Zen Trout

Buddha Resurfaces; Again

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:44:00 +0000

Hola Amigos!

The elusive Trout Buddha resurfaces after a two month blogging break. My track record is intermittent at best. Hoping to dig out of the snow and update with a bit more regularity in the future. This start and stop thing seems to be a theme. Too much day job! Oh well.

Tight lines and Happy Holidays!

Trout Buddha

Swag!

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 19:22:00 +0000

Hola Amigos
Thanks again to Cameron at The Fiberglass Manifesto for the Loon Outdoors swag. The tools will indeed come in handy. I hope to use the Nip-n-Sip to it's fullest potential!
Be well amigos!
Trout Buddha

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 03:57:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -

Well the Trout Buddha recently got lucky and was a winner in the Loon Outdoors weekend drawing over at The Fiberglass Manifesto. TFM is one of the best blogs on the web (and I'm not just saying that because there is swag in the mail heading my way!). Cameron has a quality site with great information and he always takes time to answer a question and respond to an email. Stop by TFM; plenty of great info. Tight lines! Trout Buddha

Interesting Fish Story

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 03:39:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -
This story about migratory fish from the folks at the UW-Madison Center for Limonology caught my eye. Don't know much about paddle fish but I like the idea of "swimways" and protecting fish as they enter in and out of different waterways. Interesting; thought I would share it. Enjoy.
Tight lines,
Trout Buddha

Old Guys Rule

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 03:42:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -

We all know Old Guys Rule; trust me when I say they rule just a bit more every October 1st.

Tight lines,
Trout Buddha

A Needed Hour of Sanity!

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:42:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -

Just too nice to spend the entire afternoon in the office yesterday. Had to take off an hour or so early - seems I had a case of the "SUP-flu". Only curable with a quick trip to the lake. You will be happy to know that the Buddha has fully recovered. Nothing like a short paddle to set your mind right - almost as good as fishing (almost!)

Cheers,
Trout Buddha

A Plea for Help From My Twitter Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:36:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -

I'm hoping some of the Twitter followers will circle back and help me out. My recent post about John Nichols got me thinking about authors and good books and I was wondering: Which authors do you turn to for your reading pleasure? While John Nichols is not a "fly fishing author" he is certainly an author who has often referenced his joy of fly fishing and navigating the Rio Grande Gorge. There seems to be a certain sensibility that I come back to when reaching for a book and John's work is an example of the kind of stuff I like.

So here is the question: If you were packing for a fly fishing trip what reading would you toss in the gear bag? Something to enjoy in the tent or cabin after a nice day on the water. Edward Abbey? Edward Hoagland? Wendell Berry? You tell me!

Please leave a comment.

Tight lines,
Trout Buddha

Literary Greatness in the High Desert

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 01:51:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -

Amid the summer fly fishing and green chili intoxication that was my trip to the magical land of northern New Mexico I developed a secondary aim for the trip. I was determined to cross paths with a literary hero of mine; John Nichols. I discovered my first John Nichols novel during my freshman year in college. Someone left a tattered copy of The Sterile Cuckoo in the dorm lounge at the U of A and I gave it a read and instantly fell in love with the story. I mean really, who didn't date a flake in college? Shortly thereafter my brother recommended The Milagro Beanfield War and the hook was set deep. I have always went out of my way to read everything John had/has written. I loved the entire New Mexico Trilogy, his heartfelt essays on the American west, and several touching novels about all aspects of the human condition.

