Our trip, “Wyoming’s Wild Trout and Wild Flowers”, begins on July 9, 2011 in Pinedale, Wyoming. This is the first of three pre-trip letters I’ll send you. You’ll receive the remaining two letters around the first of June and July. This pre-trip letter will provide general information about the trip and the area you’re visiting. In June you’ll receive a detailed equipment list to help you with your packing, and in July you’ll receive driving directions to our lodging as well as contact information for the other people on the trip.
Our trip has its own website at www.wildtroutwildflowers.blogspot.com which I created especially for our group. It’s my hope that we can use this website to build a small sense of community before we meet in person. The site will be my primary means of communicating with you, but I hope you’ll use it to contact the rest of the group, too. Be the first to post entries on the blog and get the conversation started!
Last July I had the opportunity to take a scouting trip to Pinedale to meet our fishing guides, to visit our log cabin lodge, to fish in the rivers and creeks we will visit, and to gather general information that will make your trip special.
Our guides.
Our guides come from Two Rivers Emporium, an Orvis endorsed outfitter. Head Guide, Mike Kaul, is a legend in the Pinedale area; he’s been fishing the local waters for almost 50 years. Mike and his team of guides will take us in their drift boats for two full days of fishing on some of the larger rivers.
Lodging.
We’ll be staying at a quaint, comfortable, rustic log cabin resort. I met with proprietor, Sofia Wakefield, to make plans for our stay. The resort is on the National Historic Place that has been updated to offer all modern conveniences. Sofia strives to keep her establishment on the leading edge of environmentally responsible hospitality management. She emphasizes re-cycling, natural fiber bedding, and “green” cleaning products. Her husband, Forest, is a baker who will provide us with freshly baked, whole grain, organic breads, rolls, and other goodies. The resort is located on a beautifully landscaped acre right in the middle of Pinedale.
Fishing.
This area has an abundance of productive fisheries ranging from deep, wide, slow moving rivers to rushing creeks born in the snowfields of the Wind River Range. We’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of these streams and rivers. Check out the photos on the website in the right margin. These are some of the places I fished last July.
You’ll need to bring ALL your own fishing equipment. If you don’t own your equipment you may be able to rent it. Two Rivers Emporium has a limited amount of gear for rent. Let me know right away if you need to rent and I’ll contact Mike. In the third pre-trip letter I’ll send a list of recommended tackle and flies, but be prepared to buy additional flies when you arrive so you can closely match whatever bugs are hatching and the trout are eating.
You’ll also need to buy a fishing license. A non-resident license is $14.00 per day. The website to purchase online is: gf.state.wy.us/elso/elsowelcome.aspx. Once you’re on this page click on the button labeled Individual Sportsperson Purchase and follow the prompts.
Day off activity.
Our current itinerary calls for five days of fishing and one day-off. Our day-off is called “dry-your-waders-day”, but you can still fish if you want. Buy your daily license accordingly – you’ll need at least five days, six if you fish on our day-off. Please see the section on general information below for ideas on how to spend your day-off or for pre-trip or post-trip activities. Remember: your day-off activities are NOT included in the price of the trip.
General Information.
You may decide to arrive a few days early or stay a few days after our trip to explore the area. Here’s a brief list of suggestions for exploring the area before or after our trip or on your day off.
Please note that these activities are NOT included on our trip; they’re provided for your information should you want to spend more time in the area.
Green River Rendezvous –
Our stay in Pinedale coincides with the Green River Rendezvous. It relives the early Mountain Man history of the area. During Rendezvous, the town of Pinedale comes alive with activities and events surrounding the Mountain Man theme. In the evening you’ll be able to walk to many of the Rendezvous activities, most of which are free.
