fact that brain tissue is referred to as gray matter and the gray days of winter in Penn's Woods. The grayness of winter days invaded my gray matter about 5 weeks ago and sucked me down a spiral. Not even the gray shale dust used for traction on asphalt could provide enough friction to stem the slide in my head. Like the Greg Brown song, I was going driftless.

Scientists say that the recent earthquake in Chile threw a tiny kink in the Earth's rotation. Maybe that's why the sun finally came out during the last few days. Or, maybe it's just the eternal cycle. Whatever, the cause, the increased irradiance from the dying star 93 million miles away along with the sight of emerging Baetis on Spring Creek and the slurpy rise of an anxious brown trout has roused me from this infernal funk.

Spring is coming fellow prostaffers. I have it on good authority.

RBF Rugged Leader Wallet

2010-03-04T15:41:00.005-05:00

The Chief is in the design & development phase of the RBF Rugged Leader Wallet. Working with the creative folks at Equinox LTD of Williamsport, PA, his ungodly rugged leader wallet will be constructed initially of 400 denier nylon, then if all goes well, recycled breathable waders. The Fair Maiden got involved in the design process and there just may be a ladies version. No more cheap zip lock bags and ratty vinyl pockets to store those RBF Ungodly Stealth Dry Fly Leaders.

The folks at Equinox asked if the Chief had a means of testing the prototypes as they wanted to make sure the Chief was satisfied with the design before they went into production. He responded, “We have a RBF Pro Staff that can test anything in the most arduous conditions known to man.”

In a short time, you will be called upon to field test the RBF Rugged Leader Wallet. RBF is also planning on marketing several other fly fishing accoutrements; All American Made.

The RBF Rugged Leader Wallet

MADE IN USA

Bowman Baetis & RBF 2 Fur

2010-03-03T20:18:00.006-05:00

The Bowman Baetis

This perfectly crafted fly no doubt will fool the smartest trout. Bowman suggests medium dun hen hackle for the wings with medium dun hackle wrapped four times like a Catskill. He makes one turn in front of the wings to hold them tilted back slightly, then two turns behind the wings, with a final wrap in front. Then he skillfully flips the fly over and figure-eights the thread once or twice to draw the hackle up. He ain't done yet. He then dubs the thread and completes a couple more figure-eights.

It's sort of a Catskill Parachute Comparadun Spinner Emerger Dry Fly. This ungodly contraption caused quite the discussion amongst the Pro Staffers on the use of this and similar contraptions for catching trout during a baetis emergence.

The Chief's thoughts on the effectiveness of the various discussed contraptions is slightly diverse. His vast experience, especially while sober, leads him to cast floating nymph-type contraptions to dumb trout feeding on the spring baetis especially when every dumb trout in the stream is rising. The water is typically covered with, yes, floating nymphs. Those little creatures quickly dart to the surface then lay there waiting to be eaten. Thus the RBF 2 Fur. Seems no one mentioned the versatile snowshoe hare foot hair for wings. The Chief ties in a small clump of natural hair by the tips, then clips it short. The abdomen is formed with twisted BRF's Mayfly Brown Zelon. Fur from a brown sheared beaver coat purchased at the American Rescue Workers Thrift Store forms the thorax. Some versions may include a turn or two cream hackle around the base of the snowshoe hare foot hair wing.

The RBF 2 Fur Baetis

RBF Pro Staffer of the Year - 2009

2010-02-28T14:05:00.003-05:00

Midger - May 29, 2009

They all tried to catch that Orange Trout; but none could. The Chief informed Midger upon his arrival at the Big Woods Summit that he needed some PF&BC trout for his Paella de la Campo Rossiter. He also informed Midger that a palomino trout was spotted just upstream from the Outhouse Beat. Midger responded, "That Orange Trout will look mighty good in your paella Chief!" He quickly rigged up and cast his offerings into the murky First Fork. In a very short time, that Orange Trout and several other stockies were impaled on a forked stick. The Chief and Midger drank a few beers in celebration and headed back to de la Campo Rossiter to prepare the paella and fish dinner.

Baetis Summit

2010-02-22T16:45:00.004-05:00

March 20, 2010

Hopefully the weather will cooperate on the first day of spring so that the RBF Pro Staff will be able to engage in some fine dry fly fishing and fellowship. The early birds could gather for a hearty breakfast at an RBF Endorsed Restaurant. We will meet later at the fishin hole. I'm sure there will be some fine food and beverages to enjoy after our fishin.

RBF Pro Staff Cookbook

2010-02-06T16:35:00.002-05:00

It's taking shape. We got some great recipes, stories and ungodly photos. There's still time to submit a recipe for food, drink or flies or anything else. Email the Chief with your contribution. Hoping for completion in time for the Big Woods Summit.

Dad Took Me Fishin'

2010-02-06T16:15:00.002-05:00

Sunday Afternoons Hats

2010-02-05T19:40:00.004-05:00

Back in 2005, my friend Ray Rathmell introduced me to Sunday Afternoons Hats. He provided me with an Adventure Hat upon seeing my burned ears after fishing several days in the Lamar Valley. I now own three Sunday Afternoons Hats - The Adventure, the Field Hat and the ungodly Oregon Cloudburst. These hats are feather light, cool, packable, durable and best of all, they are made in the USA. Well, most of them. The Oregon Cloudburst hat is ungodly waterproof and works well in cold weather with a SmartWool skull cap.

Fishing the sun soaked Third Meadow

Walking the banks of the Lamar River

Relaxing in the sun on the Soda Butte in an Adventure Hat

All hats offer UPF 50+ protection. The Oregon Cloudburst has sealed seams and a soft wick-away liner to release condensation. The hat features a 4” front brim and 6” rear veil to keep rain outside of your collar. The Sunday Afternoons hats are simply the best fishing hats available. You have the Chief’s guarantee.

http://www.sundayafternoons.com/store/mens/

Where's the Chief?

2010-02-04T17:57:00.005-05:00

A. Pine Creek
B. Mill Creek - Yellowstone trib near Pray, MT
C. Fan Creek
D. Soda Butte Creek

A. Madison River in Yellowstone National Park
B. Gallatin River
C. Firehole River
D. Gardner River

Where am I?