I knew that John had lived in Taos since the late 1960s and had not been in the best of health of late. Luck would have it that while my brother and I were taking a short stroll one evening before dinner we encountered the Brodsky Bookshop and it's thoughtful proprietor Rick Smith. A long and wonderful conversation about John ensued and he showed me many first editions that had me drooling. It turns out the John would be having a book signing at the bookshop the week after our trip. Too bad I would not be able to meet him in person. All was not lost as Rick made notes about why I was in town, how I came to enjoy John's work, and several other details about where I was from. I purchased a copy of John's new book On Top of Spoon Mountain and Rick promised a signed copy would appear in the mail. Right on time shortly after arriving home a package came in the mail. While most authors include a short inscription and a signature John wrote a thoughtful page length note that I will treasure. I was so moved by this gesture that I sent John a thank you letter with some fun fishing images from New Mexico. Yesterday I found a return letter in my mailbox. Amazing. I have always operated under the old saw "trust the art not the artist". Sometimes it is nice to be surprised by someone I consider to be an American treasure who deserves a readership as wide as the New Mexico blue sky. Please send as much good karma as possible John's way. He deserves it.

Need a wonderful heartfelt story about love and family with a great sense of place? On Top of Spoon Mountain is a great read. The story is about an aging novelist and avid naturalist named Jonathan trying to come to grips with physical limitations and lost opportunities. Semi-autobiographical? Maybe.
I also had the good fortune to obtain a signed copy of a really cool little fly fishing book titled Instinctive Fly Fishing by Taylor Streit. A New Mexico legend (and friend of John Nichols). I have mentioned how much I like the Taos Fly Shop in previous posts. Having a signed copy of this book made this trip both a literary and fishing success. If your looking for a down to earth book with great fly fishing advice? Taylor's is a great read.

Un Fuerte Abrazos Amigos!
Trout Buddha

PS - The Buddha's Brew Crew has fought all the way back to two games over .500 and find themselves 2.5 games back in the wild card fight. On to a 10 day road trip. Have faith, have hope, cheer for the Crew and Fear the Beer!

Memories of the San Juan

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 03:14:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -

Kicking back on a quiet Wisconsin evening watching my Brew Crew scratch their way back into the wild card chase. You just have to love the ups and downs of a baseball season. Left for dead in July and playing meaningful baseball in September. Love it! Faith and hope my friends; faith and hope.

I have been putting off posting my final trip entry from the Epic 50th trip because now, much like then, I really don't want it to end (even in my mind). The final leg of our summer trip took us to Navajo Dam, NM (as told by our guide Marcus: What do you call a pretty girl in Navajo Dam? Lost!). That is OK as a couple of old married guys we were only there for the fish and green chili (a theme?). My brother and I enjoyed a couple of nice meals with our Uncle Dan (who lives just down the road near Las Vegas de San Juan). Good meals at both Rubios and the Hiway Grill in Aztec.

We stayed at Fisheads San Juan River Lodge and booked a two night room with a float trip. The room was very nice and included wifi, flat screen tv, good beds, fly tying table, and very clean. Fisheads has a good restaurant (The Back Cast Cafe) and the breakfast and lunch menus were very good (I ordered Green Chili on everything of course). Didn't eat dinner there but the dinner menu maybe a shade overpriced (however if lunch and breakfast are any indication the food very good).

Our guide was Marcus Rubbo a nice young guy who worked hard all day long and gave us a great effort. We enjoyed his laid back approach. Tough fishing by San Juan standards but we still had lots of hook ups, and landed tons of fish. My brother Russ was on fire and had quite a day. It is an amazing tailwater, tons of fish, big fish, great scenery, and worth the trip. Fishing the San Juan is "friends with benefits" fishing; you know the odds of doing well are damn near 100%. Below are some photos from the tail end of the trip. Fat rainbows at every turn. A good way to finish the trip: tons of fish, great times with my brother, lots of good food, and wonderful memories.

Tight lines,
Trout Buddha

On to Colorado!

