» Stillwater Fly Fishing

Trash Talk and The Brothers

Dr. G — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:29:52 +0000

A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to fish with my two younger bros, Jordan and Gunner. Its always a good time when we fish together, with lots of messing around, trash talk and brotherly competition. This day was special though. We were targeting oversized fish that would make any angler smile. So with that in mind the trash talking began. I was talking all kinds of trash to Jordan about our last outing, but it wasn’t until I hooked up with a small 26 inch bow on my second cast, that I was able to back-up what I was throwing up. After that my head and mouth grew ten sizes. It really didn’t matter though, the picky fish were kind to us all that morning and we all had our hands on some of the biggest fish of our lives.

Fish Stories

Dr. G — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:24:15 +0000

From an early age I liked fish stories. I like telling them and listening to them. I remember my grandpa telling us the same fishing stories over and over while we drove to the “ole Berry Patch” at 5 am. To me these stories and the countless others told by friends and family make up a personal memory book that I store close to my heart. Its in a fishing story that a child creates dreams for the future, learns lessons from the past, and legends are made. Over the past few months I have had many great stories written, but one sticks out more than all the rest. It all started the day after Thanksgiving, while most were taking advantage of the Black Friday deals, I fled to the mountains for a little R&R.

I had three locations in mind, but as I loaded the drift boat I decided I had some over due revenge on a favorite stillwater. The last time I was there, I got worked to say the least. It was one of those days that is measured by the time spent with family rather than catching success. The brisk morning greeted me with the company of a few fellow fishermen. As I made my way around the lake I was surprised to see nothing happening. It was as if the lake had been cleaned out and all the fish were gone. Throughout the morning I had a few hook-ups and quick releases stripping a dark bugger and small scud, but no one else on the lake had gotten anything…I was starting to think I chose the wrong location. As I hung out with a few new friends swapping stories and strategies, they asked if I wanted to get out of this crap of a lake and go somewhere that always produces. I thought about it for a second and really probably should have gone, but for some reason I couldn’t back down to the challenge…I told them I wanted to stalk the shoreline before I threw in the towel. Having a boat I had forgotten how much fun stalking cruising trout is. There is something about sighting a fish and then doing everything right to provoke that fish to eat. As I started my shore stalk I lengthened my leader to about 12 ft and added lighter tippet not to spook the shallow fish. After I sized down on flies I was ready to go. I found a nice brushy shoreline and on the first cast I had a nice tiger follow my flies right to the shore. I quickly recast to the same area and this time slowly twitched back. After a short pause and a quick twitch…Wham! My line flew across the water. I was hooked up with the same tiger. (Not Tiger Woods) It fought great and as I release the big healthy fish, I couldn’t help look around to see if my new buddies were still around. But I was alone and as happy as could be. As the day progressed I narrowed down a few spots that held a constant flow for cruising trout. As I approached one area I looked back along the shoreline that I had pasted and noticed below me was a nice Cutthroat that was sitting under a brush in less than a foot of water. I got into position let out some line and with a 20 ft cast my flies landed feet to the right of the fish. I quickly gave it a strip and noticed the fish dart out form under the tree. Suck! I thought I spooked it. But it stopped at my flies, mouth opened, I set the hook. Fish On! I couldn’t believe it, it was as picture perfect as you get. The rest of the day was full of sight fishing for over sized trout on small scuds and midges. The key was to get to higher ground to be able to spot the fish and put the flies in front of them and see when they take. Cause it is pretty fun watching a 26inch tiger mouth a #22 midge multiple times, before finally hooking the monster on the edge of it big mouth. Plus the tiny Midge hatch didn’t hurt any. It was one of those legendary days that stories are formed. I like fish stories…

Fishing With My Dawgs

Dr. G — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:57:56 +0000

I love fishing with my best friend Cash. He is my little bros dog, but since he went on a two year vaction. I have taken over the role of master. He is the perfect fishing partner no matter if I’m happy, mad or sad, he is always at my side to give support or that look of “how the heck did you miss that one?” No matter why they created the saying “mans best friend”.

Only If I Could Teach Him How To Net???

Last weekend was a great one, I was able to spend a couple days in a great place with some of my best friends and Dawgs. Cash, Chubbs and I arrived to our destination late Friday night after work. After some fishing talk and BS’ing with a couple older gentlemen who were just getting ready to leave after a long hard day on the water. We lanched the boat and headed into the darkness.

Not hearing much excitement from our older friends we were greatly surprised went our first cast produced a fish on and off within seconds. The rest of the night was just as we hoped and as we crawled into our sleeping bags at 2 am we were ancoiusly awaiting what the next morning had instore. In fact it was one of the longest 3 hrs periods of my life, the air mattress went flat within 30 mins and with a couple Amps in my system I decided to wait it out looking at the stars. As the sun slowly arose in the canyon we were greeted by one of natures most beautiful sunrises I have ever witnessed.