2010-01-27T22:05:00.002-05:00

Figured that a couple of Pro Staffers would have recognized the Boulder River Valley in Montana. Didn't realize that the ranch signs were nearly impossible to read. For your enjoyment...

· EQUAL RIGHTS FOR WHITES
· MONTANA THE LAST GREAT PLACE
· NO WOLVES
· DEPORT ILLEGAL ALIENS
· DISOBEDIENCE TO TYRANTS IS OBEDIENCE TO GOD
· HELL IS RESERVED FOR THOSE THAT BELIEVE IN IT
· IMMIGRATION WHITE OR WRONG

· CRIME DOESN’T PAY NEITHER DOES RANCHING
· IMMIGRATION OR INVASION
· MOON LANDING FAKED
· FREE MEN HAVE GUNS SLAVES DON’T
· ABOLISH THE KING HOLIDAY
· BORN FREE AND TAXED TO DEATH
· IRAQ WAR FOUGHT FOR ISRAEL FREE ZUNDEL
· FREEDOM FROM WAR
· THE END OF THE WELFARE STATE IS THE BEGINING (SIC) OF THE POLICE STATE
· 9/11-01 THE BIG LIE

Baetis Summit

2010-01-18T15:57:00.004-05:00

It's time to plan our Spring Ritual. Choose your preference on the side bar. I know we typically gathered a week earlier, but I suspect that March 13 will be the day of the Woolrich Warehouse Sale and I need clothes.

Where Am I?

2010-01-17T18:59:00.004-05:00

June 30, 2003

Elk at 13,000 feet - Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

The Shane Cabin

2010-01-17T10:29:00.004-05:00

Shane Cabin

Who among us will ever forget Allan Ladd's character Shane in the classic 1953 treatment of A. B. Guthrie's screenplay of the same name as he defends the newly arrived settlers of Jackson Hole from the laconic, bad ass Pennsylvania gun slinger, Jack Palance, in the late 19th century? Not me.

The film was exceptionally notable for it's departure from the usual gunfight-saloon girl-cowboy and Indian extravaganza that was so popular at the time. Realism was important here. Indeed, it was the first movie of it's kind with loud gunshots that startled the audience, and the footage of the settlers crossing the Snake River at Schwabachers Landing is historically accurate.

Alas, the rude settlement with it's general store and saloon are now gone from Antelope Flats, and the National Park Service shows little interest in preservation of this last remaining cabin, which is a little peculiar given the effort that was put into the historic Miller Cabin down valley on Flat Creek.

Every time I look at this cabin I can still hear the young Brandon Wilde shouting " Shane, Shane, come back, Shane!" as our wounded hero rides off into the Teton Mountains...

Behind the action.

P.S. The plume of smoke behind the aspen trees in the background is from a prescribed burn up in the Gros Ventre in September, 2009.

Where am I?

2010-01-16T21:36:00.003-05:00

Slow times here on the RBF blog. The short days and low temps must have everyone's serotonin levels low. Today's temps kicked my ass in gear and got me fishin at the Little J. No fish but it was great to be out and in Penn's Woods.

Anyway, here's a photo to get your heads scratchin. The first one to correctly name the woman depicted in the sculpture, the street, city, and country in this photo gets a free pat-down by TSA at the Philly airport. Oh, and if you can sing the song you get extra credit. This photo isn't strictly piscatorial but it is molluscan (Wade, quit staring at the cleavage). Brilliant!

Photo of the Year - 2009

2010-01-03T09:58:00.002-05:00

Photo Credit - Agrontrutta

Merry Christmas

2009-12-20T21:57:00.003-05:00

Fishin in a Snowing Day

2009-12-20T20:52:00.010-05:00

The 4th Annual Christmas Fishin Gathering was held on the snowiest day of the year. The weather would not stop the RBF Pro Staff from enjoying themselves while others struggled with the arduous weather. The members enjoyed a delightful, hot breakfast at the Waffle Shop then cautiously drove to the frigid Paradise for some fine fishin and fellowship.

Agrontrutta enjoying the delightful fishin conditions.

After several hours of delightful fishin in somewhat arduous conditions, the Pro Staff enjoyed some fine food and drink. This year's delights included Bowhunter's Three Alarm Chili, Penn State Bologna, Smoked Steelhead and Caviar, Fried Shiitake Mushrooms and Venison, Belgium Ale, Sam Adams Winter Lager and Gran Pescador Really Hard Cider. The Fair Maiden provided a Christmas Cookie Bag for all loaded with fine pastries. We didn't catch anything on fire this time.

The Christmas table included some fine Belgium Ales.

The Chief preparing a culinary delight.

The Chief's homegrown shiitake mushrooms smothered in butter.

And yes, we caught fish. What did you expect?

Wei-Chung Chang, a curious young man from Taiwan, was so impressed with our happiness on such a snowing day that he featured the RBF Pro Staff on his blog. Check it out...

http://www.wretch.cc/blog/wei888share/12633660

Merry Christmas 圣诞快乐

Gran Pescadora

2009-12-13T12:02:00.002-05:00

4th Annual Christmas Fishing Gathering

2009-11-26T10:01:00.004-05:00

Saturday, December 19, 2008

Come, enjoy and relax with some fine fellowship during this Christmas Season. Here's the Shore Lunch Menu for this year's Gathering:

Wild Shiitake Mushroom Soup with Sherry
Seasoned Wild Venison Tenderloin Medallions
Smoked Wild Turkey Hen Breast with Sheep Cheese
Smoked Wild Steelhead Filet and Caviar on Crackers
RBF's Ungodly Jack Daniel's Christmas Eggnog
Gran Pescador Really Hard Cider
Hot Coffee and the Fair Maiden's Christmas Cookies

Steelhead in Arduous Conditions

2009-11-19T15:21:00.004-05:00

The Chief's first steelie on 20Mile this year.

Bunyan and the Chief took a couple of days and enjoyed some fishin, fellowship and the Chief's Hard Cider. The waters of 20Mile were low and clear. Nobody was catchin fish except the Pro Staffers and that's the square truth. The Fish Motel at Poor Richard's was nearly empty. The Flatlanders were swooshin wadin chasin all the fish to the boys. The boys then just stealthfully dead drifted some tiny contraptions their way then politely announced, "Fish on!"

