Green Mountain Troutfitters, Vermont Fly Shop, Vermont Fly Fishing Guides

Feathers n' Friends Kicks Off April 24th!

2012-02-17T18:37:00.002-08:00

Dredge Cam Footage

2012-02-16T06:17:00.000-08:00

Here's some incredible footage from a dredge cam...- Chris

Haunted by Ghosts

2012-02-14T11:51:00.000-08:00

The ghosts of the flats have really been haunting my mind lately... - Chris

J. L. POWELL FILMS: Bonefishing the Flats of the Bahamas from J. L. Powell on Vimeo.

Tear That Sucker Down

2012-02-11T05:48:00.000-08:00

Here is a petition regarding the removal of Swanton Dam. The removal of this dam has been a hot topic for some time now and many, including myself, feel that it's time to take it down. - Chris
From Vermont Fish and Wildlife...

Removing Swanton dam is the #1 thing we can do to improve fish habitat in the Lake Champlain basin.

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and others are advocating for removing the Swanton Dam on the Missisquoi River in Swanton Village. This dam has contributed to the collapse of what had been a tremendous fisheries existing on the lower Missisquoi River. The dam prevents walleye, lake sturgeon, muskellunge and many other fish species from reaching habitat they need to spawn and sustain their populations. The department is seeking local support and approval from the Village of Swanton, who owns the dam, to remove it...(Read on)

Watch this Documentary on Swanton Dam

Sign the Petition and Help Restore Vital Fish Habitat!

More Kalik In Your Diet

2012-02-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

Last year around this time I was tying bonefish flies in preperation for a long awaited trip to The Bahamas. My wife and I left the kids with my in-laws (this was meant to me an quick, affordable getaway) and spent a few days in one of the most insanely beautiful places I have ever been...Eleuthera. We rented a Suzuki Sidekick with bologna skins that barely started every day and explored many side "roads" on the island, most of which ended at land and seascapes that absolutely blew our minds. I explored some of the flats on my own and had some great success catching bonefish up to a few pounds on "Veverka Shrimp." Of course, every time I'd leave the camera running the fish would be scarce.
We stayed with some real nice people at The Barefoot Beach House that were extremely accommodating! Please check them out and pay them a visit if you ever get the chance! - Chris

Feathers n' Friends

2012-02-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

We're very excited to be rolling out some new programs this year, including monthly tying classes called "Feathers n' Friends," that will feature a guest tyer each month showcasing his/her favorite patterns and techniques. Feathers n' Friends, beginning in April 2012, will be held on one Tuesday evening each month. The classes are affordable, limited in size and we've got some extremely talented fly tyers on the bill for this season!
It's not too early to reserve your space! Just send us an email to info@gmtrout.com

2012 Dates & Guest Tyers:

April 24th

Ken Capsey

Spring Pike Patterns with a "Capsey Twist"

Check out Ken's site : Pike Adventures

May 22nd

Mike Kontos

Go-to Patterns for Fishing Vermont's Trout Streams

Check out Mike's site : Green Mountain Troutfitters

June 19th

Drew Price

Warmwater Patterns for the "Big Pond"

Check out Drew's site : Master Class Angling

July 1st (*Special Sunday DPC Edition)

Pat Cohen
Bass Bugs for the "Big Pickle"
Check out Pat's site : Super Fly

August 21st

TBA

September 11th

Bob Veverka
Patterns for New England's Coastal Gamefish
Check out Bob's site : Bob Veverka: Counterfeiter in Feathers

October 23rd

Brian Price

Hot Flies for Cold Winter Steelheading

Check out Brian's site : Vermont Fly Guys

White River Hatchery After Irene

2012-02-01T08:31:00.001-08:00

The "Pickle" Gets A New Look

2012-01-27T09:07:00.000-08:00

A big thanks to Brian Price's better half, Hannah for designing the new logo for the Ditch Pickle Classic! I can't wait for July!

When Fish Fly

2012-01-25T12:13:00.001-08:00

VT Stream Gauges Safe for Now

2012-01-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

It looks like funding has been secured for those USGA Stream Gauges that were in danger of being shut down. You can find a list of thise stream gauges HERE. - Chris

From the Associated Press...