Just like earlier that day we instanly started to figure out these weary fish and as luck would have it we not only had a beautiful rainless summer day, but we were also able to catch a couple fish in the process.

Even though it was just nice to be out with friends…and make a few along the way. (Our new WI & NC buddies from the DNR )

Playin a little Frisbee with Cash…I wish I could love something so much…oh wait I do

Local Pond, Bass, Blugill = Happy Kids

Dr. G — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 06:49:47 +0000

With a short break in the weather on Sat my little bro called and asked if I would take him and our little cousin to their favorite pond. I had just gotten back from a wet biking trip up the canyon with my wife, so with her approval, I grabbed my stuff and headed to pick them up. It was a great to get out and see how much they both had improved. They slayed the gills and were surprised with a bass every once in a while. After a short few hours the clouds moved back in and the rain once again closed our activity.

Ice Off Is On

Dr. G — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:51:00 +0000

“Ice Off Memories”

Knowing that “ice off’ doesn’t stay around for long I made it a priority to get up and fish the berry as much as possible. Within 3 days the ice had peeled back 30 yards making it harder to fish from the shore. Knowing that I would have to fish blind, I decided to change that. I hiked up the side hill until I had a good look at the water below. Within seconds I spotted two very large cutthroats cruising the shore line. I sunk down the hill and with perfect conditions. (A little breeze picked up and put a riffle on the water covering my shadow casts) I stripped in and as my bugger approached the shore, I saw a big silver flash and a large cutthroat had rolled on my fly feet from the shore. I set the hook and with two head shakes the hook was loose. WOW, I though, that was sick! In hopes that the second fish was still there I casted out again. Strip, tick, hook set and a miss. One last desperation cast I thought, count to 5, strip, pressure, hook set, fish on! This fish was nice, it rolled, shook its head and tried about everything it could to brake me off. After the tug a war the beautiful 24 inch Cutthroat can to hand. After the sun went behind the mountainside my spot fishing came to an end. the remainder of the night was given to slot cutties and watching the amazing sunset finish its day with a masterpiece.

Next time I’ll use a real tripod-not my chest pack

Messing with colors….

Forever Solo

Fins of Fire

I Spey Strawberry

Dr. G — Sat, 09 May 2009 14:19:00 +0000

I woke up Sat morning to the sound of rain beating against my window. The first thing that popped into my head was BWOs. So I got up and mentally planned out my day as I got my warm clothes put together. I couldn’t help wish I was on my way to the green, but the extra sleep and The Middle would fit the mold just fine. After a trip to The King and Sportsman’s for a new rain jacket, I was on my way. The drive up Provo canyon wasn’t very promising. The LP was running high and cloudy, giving me second guesses on my choice of location. As I approached the Charleston turn off I couldn’t do it, I had talked myself into making the extra drive just to see if there was any open water at Strawberry. (I also thought if there wasn’t, I would still be able to make it back in time for the bwo hatch) The drive to Strawberry was wet and that turned into snow and ice. I watched as my gauge turned from 47* to 22* in the matter of 10 miles. When I finally reached my destination, I was stoked to see the gamble paid off big time. I had hit “Ice Off” just right! As I was getting ready, I was greeted by another fishermen that was cursing the crappy conditions and was leaving because of the thick slush that covered any open water. “You can’t get your flies through it” he said at least 10 times to me. “Good luck, you’ll need it” he said. I took that as a challenge and was on my way to the limited open water. He was right the slush was thick, due to the snow that was falling, but it was totally fishable with the right set up. For me the right set up was a 9 ft leader (with a couple weights placed 2 ft apart) with heavily weighted Sex Dungeon. The fly would brake through the slush and the fine tippet would cut through the slush allowing it to stay below and not get pulled to the surface where the fly line was. Within a couple cast, I felt some pressure and thought crap, a snag! As I pulled the line tight, it moved and then took off like a bullet under the safety of the ice. I yelled out in hopes that the negative fishermen could here me on his way back home. It was done! I had met the challenge with a beautiful 23-24 inch Cutthroat. After warming up, I continued to pound the ice line getting hookups and misses on a continual basis. The weather finally decided to give me some relief and with a little wind and rain the slush monster was gone and for about 45 mins the sun emerged and gave me some much needed warmth. In all it was an amazing outing. The fish were big and healthy and I was virtually alone all day. So who would have thought that a BWO hatch could be so good!