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 16:03:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -

The Trout Buddha's tales of "what I did on my summer vacation" continue with the Epic 50th Birthday Trip moving north to Antonito Colorado (Mogote really) to fish with the Conejos River Anglers. Now Conejos in Spanish means Rabbits - not to be confused with cojones which means; well never mind. Beautiful drive out of Taos across the bridge that spans the Rio Grande Gorge, thru Tres Piedras (translation: three stones), and north to Colorado. We booked a package deal with Conejos River Anglers (sleep, eat, fish package) and spent two days fishing with our guide Jasmine. Jon Harp runs a great shop and the Conejos River Valley is absolutely stunning! To be honest we were a bit worried when we were the last group sent out of the shop that day and they told us the private water we would be on was 1/2 a mile or so down the road alongside a private Elk Ranch. Not exactly what we had in mind; well things have a way of working out. We immediately go into some large fish and spent the entire day hooking several nice sized browns, rainbows, and cutbows. One brown was over 20 inches (a copy of which will be sent to the shop to be placed in the 20+ book!).

Our guide was great. Jasmine has a great disposition, very helpful, great advice, divided her time between the two of us very well, and had NONE of that attitude that guides can adopt after a long summer. She is the real deal. She told us her husband had recently opened a fly shop in Montrose and that she was continuing to guide the Conejos and making trips back and forth for this season. If you are in Colorado check in with Conejos River Anglers and - find out where Jasmine is guiding and book a trip. You will enjoy your time. In this economy every fly shop needs some love. If you are in Montrose check out: Potamoi Anglers (Potamoi was a Greek river god - I like this shop already).

On our second day on the Conejos we went to the canyon stretch of the river and hiked down in an area known as the Pinnacles. Beautiful section of the river. Full public access and despite being a Sunday we fished the river without seeing anyone. Pocket water, beautiful scenery, picking off fish in the riffles on dry flies. Too many caught to count! It was quite the day. In fact this trip was shaping up to one fabulous day after another. Oh well, enjoy the photos.

Tight lines,
Trout Buddha

PS - Great food to be had at Conejos River Ranch - try the BBQ platter or the steak and enchiladas!

The Epic 50th Birthday Fly Fishing Trip in Review

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:02:00 +0000

Hola Amigos:

How the Trout Buddha spent his summer vacation. My trip to northern New Mexico reached beyond just good green chili and actually included some fishing. Our second guided day took us to the the Rio Grand Gorge Wild Rivers Recreation Area and a hike to the lower Red River. The Red River has taken some hits over the years thanks to the mining industry. In fact isn't that what the M in BLM stands for? (Bureau of Livestock and Mining - no wait that is not it). My brother and I under the guidance of trusty Taos Fly Shop guide Ron hiked the popular Aguaje trail to the Red River. Not popular on this day as there were no other fly anglers in site. In fact, no hikers, no campers, no picnickers, nothing. Just us on a beautiful summer day on (and then below) the mesa. Lots of brown, rainbows, and cutbows. Wonderful small pocket water fishing. Good insect activity and abundant fish (mix of hatchery and some wild reproduction) seemed to indicate that maybe the Red is making a mild comeback. I had requested the shop provide me with two very different days. They obliged with two of the most beautiful days I have had on the water. Can't say enough about the Taos mesa.

Taos is a tough town that suffers from some of the problems associated with "tourist towns". Lots to draw in tourists, not much to help the economy of the majority of local people who are trapped in the service economy. I try to mange my guilt by eating local, staying a locally owned hotel, doing my best to tip well, and trying not to be a jerk. Taos will survive. I view it as the tough tattooed sibling of a fancier and well to do Santa Fe. Worth a visit and pack your fly rod.

Tight lines,
Trout Buddha

Some images from the Rio Grande Gorge and the Lower Red River

Rio Costilla and the Valle Vidal

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 03:35:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -

Day two of the Epic 50 Fly Fishing Trip brought our first day of angling. We decided to get started on the Rio Costilla in the Valle Vidal (Valley of Life) about 90 minutes from Taos. Oh my. Beautiful setting and the fastest, quick to hit the fly trout I have ever seen. Rio Grande Cutthrouts (the offical State fish of New Mexico) are the order of the day. The stream is well managed, wide open, and the setting is beautiful. A wonderful day that brough lots of fish (once you get the hang of the quick strike!). Ron our guide from the Taos Fly Shop was outstanding and the scenery is as good as anywhere in the west. Elk, big horn sheep, trout fishing, what could be better. This place is an absolute gem.