"Fish on!"

Happy Bunyan will eat good tomorrow.

Seems the Bunyan forevermore has problems starting his ungodly F-150, you know, the one that smells like roadkill. Seems the starter was fried this time. Try stuffin the Bunyan and all his gear into a Camry. It wasn't pretty.

Before: Steelhead

After: Steelhead

The Chief's recipe for smoked steelhead and steelhead caviar will appear in the RBF Pro Staff Cookbook: Recipes for a Good Day.

Coming soon RBF Cookbook

2009-11-17T20:30:00.005-05:00

Any recipe provided by Bowhunter is truly an arduous feat. It takes true dedication to prepare meals fit for the RBF Pro-Staff.

Step one: Plan a buffalo-hunting trip deep into the plains country in the dead of winter.
Sub zero temperatures will aid in the transportation of all meats, only flatlanders permit others to process the game. After all the planning of the hunt why would you trust anyone other than a certified RBF member to handle the most important step, proper cutting of all choice cuts.

Bison Pot Roast – Serves 8 or Wade Rivers

8 – 10 lb Bison Roast.
3 T. olive oil
2 C water
2 T Season Salt
2 - 4 cloves crushed garlic (per taste)
3 T Possum pepper
3-5 chopped celery stalk
1-bag baby carrots
2-3 Large Vidalia onions
5 lbs potatoes

Preheat oven to 300 F. Add Olive oil and Bison roast and brown well on all sides. Add seasonings and cook for 2 hours. Remove from the oven and add potatoes and sliced onions. Cook for 2 hours. Add carrots and diced celery and cook until meat is tender and falls apart. Remove from oven and prepare for a meal fit for kings.

Chief's Wild Mushroom Farm

2009-11-05T21:37:00.005-05:00

Since the Chief installed a geothermal heating system, he needed something to do with the vast quantities of firewood produced on his property. He decided to start wild mushroom farming, growing oyster, shiitake, hen of the woods and sulphur mushrooms. This season, enough logs were plugged to produce over 500 pounds of wild mushrooms over 5 years. The farm will be greatly expanded next season.

Late spring crop of oyster mushrooms

November rains and cooler weather provoked the shiitake plugged logs to produce another crop

Fall Scenes - Allegheny National Forest

2009-11-05T21:17:00.006-05:00

Early snowfall at Pig's Ear

The other Spring Creek near Hallton

Head shot. Not one ounce of wasted meat.

Pop and his acorn fatted doe, one day shy of his 87th birthday.

Small World

2009-11-05T21:06:00.004-05:00

The Chief stopped in the Ultimate Angler in Erie at lunch to get the scoop on the tribs and who in the hell was at the counter describing raccoon skinnin methods....Bunyan!

RatherBFishin with the Girls

2009-11-03T19:49:00.005-05:00

Spending a day on the stream with my beautiful girls on a beautiful, crisp Fall day is just dandy. Just like the Old Man said to the Boy, "We're rich."

The apple does not fall far from the tree.

My girls.

The Fair Maiden with the catch of the day.

Snapper Fishing

2009-10-04T22:00:00.003-04:00

Seems like things have been a bit slow with the RBF staff. All we hear about is trout trout and more trout (especially by Wade Rivers). So I loaded up the truck and pointed it south. After 1,000 miles I decided I better stop or I’d be swimming in the gulf. We booked a trip with the Bluewater Bandit, fired up the twin 250’s and headed out for some big grouper.
After a short ride off shore of 45 miles it was time to look for the big guys. My nephew Erik started off with a big one that he couldn’t budge, so he decided to practice some long line releasing (he didn’t want to bring it up from a mere 225 feet down).
I then had to explain were not fishing for trout and this is strictly a catch and filet trip.
Action proved slow for the big grouper but the Red Snapper fishing was hot and heavy. We landed many 20+ pounders, only to release them to return to the depths (closed season).

Action was steady for the next few hours, and then things got real interesting. I had a nice fish hooked when everyone started to yell I better real quicker that a dolphin (flipper) just turned and was headed my way. Little did I know that a 4 hundred pound dolphin hits like a runaway freight train. For a brief (felt like forever) time I was battling this brute for my grouper. Finally the battle ended and I was fishless, never fearing I asked the mate for another dead smelly fish. I proceeded to drop to the bottom and repeated the process. Only this time the dolphin left go after a short battle. Once again it was a red snapper and had to be released, only to never make it back to the depths. We watched as 3 dolphins surrounded it, then in a flash one darted in and the snapper was no more. We finished the trip by boating 7 nice grouper, one shark and dozens of red snapper and a couple cases of beer.

How it All Started

2009-09-09T16:56:00.007-04:00

They damn near ran out of rental cars in Bozeman because Obama was in town for an organized nationalized healthcare propaganda event. Obama was then to visit Old Faithful, of all places. Now the Chief knows why he was subjected to a rectal search at the University Park Airport. Then the damn questions…“Those stickers on your luggage…what’s that RBF stand for? You some kinda right wing domestic terrorist freako?” “No sir!” the Chief responded, “Soc un gran pescador!”

National Car upgraded the Chief into a brand new Chevy Suburban with leather seats, sonar back up alarm, XM satellite radio, power sun roof and an in dash expresso coffee maker. Well, not really, but it might as well had a coffee maker, it had everything else. The Chief applied the famous RBF Sticker to the rear window, dropped the back seats and loaded up six cases of Montana beer, six pounds of turkey pastrami, mustard, sweet onions and Kaiser rolls, four 14 oz. Montana rib eyes, two Montana T-bones, a sack of potatoes, a bottle of Jack Daniels, twenty four cans of assorted sardines, smoked oysters and anchovies, six bags of fig newtons and a can of Slim Fast Shake Mix to hold him for six days in Yellowstone. Then it was off to Livingston, MT to pick up his bear spray at the Yellowstone Exhibitions B&B.