After Work Relaxation

Dr. G — Fri, 01 May 2009 22:22:00 +0000

Recently I have been spending all my free time after work, doing little things on the drift boat and not allowing any time to fish. So with a much needed break from Corona, I decided to make a quick after work trip to Tibble Fork Res. which it perfectly placed 15 mins from my backyard. I got to the res. to find wind and not a single rising fish. I made my way down to the lake to find it was at full capacity and my favorite flat was flooded just perfect for cruising trout. The fishing started off slow with lots of tugs, but only a couple good hooks up on a swinging wet fly, in the inlet current. Knowing that the peak of the chrono hatch is always later I worked my way over to the flats and got set up for the main even. Just like clock work, the sun fell behind the jagged peaks, the wind settled and the chronomids came out to play. For the next hour the little alpine res. was alive with smiling tout and at least one smiling fishermen. As the parking lot cleared and my hands were to cold function, I decided it was the end of the 4th and the remaining trout will have to wait until next game.

Hunting Tibble Forks Weary Wild Browns

Dr. G — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:53:00 +0000

River inlet-to the left is the shallow flats where the wild browns roam

Tibble Fork has the 2nd most beautiful water in Utah. First being Bear Lake of course. It is a gem being so close to the Utah County area. It looks like you had a perfect weather day Hoss. The thing I love about Tibble is that you can fish Midges 365 days a year on this lake (on the east side in the shallows for cruising wild browns up to 18 inches). In a way its like flats fishing on the ocean. You have to spot your target and really make a great presentation or these weary fish will bolt for cover. When I fish it I use a long 12 ft leader with 7X tippet and nothing larger than size 24 midges.(black, brown, gray) The secret I have found over the years is in the retrieve. You have to see what they want for the day. Dead Drift, Skittering the surface, or the twitch. (Skittering is very effective to make your fly stand out over the others) These shallow water browns (1-2 feet of water) are some of the hardest fish in the state to catch.

You really have to be on your A game to have a chance at fooling one of these fish. Its kinda the same reason why “The Ranch” is so famous on the Henry’s Fork river in ID. The reward and challenge of catching wise fish on small dry flies is truely the next step in ones dry fly fishing progression. But the nice thing about Tibble is that after you get humbled by shallow wild browns you can move to the rivers inlet and catch stocked rainbows all day long on little wolley buggers or a para adams and dropper. The best Midge hatch occurs at first light and at dusk in the summer. I rule of thumb is Midges usually hatch at the most comfortable part of the day. If anyone ever wants to chase these fish let me know and I’ll try to make it out with ya.

Dr G

A New Year And Some…

Dr. G — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:23:00 +0000

These these past few weeks have been pretty crazy, but not crazy enough to keep me from doing what I do best and that is enjoying the great outdoors. Work and the holidays have really cut into my consistent posts. I just accepted a new position and with training my replacement and being trained myself, I have had no time to even open the Internet or even think about it. But looking into the future, it is a small price to pay for a big payoff in the end and best of all more free time. So enough of that! Here is a recap of my last couple weeks.
Since the snow has been flying I have been hitting the Mtns as much as I could, taking advantage of the “greatest snow on earth”. The wife and I once again got season passes to Sundance and it has become a second home for us these past few years. Snowboarding to me is an escape from the rules of life. Like fly fishing it gives me an escape from reality and during the time I’m on the mtn nothing else matters except for what is 5 feet in front of me. Its living in the moment at its finest. But the nice thing about snowboarding is that the worst the weather gets the better it is. So when most fly fishermen are complaing in about the long winter, I am smiling and waiting for the next big storm…But to explain my obsession I hit the mtn 6 times in the first week and a half of the season and since then been almost ever weekend.

With all this snowboarding, I have also made it a priority to keep myself balanced this winter. On Dec 19th the Gillespie crew decided to try our luck and hit Strawberry for some early season ice fishing. It was a good and bad idea. The lake was only 10% froze (bays) and when we drilled our first hole it was only 1 1/2 to 2 inches of ice. (stupid) Luckily we didn’t have any problems, but just as luck has it the fishing was slow and the weather was terrible. We left frozen and wondering if we really knew what we were doing.

The day after X-mas Liz and I left for a weekend at our friends cabin in Lava Hot Springs. The back country boarding rocked!

Then for New Years we left again for Bear Lake and another nice warm mtn cabin. This time we snowshoed, snowmobiled and just relaxed in the sweet cabin.