Enjoy the scenery. Next stop - the Rio Grand Gorge Wild Rivers Recreation Area and a hike to the lower Red River.

Celebrating the Big 50

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 03:11:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -

The Buddha has been digging out from under the mountain of work that was waiting for after returning from his epic 50th birthday celebration fly fishing trip. My brother and I had talked for years about taking a trip out west for some serious guided fly fishing. Well it took the half century mark to finally make it happen. It was, in a word, fabulous. It is rare that you can return from a trip and say "if I had to do it all over again" (every meal, every river, every guide, and every fish landed and lost) I would not hesitate. This trip should provide enough content to get me back on track here at Zen Trout; I think both the guys who read this blog must have missed me!

Where to begin? Day One (Wednesday): Caught a flight into Albuquerque and made our way north to Taos in the rental car (Kudos to Enterprise for the great deal). My first "New Mexico" moment came at a McDonalds where we stopped for some ice tea and water only to find green chili cheeseburgers on the menu. Should be required in the entire lower 48. After arriving in Taos we checked in at the Taos Fly Shop, home of Streit fly fishing guides, and confirmed our plans for two days of fishing and headed to the El Pueblo.

The Taos Fly Shop has a great vibe. We have all encountered a certain "attitude" that can be pervasive in the fly shops around the country and I am happy to say this one does not have it. Nick Streit was a great help and very laid back. I never understood why so many fly shop types treat their, wait what is that word, CUSTOMERS with such contempt. Anyway enough of that rant - the Taos Fly Shop is NOT that kind of place. The cool factor runs high (minus the 'tude). After confirming the fishing plans the most important mission of the night was to find legit New Mexican style stacked enchiladas. Yea! blue corn, chicken, and green chili nirvana (served with posole to boot!). The key locale is Orlando's. Oh my goodness. I knew it would be great because the fly shop guys, desk clerk, and gas station attendant ALL recommended the same place. If you are in the area - put it on the list. That put me just one good nights sleep away from some serious fishing.

Catch the next post. TB

Is the Buddha Back?

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 03:46:00 +0000

Well Amigos, It had been nine long months since my last post. I guess it took awhile to get over the last baseball season. Hell, we are half way through the current campaign and my Brew Crew has some challenges. Oh well, faith will give us faith and hope will give us hope (direct Bruce Springsteen rip off). This day finds me blogging at 30,000 feet heading my favorite of directions: west. I am off to the magical land of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. A 50th birthday celebration and fly fishing quest; for what? I do not know. I'll try to get some mojo back and share a bit of my trip. Is the Buddha back? We will see. Trout Buddha Cool stops: El Pueblo Lodge and Taos Fly Shop

Oh Well... Get Em Next Year

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -

Well my Brew Crew has fallen 4-2 in the NLCS to the St. Louis Cardinals (aka the Darth Vader of the National League). Great season for the Brewers needed a bit more pitching and a few more timely hits down the stretch. I can now turn my attention to some Steelhead and Salmon fishing. Maybe a fall Musky. Once again I will be living at the corner of faith and hope. Never gets old.

Tight lines,
Trout Buddha

Yes!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 03:38:00 +0000

Faith shall be rewarded....

On to the post-season!

Magic Numbers, Fall Skies, and Musky Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:03:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -

The autumnal equinox is upon us and my favorite baseball team sits with a magic number of 2! The Brew Crew is dangerously close to winning the the NL Central, securing close to 95 wins, and making the playoffs. A wonderful summer of excitement for a rapid fan like myself. I have waxed philosophical on these pages many times about the link between my baseball love and fly fishing. Both require enormous faith and hope. Both have a beautiful symmetry, require patience, and (in my mind) teach wonderful life lessons. Win or lose. Catch or get skunked. Use all your outs my friends and keep your fingers crossed for the Crew.