See www.pinedaleonline.com/RendezvousDays.HTM
The Museum of the Mountain Man-
The Museum presents a visual and interpretative experience into the romantic era of the Mountain man and provides a comprehensive overview of the Western Fur Trade's historical significance. Situated in the heart of the country that was once the hub of the Rocky Mountain fur trading, the Museum stands as a monument to the men and the commerce that opened the West. See www.museumofthemountainman.com
Grand Teton National Park –
Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park preserves a spectacular landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes and extraordinary wildlife. The park's world-renowned scenery attracts nearly four million visitors per year. See www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm
Jackson Hole and the town of Jackson –
Summer in Jackson Hole offers unbeatable weather and endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Hiking and camping may be the most popular summer endeavors, while whitewater rafting, golfing and horseback riding provide some of the nearly limitless summer entertainment possibilities. See http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/about/join.php
Yellowstone National Park –
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park. Located in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Preserved within Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. See http://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
This is just a very small sample of the activities that are available to you before or after our trip, or for your day off – they are not included in the trip. If you’d like more information on any of these activities please let us know. For more information about other activities we suggest you explore wyomingtourism.org, the official tourism site for the state.
There are some spots still available for the trip so tell your friends and families in case they want to join you on this adventure! Look for your next pre-trip letter in June. In the mean time, don’t forget to visit our website at www.wildtroutwildflowers.blogspot.com
That’s all for now, travelers.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Thursday, September 30, 2010
"Answer the phone" to improve your casting
In July I traveled to Pinedale, Wyoming. My wife was leading a back-county llama trek for the Sierra Club out there so I went along with her to Pinedale. When she, her group of trekkers, and their train of llamas headed off into the Wind River Mountain Range for a week, I went fishing. I decided I needed a casting lesson so I contacted Two Rivers Emporium in Pinedale and signed up for a half-day lesson with Guide Eric Oram.
In the off-season, Eric is a high school teacher and coach - and he's got good instructional skills. I like to learn by analogy. That means I learn better if I can relate a skill I already know to the skill I'm trying to learn. Eric coached me with the perfect analogy to make a huge difference in my casting.
As you probably already know, the whole idea with fly casting is to transfer energy and power from your rod to your line. We do this with an effective backcast, allowing the line to unfurl behind us, then launch the line with an effective forward cast so that rolls forward to our target. Let's just say that my casting motion was, ummm, ineffective.
Here's what Eric told me: "Imagine that the handle of your rod is a telephone handset sitting on your desk. You're in the middle of something when the phone rings. Irritated, you pick it up aggressively and lift it up to your ear. You say 'Hello!', angry at being interrupted. It's a telemarketer. You're pissed off so you slam the handset back onto the telephone on your desk." Well, I could easily imagine that scenario because it's happened to me more than once.
Eric continued, "That's the exact movement I want you to incorporate into your casting motion. Here's why: when you aggressively pick up the phone you apply enough power to create energy in the rod on the backcast. You need to hold that phone by your ear for two reasons: First, when you pause long enough to say 'Hello' that allows time for your line to unfurl behind you. Second, when you hold the phone to your ear you won't drop your rod tip too low on your backcast. Finally, you slam the phone down on your desk because that aggressive downward motion generates power on the forward cast to launch your line." This was the perfect instructional analogy for me! Now, go out on your front lawn to practice your casting and remember to answer the phone.
Whenever I'm casting I remember to answer the phone. I even say "Hello" under my breath so I allow time for my line to unfurl. Sometimes I forget and I say "Hello!" out LOUD. Other anglers look at me funny when I do that...
In the off-season, Eric is a high school teacher and coach - and he's got good instructional skills. I like to learn by analogy. That means I learn better if I can relate a skill I already know to the skill I'm trying to learn. Eric coached me with the perfect analogy to make a huge difference in my casting.
As you probably already know, the whole idea with fly casting is to transfer energy and power from your rod to your line. We do this with an effective backcast, allowing the line to unfurl behind us, then launch the line with an effective forward cast so that rolls forward to our target. Let's just say that my casting motion was, ummm, ineffective.
Here's what Eric told me: "Imagine that the handle of your rod is a telephone handset sitting on your desk. You're in the middle of something when the phone rings. Irritated, you pick it up aggressively and lift it up to your ear. You say 'Hello!', angry at being interrupted. It's a telemarketer. You're pissed off so you slam the handset back onto the telephone on your desk." Well, I could easily imagine that scenario because it's happened to me more than once.
Eric continued, "That's the exact movement I want you to incorporate into your casting motion. Here's why: when you aggressively pick up the phone you apply enough power to create energy in the rod on the backcast. You need to hold that phone by your ear for two reasons: First, when you pause long enough to say 'Hello' that allows time for your line to unfurl behind you. Second, when you hold the phone to your ear you won't drop your rod tip too low on your backcast. Finally, you slam the phone down on your desk because that aggressive downward motion generates power on the forward cast to launch your line." This was the perfect instructional analogy for me! Now, go out on your front lawn to practice your casting and remember to answer the phone.