Before fishing the Gardner River, the Chief first stopped at the K Bar Saloon in Gardiner, MT for pizza and beer. You don’t come to Montana for the pizza, but if you do, only eat it at the K Bar in Gardiner, Miners Saloon in Cooke City or Chico Hot Springs in Pray. After the pizza, the Chief went and bitched at Richard Parks for the actions of one of his guides a few years back when the young cowboy tried to evict the Chief from an ungodly hole on the Gardner River. The Chief just don’t tolerate rude behavior in a man or punk kid in this case. Parks somewhat apologized then tried to sell the Chief his book on the YNP. The Chief gave Richard an autographed copy of “Caddis and a Beadhead”.

The Gardner River has some ungodly remarkable features. Travertine ledges, mudslides, geothermal heated bathing pools and huge boulders. The Boiling River flows into the Gardner near the 45th Parallel forming an ungodly natural hot tub of sorts. The Chief had thoughts about bathing here but decided to wait until he got to Chico next week. Seems the hippie chicks frequent the Boiling River. The refined chicks favor Chico.

The beautiful Gardner River

Mudslide

Now that's just incredible!

One of the most ungodly places on Earth ...Yes, there are elk in the background.

After a long hike, the Chief found out that the mudslide of 2008 somewhat filled in that ungodly hole on the Gardner and found it devoid of the big browns, so the Chief started to fish his way back up to the footbridge with some RBF Rubber Legged Bugs. He was glad that he packed his 8 ½’ 3/4 wt for the trip. The rod was perfect for cutting through the gale force winds. Even with his sweet Streamborn in hand, the Chief managed only six trout in a couple of hours in the somewhat arduous conditions. It felt like November in PA.

After the long climb out of the canyon, the Chief adjusted the Suburban’s super climate controlled heating and ventilation system to thaw him out. The Chief stopped at the Food Farm for two bags of Oreo Cookies and a gallon of low fat chocolate milk for the long ride across YNP on his way to Cooke City, MT. There was elk shit on the sidewalk in front of the Food Farm. The cookies were gone before he got to Tower. It sure was good to see the Lamar Valley again. Little did he know that the fishing was to be ungodly.

The Lamar Valley

Paradise Valley Rainbow

2009-09-04T07:53:00.001-04:00

Soda Butte Creek - August 19, 2009

2009-09-03T16:59:00.006-04:00

The "Cone"

On this day, the Chief experienced his finest day fishing ever. Well, while not fishing with the Fair Maiden. Never in his forty-five years of fly fishing had the Chief experienced such a day on the water. This section of the creek had changed quite a bit from last year. Despite the summer rains, the water was noticeably lower.

Words alone cannot describe the beauty of Soda Butte Creek (2008)

The Chief arrived at the Lamar Stock Trail parking lot around 10:00 AM. There was a bunch of flatlanders in the parking lot preparing to get saddle sores up in the Lamar Valley. The Chief took time to explain the virtues of American Mammoth Jackstock to the wranglers saddling up their draft cross horses. These types of horses, with their wide backs, will stretch most riders to the point of misery. Jackstock, with their ergonomically shaped backs allow for much more pleasant riding. They were impressed with the Chief’s rather unusual knowledge of equines.

The Chief in 2008 enjoying the beautiful Soda Butte Creek

It was a déjà vu all over again for the Chief when he reached into his beer cooler. Seems that he was here just last year drinking beer. The Chief downed two Moose Drools to prevent dehydration. Moose Drool is far and away the best-selling beer brewed in Montana. It is chocolate brown in color with a creamy texture. A malty beer with just enough hop presence to keep it from being too sweet. They went down easy. The Chief then filled his gel-cooled hydration bladder with three Scape Goats in preparation for the day’s fishing. This English-style pale ale is very smooth, refreshing and well-balanced. A perfect ale to enjoy while fishing! This soon became the Chief’s favorite brew while fishing YNP. He also packed a water bottle in case he ran out of beer.

The Chief hydrating with a fine Montana Ale.

From high atop the water, the Chief could see that the trout were already rising. They were rising continuously. There were spinners in the air, #14 olive brown spinners...Small Western Green Drakes, Drunella flavilinea, or Flavs are quite numerous in the Lamar Valley and can provide excellent fishing. Flav spinners typically fall in the evening, but possibly due to the damn near gale force winds the past several evenings, they decided to fall this morning. Today was calm, partly cloudy and a delightfully balmy 48 degrees.

Small Western Green Drake

The Chief tied on one of his famous RBF Gum Wrappers in an olive, #14 variety with three strands of BRF Zelon for wings. Those hungry Yellowstone Cutthroats that were off the feed for three days began to take the RBF #14 Olive Gum Wrapper with reckless abandon. The Chief has no idea how many fish he caught, but remembers that he had to use three RBF Gum Wrappers due to excessive fish damage. He now has to work on the durability factor of his deadly spinner pattern. I suppose the Chief landed about 20 cutthroats during this one-hour spinner fall, not moving more than 100 feet.

The rises subsided. The Chief took a break and ate two cans of sardines with hot green chilies and watched the flatlanders cross the creek. Having good success previously with a Chernobyl Ant on the Lamar River during mid-day, the Chief decided to walk the banks and cast this ungodly contraption into the depressions and at the water edges. The Chief caught 18 cutthroats before stopping at the footbridge. It was time for a late lunch.

"Rollin', rollin', rollin'...man is my ass swollen"

The Deadly Black & Tan Chernobyl Ant

While the Chief was enjoying some turkey pastrami sandwiches, the fish began rising again. They were on a feeding frenzy again! They were taking something just below the surface. The Chief got out his RBF mosquito net and slipped it over his ungodly Frabil landing net and captured several Flav duns! Oh, the excitement! An evening hatch appearing at 2:00 PM! He quickly knotted on a RBF #14 Olive Sparkle Dun. This magnificent mayfly emerged for a solid two hours and the Chief was into it again! The pace was feverish! Damn near one fish every other drift!

The Chief believes that he caught this fish four times!

The most remarkable thing about this emergence was that the Chief never saw one dun make it into the air! He has never seen anything like it! Those hungry trout were so proficient in sucking in those emerging duns that none survived! Again, the Chief could not tabulate the number of fish landed. He just knows that 99.9999% of the fish hooked were landed except for the bruiser that shot directly downstream in a shallow riffle. The smart trout pulled a tricky maneuver and swam free.

