North to Alaska

A stray from the norm....
Johnny Horton first comes to mind for a theme song but then fades into a classic John Wayne film. My family and I have been rolling around the idea of a move. First moving closer to the elders of our tribe then slowly evolving into a larger distance, Alaska.  Being an avid outdoors men caught in a very industrial career and affiliation. I fight my own demons for this association with such an evolving beast.  Work is first and foremost to provide, next to hunting and fishing.  I have always had the underlying obsession and curiosity with the never ending wilderness of the Great North.  Now it is becoming a serious consideration. Constantly thinking about all angles on the situation. I have lost alot of sleep lately from the lack of shutting off these thoughts.  The great unknown? Will my family like this idea or serious change in life style? Can I still provide and give them what they need as a father?
"Hell yeah!" is screaming inside and once it is quite enough I hear" are you sure?".     If this is going to become a reality I have some serious work to do before the snow thaws and spring arrives in our frigged north.  Home repairs and renovations for a good sale on current said home, financial preparation, educating self of new geographical locations, hunting and fishing until this happens...
So amongst this chaos I will still find peace in my flies and chasing a few fish. My hunting season is on its way, but first and foremost fall pike.  I have renovated my fly box of all unnecessary flies to make room for the new.

 With a few more fishing excursions then into fur bearing winter survival mode.  Hopefully I can make a better attempt at photographing and writing about this progressive journey for the ultimate move north.
If anyone has some advice or words of wisdom for this epic relocation I am all ears.
Stay tuned....

Hangtime's I missed posting...

Here's a few of Brad Bohen 's pattern the "Hangtime optic minnow" I tied up before my recent absence.

And a few buck tail baitfish...

Been gone, but yet to return...

I have been on the water non-stop for the last couple month's.  Chasing pike then shifting to trout in the lull of post spawn recovery.  I recently had the opportunity to fish in the Rocky Mountain Regional Qualifier.  This was an amazing experience meeting some of Team USA and other anglers from north america competing for a chance to go to the National Fly-fishing competition. All govern under Fips-Mouche regulations. Basically a mix of French, Spanish and Czech Nymphing techniques. I learned a ton, caught some amazing beautiful fish and met some extraordinary people.
    Now the rush is over I can focus on some new flies and get caught up on some pike here in Colorado along with the intermittent  trouting excursion's.  I'm hoping to take a trip to the front range in pursuit of the large musky this state has to offer.  Here's a few pics for now of the recent catches and triumphs.  Well update on new flies in the next coming days...

Gamakatsu 90

Had some fun playing with some new hooks I originally purchased for Gezzus Lizards. These are Gamakatsu 90 Jig hooks 4/0. Should ride hook up. Still on the hunt for some craw fish color materials. Here;s a few for now...

I also have tried my hand at Brad Bohen's Hangtime optic minnow. Next chance I set up a photo session I'll post. Sweet stuff Brad thanks for the tutorial!

Pike Tourney blow out!

Well this last weekend a pike tourney was held at a local reservoir.  Catch and release was not an option if you wished to enter the fish. Good news alot where released. Only a couple over the 30" mark were kept for the derby. Some people kept some for dinner.  The local DOW is planning to shock the lake this spring, Big bummer for us pike anglers!  Many mixed opinions on the outcome still have not won the vote of those in charge.  Great day on the ice teaching a few folks about pike, life lessons learned for my son and a few new friends.  Very sad the future of this lake. The fishery has been struggling for the last ten years and here it goes again.
Well all in all, it was good to see alot of people felt that letting them go to fight another day, was more important then the victory.   For those who believe in the future of our fisheries. Spread the word and knowledge, take a kid fishing they are our future. Tight Lines!

Just a few ...

Well I have to say I've been totally consumed with pike flies. But have still been working on trout flies intermittently. Here's just a few for now until I can get more photography time.

In the beginning...

     Being my first post I would like to introduce myself.  I'm a Western Colorado native, born just west of the glorious Black Canyons rims, south of the Gunnison River in a small community know as Delta, Colorado. I was raised in Cedaredge.  Home to some of the best trout fishing, river rafting and breath taking scenery tucked beside the Grand Mesa.  Pike are difficult to find and not always the most common fish to be found in this area. But if pursued success can be found.
Recently I have became consumed in thought of pike and flies they chase. I enjoy a number of fishing methods, but lately Esox Lucius  has me pegged.  Stumbling upon some of the best (in my opinion) tiers and fisherman I have yet to meet. The internet has been an never ending source of info for this appetite as of late. Simon Graham, Jay Zimmerman, Kelly Galloup, Nick Granato just to name a few.  These guys have some amazing minds to dream these flies up, hopefully I'm not far behind.  Here's a few recent concoctions I have been inspired with from these gentlemen.  To be continued...  I'll be taking a series of more professional photos shortly. Stay tuned for an upcoming release of my new trout pattern.