Czech Nymphing Master Class DVD Reviews

Pat Dorsey — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:48:00 GMT

Steve Parrott's new Czech Nymphing Master Class : On-Stream Tactics for Success DVD, available now is receiving rave reviews for it's simplicity as well as clear and concise explanations of how to effectively fish the Czech, French and Spanish Nymphing Methods in real-world fishing situations.

Here are the reviews:

"This is Steve’s second DVD on the subject of European fishing methods and without a doubt it covers all aspects of these highly effective techniques. I have been fishing and teaching these methods for many years and was pleasantly surprised on how much new information I took away from this video. The Czech, Spanish, and French methods all have their place on the stream and the differences are thoroughly explained and demonstrated. Steve explains all the subtleties involved when it comes to the presentation of the two fly rig in relation to different current speeds and holding lies. Several fish are caught in some unlikely places which only reinforce the message that these techniques allow the angler to be successful in areas they might have overlooked in the past. Whether you have never fished these methods or you are a seasoned angler, Czech Nymphing Masterclass is a must have for your video library." - Steve Korbay - Fly Tying Specialties

"I received this DVD last week and just finished watching it. Steve did a great job with it! The explanations are clear, and the demonstrations of techniques really gave me a feel for these methods. I'm looking forward to trying it out on-stream this year." - B. Ellis

"Congratulations Steve, what an amazing teaching tool to help clear up stream approach confusion using European techniques. Your DVD was very well thought out but, not too wordy, overwhelming a person’s senses trying to incorporate these techniques. I really liked the simplistic approach to each streamside situation. You covered each situation to a finite level. It was easy to apply the DVD instruction right to the stream side. Wow, this has really helped my European Techniques become more efficient. Thank you for building such a great learning tool. This DVD would be perfect for the beginner first starting out or the seasoned angler looking to fine tune their skills. Whether you are using European techniques or general fly fishing, this DVD will help you to read, approach and cover water very efficiently. Congratulations Again!"- R. Kless

Learn to Fly Fish for FREE with the Blue Quill Angler

Steve Parrott — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 03:35:00 GMT

Have you wanted to learn how to fly fish or at least give it a try to see if you would like it but did not want to commit a ton of money just to find out that it was boring or way too complicated? The Blue Quill Angler FREE Saturday Introduction to Fly Fishing Class is your answer.

Since the Blue Quill opened its doors in 1988 as a specialty fly fishing shop, we built into the mission statement to introduce as many people as possible to this incredible sport absolutely FREE. There are no hidden fees or strings attached to this deal. All you have to do is show up on Saturday morning at the shop and things will get started shortly thereafter.

Over the last 24 years, we have had several thousand people participate in the FREE class as a complete introduction to the sport or as a refresher to get ready for the upcoming fishing season. The FREE class covers the basics necessary to confidently send you to the river, some heading out right after class and landing their first trout on a fly rod.

The FREE class covers the following:

How to rig your rod, including leader, tippet, and knots.
How to select the right fly for each season
The basics of fly casting
How to hook, play, and release a trout.

When class is over, you can rent a rod and reel, a pair of waders and boot if you do not own all the gear, get legal with a Colorado One Day Fishing License for $9.00 and head over to Clear Creek or down to Bear Creek and apply those newly learned skills in a real world situation.

About the instructor:

Gary Okizaki, Blue Quill Angler Guide and Master Instructor has taught this class almost every Saturday morning for the past 10 years. He is an exceptional teacher and can have you casting a fly in less than an hour. His ability so take so many complicated topics and simplify them into a language that is super easy to understand is the key to your success.

Some of our long standing customer and even a couple of our guides attended this FREE class to get their feet wet. WARNING: Do not come unless you want to get hooked into this amazing sport!!!!!

Rods for the casting portion of the class are provided by Sage, but if you own a fly rod, it is best to learn on your own equipment as this is what you will be fishing with when you go to the river.

The class starts at 10:00 am and usually gets over by 1:00 pm. Registration is not required and there is no limit to number of participants. Grab a friend or significant other and get started fly fishing today!!!

For more information on the Blue Quill Angler FREE Introduction to Fly Fishing Class, do not hesitate to give us a call at 800-435-5353 or shoot us an email to flyfish@bluequillangler.com

Czech Nymphing Master Class DVD - NOW SHIPPING!!!!

Steve Parrott — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 03:12:00 GMT

Finally, we have in stock Steve Parrott's long awaited second DVD in his educational European Nymphing series, Czech Nymphing Master Class : On-Stream Tactics for Success.

Learn to Fish the European Methods like a Pro!

Czech Nymphing Master Class : On-Stream Tactics for Success gives you an on-stream river clinic on how to effectively use the Czech, French and Spanish Nymphing Methods. Steve Parrott shows you how to read constantly changing river conditions and how to match the water with the method. In this on-stream class, Steve shares the tricks of the trade that will help even the most seasoned anglers find new opportunities in overlooked water.

Czech Nymphing Master Class : On-Stream Tactics for Success covers:

Reading and managing the water – how the currents are flowing and how to adjust fishing technique to take full advantage of conditions.
Drift/Leading strategies – how to adjust rod tip path and speed to ensure most effective drift
Casting strategies – Changing rod planes and casting angles to get your flies into those impossible places
Selecting flies – how to choose the right fly based on method and water conditions.
Putting it all together – how to position your body to cover a run and how to set up your fly box for efficiency.

This Master Class is the perfect companion to “Czech Nymphing 101 & Related European Methods” to build your on-water skills and truly hone your European Nymphing Techniques.

Colorado Fly Fishing Opportunities in the Spring - Big Fish-No Crowds

Steve Parrott — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 03:31:00 GMT

Spring in Colorado is one of the best times to fish as certain rivers are thawing out and others are increasing just enough in temperatures to get the aquatic life moving which gets the fish into a more active feeding mode.

One of the most overlooked fisheries in Colorado during the Spring months are our abundant lakes. Most are completely ice free by the first of April and the fish are hungry. Typically, most anglers are heading to the rivers after a long winter and do not give lakes a second thought which is great as the crowds are low and the fishing can be outstanding!!!.

Blue Quill Angler fly fishing guide, Joe Shafer knows all too well the benefits of hitting the lakes right after ice off which have really paid off with some incredible fishing as of late. Joe fished opening day at Spinney Reservoir in South Park on Monday, April 3. Air temperatures were in the 40's with water temps hovering around 37. You might say that this is still winter fishing but the slightest changes of water temps in the lake really get the fish into feeding mode.

According to Joe, “It didn't matter how cold it was, the fishing was simply unreal! The average fish was between 18-20 inches with a bunch of fish that where 20-24 and a few that didn't make it to the net that where bigger. Joe landed rainbows, cuttbows, a 23 inch brown, and a 19 inch pike that hit a size 18 midge. Tell me he was not hungry!!!

Joe's best producing patterns were small eggs, #10 and 12 Woolley Buggers, #14 and 16 Copper Johns, #14 and 16 Scuds, #14 San Juan Worms in brown and pink, Dark Chironomid patterns and Halfback Nymphs.

Joe targeted the south and east side of the resservoir which get the most warming degrees of the day fishing the flies static under an indictor with a slight twitch every now and then to give them some movement. Trout in lakes this time of year in Colorado are cruising but not readily willing to chase very far so a static nymph rig is the best choice. Most of the fish Joe hooked and landed were about 20 feet from shore, cruising the transitional zone where the shallow, warmer water meets up with the cooler, deeper water.

Since the ski season was pretty much a bust here in Colorado, anglers looking for a little solitude and great fishing shoud take a second look at the lakes. In Joe’s opinion, “fly fishermen are missing out if they don't try fishing a reservoir in the spring”. It’s not to late as many of the reservoirs are just opening up. If you would like more information on fishing lakes in Colorado or would like to book a trip with Joe, give us a call at 800-435-5353.