Senators Say Lake Champlain Gauges Funded

Monday, 01/16/12 6:06am

The Associated Press

Senators from Vermont and New York say funding for flood gauges in the Lake Champlain basin has been secured.
Sens. Patrick Leahy of Vermont and Charles Schumer of New York say the funding will prevent the imminent shutdown of river and lake gauges in the basin. (Read More)

Catch the Latest Catch

2012-01-24T06:20:00.000-08:00

If you haven't yet checked out the latest edition of Catch Magazine, just click on over and enjoy some incredible imagery. After watching part two of "Clearly BC" from film maker Todd Moen, I really really really really want to go to British Columbia...really. - Chris

Don't Mess With The River

2012-01-23T09:26:00.000-08:00

Definitely Not Going to Disney World

2012-01-23T06:25:00.000-08:00

IF4 Joins The Fly Fishing Show

2012-01-19T08:19:00.000-08:00

Check out a screening of IF4 near you! - Chris

2012 IF4 Teaser - See You There! from Fly Max Films on Vimeo.

"SOMERSET, NJ – The International Fly Fishing Film Festival will join The Fly Fishing Show at five show sites in 2012, announced Ben Furimsky of The Fly Fishing Show. Film Festival screenings will be held immediately following the conclusion of the Fly Fishing Show, about 6:30 p.m. depending on the venue. There will be separate admission charged for the films, but will be discounted for those attending the Fly Fishing Show, said Furimsky. Complete information will be posted on www.flyfishingshow.com. Fly Fishing Show locations which will host International Fly Fishing Film Festival showings include Denver, Jan. 6; Marlborough, Mass., Jan. 20; Somerset, NJ, Jan. 27; Lancaster, Penn., Feb. 18; and Pasadena, Calif. March 3. According to Furimsky, “The International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) consists of 16 short and feature length films produced by professional and amateur filmmakers from all corners of the globe, showcasing the passion, lifestyle and culture of fly fishing. From steelhead in Northern BC to chasing multiple species in Costa Rica, the variety of films will pique the interest of all anglers. IF4 contains exclusive content not available in any other fly fishing film event. The film festival adds an after hour social event full of entertainment and energy that will mesh well with the high level of education, travel and retail sales that our shows already possess. This addition really completes the package for a full weekend event under one roof,” added Furimsky."

Vermont Fishing Access Usage

2012-01-18T06:53:00.000-08:00

I received the following email from VOGA this morning regarding Vermont's F&W fishing access areas and who can legally use them. You can follow this link and weigh-in on the subject as you see fit. You can also post your comments on our Facebook Page. Your feedback is important! - Chris

"Friends and Members of VOGA,
Once again the Fish and Wildlife Board has banned the use of State fishing access areas by professional paddle sports instructors and nature guides using canoes and kayaks. Sounds crazy because it is. Besides some F & W Board members, a few embedded Fish and Wildlife Department staffers have fought the change in policy for several years.

A major part of F & W Departments mission involves wildlife. "To protect and conserve our fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the people of Vermont." By restricting folks who are trying to make a living as naturalists, environmental educators and bird watchers, the Board has made Vermont unique in the Northeast and possibly the country. They are ignoring their own mission.

Our Department of Tourism and Marketing along with our Chambers of Commerce and many regional and statewide organizations spend large amounts of money promoting nature and paddle sports here in Vermont. How can banning our professional services help the economy or services to visitors?

We need your help. If you think that this issue needs to be corrected, you can learn more and see who to contact with your concerns at: www.voga.org/vermont_bans_nature_guides.htm

It would be great if you could pass this on to others who might be interested.

Many thanks,

Gray

Graydon B. Stevens
Vermont Outdoor Guide Association (VOGA) www.voga.org info@voga.org
800-425-8747
802-425-6211
Follow us at:
http://www.facebook.com/vtoutdoorguides
https://twitter.com/#!/VTOutdoorGuides "

Maintaining Stream Gauges

2012-01-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

Lake Champlain International has launched a petition to the Dept of the Interior regarding stream gauges. Here's the jist of it...

Stream gages are important scientific instruments for many purposes. First and foremost, gages provide data that protect human life and property. They also provide data that contribute to Lake Champlain protection and restoration programs. Furthermore, gages allow us to understand how rivers function and provide historical trend information. Stream gage data is irreplaceable.

You can see a copy of the petition letter HERE as well as add your signature in favor of maintaining our in stream gauges

Hot off the Presses

2012-01-12T09:19:00.000-08:00

The date has been set for the 2012 Ditch Pickle Classic Catch-Photo-Release Bass Tournament on Lake Champlainn!!

CLICK HERE

FOR DETAILS!

