Friday was bright and windy with the Funks, but that didn’t last long. That night I met up with my two younger brothers as the rain began to fall. We talked about the next couple days fishing and our options in case the storm was as big as projected. We had our sites set on big browns and ugly streamers, but with the rain turning the 30 mile dirt road to mud and a possible foot of snow on top of that. The plan was that we were gunna sleep on it and see what the morning brings. Its funny how in my early days of fishing I could care less about the weather, in fact I always wanted warm sunny days. Now its one of the most important aspects of my fishing and what really makes the difference in a good day and an epic day. The next morning I awoke sick from late night creamed filled donuts and Sunkist while catching up with my bros and watching FF Films. The trailer window was covered in frost, but I could see the white snow lining its sides. My first reaction was ”its not too deep to get there”. Then I opened the door and the inches of powder changed my thoughts to “we might be pushing it a little”. It was still snowing and supposed to throughout the day, but we’d probably get there, but getting back might be another story. So with that in mind we grabbed a tow rope and set off. As anticipated the roads were snowy(which helped in places) followed by patches of muddy slush. After an hour-half of white knuckle driving. We made it with only a few close calls and a couple mud covered vehicles and boat.

The best part about going out on days like these is you are usually the only one crazy enough to be on the water. (Which we were for two days) The fishing was fast from the put in, hucking meat was all we would be doing and over-sized browns were our mission.

The fishing was awesome, is an understatement. It was epic with chases, swipes, and eats consistent for two days straight.  But just like the day before we dealt with the freezing wind most of the afternoon. Until we had enough and pulled the boat on shore, positioned it as a wind block and got out the buddy heater to combat the freezing temps. After some warmth and frozen PBJs we continue our 13 mile float still cold, but not froze.

The wind calmed for another great evening and gave us a chance at a monster (which I missed) and a couple we can’t complain about.

When we reached the take out an hour passed dark:30. We were done! Throwing big heavy rods, lines, and flies for 13 hrs straight is hard on the body and mind. Plus add snow, wind and below freezing temps and we had had enough for ten trips. So what did we do? Cooked brats for dinner, recounted the day in stories, camped in our SUVs at the put-in and couldn’t wait for the next day and what it would bring. That’s why I love fishing with my brothers, It doesn’t matter how bad it is, we can make it the best time in the world when were fishing together.

The next morning came sooner than I had hoped, but with it came bright sunny skies and warmer temps. DANG, I thought. I was hoping for another overcast day of streamer tossing. But that’s UT weather. The change in weather had us mix our plans for the morning. We decided to take a steep hike and fish some of my favorite pocket water with big dries. Then we would float all afternoon and evening. The weather stayed nice all day and the fishing well, lets just say. Up to date, it was the best day I have had in 2011. The fish ate our dries, then on our float we stuck with brighter streamers and the fish were more aggressive then the day before.

The real bonus was the size of fish that were eating our flies with such confidence. 16-20s were the fish that were on the hunt and slamming our streamers, but a couple of there bigger bros came to net as well.

It was Epic to the highest degree of fly fishing.  Jordan summed up how we were feeling when he said “Guys lets never grow up”. Even though we are getting older, its trips like these that keep our spirits, hearts, and friendships young and alive. Fishing is truly a gift…

Part 1

As a dental consultant, I spent a lot of my time outdoors (fishing, hunting, biking, golfing, boating, sking, etc…)with the doctors I work with. Its the kind of job I always dreamed of having and now I’m living it. (I can’t complain) Dr Funk and his Son(Dr Funk Jr) love fly fishing, but had never floated the Green River, so I mentioned that I had a boat.  We set a float for the first weekend in Nov. Watching the weather forecast, I was excited to see the cold front coming in. I was praying for dark skies and rain or snow. (mostly for streamers and BWOs) When we arrived Friday morning, we were given clear skies and wind. Not a good combination for this time of year or really ever. With a little adjustment to my game plan we set off.  Right off the bat we boated 3 bows and got some confidence in the boat. Then it hit like a dagger in the heart of any fly fishermen. Wind like I had never seen on the Green. The micro burst would come in waves blowing us all over the river for most of the afternoon. It was almost impossible to try and fish/row under these conditions. I was frustrated and tired of fighting the wind, so we took a lunch break and recharged. Then it happened, the wind calmed down and gave us a perfect evening float. We decided to finish the day throwing streamers and it was a good move. We had multiple hook ups and too many chases to count. In all it was a perfect way to end such a weird day on the river.

