Another Mega Flood, Bass Tournament Win, and an Epic Trip on The way

Here we go again, more devastating flooding a year to the day of last year historic floods.  I wrote a full article on the impacts of flooding on our wild trout.  Check out the articles page for a full run down of the impacts of high water, many of them positive, and the negatives.  Please wade carefully, have a partner with you, and take it slow. 
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The rivers will surely have changed and you could find yourself stepping into a hole you didn't know was there.  The most common misperception is that the trout have all died, don't be fooled, trout need cool water, and they have plenty of it right now along with food.
The incredible fishing I reported this past spring was a result of last years flooding so look for the fishing to be good when you can find fishable water.  As always, bring a stream thermometer, rivers will still get over 70 on some stretches, but the good news is there is so much cool ground water seeping into the rivers that I don't think they will get overly hot. For the remainder of the summer I'm hoping we don't have major flooding but can keep the rivers topped off.

It has been a bit of a challenge to get clients into the rivers right now, but we will do our best to accommodate river flows and wading skills so that you all can find some willing fish.

On to the Ditch Pickle Classic, another great weekend, lots of beers drank, and lots of bass caught.  Day one was an amazing day of fishing.  We found large smallmouth eating high in the water column.  It was essential to make long casts, subtle movements of the fly, and use light tippet.  These fish are 8-10 years old and have been caught many times but the looks of the scars on their lips. That was certainly the key for me to win the tournament again this year.  Ive been lucky enough to win 3  out of the last 4 years.  Day 2 was torrential rain and howling wind.  We were on the water by 5 and blown off by about 8.  Thankfully I was able to catch one 18" smallie in about 3' waves to seal the win. We are looking forward to next seasons tournament already. 

Finally, my family and I are soon to embark on a 3 week road trip west.  Driving three kids 9,7,5 across the country will be questionable at times, but hopefully worth while. We will be camping mostly, spending a night in the driftless of Wisconsin, a week in Jackson Hole, doing a DIY over night float on the South Fork in Idaho with friends, and spending time time in South West Colorado.  I've got all of the kids waders and will surely be doing lots of fishing .  I hope to bring some beautiful pictures and amazing tales back with me.  Stay tuned.  Guides Andy and John will be available while I'm gone so reach out if you want to get on the rivers.