The hatch subsided, the sun came out and winds started to blow. The bison forded the creek. It was now time for some Scape Goat and a fly change. The Chief tied on his one-legged Chaos Hopper that took a dozen trout earlier in the week.

One of many that took the Chaos Hopper

It was back to leisurely fishing, slapping the Chaos into likely lies. Sixteen more trout were caught. The sun started to set and the Chief made his way back downstream. Trout were again feeding below a shallow, shelf riffle. Baetis spinners! A tippet change and the Chief was back into business catching seven beautiful cutthroats on a tiny RBF #18 Rusty Spinner.

The Chief wasn't the only angler to catch this dumb trout

The heater in the Surburban felt good on the drive back to Cooke City, MT. Some days you can catch’em and some days you can’t! The Chief will forever remember this incredible day on the beautiful Soda Butte Creek.

Sunset on Soda Butte Creek

Armstrong's Spring Creek - August 22, 2009

2009-08-30T08:47:00.023-04:00

Armstrong's Spring Creek, Livingston, MT

The Chief could not believe that he could have had better fishing than he had in the Lamar Valley. But he did. Floating the Yellowstone River with friend Matthew Long of Long Outfitting, the Chief caught more trout than he deserved. He caught trout throughout the float using only two flies, a Club Sandwich and a Hi-Vis Brown Ant. But the best fishing came on the Chief’s last day. He decided to fish Armstrong’s Spring Creek on the O’Hair Ranch south of Livingston, MT in the beautiful Paradise Valley. He had never fished this section of the famous spring creek. He had fished the DePuy stretch several times with the Fair Maiden.

Matthew said that the spring creek bookings have decreased substantially this season due to the closing of one booking agency and the thirty percent decline in local fly shop sales and guide services this year. Matthew has not experienced this decline and is busy as ever. You would know why if you have ever fished with him.

Matthew and his father Bill prepared the Chief well for the day’s fishing. Bill provided his #22 Biot Sulphur Sparkle Dun, bits of tactical advice and suggested areas to fish. Matthew suggested the no nonsense tactic of throwing hoppers and ants.

O'Hair Ranch Horses

The Chief forgot his well stocked beer cooler back at the B&B and had to go back. He didn’t begin fishing until 10:30 AM. A very large cuttbow took the #22 Biot Sulphur Sparkle Dun on his very first cast. But he snapped it off on the hook set as he was not accustomed to using fine tippet after throwing those huge foam bugs on 4X in the Yellowstone River.

Spring Feeding Armstrong's Spring Creek

The PMD’s and the Paradise Valley Sulphurs, actually a baetis, began to hatch and the dumb trout began to show themselves. The Chief dropped a tiny RBF Pheasant Tail off of a RBF PMD Sparkle Dun and hooked numerous average sized browns and an occasional rainbow. The emergence waned and he moved up upstream to the area below the corrals. The Chief's heart started to pound when he spotted several large rainbows and hybrids cruising eating ants and hoppers.

He tied on a Hi-Vis Brown Ant and quickly hooked a very large hybrid. The dumb trout performed a tricky maneuver in the weed beds and broke off the Hi-Vis Brown Ant. The Chief continued to fish the Ant switching occasionally to a Chaos Hopper. All in all, Chief caught twelve beautiful trout before lunch on those contraptions.

Kate Long provided a delightful shore lunch including elk burgers. The Chief grilled the burgers and just sat and took in the scenery while drinking numerous fine Montana Ales.

Before the Storm

After the late lunch, the Chief continued to catch fish until a mighty storm blew across the valley. He donned his L. L. Bean rain gear and Sunday Afternoons Cloudburst hat, sat and watched the storm. After the heavy rain and hail, he caught fifteen more rainbows and hybrids mostly with the Hi-Vis Brown Ant. He was getting tired after eight long days of fishing and was ready to quit when a swirling wake appeared twenty feet out. The Chief quickly cast out the Hi-Vis Brown Ant.

He hit it and the fight was on. The Chief skillfully turned on his camera and securely placed it in his wading jacket pocket. He netted the beast, estimated at just under 24 inches, after an epic battle. The beast had two Hi-Vis Brown Ants in his mouth! That’s when the Chief noticed that his camera was in the water! He skillfully retrieved the camera and released the magnificent fish but not before snatching the lost Hi-Vis Brown Ant!

It was a bitter sweet walk back to the Surburban. After thinking about that magnificent trout, the Chief set the Surburban's heater on 90 degrees and placed his camera on the defroster vent. The camera was fully operational the next evening!

It was a very good day on this very beautiful spring creek. It is not often when one can fish over trout averaging 14" with plenty of willing trout 16" - 24".

A 14 oz. Montana Rib Eye at the Stockman in Livingston and Kate's Caramel Brownies back at the B&B completed another wonderful day in Paradise Valley.

SIDE NOTES – Armstrong’s Spring Creek has larger fish than DePuy. There may be more trout in DePuy, though. The water types are more diverse on DePuy. The upkeep on DePuy is much better. Daryl mows the paths and there are plenty of benches to rest.

Sunset in the Paradise Valley, MT

Miners Saloon & Casino, Cooke City, MT

2009-08-28T19:15:00.003-04:00

After on long day on the Lamar River, Miners Saloon & Casino was the place to be. A band from Missoula was playing Hank Williams, Jr. tunes and the Chief was devouring a 20" pizza and downing numerous fine Montana brews. The bartender was so impressed the Chief didn't need a "box" for his pizza that he honored the RBF Pro Staff on the famous beer cooler in this famous saloon.

Yellowstone National Park - August 14-19, 2009

2009-08-28T18:14:00.004-04:00

Soda Butte Creek Cutthroat - Round Prairie

The fishing was absolutely fabulous! Snow in Cooke City, MT on August 16. It never got out of the 40's for the first few days. The gray drakes, flavs, and olives provided incredible action often for more than two hours! When the fish were not rising, a Chaos Hopper, Hi-Vis Brown Ant or X Caddis would catch more than you could imagine.

Two grizzly bears were seen; one on the Soda Butte Creek and one along the Lamar River. Trout Lake lived up to its name. All of the fly shops were reporting disturbing crowds in the Lamar Valley. It was found not to be true. Later in the week, I learned that there were four members of the Lloyd Wilson Chapter of TU fishing the Soda Butte Creek in the Round Prairie on August 19. We never crossed paths! I believe I did see Skip from a distance, though.

