First Striper on the Fly

-- First Stripah on the Fly --

Four times a charm, or something like that. Last weekend, a good buddy, Mark, took me to his "spot" in Rhode Island to chase some pre-dawn schoolies on the fly. This was my 4th outing ever to chase stripers.

We went to this same spot last year with no luck, but this time the tides were right and the week leading up to our outing had ideal temps and weather conditions.

5 Things You Won't Find at #F3T

-- #F3T Coming to a Theater Near You --

I'm getting pumped to check out the 2013 Fly Fishing Film Tour next week on 13 February at the Somerville Theater in Davis Square in Cambridge, MA. I've attended a couple F3T's in the past, but never at a legit theater, so this should be a real treat.

Discount tickets for the event are available at the Bear's Den Fly Fishing Company. The Bear's Den will also host two showings on 16 February at Noon and 7:30 PM during their annual Fly Fishing Expo in Taunton, MA.

Having reviewed some trailers of the films and knowing the filmmakers from their past work, this is a show you will want to see.

New England Fly Swap

-- flyfishingnewengland.net Fly Swap --

There are so many great aspects of the sport of fly fishing. Time on the water and landing fish is what we all strive to achieve, but the time spent preparing, gathering information about your destination, deciding what rod and flies to use, how you want to hunt and present your fly to the fish, all are part of bringing a fish to hand.


Fly tying has become an integral part of my preparation. Learning what works from others is not only an educational process, but a great way to share our experiences with fellow anglers. Fly swaps become the channel to both learning and making new, like-minded, friends from which we share our love of the sport.

Winter Solstice and Holiday Cheer

-- Merry Christmas --

We have reached the tipping point between night and day. A winter solstice for 2012 is finally here. There were plans for wetting a line today, but high winds and downpours gives solitude and reflection a seat at the table.

2012 has been an interesting year. High school to college transition for our son, Matt, a spirited election and a world facing many economic, social and environmental challenges. Where to go from here?

As long as the rivers flow, I know where my direction will be.

As we look forward to more day than night, we wish all hope for a prosperous new year and tug with every cast.

Thanks so much for your continued support and following. I will close with some holiday cheer from Matt's Troutdoors Productions.



Best of Troutdoors 2012 from Troutdoors on Vimeo.

Instagram Fly Swap II

- Instagram Fly Swap II -

In mid-August, Morgan Kupfer of Tight Lined Tales of a Fly Fisherman and originator of the first Instagram Fly Swap, put out the call for a second Instagram Fly Swap. Previous and new tiers signed up. Baitfish and carp patterns were picked and the group of 11 tiers got rolling.

Below are the tiers and their patterns for the swap. Like the first swap, I was blown away by the quality and unique patterns that everyone put forward. Great work by all!

I've added recipes/links if available. I also took some creative liberties and made up names for flies that came without names or recipes. 

Trout Stocking the Nissitissit River

- Nissitissit in Jan 2012 -

We have some beautiful rivers in Massachusetts and one of the local favorites is the Nissitissit.  It is unique in the state having both a "fly fishing only" and catch & release section.

Twice a year, in the spring and fall, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will stock a selected set of rivers with a healthy amount of 12+ inch rainbows, browns and brookies. The Nissitissit is one of two rivers in the Northeast District to receive the biannual stocking.

Given tight state budgets and very short staff with the DFW, the state does a phenomenal job with raising healthy and vibrant fish then distributing them through out the Commonwealth.

Chasing Bass and Carp on the local ponds

- Warm Water Action -

When the summer heats up and the trout start to hide in the cool deep pools, we are fortunate to have ample warm water fishing opportunities on the local ponds.

Matt's Troutdoors Productions but together a nice video about targeting these great fish on the fly.

 Enjoy the action!

Altitude Sickness

Forgive me for not posting for some time now.

My son, Matt, and his friend, Michael, remixed their video from our Rocky Mountain fly fishing last July.

Makes me want to get back to Colorado very soon.

Update: Michael's remix made the Orvis Friday Film Festival last week! Congratulations, Michael!

3 Days, 2 Hatches, 1 Town, Roscoe

-- Fly Fishing in Roscoe, NY --

Matt, Michael and Mike are at it again -- this time on the Beaverkill River in Roscoe, NY.

The boys and Michael's Dad spent their school break fly fishing in the Catskill region of New York. Roscoe or "Trout Town, USA" had some great early season action with prolific caddis and Hendrickson hatches.


Red & blue quills, Hendricksons and caddis dries were the ticket.

Matt put together another "Troutdoors Productions" video to share their adventure.

3 Days, 2 Hatches, 1 Town, Roscoe from Troutdoors on Vimeo.

Enjoy the fish and dry fly action.