Pat Dorsey's Hot Fly - March 2012 : Tungsten Flashback Black Beauty

Steve Parrott — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:50:00 GMT

The Tungsten Flashback Black Beauty is a great addition to your spring fly selection. For the next several weeks, anglers can expect to see dense midge hatches in most watersheds. Observant anglers will notice two different sizes of midges hovering above the water’s surface. The larger variety, “the spring midge” is a size 18 and routinely mistaken for a blue-winged olive because of its size. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that it is in fact big midge!

You’ll also encounter lots of smaller midges that range in size from a 20-26. In a variety of sizes, the Tungsten Flashback Black Beauty is an excellent midge imitation for trout keying heavily on drifting pupa in transitional zones such as mid channel shelves and gar bars.

The Tungsten Flashback Black Beauty may be dead drifted with a conventional two or three fly tandem nymphing rig or fished as a “dropper” off a dry fly. The latter approach is deadly in skinny water where trout are suspended just below the water’s surface feeding voraciously on pupae and you do not want to risk spooking them with a conventional nymphing rig.

Photo Caption: John Higgs caught this beautiful 25 inch rainbow on the South Platte River with a Tungsten Flashback Black Beauty.

New Sage Apparel That Will Have You Fishing in Style and Comfort

Steve Parrott — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 20:15:00 GMT

Sage makes some of the best fly rods in the World but they also revamped their apparel line-up for 2012 which is some of the most impressive products we have seen to date. Functional and stylish pieces that will make your day on or off the water more enjoyable.

Here is the line-up at a glance:

Sage Quest Softshell Jacket:

Even a hard day on the water can not spoil the body hugging comfort of our Quest Softshell Jacket. A three-season breathable jacket ideal for layering, the nylon/spandex fabric blend offers four-way stretch for added comfort. Its light weight makes it wear like a shirt, yet its double weave with DWR finish and adjustable cuff with low-profile closure offers stout wind and weather protection. You will get them tomorrow.

Features:

Fabric: 90% nylon, 10% spandex
High performance double weave with DWR finish
Four-way stretch fabric for full movement and comfort
High water and wind resistance
Laser cut and welded zippers
Tool port at chest
Adjustable cuff with low-profile closure
Adjustable waist at hem

Pre-shaped sleeves for comfort

Sage Quest Insulated Softshell Hoody:

Fly fishing will never be confused with an aerobics class, and against the cool morning chill mere casting or rowing may not be enough to keep your core warm. Like a warm vest built right in, our Quest Softshell Insulated Hoody features Primaloft® 120 gram insulation to keep your torso warm, without adding any bulk at your shoulders or arms to impede casting. An ideal mid-layer any time of year, the nylon/spandex double weave outer layer offers excellent wind resistance, plus our DWR finish to repel moisture. Your core never had it so good.

Features:

Fabric: 90% nylon, 10% spandex
Double weave with DWR finish for high water and wind resistance
Four-way stretch fabric for full movement and comfort
Primaloft 120gm insulation in main body
Laser cut and welded zippers
Tool port at chest
Adjustable cuff with low-profile closure
Adjustable waist at hem
Pre-shaped sleeves for comfort
Fully adjustable hood

Sage Seychelles Convertible Pant

Fishing travel demands that your on-the-water gear should serve you just as well off the water. Unlike many tissue-weight convertible pants, our UPF 30+, quick-dry 100% nylon Seychelles pants have some substance to them, ideal for under waders or dressed up for social hour. The knees are pre-shaped for extended comfort sitting in a boat, plus a gusseted crotch gives you greater range of leg movement. Quickly zip off the pant legs for wet wading or hiking. So throw another box of flies in your duffel - there is no need to take another pair of pants along.

Features:

Fabric: 100% nylon
Wicking
Quick-dry
UPF 30+
Anti-odor finish
Built-in belt with laser cut and welded technology
YKK zippers
Pocket clip to keep keys secure
Hidden pliers pocket in cargo pocket
Pre-shaped leg with articulated knee

Sage Keys Crew - Long Sleeve

As you are poling around the flats with the sun scalding your back and the glare bouncing off the water, ''exposed'' feels like an understatement. With our naturally venting Keys Crew, protection and comfort are synonymous. Anti-odor with a UPF of 30+ and the fast wicking properties of 100% polyester, the pre-shaped sleeves snuggly fit your arms to reduce wind resistance and casting fatigue. The cuffs extend over the top of your hand for increased sun protection. Take that, sun!!

Features:

100% polyester
Wicking
Quick-dry
UPF 30+
Anti-odor finish
Heat transfer labels (scratch-free)
On seam thumb hole for added sun protection
Raised collar adds extra sun protection for back of neck

Sage Opala Guide Shirt:

The only thing better than a great day of fishing is looking good doing it. Your cast has style, so why shouldnt your shirt? Our Opala Guideshirt is 100% nylon so it wicks and breathes extremely well, with no need for outdated venting. With a soft, cottony look and feel, you can go straight from the boat to the lodge without missing a beat. Who knows, this could even become your favorite ''around town'' shirt. You are going home, right?

Features:

100% nylon
Quick-dry, excellent wicking properties
UPF 30+
Anti-odor finish
Large chest pockets
Roll-up sleeves
YKK zippered security pocket (left chest)

Sage Kanektok Wool Pro Sweater:

Wool and fishing have a storied history, and we’ve begun a new chapter. Our Kanektok Wool Pro Half-Zip features Polartec ® Power Dry® fabric, combining wools durable insulating qualities with polyester to create a mid-layer garment you will not want to take off. As comfortable as it is attractive, you will be hoping for cooler days on the water just for the excuse to wear it. Machine washable for easy care, its soft nap feels great next to the skin on days a base layer isn’t needed. We said you would be looking for every excuse possible!

Features:

Fabric: Polartec ® Power Dry ®
36.6% polyester
33.4% recycled polyester
30% wool
Fast wicking and quick drying performance
Articulated sleeves for active comfort
Perfect layering piece with next to skin comfort and high warmth-to-weight ratio
Machine washable
YKK zippers

Sage created a stellar line-up that will keep you going strong no matter the weather. Check them out today!!!

A Cold Day of Fishing on the Dream Stream is Better than Work!!!

Steve Parrott — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 05:11:00 GMT

Most anglers hang up the waders and rods for skis in the Winter months but for the die hards that are willing to brave the snow, wind and frigid temperatures, the reward is usually better than the sacrifice.

One of our senior guides, Joe Shafer spent Monday and Tuesday of this week on the "Dream Stream" section of the South Platte River in Colorado. The weather was fair with warming temperatures but brutal wind which has been exceptionally bad this year with gusts up to 70mph.

Joe started fishing at the lower bridge and then above the bridge to the first rock garden. The river fished pretty well but not a ton of spawing fish in these sections as of yet but they will move in there soon.

Joe landed a few nice 20+ inch fish with a good numbers of stocked fish in the 10-16 inch range. Patterns that worked well were eggs, 18 to 20 Copper John's, 20-22 Blue Wing Olive Nymphs and 20-22 midges.

Back on Tuesday to battle the wind again and fished the lower section from the inlet into Elevenmile Reservoir upstream. Lots of Cutthroat's in the lower section ready and willing to eat. There were a few big rainbows moving around feeding like crazy and the same flies worked as the first day.

The Inlet to Elevenmile Reservoir is open a couple hundred yards from shore and the water temps where cold, ranging from 35-38 degrees. There were lots of other brave souls on the river and when we could get away from the crowds we saw a lot more fish moving around and willing to eat.

Winter fishing is for the bravest at heart, especially on the "Dream Stream" section of the South Platte River, but the rewards for toughing it out are usually pretty great!!

New Czech Nymphs from Steve Parrott IN STOCK!!!

Pat Dorsey — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 04:31:00 GMT

Finally!!!! After a really long wait (18 months) we have Steve Parrott's new Czech Nymphs in stock!!