For the rest of the weekend Jord, Sarah, Gunner , and I  fished a couple waters on our hit list and I bumbed around other rear by streams and lakes catching a fish or two.  It was nice to get out for more than just a day.

Like most fly fishing trips this one was way over due. I met Dr. Jon Fairbanks a couple yrs ago through the Fly Fishing Frenzy site and since then we have been talking about hitting the water together, but never could make it work. Fast forward a couple years and a job change later, now I work with Dr. Jon Fairbanks. SO we had to make it happen. Date set, Fairbanks crew in order and next thing we knew, it was 4:30 am and we were on our way to the Green River.  The hot sunny weather was perfect for a day of throwing terristrials, so the plan was an AB float letting our bugs pass by as many fish as possible. Our day started way before we stung up our flies. As brothers the 3 Fairbanks (Mark, Erik and Jon) starting talking trash, setting up beats and everything else competive brothers do. So when we left the first hole and Mark had landed 5 fish and Erik 0, you can pretty much figure out the feeling on the boat. That was short lived as the Green and its fish were nice to us, giving our boat consistant eats (mostly on fat alberts) almost the entire day and letting Erik redeem himself by landing the big fish of the trip. Our trip was exactly what most expect when floating the Green. (but rarely get) Lots of fish and great scencery, but this trip was so much more than that. It is an experience that will now be ingrained into all that had the chance to share it. The feelings and memories willl be in our souls forever. The fishing is what brought us together, but it takes second place to the friendship, laughter, smiles, and feeling of complete fulfillment. Thanks for the experience Fairbanks Brothers.

Since a 20 mile float wasn’t enough fishing, we decided to hit an evening Caddis hatch, that turned into a rodent hatch. Skittering mice with a full moon was fast and intense as large fish exploded the moon lite water. Next time we’ll use 10# tippet right Jon?  By 3am Sunday, I was finally in bed after being on this 23 1/2 hour adventure. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

It was a hot late August day, the only thing on my mind was browns, terrestrials and the Green. Having my younger brother as a guide gave me all the more reason to get away and spend three full days in search of a good time. Since I had some flexibility in my schedule I chose to by-pass the weekend and fish mid-week, when I could take advantage of a free guide on his days off and no crowds.  The trip started with a quick A, that produced lots of takes on oversized terrestrials, but too many failed hook ups on my end. Tired, beaten, and out smarted by picky trout. I vowed to regroup and up my game for tomorrow. The morning found me alone at one of my favorite riffles below little hole as Jordan and his wife Sarah had some work to do before we could take off for our next adventure. The riffles didn’t disappoint as many trout fell victim to my PMX and midges. I even managed to hook and land a nice 18″ Bow that spit my hook the day before. It was sweet revenge. By late morning  we were on the road and to the C. I was really looking forward to floating this section as the fish are said to be bigger and harder to find. A perfect match for a couple adventure junkies. The legend didn’t disappoint as the fish were as beautiful as the surrounding and eager to munch a big hopper along the bank. We had our chances at a couple fish of the year(In fact back to back casts), but 4x just won’t cut it Jord! I hope you get your voice back from yelling/cursing  at yourself and the fish. You can’t beat big bug eating browns, great weather and not another sole on the river. It was close to the perfect day off. All we needed was to land one of the two 27+ inchers, Jord… It hurts.

