2015 models

I spent a great day yesterday with first time clients, Evan C. and his son Jim and Jim's college friend, Dillion.  We fished one of my favorite coastal rivers and ended the day with five gorgeous winter chromers! Most of the fish came to either purple or blue rabbit strip leech patterns.  When flows get clear and cold like they've been the past few days, its tough to beat those colors.

One of my son's joined me today to chase winter fish on the Umpqua.  Flows are still a bit high, but they are very fishable.  Even though we hooked two fish, I felt that given the time of year, the water flow and overall conditions, we should have had a few more fish...?  I'm really starting to wonder where our Umpqua winter steelhead run is.  I've seen late runs, but NEVER this late.  I'm starting to wonder if the past several years of low flows in December and the incredible numbers of fish caught side-drifting in the lower river is catching up with us?  Hopefully the fish are just late! 

End of a great year!

Molly and I ended 2014 spending the day duck hunting.  It was a cold, clear day in the valley.  Few birds flew, but the numerous Teal hanging out in the valley gave us a chance to shoot a limit of my favorite eating duck.  

2014 was one of the best years of my life.  Personally and professionally it was an amazing game changer.  A new home on the banks of the Umpqua and my new career with Trout Unlimited were certainly a part of the great year we've had.

Spending time on the water and in the field with some of the best people I know also added to the great year that was 2014.

I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for me, my family, friends and great clients!

Have a safe and happy new year!