Ice Fishing

2012-01-12T06:16:00.000-08:00

Size Matters:

2012-01-11T06:28:00.000-08:00

When you buy your license at a fly shop they get a dollar out of the deal. It is not much but it adds up over the season. Now that it is 2012, many people will be buying their new fishing licenses. Now, I strongly suggest that you go to your local/favorite fly shop to make that purchase. In the event that you MUST buy your license online because your favorite shop is closed for winter(wink,wink), might I make a suggestion. Do what I do and shrink it down. For many years I bought a paper license and folded it in my wallet. I think I can say that all the years of sitting on that oversized document has not helped my back problems a bit. Now, when I print my license online I shrink it until I can just barley see the letters/numbers. I print it, I throw some packaging tape on both sides to laminate it and bam, Im legal. I think. I have looked through a buch of red tape on F&W site to see if this is allowed and I can't find anything saying it is not. My license number is clearly legible, my license is signed, so that puts me in compliance, Right? Maybe some of you out there might prove me wrong, in which case, I have no problem going old school but until then, I am going to give my back a rest and stick with my paper thin I.D. What do you think? - Mike

Pluggin' Along the SR

2012-01-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

One of these days I'm gonna get the raft set up to pull plugs. When the bite is finicky, sometimes the fish need to be backed into a corner before they snap. Backtrolling is not nearly as exciting for the angler, but it makes the guide certainly earn his pennies and the results can't be unbeatable at times. When a steelhead finally decides to hit a plug, it's generally a VERY aggressive strike!
Here's a video of the Sheltra Brothers from Strikezone Fishing doing it right on a cold February day last season. It's not always about forcing the fish to adapt to your fishing methods, but rather using the best possible method given the conditions. When in Rome

Bandersnatch

2012-01-09T09:08:00.001-08:00

The Bandersnatch of Harkers Island from My Leaky Waders on Vimeo.

Sentimental Fly

2012-01-06T16:43:00.000-08:00

Do you have a sentimental fly? I do. For many a year I had a great fishing partner named Hannah. She was a golden retriever who would sit behind me on the river quietly trying to eat baitfish in the shallow back eddies. She would duck her head under for a few seconds and try to snap at the much faster baitfish. Bless her soul I don't think she ever caught one in all
those years but she never gave up. She loved being out on the water regardless of the catching, just like we do. She was just about the best fishing dog you could ask for. She passed on in 2007 and just before we buried her I took some clips of hair to make a fly to remember her by.
Given her golden color I knew there was 1 fly that was perfect, the gotcha. The prince nymph of bone fishing. I have never fished that fly and never will. It sits at eye level embedded in a hemlock timber near my woodstove mantel. I walk by it daily and when that pearl body braid and golden hair catches my eye I remember her like it was yesterday.

How bout it? Anyone out there have a sentimental fly? Maybe the 1st 1 you tied? Your child tied? Maybe the one that caught your white whale. Or, the one you found in a tree and you caught a trophy with it? --- Mike

Get in the Zone!

2012-01-05T07:44:00.000-08:00

"A riparian zone or riparian area is the interface between land and a river or stream. (riparian zones) these are vegetated buffer strips bordering water courses. Without a well-managed riparian zone, excessive sediment enters the stormwater system from overland flow or the erosion of channel banks."

Merc Melt

2012-01-04T07:08:00.000-08:00

After a long, sun-soaked day fishing last year's Ditch Pickle Classic, my teammate Kevin and I reeled in and had started running back down Missisquoi Bay toward the boat ramp when my motor cut out abruptly. No boat owner ever wants to hear the sound my beloved Merc made that day.

After a long period of denial, I finally ripped the cowlings off the old "Tower of Power" to see what the verdict was. Yikes!...melted piston! Not good. Not good at all. Rebuild it or put an add on Craigslist for a 450# anchor?

I'll probably keep it and rebuild it at some point, but I have been wanting to repower the Sea Nymph with a smaller motor since I don't need to go 50mph, I spend most of the time on the trolling motor anyway and there are FAR cleaner running outboards out there. As for the old Sea Nymph hull...I wouldn't change a thing. Great boat!

Bassin' with Reilly

2012-01-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

Here's a couple short clips from back in '09 of us fishing for North Shore Striped Bass with Captain Reilly McCue of Massachusetts Fly Fishing. If you look closely at the first vid, you'll see flashes of schoolie bass swiping at Dave's fly...