We all have our "confidence" flies and according to Steve, these are three patterns he will not leave home without!!! Designed by Steve and tied by Umpqua Feather Merchants on the new Umpqua Competition C300BL Grub/Czech hook, these quality flies will surely find a place in your European Nymphing aresenal as well!!

Steve Parrott's Electric Caddis Czech Nymph:

Featured in Steve's First DVD, Czech Nymphing 101 & Reltated European Methods, this fly is a real killer. Steve incorporated an under and over rib on the main body as well as a Magic Shrimp Foil - Pearl Strip - Lt. Green back foil for added flash. The beauty of this fly is when it is wet. The body will darken and the flash under rib will light up giving the fly an almost transparent look that drives fish nuts.

Perfect for the top (dropper) position on the Czech and Spanish rigs as it is weighted just enough to get into the zone but not dredge the bottom.

Electric Caddis Testimonial: Posted by disheartened Rainbow from South Platte River

''I was just hanging out and spotted this really flashy caddis looking pattern drifting down the river in front of me, then it was like a flash of light from Men in Black or something and I forgot all I had learned during my years refusing all those flies and I ate it!!! Needless to say, it was in fact not real and I was taken away momentarily to a rubber coated something and had my picture taken before I was released back to the water. Fellow trout beware, this looks real but IT IS NOT!!!!! (see mug shot below)

Steve Parrott's S&D Grub Czech Nymph - Chartreuse

This is another "confidence" fly that Steve will never leave home without. The weighted under body and slim profile get the chartreuse S&D (Search & Destroy) Grub Czech nymph down quickly and can be used on the point (bottom) position in shallower water and as a top (dropper) fly in the deeper stuff. The super durable body and subtle fluorescent pink "hot spot" drives fish crazy. Ideal for rivers with good caddis populations as well as a searching pattern for your favorite river.

Tied on the new Umpqua Competition C300BL Grub/Czech hook, this quick penetrating, super sticky hook will stay sharp and hold with the best of them.

"When I go to a river for the first time or hit a section of my favorite water, I will always have the S&D Grub on my line. This fly has produced more fish than I can count and I would be lost without it!!!" - Steve Parrott

Steve Parrott's S&D Grub Czech Nymph - Lt. Pink

"There is something about a pink fly that continues to amaze me even on some of the toughest waters we have here in Colorado. This fly just works when the going gets tough, especially in stained or off-colored water." - Steve Parrott

The super slim profile and medium weight of the S&D (Search & Destroy) Grub Czech nymph is perfect for your bottom (point) fly or as the top (dropper) fly on a Czech or Spanish Nymphing set-up. It gets down quickly due to its slim profile but not so fast that it constantly hangs on the bottom. The fluorescent pink "hot spot" gives this fly the right amount of "bling" to entice the most discerning fish.

Tied on the new Umpqua C300BL Grub/Czech hook, it penetrates quickly while setting the hook and stays put during the fight!!!

There is a reason these three patterns are Steve's "confidence" patterns and after fishing these a day on the river, we are sure you will feel the same way!!!

Tiemco Joins the Jig Hook Market with the NEW 403BLJ - IN STOCK!!

Steve Parrott — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:02:00 GMT

Tiemco Fly Hooks out of Japan has jumped on board the European Nymphing train with the introduction of the Tiemco 403BLJ Jig Hook. Distributed by Umpqua Feather Merchants in Louisville, Colorado, this hook should be available to purchase in early March of 2012.

I was lucky enough to get some samples of the Tiemco 403BLJ Jig Hook from Umpqua a couple of weeks ago and have been tying up a storm on them. The first thing I noticed was how stiff they were in the vise. When wrapping materials on other jig style hooks, the hook will flex under pressure but not the Tiemco. I then placed a hook in the vise and tried to break it with my fingers and it was almost impossible. I finally grabbed a pair of Tiemco De-Bard Pliers and was able to break the hook. These babies are STRONG!!!!

They have a 60 degree bend at the eye and will accommodate a slotted or slotted faceted tungsten bead nicely. The hooks come from the factory barbless so there is no need to pinch down the barb and they are sharp!!! The needle point provides great penetrating power and I could not wait to see how they held a fish.

Once out on the water with the Tiemco 403BLJ, fish stayed on the hook and the point stayed incredibly sharp most of the day. Several fish were landed in the 16 to 18 inch range on the #16 403BL throughout the day and there were no issues with the hook bending or breaking.

The Tiemco 403BLJ Jig Hooks are available in sizes 12, 14 and 16 right now with hopefully some larger sizes coming in the future. Look for them soon at you local fly shop or at the Blue Quill Angler.

Make your Flies Pop with Fluorescent Materials!!!

Steve Parrott — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 02:54:00 GMT

We all have our favorite patterns that we use each and every time on the river. Some days they work great and others just mediocre. Why not spice those old patterns up a little by incorporating some fluorescent tying materials to really make them "pop"

The addition of brightly colored fluorecent dubbings as well as fluorescent thread collars or tags can really make a difference when the going gets tough. One particular type of nymphing comes to mind when I think about the use of fluorescent materials in fly patterns, the European Nymphing Techniques. These brightly colored fluorescent section incorporated into the flies are often reffered to as "hot spots" or "trigger points"

When I look at most of the European style patterns in my fly box or in magazine articles, there is almost always some type of hot spot or trigger point somewhere. It could be a small section of fluorescent dubbing separating the thorax from the head on the grub/Czech flies or a hot orange collar behind the bead on the French micro nymphs. There are instances where I will use a fluorescent wire for the ribbing on my flis or add a small section of fluorescent material near the tail, which I have found extremely beneficial in heavily pressured waters.

The most important question you should be asking yourself right now is??? Why do Hot Spot or Trigger Points stack the deck in your favor?

The answer to this is really simple once you comprehend what happens to the different colors of light as the water you are fishing gets deeper and how fluorescent materials react to that light.

Fluorescent types of material reflect light at a longer wavelength than it receives. How does this effect your flies tied with fluorescent materials? Fluorescent materials absorb any light color in the spectrum and will still reflect their representative color. The water column disperses most of the Blue, Yellow, Green and Orange light as you gain depth where Red and Violet colors are still present.

This creates a huge advantage over flies tied without fluorescent materials as they will appear dark brown or black with a brightly colored section glowing like a beacon in those deeper runs. This is an open invitation for fish to check it out and since they cannot grab the fly and inspect it with their hands, they use their mouth!!!

Below is a picture taken under Ultraviolet light showing some flies tied with fluorescent hot spots while others were not.

Flies at the top of this image do not have a ''hot spot'' incorporated into the fly. As you move down the page, there are patterns that have a dubbed hot spot, a thread hot spot either behind the bead or at the tail of the fly and then flies with fluorescent orange beads

You can see that most of the colors of the flies are hard to distinguish but the fluorescent orange and fluorescent chartreuse colors really glow.

Here is a picture of the same page of the fly box taken under natural light.

Pretty amazing the difference the addition of fluorescent materials into your fly patterns makes!

What is the best fluorescent color to use for your hot spot's or trigger points

For deep, dark streams with little or no penetrating light, often found back East or in the Pacific Northwest or water that is off-color due to run-off or a recent rain event, Fluorescent Yellow, Fluorescent Chartreuse and Fluorescent Orange are the best choices. They emit the most light due to their overall brightness on the fly and really cut through that dark or stained water.

For clear, low water, Fluorescent Red is the best choice. Most fish have the ability to process Red colors very well under water where to a human eye it would look dark. The addition of a Fluorescent Red hot spot into your shallow water fly arsenal will provide the right amount of contrast to the fly itself making it more appealing to a fish. Once you get into deeper water where the light is dissolving more, the Fluorescent Red color will begin to dissolve into the body color of the fly. In this situation, the brighter orange, chartreuse and yellow's are a better choice.

