The scene

Testament of a fisherman, by Robert Traver:

I fish because I...hate the environs where crowds of people are found, which are invariably ugly; because of all the television commercials, cocktail parties, and assorted social posturing I thus escape; because, in a world where most men seem to spend their lives doing things they hate, my fishing is at once an endless source of delight and an act of small rebellion...

So I am going to take the great Mr. Traver's advice and skip the Fly Fishing Film Tour this year. In my opinion, it's an obnoxious event. A scene at which to be seen, full of bright new trucker hats, "passion" and "lifestyle". Yes, you're all very cool and into fly fishing. I'm happy for ya.

The films and interest in them are great for the industry, and many of the movies are very good, but I abhor the event.

Montana Fly Fishing Report

January 28, 2011: Good.
February 19, 2011: Still good.

Simple flies in fishy holes leads to dunked indicators and fish to hand. Lots. It's relatively easy right now - that is why many folks around here prefer winter fishing. Yes, prefer. I'm not quite there yet, but I understand.
Take your Hare's Ears, Copper Johns Girdle Bugs, Serendipities and Woolly Buggers to any moving water that's legally open, tie them on, clip on a good amount of weight, set your indicator, find a deep, fishy hole, and pull 'em in.

KVD on 309

This, from 111 Degrees West's (and Montana Sporting Journal, and MacKenzie River Pizza Co.) Will Jordan:

"I served a pizza to KVD this weekend, and had a chance to talk to him about 309. He said he's very confident that they can put a stop to it in the senate. And he said if it came down to it, he has no doubt that Schweitzer would veto it. If it were to pass, he said it's unlikely that it would make rivers private in and of itself - but it would set the stage for landowners to take the issue to court on a case by case (river by river) basis and make their argument for privatization of a particular waterway."

HB 309 would make waters with irrigation equipment on them gray areas in the eyes of the stream access law.

So, in my opinion, it just adds more gray to an already-gray law. Which is funny, since the bill is designed to "clarify". It'll make for more on-stream confrontations between land-owner and river-user, with no clear correct answer. Sheriffs will be called, and they will use their discretion on whether or not anglers can fish there.

Incidentally, Kendall Van Dyke is the man - visit his website here. I cannot vote for him, but I hope those who can, will continue to.

HB 309 - onto the Senate

Montana House Bill 309 passed third reading in the house - it even picked up a couple votes this go-round passing 57-43. It's up to the senate now, but my man Kendall Van Dyke thinks he can rally support to end it. Here's hoping - in the meantime, e-mail your senators! Find yours here.

HB 309 (limiting stream access) passes House

Montana House Bill 309 (redefining irrigation ditches, or limiting stream access) passed the house of representatives this afternoon by a 55-44 vote. I'm not totally sure (didn't pay attention to my school house rock) but I think from here it goes to the senate, then to the governor. My representative, whom I e-mailed more than once, voted yes. He will be getting another e-mail.

For more on the details, read this Montana Standard (Butte, Mont.) article.

HB 309-Limiting Stream Access (Here we go again)

So the 2011 attempt by Montana legislators to limit/remove stream access is here  - HB 309.

Click here for the pdf of the bill.

More details: 
http://www.missoulademocrats.org/HB%20309

Chi Wulff

They keep trying and they keep failing. But they will always try so those in favor of our current stream access law must remain vigilant.

Rock'n'roll

If casting dries to trout is classical music, shooting big streamers to saltwater fish is rock 'n' roll.

Trout, hatches, mountains and cold rivers, are all wonderful, but I want more rock'n'roll.
It was time to plan the next trip as soon I arrived home from Costa Rica. The first mention of petty politics on the radio or television is terribly disheartening. The first stroll through the supermarket is completely heartbreaking - back to the grind.
We're tentatively planning on the Bahamas for bonefish next February. It's not totally shooting big streamers, but it's still awfully rock'n'roll, using 6 to 8 weights for two- to 12-pound fish. From Wikipedia (the world's foremost fly fishing authority): "The bonefish, also known as 'phantom' or 'gray ghost', is probably pound for pound the strongest and fastest moving animal of any salt-water fish."
Until then, Rocky Mountain trout will have to get me by.