Down with old....

2009-08-25T20:28:00.004-04:00

Well it’s been a busy summer at the Rossiter lodge. We are still managing to land a few trout in the outhouse beat. Although high water has limited my fishing I still manage to at least wet a streamer.

This past weekend consisted of removing the old chimney ( snake central ) and installing a new chimney.

Down with the old…

Somehow I always end up doing all the roof work.

Here’s a nice shot of the new window I installed 2 weeks ago.

With all the high water this summer I haven’t been making it to my favorite brookie streams, but hear is a shot from late June

P.S.

I’m hoping for a nice fly tying weekend at the Rossiter Lodge in November. I’ll keep everyone updated.

Hunting Trip

2009-08-21T21:37:00.005-04:00

I wanted to throw up a quick photo of my latest conquest. We went to this remote island, where the quarry were these genetically engineered squirrels. Big bastards too. Here we are posing with our trophy. I'm the one on the right.... Pretty exciting stuff....Enjoy!

Spanish Nymphing

2009-08-03T19:08:00.004-04:00

The Spanish Youth Fly Fishing Team introduced me to Spanish Nymphing. I introduced them to the chicas. The team taught me how to long line nymph. They laughed when they told me that the Frenchies claim that they developed this method of nymphing. Actually, it was developed by the Catalans for fishing the beautiful, crystal clear mountain streams of Catalunya.

The first chica that the Chief introduced to the boys was this tanned, long legged babe.

Notice Wade's mentor in the background

She was quite noticeable at the awards ceremony. Even the Chief took notice. “Eduard, introduce that chica to us’” pleaded Jonathan. I did. She enjoyed the Spaniards’ attention.

Jonathan, Chica and Sergi

The Frenchies, the Portuguese and couple of Americans also got into the act

Later that evening, I introduced the English and the American chica to the boys

The Maine Event

2009-07-23T21:45:00.013-04:00

Howahyah? Wouldja ceah for lobstah or chowda? The better half, our fly-fishing beagle, and I just returned from several days in Maine. We enjoyed both the lobster and the chowder along with a few light houses, beaches, and a lovely state park and brookie stream in western Maine.

We spent a few days in Portland (a business meeting, which included a tour of a local boutique vodka distillery: www.coldrivervodka.com) then zipped up Highway 1 to Freeport where yours truly picked up new waders at L.L. Bean (not the fancy Helix waders, something more affordable). After sight-seeing on the coast for a day we headed west to Rangeley State Park and some fantastic scenery and weather.

My original plan was to explore and fish the big waters: the Androscoggin River, Upper and Middle Dam, Rapid River, and the Kennebago River. However, after prowling around the area for half a day and learning about private paper company lands, locked gates, and other obstacles, I ended up fishing an absolutely breath taking no-name brookie stream for most of my stay.

The local fly shop in Rangeley gave me the tip about the brookie stream (after I bought a lifetime supply of Hornbergs, Kennebago Wulfs, and Kennebago muddlers) and the inside scoop about a few other less well known areas. During my first evening on the no-name stream I met a husband and wife from Wellsboro, PA who had fished the big waters I mentioned above and advised me to stick with the brookie stream. I took their advice and thoroughly enjoyed the next two days.

Water levels were great on the stream because a gentle 12-hour rain the previous Friday night and Saturday morning (it was a long night in the tent, good thing we rigged an extra tarp to shed the rain.). On Sunday I fished upstream for most of the day and scrambled over Smart-car sized boulders. On Monday, I headed downstream and found pool after pool of amber-colored water (think Black Moshannon stout from Otto’s Pub in State College) and eager brookies.

There were plenty of moose tracks (real moose tracks, not the ice cream) and other moose sign along the stream. At one point something large crashed through the woods along the stream while I was fishing. It could have been the elusive white moose that was the subject of many posts on a now defunct flyfishing discussion board (I think Wade had a photo of the albino moose a few years back).
Alas, it was just a regular old moose and not the fancy albino kind. Actually, this was a moose we sighted on Highway 16 south of Errol, New Hampshire.

Other sights: Pemaquid Light south of Rockland, Maine

Scarsborough Beach south of Portland

It was a good break from the rat race despite the ravenous mosquitos and other bugs.

Chief and Midger

2009-06-07T18:21:00.008-04:00

Midger and Chief - 5th Annual Big Woods Summit

Hell, one didn’t even know about Jim Croce. Flatlander Flies, single ply toilet paper in the shitter, a water drinkin Pro Staffer and a host of other abnormalities nearly sent the Chief packin from the 5th Annual Big Woods Summit by midday Friday. Everything around him seemed headed straight to hell in a hand basket. Hell the whole lot couldn’t even catch a dumb trout if it was placed in a wash tub! Well at least no one was dancin around like a Kansas City faggot. That was a good thing. The only good thing. Well, that 6 pound buffalo meatloaf was a good thing come to think of it. Come to think of it another good thing was the official RBF Hot Shower Stall. But other than that, things were quite dismal.

Moderation taken to the extreme.

The Chief was indeed distracted and headin for despair. He had just finished off a case of Straub Special Dark when Midger arrived. Midger’s arrival brought the Chief’s blood pressure back down to where head stopped poundin. After the customary greetins, the Chief had a sidebar with Midger, Second in Charge of the RBF Pro Staff. Chief described the earlier distressing affairs and requested that they fish the First Fork together. “Amend it, thus provided we don’t fish with bait”, responded the strappin young lad as he cracked open a can of beer. Midger was reassuring. “Don’t worry Chief, everything will be alright,” he calmly said as he handed the Chief a bag of fresh, aromatic herbs grown by his lovely wife.

The Rossiter Lodge Beat waters were up and slightly discolored after the night's rain, perfect for these talented anglers often described by others as ospreys. They observed the waters and it was decided that since the Chief was highly skilled in dry fly fishin, the Chief would have the responsibility of bringin those bastards up to a dry fly while Midger could more skillfully cover the middle with a brace of deadly wets. The Chief tied on one of his famous RBF Half’n Half’s in the ETS version. After the blasted thing hit the water, Midger asked, “What are you fishin with Chief…a gum wrapper?” Just then that “gum wrapper” disappeared into the gullet of a stocked brown trout. Chief promptly renamed his famous fly the RBF Gum Wrapper.