How much fluorescent materials you incorporate into your flies is really up to you. I tend to use a bead, collar of thread or a small dubbed section on most of my flies rather than tying the entire fly out of the fluorescent materials which might be too much for some fish. We want to trigger the fish to eat, not scare the spots off of them.

Incorporating the correct color of fluorescent materials for the water depth you are planning to fish into your flies will greatly increase their visibility. By increasing the flies visibility, especially in fast moving runs, pockets, riffles and off-colored water, the chances of a fish seeing them goes way up and hopefully taste testing them as well!!! Look for the ''FL'' or ''Fluorescent'' wording next time you are buying fly tying materials and incorporate them into you flies, you will not be disappointed!!

Simms Guide Wader - A Blast from the Past!!

Steve Parrott — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 04:48:00 GMT

New for 2012, Simms is introducing or should we say re-introducing one of the all-time favorite waders among guides and anglers alike with some key updates to seams and fabric.

The new Simms Guide Stockingfoot Wader coming in at $399.95 retail, is a no frills, workhorse wader that will last for many seasons to come. I have the original pair with over 1200 days on them and they have yet to leak. I have replaced the feet twice as I flat wore the neoprene out but the wader body is still going strong. Simms promises that the new version of the "Guide" wader is even more durable!!

Simms built this new Guide Wader to perform to the level of those whom, from first cast to last call, represent the guts of the wear-and-tear faction. Guide Waders feature front leg seams to combat inside-leg abrasion leaks. They also utilize GORE-TEX® 3-layer fabric throughout the legs, reinforced fabric in the front leg panel for unparalleled durability, and articulated knees for superior leg movement when kneeling before the fishing gods for big tips.

Simms Guide Wader Features:

GORE-TEX® 3-layer fabric featured throughout legs with rein forced fabric in front leg panel for increased durability
Wader lower features front seam construction with articulated knee to offer generous fit
Zippered Flip-Out Pocket included
Adjustable elastic 1.5” suspender with YKK® non-locking buckles
Built-in low profile belt loop with nylon wading belt
Improved abrasion-resistant material for more durable built-in gravel guards
Every pair manufactured in Bozeman, Montana (the most important!!!)

If you are looking for a durable, no frills wader, you should look no further!!!

European Competition Barbless Hooks - IN STOCK!!

Steve Parrott — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:36:00 GMT

The European Nymphing Methods are gaining in popularity here in the United States and so are the resources to European hooks and tying materials.

In 2011, Umpqua Feather Merchants introduced the Competition Series hooks which are Hanak Competition hooks re branded with the Umpqua logo. Knapek and Skalka have been available in the US for quite some time now and 3 years ago were the standard. Poor quality and delivery issues have plagued these two brands, especially when the hooks break in the vise while tying or already have rust on the wire when you take them out of the package.

One of my dear friends called me the other day and said he had resourced hooks from Europe and wanted to send me some samples to tie on. When I received the hooks, I could not believe the quality and how sharp the points were. The second thing I noticed was the two different styles, one with an up-turned point and the other with a straight point. They are identical to the Knapek and Skalka hooks we have all come to love, minus the issues mentioned above. I could not wait to wrap some bugs on these and get them on the water.

After fishing these hooks, the only question I had was "what to they retail for?" When the reply came to my Inbox of $7.50 I was "hooked" - no pun intended.

Here are the available models right now with more sizes arriving soon:

European Competition Barbless Dry Fly Hook - Up-Turned Point - $7.50 Per 25

Available in sizes 12, 14 and 16 right now with larger sizes coming soon, this is a killer dry fly hook!! One sniff and fish are on!

European Competition Barbless Dry Fly Hook - Straight Point - $7.50 Per 25

There are those anglers out there that are believers in a straight point hook and I am one of them. Penetration on this hook is amazing and with the slightest amount of tension, fish stay hooked.

Available in sizes 10, 12 and 14 right now with smaller sizes coming soon

European Competition Barbless Nymph Hook - Up-Turned Point - $7.50 - Per 25

Get down and dirty with this up-turned nymph hook that will penetrate and hold with the best of them!!! 2XL shank to accommodate tungsten beads and extremely sharp!

Available in sizes 12 and 14 right now with more on the way soon

European Competition Barbless Czech/Grub Hook - Up-Turned Point - $7.50 Per 25

For those Knapek lovers out there, here it is!!! Readily available and super strong!!! A slightly different bend that the Knapek which keeps this hook nice and compact which improves hooking power. Super sticky, slightly offset, up-turned point just like the Knapek.

Available in sizes 12, 14 and 16 right now with larger sizes on the way

European Competition Barbless Czech/Grub Hook - Straight Point - $7.50 Per 25

I had to look twice at this hook and actually compare it to a Skalka to make sure there was a difference!! The two main differences I noticed was the lack of rust on these and the fact that we can get them with a phone call here in the US. This is my personal favorite when it comes to Czech/Grub hooks as I love the straight point for fast penetration!

Available in sizes 8, 12, 14 and 16 with size 10's coming soon

European Competition Barbless Jig Nymph Hook - $7.50 Per 25

Ah yes!!! The Jig Nymph Hook. I have found myself fishing flies tied on this style hook more and more due to the fact that the bead rides down, hook rides up reducing bottom snags and increasing hook-ups. This was the first sample I tied a fly on and the first thing I noticed was that the slotted/faceted tungsten bead slid down on the eye like a glove. There are some jig hooks on the market that have too short of a section past the bend and the bead will not seat properly, this is not the case here.

Super sharp, up-turned point that will penetrate quickly and hold like a champ!!

European Competition Barbless Streamer Hook - $7.50 Per 25

Most streamer hooks from Europe have a really short shank and for a good reason. Most are used to tie lake flies like Blobs or Boobies and they want a shorter shank with a long marabou tail for action while stripping. We here in the US are use to long shank streamer hooks for buggers and leeches and this one is definitely that. 3XL hook shank will leave you plenty of room for a bead and body material while the super sticky, up-turned point will hook and hold!!

Get your hands on some of these new and exciting European Competition Barbless hooks and see for yourself!!!

Czech Nymphing Masterclass : On-Stream Tactics for Success DVD

Steve Parrott — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:14:00 GMT

COMING SOON!!

Learn to Fish the European Nymphing Methods like a Pro!!

You can read all the articles and books you want about the European Styles of nymphing but the best way to learn what method will work the best for you is to see it in action. Steve's first DVD Czech Nymphing 101 & Related European Methods does a great job at explaning the basic principals of the Czech, Polish, French and Spanish Nymphing methods from their beginnings right down to rigging for each and a bonus fly tying section. It is a great learning tool but to truly understand how to effectively utilize each method on the river is the key to success!!!

Czech Nymphing Masterclass : On-Stream Tactics for Success will give you an on-stream river clinic on how to effectively use the Czech, French and Spanish Nymphing with the ever changing river conditions given to you, the angler. Steve lets the river dictate the European Nymphing Method he will use and effectively covers how to fish it like a pro. You the viewer will move up-stream with Steve, fishing every square inch of the river with these deadly techniques learning when and where to emplore the Czech, French and Spanish Nymphing Methods.

The nuts and bolts of this DVD is where Steve shows you the little tricks neccessary to achieve the proper drifts with each method in constantly changing river conditions that will truly maximize your catch rate. Seeing is believing and mastering these methods will open up a ton of new water that you overlooked in the past!!!

"Czech Nymphing Masterclass : On-Stream Tactics for Success" also includes:

Casting tips to help you place the flies where they need to be
Adjusting the rod path to achieve the most effective drift
Adjusting the rod speed while leading the flies to stay in contact
Reading the Indicator/Sighter to know what your flies are doing during the drift
Reading the water and understanding what the currents are doing
Selecting the right size and weight of flies for the water conditions
Proper positioning of you the angler to effectively cover the water
Setting up your fly boxes for success on the river

This is a must have DVD for anyone interested in mastering the European Nymphing Methods!!!!