The trip started off early Friday morning, as Mallary and I made our way the over the Mtns, throught the desert and back up to the Green River. As we reached the summit of our journey we were greeted with a heavy snow storm that slowed our pace to walking speeds. After what seemed like days, we reached the Flaming Gorge Lodge. We met Jordan and Sarah found out where their new home would be on guide row and helped them quickly un pack, so we could get on the river. We finally loaded the boat at about 1 pm in hopes of hitting the BWOs just right. Things didn’t go exactly as planned with the BWOs, but the nice thing about the green is that if one thing isn’t working, something else usally does.  We found success site fishing for big bows as well as midge eating browns. The float was a huge success as everyone in the group caught multipal fish as well as Sarahs first fish on the green. One of the highlights of the float had to be the late day streamer action that we had in the lower sections of the A section. Black buggers were the go to fly and the fish were chasing them almost every cast. The day was topped off with a warm home cooked meal at the Lodge and then back to the trailer to recount the days experiences as well as refill our fly boxes. The next morning we awoke to blue skys and a crisp morning breeze. With a tip from a neibor we decided to try an out of the way desination that is said to have some nice fish. This little creek didn’t disappoint and was a great place to spend a morning. The rest of the day was set up to float the green again. The difference was this time we knew what to use and where to focas on. With the snow and wind giving us a break we had an awesome float. (You know those days you dream about) The highlight for me was that for the first time I was able to fish from my drift boat while floating the green. It was great change, even though I really do enjoy rowing.  As sun began to set I knew our time on this speacial river was about over, but the memories gained by all will hold us through until our next visit. Even thought I am not on a river, it is alway with me.  

 The Green River member outing was a huge success in both a good time and great fishing. In all we had 11 members of UFFC join us as well as a few that converted to the maddness while on the river. The weather wasn’t exactly perfect and I can’t recall if the sun ever came out, but those that came couldn’t care less about getting a tan. The wet overcast weekend was something we hoped for and it didn’t let us down. In all it was a great weekend filled with many memories and adventures shared by all that participated. So those of you that came thank you for the experiences and many life lesson learned. For those that couldn’t  make it, we hope that you can join us on our next member outing.

After a great start we had a nice consistent day of catching and missed hook-ups. One of the high lights of the trip was Dave’s monster bow he caught after fishing for it for over 30 mins. It was amazing to see him focus on this larger fish, until it finally fell to a #22 midge. Hooking it was only haft the battle. This fish fought hard! It tarpon leaped at least 5 times giving him a truly trophy of a fish. It was his largest trout ever and by the shaking of his hands, it won’t be one he forgets.

As we moved down river we started noticing heads poping all over the edges of the river and in slow back eddies. I’d been so excited about our large bows (Jeffs and Prestons hogs-too bad Preston) that I hadn’t even noticed the heavy midge hatch that was all around us.  There were hundreds of rise forms all over the river. It was a site to see  and frustrating at the same time, as the fish had so much food that it was hard to get our offering noticed.  Since we only had gone 2 miles and it was already 4:45pm we packed up and speed fished the remainder 5 miles before it got dark. The speed fishing was great with over-sized streamers and deep nymphs.

As we reached little hole the wind picked up while the temps dropped. We were frozen and couldn’t wait for a nice warm meal at the lodge. If you haven’t eaten at the the Flaming Gorge Lodge you need to. It is all part of the culture of the area, plus the food is tasty and there is plenty of it. The next morning we were graced with 50 mph winds and at least 12 inches of fresh snow. I wished I was on a snowboarding trip, but it was April and it was supposed to be nice fly fishing weather, but thats spring in Utah.

At breakfast we weighed our odds, but when Plan A fails its time to go to Plan B. This was to drive right at the storm and hopefully past it by the time we reached the Middle Provo.  Our plan worked and the fishing didn’t disappoint. We had semi blue sky’s with a little wind and 45 degree temps. Just perfect for another late spring midge hatch.

In all the whole trip was an adventure and hopefully one that will be embedded in the hearts of the two newbies and a father and son enjoying a special day together. But for me the odd man out, I had a trip of a life time. I had the opportunity to watch first hand as father and sons, friends and family enjoy time spent together. Because in life this is the way I imagened God meant it to be.

PS. Jeff, I still have your PONCHO in my truck…I’ll make sure you get that for our next trip

I go fishing a lot. Most of the time I fish I’m solo. Its usually easier and it gives me a chance to practice my own skills instead helping develop others all the time. And just maybe my long hours in the coldest crappiest conditions don’t excite too many people either. There are times when I am the luckiest man in the world and my beautiful wife joins me for a day on the river. (That gives me an idea about my next blog rant, Fishing with Girls, Wives, etc…) In this particular case Liz and I made a deal. If I worked out and ate healthy with her all week, she would come fishing with me on Sat. I didn’t even second guess myself. That Monday I was already planning on hitting the Green or the Berry if the ice was still around for the weekend. As the weekend grew near the Green was looking hard to beat. So on Sat morning we packed up the Jeep and headed northeast in search of hopefully some BWOs, Midges and most importantly some good quality time together. There is something special about going on trips with Liz, the lunches are always 100 times better, plus she makes the experience fun and alive. (She is that kind of person) As we got to the river around 10am I was shocked to see a half full parking lot, I guess the economy is even affecting some peoples time on the water. Today’s fishing trip was going to be a simple easy going outing, but as we started our float I notice a couple fish rising across the stream. Better go see what going on I though, as I finally got over to the opposite side of the river I notice fish scattering everywhere. I said in an excited voice “Liz check out how many fish there are in this run” I think she was shocked to see so many fish in such a small area.