“Nice Chief!” exclaimed Midger as he netted the Chief’s catch. It was good to be brothers of the angle, they thought. Together they skillfully fished, catchin both stocked and wild fish, laughin and sharin turkey huntin and tomato growin stories and whatever crossed their minds. It was almost like they were on the Golden Beat.

Almost the Golden Beat

Then Chief asked if they had to abide by those delayed harvest rules. “No Chief, we can keep’m,” responded the VP of Catch and Release. They had somewhat of a conundrum on their hands. “Look,” pronounced the Chief, “you brought those bastards into the world, you can take them out of it!” "And I'm with you!" The Chief made a formal appointment amendment declaration then instructed Midger to gather a forked stick and they would commence to harvest enough stocked trout for an appetizer for the Chief’s Paella later that evening. The limit would be placed at six.

Life is Good!

They worked as a team, fishin the fertile waters of the First Fork. They focused on catchin that Orange Trout the Chief spotted the evening before. Chief spotted that bastard again when he flashed at his famous RBF Gum Wrapper. It didn’t take them too long before Midger hooked, netted then rapped the Orange beast with the back of a Gerber knife blade finally shovin him down the forked stick. It was time for a beer. They celebrated. The boys packed beer, not bottled water.

“Chief you lay this Orange Trout on top of your Paella tonight and it will be good!” instructed Midger. The boys continued to catch fish, releasin all the wild trout and others not worthy of the paella pan. There were a few hearty laughs when Midger’s elderberry forked stick broke on the way back to the Rossiter Lodge and his catch fell into the muddy waters of the First Fork. Ospreys as they are, it didn’t take long before they were back on a stick.

Orange Trout Poachin away in Chief's Paella

And to think they wondered if the Chief could make yet another tasty paella!

A morning fishin with the Chief, a belly full of Paella, Yucca and the Chief’s Hard Cider and Winter Pear Wine were a bit too much for the Youngin as he slept soundly while the others swapped fish stories and other lies.

He's dreamin of Orange Trout

The Chief’s day was good, the Paella was tasty and the Big Woods Summit was salvaged…thanks to Midger.

"Soc un gran pescador!"

We were somewhere around Orviston when the Yucca began to take hold...

2009-06-05T20:25:00.008-04:00

Except instead of seeing dive bombing bats I was hallucinating about carnivorous Green Drakes devouring the stockies in First Fork. And that was after only one glass of Yucca.

Truth be told, we were a well behaved bunch this year, which drove the Chief to distraction. We either need new blood or we need the irregulars to return along with the bacchanalia.

Glen gave you the fishing report, which was the same story for all of us. Here Glen explains to Bunyan the difference between a Green Drake spinner and a midge spinner.

Which Bunyan quickly noted and cranked out a couple dozen on the vise back at camp.

After all the fishin, food, and other assorted activities it was time to shoot the breeze around the ol camp fire.
A pet peeve: At least twice during the BWS a younger prostaffer needed education about common American cultural icons. For example, the Chief regaled us about his encounter with Greg Allman and the aforesaid prostaffer asked "who is Greg Allman?" And, the same prostaffer had never heard of, or read, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (not to mention having no knowledge of the gonzo journalist himself). I tell you, the world is going to hell in a handbasket.

BWS - 2009

2009-06-04T20:07:00.026-04:00

Well, since nobody else is doing it, I guess I'll step in and recount the angling events that took place....

My journey started off, with the intent to fish a small freestoner on the way there, where ever "there" is. I'm not at liberty to disclose the location, though you can see it on Google maps if need be. Do you know you get a check mailed to you everytime you write "Google" in a blog? Opps, there it was again....Yep, saw it on a chain e-mail, so you know its true! Anywho, there I go again gettin off track...Focus....focus...OK, I'm better now...

I hadn't fished this freestoner in quite some time, so anticipation ran high. Long story short, the weather was dark and dim, with sprinkles and drizzle here and there. The weather so far this season, despite some warm dry weather, has mostly been cool and damp. Today was no exception. When I arrived, the water level looked about normal, and as it always is, the water was gin clear. No fish were feeding. A few small stones were buzzing around, but no mayflies.

After hiking downstream a good ways, I stopped and studied. About that time, I started to notice some sulphers emerge, then followed by a flurry of green drakes. Yessir, this was going to be a field day...NOT. All day long I saw squadrons of sulphers, dozens/hundreds - lots for a freestoner, and saw 2 fish rise, which I rose and missed both. Missed a couple of others too, both of which caught me by surprise when they rose. A slow, tough catchin day for sure...But the place is still pretty sweet!

When I arrived at the Rossiter, eating and drinking began in earnest for the weekend - Thank God, I was thirsty! Kudos and thanks to Mike for his hospitality!

The next day, which always follows the previous day for some odd reason.....Anyway, this day dawned, and had the promise of clearing skies, and also more angling anticipation. We were going to visit a stream I never fished before. I can't wait for Alzheimer's to kick in - then they will all be new again to me! This stream was at least at one time, Class A water. The stream looked amazing - clear, fast, and in spots, deep. I caught one lonely fish, and I believe that was our average for each of us, and all we had to show for a entire morning of angling.

Then Andy struck paydirt....Truth is, he ran ahead of me all morning, and when I caught up with him, he kicked me shins, then jumped right in this awesome pool and promptly caught this fish. Good thing I have a short memory, or I wouldn't have taken his picture! A nice, above average wild Brookie.

Matt plies the waters...

I would have taken a pic of the Chief, but he resorted to using the stealth spray, and I couldn't find the bastard. He didn't sneak up on any either, so the spray's effectiveness has come into question. A full review from the staff is pending.....

This stream's bottom land was very unusual for a stream in this area. In the sense that it had mostly sycamores growing in the riparian zone. Most streams have hemlocks, pines, maples, willows, or some other tree, but not usually sycamores. Probably a result of the intense timber activity that took place about 125 years ago.

Larger streams also will have an abundance of sycamores, but its rare to find one this size with trees like this.