Runtime - Approx 90 minutes - may be a little longer!!

Retail Price - $29.95

Shot in stunning HD quality

Fly Fishing Colorado: Blue River

Pat Dorsey — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:18:00 GMT

Many anglers I know have a love-hate relationship with the Blue River. Just about the time you think you have the river figured out, a humbling experience devastates your ego. The Blue River is a fantastic fishery and a favorite of mine. The Blue certainly is a beautiful as they come, and gives visiting anglers a real sense of “Colorado”. It’s a tough river at times, but a good challenge will always make you a better fly-fisherman. The water is extremely cold coming off the bottom of Lake Dillon. This cold water dictates and controls the feeding window of the trout. It’s not a great morning fishery, but as the water gradually warms up throughout the day, the fishing improves dramatically.

The upper stretches of the Blue (from the base of the dam through Silverthorne) holds trophy trout, fattening up on Mysis Shrimp from the lake above. This prehistoric creature is said to have over ten times the amount of protein that a trout would typically see in its daily diet, so you can imagine the size of some of these fish. The water is gin clear requiring perfect presentations. As the Blue River continues to flow, it moves towards Green Mountain reservoir, and on into the Gore Range. Eagle's Nest Wilderness Area also adds a spectacular back drop to the setting. Successful hatches include PMD’s, Red Quills, Caddis, Green Drakes, Blue Wing Olives, and Midges. The river can be great for dry fly patterns into the afternoon and evening.

The river downstream of the town of Silverthorne is lined with cottonwood trees and willows and is tucked to the east of the beautiful Gore Range. Because the water is so cold the river fishes best from mid-day to dark. Anglers can expect to catch mostly brown trout, a hand full of cut-bows as well as a few rainbows and the river can be excellent with dry fly patterns later in the afternoons and evenings. The hatches include blue wing olives, caddis, red quills, green drakes, pmd’s, and stoneflies.

The best time to fish the Blue River is early Spring through the first snow in the fall. Winter fishing can be great, especially in the town of Silverthorne as long as you can stand the cold. If you get too cold, there are tons of places to go, especially the Dam Brewery which has a ton of tasty beverages and entres to warm you up!!!

For more information on the Blue River or to book a trip, give us a call at 800-435-5353

Pat Dorsey's Hot Fly - January 2012 : Top Secret Midge

Steve Parrott — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:52:00 GMT

Winter fishing means midges and more midges and selecting the right pattern can mean the difference between a great day and an mediocre day. We all have our favorites and the Top Secret Midge if not already will become one soon.

This is where the Top Secret Midge jumps into action!!! Developed for the super selective trout in Elevenmile Canyon and Spinney aka the "Dream Stream", this pattern imitates the emerging midges that are abundant during the winter months here in Colorado.

A super simple pattern to tie, yet extremely effective on finicky tailwater trout! According to Pat, this is a must have for Cheesman, Elevenmile and Spinney at all times because when the going gets tough, Pat always reverts back to a Top Secret Midge!! Fly Fishing always presents us with a problem and this little fly is a problem solver!!!

What makes this simple fly so special? It is the segmented body which provides the trout with a realistic looking morsel as well as the very subtle flashy wing material which provides a "trigger" to entice selective trout to feed.

This fly is best fished as the top fly on a two-fly nymph rig so you can keep it up in the water column where the emerging midge patterns are most often found. It also works well as a dropper below a small dry but you will need a little weight or a light application of Sinket to get the fly to break the surface tension of the water. This method is very effective when you have trout feeding near the surface and they will not take your dry!!

Tying Recipie:

Hook - Tiemco 2488 - #18-24

Thread - UNI 8/0 - Brown

Rib - 6/0 Danvile Fly Master - White

Wing - Top Secret Wing Material - Glamour Madera

Fly Fishing Colorado: Cheesman Canyon - South Platte River

Steve Parrott — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:33:00 GMT

One of the Crown Jewels of Colorado when it comes to fly fishing is the Cheesman Canyon are of the South Platte River located near the town of Deckers, Colorado. The beautiful scenery not to mention the incredible fly fishing makes this place a special one for many anglers.

Fishing in Cheesman Canyon can be a rewarding experience as the trout are smart so you "A" game is required. The amount of anglers and flies these fish see is pretty amazing.

Cheesman Canyon is a year-round fishery, being a tailwater, the water does not freeze up in the winter which is nice as most freestone streams in Colorado are frozen solid during the winter months.

Hatches in the winter are mostly midges with the occasional Blue Wing Olive appearing but not often. During the summer months you will see great hatches of PMD's, Caddis as well as Yellow Sallies, Golden Stones and of course midges. Fall brings some of the best fishing with the tiny Blue Wing Olives known as Pseudocleons. These hatches can be epic a times and a real blast to fish. You heart will stop a beat when you see a 20+ inch trout eating with reckless abandonment on the surface.

Jim Cannon of the Blue Quill Angler states “…anytime is the right time to fish Cheesman Canyon, it can be fished all year”. The boulder-filled Chesman Canyon section of the South Platte River is considered by many to be one of the most pristine fisheries in the world.

In 1976, it became the first section of river in Colorado to be protected with catch and release regulations. The Canyon is an unforgettable fly fishing experience. A roughly 1.5 mile hike from the parking lot to the river’s edge presents the angler with three miles of beautiful canyon with Bald Eagles a flight, a river filled with enormous boulders and superb river banks to fish. It is a perfect day trip alone, with family or fishing buddies.

This three-mile section is fished most successfully with nymphs and anglers can expect to catch large rainbows and good-sized browns within the close company of other fisherman. The Canyon is best fished on overcast days with good presentation only 2 or 3” away from the fish’s nose. It has been said “if you can catch fish in The Canyon, you can catch them anywhere”.

The best reviews from our clients come in the spring and fall when blue-winged olives start to show themselves on a regular basis (late March through late May and early September through November). Flows are perfect that time of year from 100-300 cfs”.

If you are planning a trip to Colorado and fly fishing is on your list, make Cheesman Canyon a destination for sure. The Blue Quill Angler offers full day trips only into the Cheesman and it will be a trip you will remember for a lifetime!!!

For more information of Chesman Canyon or to book a guided trip, give us a call at 800-435-5353

International Sportsmen's Expo just around the corner!!

Steve Parrott — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 05:10:00 GMT

The Denver, Colorado International Sportsmen's Expo is coming up fast and should be one of the best shows ever.

Here is a schedule of speaking events and demonstrations put on by various Blue Quill Staff:

Thurday - January 5th:

1:30 pm - Aquarium Demonstration Tank - Czech Nymphing Demo - Steve Parrott

4:30 pm - Fly Fishing Theater - Czech Nymphing - Steve Parrott

7:30 pm - Aquarium Demonstration Tank - Fishing Dries, Nymphs and Streamers - Pat Dorsey

Friday - January 6th:

7:30 pm - Fly Fishing Theater - Fly Fishing the South Platte River - Pat Dorsey

Saturday - Janary 7th:

10:30 am - Fly Fishing Theater - Seeing is Believing: Reading Productive Water - Landon Mayer and Pat Dorsey

4:40 pm - Fly Fishing Theater - Fly Fishing Western Tailwaters - Pat Dorsey

6:30 pm - Aquarium Demonstration Tank - Czech Nymphing Demo - Steve Parrott

Sunday - January 8th:

11:30 am - Fly Fishing Theater - Fly Fishing the South Platte River - Pat Dorsey

1:30 pm - Aquarium Demonstration Tank - Fishing Dries, Nymphs and Streamers - Pat Dorsey

More information on the show:

Show Hours:

Thursday - Noon to 9:00 pm
Friday - Noon to 9:00 pm
Saturday - 10:00am to 8:00 pm
Sunday - 10:00am to 5:00 pm

FREE PARKING & SHUTTLES at Coors Field--ISE's thanks to everyone for a generation of support! Ready to shop, have fun, compete, learn, and pass on the outdoors tradition to family or friends? ISE Denver is the place to do all of those things, and more!