It was this Big!

We could have stayed in that area and caught fish all day, but with two hours of non-stop fish we decided to move in search of other fish and a new scenery.

The rest of the float was was as I had planned, simple, easy going with a fish or two in each area I decided to get out and fish. I was hoping for a good hatch, but with the constant breeze and bright sun it just didn’t happen, until the sun went down and we were just about off the river. Oh well, next time I’ll stay out past dark and just kill them, but this time it wasn’t about the fishing it was about spending time with my real true love, Liz.

Waking up at 5am calls for a mid day nap on the water.

Why do you think my last name is GILLespie

So made the rules about throwing and rolling rock at people and lesbows? Just wonderin

Day 1 (Friday 17th)
After a snowy drive we reached the red rocks of the Flaming Gorge Valley. Its always a warming feeling when one descends down the windy path and reaches the clear cool water of the green. The days fishing was red hot from the start. Mallary caught one of the two fish caught with a nymph rig the whole trip as we launched the boat. After that I noticed midges everywhere, so we hit up a couple of my favorite scum lines and had a blast, as we fished little midges for rising trout. The fishing turned up another level as we zeroed in to what they were really wanting and how they were wanting it. The fly of choice was a customized Orange Asher that I created on a wim. (I am sure glad I did) The scum suckers wouldn’t leave this fly alone. It caught fish all day for us. By the end of the day and after a trip to “The Wall” we were about 50 flies short and 25 of those were ashers.
Highlights:
Waynes and Mallarys huge browns at “The Wall”
“Spread Eagle, I mean bald eagle” good one Mal (What was that eagle?)
Frozen Hands, Feet
Last ones off the water, floating the last mile in the dark
Staying in a warm condo and not camping
Tying flies watching AEG-New ZDay 2

With a better idea of the fishing and the bugs. We started the day with a better idea of what we wanted to do. We started off with dries and never looked back. Midges and BWOs were the flies of choice. We only fished areas that held rising fish, which wasn’t very hard to find. With ideal weather the fishing was off the charts. It rained for about 30 mins as we had lunch and then after that the fishing was even better than before. In places the midges were so thick that it loked like their was sand on top of the water. On the way down “The Wall” produced right before dark with bwo’s. If Mallary didn’t fall in and get all wet, I would have been able to catch even more than 3 fish in 5 mins that she gave us. It was an amazing site to see hundreds of rising fish in the shallow water run. That night we met up with the rest of the crew Jeff, Laura and Addie. (The Family) They had a nice warm dinner ready as we got off the river and back to the condo.

Highlights
“I love your boat” Happy B-Day Tristen
Meeting Scott and his girl
Trav and Mall fishing together-just killing it
Watching the Rocker
Day 3

Bright skies, warm weather and rising trout is a good way to sum up our last day on the river. We fished our favorite spot from the last couple days and it produced like we knew it would. The fish were a little picky, but a size down or 5 was all one needed to temp them to take our little midges. As the afternoon fell upon us, I noticed bigger fish were rising in a fast water seem. I studied the water and noticed the trout were only talking the emerging bwos. With this in mind I hooked and quick released the largest fish of the trip. Guessing it would have pushed 25, but who knows. I was able to pick up a very nice 22 to end the trip and fill my pot for another year. We rowed down the rest of the river fulfilled. As we reached little hole we were greeted with another prepared lunch and a chance to share our days stories, before we had to call it quits. In all it was some of the finest dry fly fishing I have experienced, as well as great company and experiences that will teach us for a life time.

Highlights
Osprey catching fish
Warm Weather!!! not for fishing
Addie first float
22 inch brown on 28 midge

Time to get ready for next year!