With Fri being my older bro’s last day in town from Cali. We decided to make it a good one. We hit the marsh for some duck hunting in the morning (and the evening before, Jer killed it bagging 3 drake mallards) without any luck. Then played some intense b-ball, and followed up with a stop by the lower Provo and some prefect weather fly fishing. It was a great evening to be on the river the temps were a remarkable at 40 degrees and our eyelets never froze once, which is crazy for Jan 2. The bit was good and in a short 1 1/2 hours Gun and Jer were able to land a handful and miss many more. In fact it was a perfect ending to a great few weeks of having my best friend home for the holidays. On Sat with the weather report of 12 inches of fresh “pow” I was back on the mtn cutting through the trees and floating on the soft Utah Powder.

I love Utah. Where else can you snowboard 13 world class resorts in a day, duck hunt, fly fish, ice fish, boat, see magical red rock formations and the whole time be the second driest state??? It has it all and a lot left over…

Birthday Weekend

Dr. G — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:35:00 +0000

Fox Hunting with Carter and friend…With are bad shooting, we let the wilie fox go!

So this past weekend was pretty much perfect! The weather was unreal for this time of year and the fishing lets just say fast. What more can you ask for when it is your favorite weekend of the year. So it started out on Friday morning up on the Middle Provo. I was fishing with Mallary and Gunner in hopes of a pre-spawn or some little BWO’s. As the morning temps rose from 17 degrees so did the fishing. By 10:30am we had our first hook up! I was in a battle against a nice 22 inch Brown that had taken my little #22 WD-40. I fought the fish until it finally tired and decided to come to shore. But just as you know it he didn’t want to stick around for a pic and spit the tiny hook as I was trying to pick him up, Oh well! He was a nice dark colored, hooked jaw male that would have made a sick pic, but like I said before, oh well. (I’m still a little mad) The rest of the day was taken over by the emergence of BWO’s that were captivating the fish all over in our hole that we were fishing. There must have been over 100 fish working the whole pool in front of us. Mallary managed to hook and quick release a little brown before she had to jet at 11:30am. Gunner and I stayed for another hour and had a blast hooking/missing a handful of average sized browns. It was awesome to see so many fish and know exactly what to use. I wish we could of stayed longer, but work was calling and I had to make an appearance. Saturday was a little bit of a different story I still woke up at 6:30am, but it was for a late season Mt Bike trip up Payson Canyon. We rode hard and had a great time tackling the steep trails of Blackhawk, Bennies Creek, Shram, Pipeline and what ever other trails we connected to to reach the bottom. In all we rode close to 25 miles worth of trails before Noon. (Two shuttles) When I got home Liz told new I shouldn’t waste such a perfect Saturday watching the BYU game, so with that incentive I was packing my fishing gear and heading up Provo Canyon in search for some more technical BWO fishing. I reached the Lower Provo about 2 pm and from up above I spotted a few little rises. (I fished from the big lot to the beef jerky eddy) That afternoon the fish never committed to the bugs like they did on the Middle. However the few that I saw rising I could zero in on and get a take 90% of the time. I ended up having a 20 fish afternoon that day on either fish I would spot rising or by simply fishing the riffles with my dry and dropper set up. I caught 95% of my fish on a #22 tung WD-40. I nymphed for about 20 mins before I left and hooked up twice with nice healthy Browns that were pretty much twins at 17 inches. It was a great afternoon to be on the Lower Provo. I only saw a few fishermen and it seemed more like a weekday. The only thing I could of done away with was the hard wind that blew all afternoon. But with 65* weather on the 25th of October, I can’t complain.

Monday was my annual Birthday fishing trip with Liz. Almost every year for the past 5 years I have gone fishing with Liz on what every local stillwater I choose for my birthday. In past years it has always been eat at the Hub Cafe then hit Strawberry. This year I decide to try my luck at the X. I knew that this would be a gamble, but I wanted the challenge and a chance at a huge fish. And you know what that is just what I got! We didn’t get to the X until around 10 am, but It was fine because with the bright, windless day I couldn’t get anything to commit. Unlit the wind picked up around 12pm. I finally started getting a few good hits with my streamers and Chronomids. Then I hooked up good with a monster that ran and never looked back. I finally decided to switch to a deep AP Emerger and Gray Scud set up and on the second cast as I was dragging the bottom at 14 ft, I felt some resistance on my retrieve. I thought moss, but then it moved to the right and I instantly set the hook and had a big fish on! I was only using 6x tippet, so I gently fought the fish until it made my forearm burn and to my amazement after 4 very hard runs I finally coached the 24 1/2 inch Tiger trout to my net. I estimated its weight between 5-6 pounds. (Freaking fatty) After that fish nothing else matter. I had accomplished the what I set out to do and I was as happy as a birthday boy could be. Its funny to think that I was satisfied with only one netted fish, but at the X one fish landed on this technical lake makes up for 100 fish landed any where else in the state. Plus they are hogs and the hardest fighters!