500 companies will exhibit in a single 290,000-sq.-ft. hall, offering you a staggering selection of outdoor goods and services, including:

Fishing & hunting outfitters & guides
Fishing tackle & gear
Hunting products & gear
Fly-fishing retailers
Travel, vacations, lodges & resorts
Boats, kayaks & marine accessories
RVs, campers
Outdoor gear
Apparel & optics
ATVs, motorcycles & personal watercraft
Mountain-home furnishings
Outdoor clubs, groups & organizations
Trucks, trailers & aftermarket accessories

Plus special features are spread throughout the entire show, including:

NEW: RMEF Great Elk Tour
NEW: Eastmans’ Trophy Deer Display
NEW: Wild Justice TV--War in the Woods presentation
NEW: Stay the Trail & Wildlife Experience Museum Adventure Trail
30,000-sq.-ft. Discover Fly Fishing Pavilion
Orvis Fly Fishing 101 Program
Fly-Casting Ponds & Free Lessons
Accuracy Casting Contest
DockDogs Pond & Contest
Sporting-Dog Arena
Game-Calling Contest
RMEF Ultimate Rifle Raffle
World Fishing Network Aquarium Demonstration Tank
3D Pop-Up Archery Range & Contest
Adventure, and Fly-Fishing Theaters
Colorado Parks & Wildlife Youth Outdoor Fair

Hope to see you there!!!

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Fly Fisherman on your list!!

Steve Parrott — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 04:45:00 GMT

It is that time of year again to begin the search for that particular item that the angler on your list does not have so we put together a list of new and exciting products that we think will make your shopping experience pretty painless!!!

Dynamic Nymphing - George Daniel - $39.95

This is a must have for any serious angler with a wealth of information that will have them catching fish like a pro!!

Advanced tight line nymphing tactics, including Czech, Polish, French, Spanish, and American techniques as well as rigging and fishing dry and droppers, curly Qs, and conventional indicators.

There is also a section on fishing the extremes: shallow water, cold weather, high water, wind

Casting and technique sequences that include tuck cast, bow and arrow cast, as well as elevating and leading when tight line nymphing. 62 nymph patterns are also featured in this book.

Connect the Movie - $29.95

CONNECT introduces a number of new locations, exotic species, and compelling characters that epitomize and exemplify the sport of fly fishing. Shot on location in Japan, Yellowstone National Park, the Yukon Drainage of Alaska, the flats of Cuba, the coast of Maine, and in the wilds of Tanzania, Africa, this feature-length movie will once again transport viewers around the world in search of new waters and exhilarating travel experiences.

CONNECT features well-known anglers Greg Vincent, Jeff Currier, Jimmy Bartschi, Craig Mathews, Masa Katsumata, Brian Porter, and Captain Eric Wallace, and more than a dozen different fish species, both freshwater and saltwater.

As with DRIFT and RISE before, the cinematography, sound, and feel of CONNECT come together in a visual masterpiece that promises to re-set the bar for fly fishing films.

Off the Grid DVD - R.A. Beattie - $24.95

Off the Grid, is a collection of films from two years on the road - fishing and filming in an assortment of locations around the world.

All of the films are connected by a common theme: they showcase people, places and fish, that for our crew, were out of the ordinary.

We basically tried to avoid as many of the "Big Name" waters, hatches and fishing grounds as we could. We do visit a few regions that are by no means off the beaten path, but try to show them in a different light.

The Mayfly Guide: Quick and Easy Steps to Identifying Nymphs, Duns, and Spinners - $26.95

For anglers looking to increase their catch, this indispensable guide reveals the steps to easily and confidently identifying the three stages—nymph, dun, and spinner—of many common mayfly species found in North America.

Including information on when and where mayflies hatch and how trout feed on them along with illustrated species charts, this reference avoids the abstractions of complex scientific keys and words and instead favors a practical and visual approach that supports quick learning.

Waterproof pages and a small trim size enhance the guide’s portability, making it as sensible as it is useful.

Pocket Guide to Western Hatches - Hughes - $21.95

The perfect companion to help you, the angler identify the bugs!!!

Book Includes:

90 hatches including mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, midges, and terrestrials
Both stillwater and creek, stream, and river hatches
Color photos, key features, habitat, hatch times, and fishing hints for each insect
169 fly patterns
Covers Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Wyoming, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, British Columbia, and Alberta

Simms Pullover Hoody - $59.95

Everyone needs a Hoody to throw on when hanging out by the campfire or strolling around town. Why not make it a Simms Hoody?

Features:

80% Cotton/20%
Fleece Split stitch double needlesewing on all seams
Standard kangaroo pocket on lower body
Fleece-lined hood
Heavy gauge hood/drawcords
Ergonomic drawcord hood
1x1 ribbingat cuffs and waistband

Fishpond Sporting Club Collection Toiletry Kit - $49.95

Both tradition and functionality are rooted in this piece. A perfect addition to any fishpond luggage piece. Features:

Separated top and bottom compartments
Two interior clear pockets to separate miscellaneous items
Slash pockets in the bottom compartment to secure storage of toiletries
Volume - 213 cu. in.
Dimensions - 9.5" x 5.5" x 5.5"

Croakies Fishskin Belt - AD Maddox Print - $26.00

A really durable belt from Croakies with artist, A.D. Maddox fish prints for the design. Croakies guarantees these to last 20,000 miles or 20 years!!

Dynamic Nymphing - George Daniel's New Book

Steve Parrott — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 04:31:00 GMT

I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of George Daniel's now book, Dynamic Nymphing and I have not been able to put it down since!!! Absolutely amazing.

This book starts with the basic, covering gear, indicators/sighters and how to become a more efficient at managing your flies, etc. Then it dives into leader construction which includes some of the leaders that some of the top US competitors use!!

The next section is where the meat and potatoes of this wealth of information begins as George jumps into casting weighted rigs with incredible pictures detailing each step. There are several cast the George covers so, you the reader can best apply which one works best for your style.

Moving on to the nymphing tactics, this is where you will have a hard time putting the book down, no matter how tired you are. George begins with tight-line nymphing then covers the Harvey/Humphries methods as well as High Sticking.

From there comes the Czech/Polish short line section that covers from it's beginning right down to the little intricacies that will lessen the learning curve with these two European Methods. The section on watching the sighters and leading the flies is worth it's weight in gold for the angler who is attempting these methods but having trouble with strike detection.

The long line French and Spanish tactics that are so effective are covered with incredible detail including how to properly drift the flies and cast these incredibly long leaders.

George then dives into the suspension nymphing stratagies which is where the use of a flotation device or used to hold the nymph at a fixed location. We all get to fixated on getting the flies to the bottom that we forget that fish also feed up in the water column and this section will have you catching those fish like a pro.

The fly patterns section of this book is worth the $39.95 retail price by itself. There are 62 nymph patterns with recipies for each so you can tie them yourself!! There is some really cool flies featured from some of the top anglers around the globe.

The last section of the book gets into the river dynamics and different conditions you may encounter while on the stream large or small. Every type of water you could possibly imagine is covered with amazing detail. Once you read this section, the river will never look the same.

If you are serious about fly fishing and have been looking for that resource book to help decode the nymphing aspect, you owe it to yourself to own "Dynamic Nymphing" by George Daniel's!!!!

About George:

George Daniel is the assistant manager at TCO Fly Shop in State College, Pennsylvania. He travels the country conducting fly-fishing clinics for various groups and organizations. He was on the US Fly Fishing Team from 2006 to 2010, placing fifth at the 2006 World Championships (the second highest finish in US history). George is a two-time US National Champion (2007 and 2009) as well as the winner of the Fly Fishing Masters tournament in 2007.