The evening on the larger stream, produced some good risers and an incredible variety and quantity of insects. Very impressive!

The next morning was almost magical too.....

But nymph fishing yielded nada.....

So upstream to a trib we went......

Mike and I beat this water to a froth, and not a fish came to hand. Very interesting water though. Deep, fast, and some nice/nasty undercut banks. Prime habitat for browns, one would think. In fact, hell, it looks like New Zealand, South island....

The rest of the day gave way to drinking and eating, as the fishing was proving to be too tough and unproductive. Truth be told, my own feeling is that the drought that we have been mired in for the last three years, may have taken its toll on the resident fish population. There are just not the amount of fish as we have seen in the past. The streams in the north central part of the state appear to have taken the brunt on the damage caused by the drought. I even got a letter from AL Gore saying that this is a direct result of global warming. Good thing he invented the Internet too, or I wouldn't be here doing this right now. Not to fear, this is not the first bad drought, nor will it be the last. The streams will bounce back. If there's one thing that can be said about wild trout - they're tough and are survivors!

Did I mention the yucca flowed, and the beer was cold?

Kickin Back..

Just another lousy weekend in paradise.....Thank you sir, may I have another!

Just Helpin Out

2009-06-02T18:25:00.004-04:00

Ya know, I started thinking that some folks out there in cyberspace might think all of us guys, and of course Carrie, are nothing more than a bunch of dumb fisher folk, with nothing better to do than eatin, drinkin and fishin. Well, I’m here to tell ya, you’re mostly correct. I mean, fishing, as noble as it might appear, doesn’t feed the hungry (in most cases), or clothe the naked, shelter the homeless either. And I understand all of that. So when I get a chance to do something for a friend of neighbor, I’m all about that. So when I saw this cat, that appeared lost, I quickly thought that I might be able to do something real nice for someone who lost a pet. Unfortunately, I was rather impaired at the time, so I never did figure out whose cat it was. I mean, I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but I know a lost pet when I see one. And I just love cats, except feral cats, but that’s a story for another time. But yes, I love cats, medium well actually, with a nice gravy, and mashed potatoes. But I digress. When you’re 15 and still in 6th grade, it’s pretty apparent that life is gonna be more difficult for you than most folks. You realize your shortcomings are large, and life’s is gonna be hard. But like I said, I know a lost pet when I see one. So if anybody knows someone who lost a cat in the vicinity of Central Pee Aye, please let me know. It would be nice to be able to facilitate a touching moment between a pet owner, and their happy, glad to be back, cuddly pet cat.
Below is a poster that I attached to a telephone pole, so that someone might see their cute, lost pet.

Culinary Delights of the 5th Annual Big Woods Summit

2009-06-01T09:22:00.004-04:00

Bowhunter's Iron Skillet Camp Breakfast

Bunyan's Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler

Bowhunter's Six Pound Bufallo Meatloaf

Bowhunter's Grilled Buffalo T-Bones

PF&BC Stocked Trout Sizzlin' in the Pan

Chief's Orange Trout Paella

Midger's Yucca

(Recipe by FlyRodder)

There were many other culinary delights enjoyed at the Summit that were not photographed. Examples were Agrontrutta's Reduced Salt Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies, Bowhunter's 3-Eggs Omelet and the Chief's Octopus in Garlic Sauce.

Chief Kilroy

2009-05-11T19:33:00.007-04:00

The Chief made a surprise spot inspection the other night to ensure that the Flatlander Department of the Pro Staff was measuring up to the prescribed level of performance and code of conduct.

Unfortunately, all I have to show for it is his calling card:

Maybe that’s a good thing, as going Chota-to-Simms with the author of “Caddis and a Beadhead” can be an intimidating experience. Heeding the advice given to a Pro-Staffer of long ago, (a member of a group of 12 desert stillwater specialists from the Sea of Galilee Chapter of Trout Unlimited), I resigned to “keeping close watch, so as not to be put to the test: the spirit is ready, but the flesh is feeble.” However, not as feeble as my casting loop as I slung my dry-dropper rig with a 10’ – 3 weight.

Actually, we really put a Number 6 on the trout, and went “a-ridin' into town, a-whompin' and a-whumpin' every livin' thing that moves within an inch of its life” with a variety of sulpher patterns:

Including this red hued spotted beauty

The Chief’s mojo must've rubbed off on me. Then again, maybe it was his Straub-paella-butifarra sausage marinade that invariably makes its way onto his calling card. Regardless, when a sucker can nymph up a sucker with a Caddis and Bead rig, you know the planets have aligned:

Reporting from the Flatlands,

Greg G.

Big Woods Summit

2009-05-01T08:40:00.003-04:00

Well it's that time of year when the pro-staffers and friends get together for some fishing and drinking. We will be in the big woods country from Tuesday May 26th thru Sunday 31st. If any of you non-staff members would like to stop in for a cold one drop me a line for directions.

The chief will be making Paella once again on Saturday night. The other meals I'll decide once I get a head count

Bowhunter

P.S. sorry I wasn't clear the invite is for those that post or have fished with Pro-staff members.

Open for Business

2009-04-21T18:50:00.006-04:00

After a long hiatus the Rossiter Lodge was back open for business.

We were greeted with temperature more fitting for the end of May, instead of the first weekend of trout.
Once again Kory managed to win the fish pool. Catching both the largest (18 ½) and the most trout on Saturday. The kid kept at it all day long, although surprisingly he did stop and eat lunch.
Saturday afternoon we were treated to a wonderful caddis hatch that had the fish eagerly taking emergers right behind the camp. Sunday proved just as nice as the rest of the weekend, although the fishing was a little slower.

Get ready, the 5th annual BWS is just around the corner.

Classic Sporting Art

2009-04-14T21:20:00.002-04:00

If you like classic sporting art, check out the work of Bob White.

http://www.whitefishstudio.com/

Easter Vigil Paella and Butifarra

2009-04-11T17:55:00.006-04:00

The Chief was busy preparing another batch of butifarra, a Catalonian Garlic Sausage. The Easter Vigil Dinner Paella was prepared with chorizo, butifarra and shrimp. Happy Easter to All!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-11T11:09:00.000-04:00