Whenever I'm casting I remember to answer the phone. I even say "Hello" under my breath so I allow time for my line to unfurl. Sometimes I forget and I say "Hello!" out LOUD. Other anglers look at me funny when I do that...
Friday, August 20, 2010
Angle on Angling
Welcome! I designed this website specifically for this trip. Since this is the first blog posting on the site it's probably appropriate to tell you where I’m coming from pertaining to my approach to fishing.
First, I’m a recently converted fly fishing guy and I have a lot to learn. Although I still spin fish, I’m spending most of my time casting my line instead of my lure.
Second, too many fly anglers are too serious. I’m a down home kind of fly angler. I don’t have the time or patience to spend hours debating the merits of a wooden handled fishing net vs. an aluminum handled fishing net, or whatever. Other people enjoy doing that, it's just not for me.
Third, when I walk into a fly fishing store I always look for the clearance shelf first. I’m happy to wear a t-shirt under my vest. I don’t think I fish any better if I’m wearing a sunscreen-and-insect-repellant-injected fishing shirt with a fancy logo on the pocket.
Fourth, I appreciate other forms of fishing and will happily share a stretch of water with a spin angler.
Fifth, I like fly fishing because I consider it to be the most “organic” form of fishing. I like to crush the barbs on my hooks and I like to release the fish I catch. However, I am not a “catch-and-release Nazi”; I often keep some fish to eat and I understand why some anglers keep all the fish they catch.
My first fly rod was made of split bamboo. I made it myself starting with an 8-foot culm of bamboo. I like the idea of using a bamboo rod because it seems more organic than a graphite rod. I’m not a “bamboo Nazi” either – I also have a graphite rod.
Sixth, Henry David Thoreau once wrote “Many men go fishing all their lives never knowing it's not the fish that really matters.” I get it. Catching a fish is the “frosting”, experiencing the process is the “cake”.
I hope that what I write provokes you. It can provoke you in a motivational way (Wow! I can use that information!); or it can provoke you in a challenging way (What is that moron talking about!?) Most of all I hope it provokes you to join me on one of my Sierra Club trips.
Please be sure to let me know if you were motivated, or challenged, or want to join my trip, by posting your comments.
Tom, out.
First, I’m a recently converted fly fishing guy and I have a lot to learn. Although I still spin fish, I’m spending most of my time casting my line instead of my lure.
Second, too many fly anglers are too serious. I’m a down home kind of fly angler. I don’t have the time or patience to spend hours debating the merits of a wooden handled fishing net vs. an aluminum handled fishing net, or whatever. Other people enjoy doing that, it's just not for me.
Third, when I walk into a fly fishing store I always look for the clearance shelf first. I’m happy to wear a t-shirt under my vest. I don’t think I fish any better if I’m wearing a sunscreen-and-insect-repellant-injected fishing shirt with a fancy logo on the pocket.
Fourth, I appreciate other forms of fishing and will happily share a stretch of water with a spin angler.
Fifth, I like fly fishing because I consider it to be the most “organic” form of fishing. I like to crush the barbs on my hooks and I like to release the fish I catch. However, I am not a “catch-and-release Nazi”; I often keep some fish to eat and I understand why some anglers keep all the fish they catch.
My first fly rod was made of split bamboo. I made it myself starting with an 8-foot culm of bamboo. I like the idea of using a bamboo rod because it seems more organic than a graphite rod. I’m not a “bamboo Nazi” either – I also have a graphite rod.
Sixth, Henry David Thoreau once wrote “Many men go fishing all their lives never knowing it's not the fish that really matters.” I get it. Catching a fish is the “frosting”, experiencing the process is the “cake”.
I hope that what I write provokes you. It can provoke you in a motivational way (Wow! I can use that information!); or it can provoke you in a challenging way (What is that moron talking about!?) Most of all I hope it provokes you to join me on one of my Sierra Club trips.
Please be sure to let me know if you were motivated, or challenged, or want to join my trip, by posting your comments.
Tom, out.
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