Currently, he is the head coach for Fly Fishing Team USA and associate coach for the US Youth Fly Fishing Team. He lives near Lamar, Pennsylvania, with his wife Amidea, and two children.

Redington RediLayer and Redilayer Wool Base Layers for Winter Fishing

Steve Parrott — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:22:00 GMT

Keeping warm in the great outdoors during the dead of winter can be a real pain and a wicking base layer is essential!!!! There are so many companies out there making wicking type fabrics that is can sometime be hard to figure out which one is right for you.

When it comes to fly fishing during the colder months, a wicking base layer is a must to start the dressing process to stay warm and comfortable on the river. The water is cold and so is the air temperatures and once you get chilled, you are pretty much done for!! We are not typically moving and exerting as much energy as a cross country skier which means we are no generating as much body heat either. What little we do generate, we want to keep and that is where the new Redington RediLayer pieces come into play.

There are two options in the new Redington RediLayer line up, a 82% Nylon, 12% polyester version available in a crew top as well as a 1/4 zip-top. There is also a wool version which is constructed of super soft 55% merino wool and 45% nylon. This wool top is not like the stuff your grandfather use to wear, this is soft to the skin and will not itch you to death!!

Let's get into a little more detail on each of the Redington RediLayer offerings:

Redington RediLayer Crew Top - 1/4 Zip-Top and Pant:

This is an all-weather, medium-weight synthetic first layer that is ideal for active use through warm to chilly fishing conditions. It features VaporStream which is a fast wicking fabric featuring an inner layer of seamless stretch polyester to wick away moisture from your skin as an outer layer of nylon repels moisture.

The second feature is VersiWick which is an advanced wicking property offering supreme control in moisture management by quickly moving moisture from the skin to the fabric. This is the part that keeps you nice and dry!!!

If you are just wearing the top during your fishing outing or outdoor activity, it features VersiSun which blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays helps prevent sun burn and skin damage, so you can stay outside longer. It has a UPF rating of 30+

Some additional features are an anti-microbial fabric which helps eliminate odors so you can hit the bar after a long day on the river and not clear the place out as well as a body mapping fit for increased breathability and function.

After wearing the Redington RediLayer Crew on a 3 day fishing trip recently, I can definitely attest that the anti-microbial fabric works like stated and the wicking properties of this new fabric are amazing!!! They feel a little funny when you first put them on as they fit rather tight for my liking but after about 5 minutes, you forget about that as the buttery smooth finish on the shirt and pants feels great next to your skin!!!

Redington RediLayer Wool Crew Top - 1/4 Zip-Top and Pant:

For the angler who likes the solitude found only in the harshest conditions, the Redington RediLayer Wool is the perfect first layer choice. Designed for cold to cool, the medium-weight wool blend first layer will keep you warm and dry even on the chilliest of fishing expeditions.

It features ClimaStream which moves moisture away from your skin and controls the rate of your body's cooling evaporation, regulating temperature as your activity levels change. This is one of the amazing benefits that can only be achieved with wool fabrics.

It also features VersiWick which is an advanced wicking property offering supreme control in moisture management by quickly moving moisture from the skin to the fabric which will keep you warmer longer!!

The Redington RediLayer Wool line-up also features no side seam construction which allows for a smooth, seamless fit that lets you be active without pinching or chaffing!!!! The fabric also features an antimicrobial treatment which helps control the growth of odor-causing bacteria arising in everyday use of apparel. Again, a nice feature so you do not clear out the bar after a long day of fishing!! Once they are to the point of needing a good wash, you can launder these just like you would any other garment which is not the case for most wool products!!

These are two new, quality layer options from Redington that will not break the bank. The RediLayer Crew comes in at $49.95, the 1/4 Zip-Top is $59.95 and the pants are $39.95.

The Redington RediLayer Wool options are very reasonably priced as well with the Crew Top retailing at $69.95, the 1/4 Zip-Top at $79.95 and finally the pant at $59.95. A pretty amazing price for the quality and comfort you get with these layering pieces. There are some wool base layers on the market that are well over the $100.00 range and not nearly as nice!!

Pat Dorsey's FLY OF THE MONTH CLUB - Great Gift for Fly Fishermen

Steve Parrott — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 04:46:00 GMT

Pat Dorsey's Original FLY OF THE MONTH CLUB™ - Often Imitated - Never Duplicated!!

Pat Dorsey's original FLY OF THE MONTH CLUB™ is dedicated to bringing members a great selection of seasonally proven trout flies that our guides have fished extinsively with great success or patterns we have developed to solve a specific problem on the river. We select each pattern to coincide with activiteis on the river during that given month. It may be as simple as a midge pupa, a mayfly nymph or a large attractor dry or streamer that the fish just cannot resist. The fly selection for the month is a fly that we all have fished so we know it works!!!

Also included each month is a short history of the fly (who created it and what for), fishing instructions and the recipe on how to tie it. ALL members also receive reduced pricing on any additional flies purchased from the Blue Quill Angler. This exclusive member offer is not limited to the fly pattern of the given month, it is for all of the flies we carry in the shop!! Standard trout flies retail for $1.95 per fly, as a FLY OF THE MONTH CLUB™ member, the cost is $1.50 per fly. That is a savings of forty five cents per fly which for some is incentive enough to join the club. Club members will also receive exclusive deals from the Blue Quill Angler each month on products we offer in the shop. The savings alone on some of the offers will almost pay for the membership!!!

All of the flies are hand tied on chemically sharpened Tiemco hooks, the best on the market today which ensures that the flies are durable and long lasting!!

FLY OF THE MONTH CLUB™ makes an excellent Christmas/birthday, Father's or Mother's Day gift for any avid angler (family, friends, employees and customers). It is a gift that keeps on giving, month after month, trout after trout.

Pat Dorsey's FLY OF THE MONTH CLUB™ runs on a calendar year beginning in January and finishing up in December. There are two membership options to choose from:

Half Membership - 6 Flies each month for 12 months

Full Membership - 12 Flies each month for 12 months

Flies will be shipped out FREE of charge at the beginning of each month right to your door!!

View 2012 Fly Samples

The Fly of the Month Club is sold as a calendar year based membership and can be purchased any month of the year. For example, purchasing of the membership in March means that the member will receive flies for March and the two previous months of January and February bringing that membership up-to-date. We will stop taking memberships for the current year at the end of October and begin registering members for the following year. All memberships expire in December

There are two options - full membership that includes twelve of the same flies each month or half membership with six of the same flies each month. Included in each delivery: the flies, history of the pattern, hints for fishing it and the tying recipe. And remember, members receive the reduced price of $1.50 for standard dries and nymphs ($1.95 flies) and 25% off any other flies we carry.

When the membership is purchased as a gift, please provide Blue Quill Angler with the recipient's full name, address, phone number and email address in the gift message box and we will sign that person up and send a gift letter out if requested. Please be certain to specify “gift” with the order in all caps at the top of the gift message box.

The membership cost for a Half or Full Membership is:

Full membership (12 flies per month) Click to Order Online - $220.00

Half membership (6 flies per month) Click to Order Online - $140.00

**If you live in Colorado, 2.9% state sales tax will be added.**

**The customer is responsible for notifying the Blue Quill Angler in the event of an address change**

Place your order now by giving us a call at (800)435-5353, by clicking here to download the mail in order form or click one of the links above to place the order online.

Pat Dorsey's Hot Fly-November 2011 - Tungsten Flashback Black Beauty

Pat Dorsey — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 03:31:00 GMT

One of my favorite patterns for winter fishing has always been the Mercury Black Beauty or the Mercury Flashback Black Beauty!!! It has a dark body like most of the midges in the water this time of year with plenty of contrast for those super selective fish. The only issue I have is the necessity to use split shot with tungsten putty to get the flies down into the "zone". On those really cold days, it is a real pain to deal with the small shot and tungsten putty so I developed the Tungsten Flashback Black Beauty to combat these issues.

The tungsten bead adds the necessary weight to get the fly down when fishing a two-fly indicator rig as well as fishing a midge dry, like a Griffith Gnat with the Tungsten Flashback Black Beauty dropped below it which is very effective for shallow water applications. Fish will pull up into the shallows on warmer days to take advantage of the warmer water and increased bug activity and the midge/dropper set-up is extremely effective during this time!!!

The best time to fish this fly is now through spring when the midges are the most active but do not shy away from fishing this all summer to selective trout as its smaller profile will fool the best of them!!

Recipie:

Hook - Tiemco 2488 - #18 - 24

Thread - UNI 8/0 - black

Bead - Black Tungsten sized accordingly - (2.0mm for #18-20 and 1.5mm for #22-24)

Flashback - UTC Small Pearl tinsel

Fly Fishing in Winter Classes - Sign Up Now!!!

jim cannon — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 03:48:00 GMT

Fly fishing during the winter months can be a bit extreme but can also be a rewarding experience!!! With the lower flows, you can enjoy the thrill of sight fishing to large trout eating tiny flies - A must for every angler!!

Learn from the pros how to effectively rig, sight and land large trout on those tiny flies with one of the Blue Quill Angler's Fly Fishing in Winter Classes at the North Fork Guest Ranch or Boxwood Gulch Ranch properties.

During the winter season the private water fees on both ranches drop dramatically and that creates an affordable opportunity to fish some of the best water in the state of Colorado.

Winter is an ideal time to improve on your nymph fishing skills because the trout are finicky and will only accept the perfect presentation. Students in this course will enjoy the wonders of sight fishing to large trout, many over twenty inches, on the private waters of the North Fork of the South Platte River. North Fork Guest Ranch, Boxwood Gulch, and Longmeadow are all managed trophy trout fisheries that are home to great populations of healthy rainbows, cutthroats, and browns.Each ranch provides students with the opportunity to seek refuge from the cold and warm up in the heated commons area.

This course is designed and offered only to the intermediate and advanced anglers. Students can expect a less formal environment than that of our other classes and need to be self-sufficient on the river. A seasoned instructor will share with the students their expertise, teaching the subtleties of fishing to super selective winter trout. Winter fly selection, rigging and choosing the right water for success in the wintertime.

Sign up individually or put a group together. Additional days may be available upon request. This is a great opportunity for businesses use this class as a means for team building for their employees and public relations with clients. The only limitation is your imagination.

This is a winter fly fishing class and we fish in any weather unless the river is frozen or roads are closed and we can not get there. There are no refunds due to cold weather. If your class happens to be canceled, the opportunity to reschedule may be available. Class fee includes instruction and private water access only. We do not provide a lunch or flies in this class.

Cost of the class per student is $175.00

For more information, please contact us a 800-435-5353 / 303-674-4700 or visit the Blue Quill Angler website

Pat Dorsey's Hot Fly - October 2011 - Parrott's Chironoflash Pupa

Steve Parrott — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:29:00 GMT

If there is one fly that has become a staple on the end of my clients leader during the Spring, Fall and Winter months, Parrott's Chironaflash Pupa is at the top of the list.

There is just something about this fly that catches fish and we all set out each and every fishing trip to do just that.

Simple to tie and effective, this pattern is a must have in your box!!!

Tying Recipie:

Hook - Tiemco 2488 - #20-22

Thread - Uni 8/0 - Olive Dun

Body - Micro Tubing - Olive Brown

Hot Spot - Micro Pearl Flashabou (wrapped around body material twice)

Wing Case - Medallion Sheeting - Dark Dun

Thorax - Superfine Dubbing - Adams Gray

Here is a little history about the Chironoflash Pupa in a Q&A with Steve Parrott:

“The genesis of your fly; how it happened to spring from your vise; what was the inspiration?”

I wanted a simple midge that was easy to tie, durable and worked in a variety of situations( tailwater, freestone streams and small creeks) I used the midge tubing on the body for durability and appearance (shiny and realistic looking). I then wanted to add a little flash to the fly to give it the appearance of a gas bubble that is present when the midge is emerging. The head color was selected to give the fly a little contrast in the water from light to dark with a darker wing pad (medallion sheeting) on the top like the naturals have.

“How long have you been fishing it…where and for what?”

I began tying this fly in 1997 for the South Holston Tailwater in Eastern Tennessee for the darker midges I was finding in every sein sample I was collecting from the river. I felt that if I added a little flash to the fly, it would act as a trigger spot on the fly to entice the trout to eat that one over the naturals. When I moved to Colorado in 2006, I used this fly in the Canyon and “Dream Stream” with great success. I could not believe the fish I was catching with this fly but if it worked back East, why would it not work here in Colorado? The fish that were causing me problems on the river being picky and stubborn were now moving with reckless abandonment to eat this fly.

“How do you fish it?”

The fly is best fished on a two fly indicator rig with enough weight on the leader to keep the flies in the appropriate zone the fish are feeding in on the given day. If you are fishing this fly right along the bottom, it does not work as well because the fly is designed to imitate a midge (and also a Beatis, believe it or not) suspended in the water column making its way to the surface to emerge. The best placement for this fly is in the top position of a two fly rig.

You can also fish as a dropper below a dry with some sort of weight between the dry and the Chironoflash to get the fly down into the feeding zone. This works great in shallow water or riffles when fish are pushed up feeding.

Jig Nymph Hooks - Where did they originate!!

Steve Parrott — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 03:31:00 GMT

Tying and fishing jig style flies is gaining popularity here in the US do to the fact that they run bead down and hook point up so you greatly decrease the possibility of snagging the bottom so much, the hooking power where you hook the fish in the top of the mouth which is the most secure and the fact that they get down quick to where the fish are, even in the smaller sizes!! The benefits are endless but where did they come from?

Here is a little history of the jig hook from our friend Karel Krivanec at www.czechnymphs.com

Jigs flies, with a compact lead ball on the hook, began to be used approximately 25 years ago on the Traun River in Austria, where local fishing rules allowed the use of only one fly. In May 1988, Mr. Karel Holub brought some weighted jig nymphs to the Czech Republic for world champion Slavoj Svoboda, who used them with great success in the National Selection competition on the Vltava River in Vyssi Brod. Subsequently, Mr. Klima started to produce jigs flies for Rudi Heger, and in 1990 Mr. Jan Siman started to sell lead-weighted jig nymphs in the Czech Republic. At that time, VMC jig hooks with a 90 degree bend were available in the Czech market. Soon after our success with these jig-nymphs in the World Championships, they were banned in FIPS-Mou events. Several years later in 2001, a change in FIPS-Mou rules allowed the use of one bead with a maximum diameter of 4 mm, and Czechs continued to fish with jigs.

Right before the 2004 World Championship in Slovakia, a new explanation of the rules stated that a bead is permitted but without permanent fixture to the hook. The Czech team was in a critical situation because they had practiced the entire week before the Championship with classic jig nymphs. Team members Jaromir Sram and Daniel Scvrcek along with team captain Jiri Klima decided to remove the lead ball from Knapek jig hooks, and replace it with a tungsten bead. They then called Mr. Jindrich Knapek and asked him if he had any hooks available without lead. Mr. Svrcek’s girlfriend brought some of these semi-complete gold coloured jigs, with a 45 degree angle in sizes 14 and 16, to the competition. Combined with the tungsten bead, these new jigs were very successful, and this trick is still widely used. Mr. Knapek started to produce this new design in summer 2004, followed by Mr. Skalka in 2005 Mr. Hanak in 2006, and the Czech Fasso company in 2008.

If you have not tried or tied flies on these hooks, do yourself a favor and give it a shot!!! You will not be dissapointed