I dream of the following: spend an autumn day casting big flies for Musky and hustle home just in time to see the Brewers in the Fall Classic! Now that would be a dream come true! Win or lose.

Fear the Beer!
Watch your back cast and remember; it ain't over till its over!
Trout Buddha

Wisconsin River Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:52:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -
A new school year is upon us and the Buddha is BUSY! Some fish (including the always exotic gar fish my brother-in-law landed) from a recent late summer Wisconsin River outing. Nice to know that amble smallies are just down the street (25 minutes door to water). Float all day, work a sand bar, enjoy the eagles, laugh at the red bottomed skinny dippers (the only bird I can accurately ID!), and catch fish. What is not to love.

Watch your back cast!
Trout Buddha

Northwoods Vacation -vs- Fishing Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:16:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -

The Buddha recently enjoyed a great week in the northwoods with limited connectivity (not a bad thing) alas the fly rod was not particularly busy. Biking, paddling, hiking with the Mrs, and some slow fishing on our lake made for a lazy week. Yes I said "our" lake! paying rent one week a year makes it ours. Not a total fishless week, there was one beautiful 16" smallie that bent my 8/9 weight considerably! Always one fish to bring you back.

This was a vacation; a fishing trip is planned for the fall. Trust me, I plan to cast my arm off if needed chasing smallies, pike, and maybe the elusive MUSKY!

I will get you posted (both of my readers!)

TB

Trico and Hopper Time?

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:11:00 +0000

Hmm - Warm days and cool evenings. Sounds like it is Trico and Hopper time in the Driftless area! Check out this report from the Driftless Angler. Looks like the Buddha needs another road trip before school starts!

Watch your back cast!
Trout Buddha

Even More Reasons to Drink

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:53:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -

Obviously the heat, economy, and political disgust are enough to make us all reach for a cold one and try to forget. However, leave it to the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and the Western Rivers Conservancy to give a BETTER reason. Why not enjoy a cold Pale Ale and help some rivers in the process.

Saw this posted by Tom at the Trout Underground and thought I would pass it along to both of my readers.

Praying for late summer days of tricos and hoppers!

Watch your backcast,
Trout Buddha

And Its Oil...

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 02:45:00 +0000

Just saw this on Twitter from NY Times - Exxon spill on the Yellowstone River from ruptured line. Looks like Steve Forbert will need to add another verse to "The Oil Song".

"..don't buy it at the station
you can get it now for free.
Just come on down to the shoreline
where the water used to be" ~Steve Forbert

Hope for the best amigos,
TB

Mix and Match

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 02:44:00 +0000

A little of this and that from the Trout Buddha as I contemplate the heat warning on tap for tomorrow. Oh well...

A moving eulogy for The Big Man (see the post below) from the Boss. We should all have such friends in life - keep the faith.
Just stumbled upon the Recycled Fish site - very cool. The Buddha will take the pledge!
Thanks to Tom at Trout Underground I have been introduced to Trout Magee at The Catching Chronicles. A beautiful photo essay and blog post straight out of SW Wisconsin's Driftless area. The Buddha calls the Badger state home. Don't let these images fool you - the fishing stinks.
Zen Trout favorite artist Jeff Kennedy is at it again with a Best in Show prize during the recent Art on the Fox Festival. Always worth your time to check out Jeff's work.

Keep your tip up amigos!
Trout Buddha

Remembering the Big Man

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:05:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -

A sad weekend as we learned news of the passing of E Street Sax player Clarence "The Big Man" Clemons. The Trout Buddha is a long time Springsteen and E Street fan. It is always sad to see someone go who has brought so much joy to so many. This photo is from the Fin Chaser Charters archive (May 2007). Got to love it.

I have always thought that fly fishing was steeped in faith, hope, and a sense of community. These are the very themes that permeate the songs of the E Street Band. Somewhere in heaven the Big Man has indeed "joined the band". Rest easy.

TB

The Buddha's Back (Again)

noreply@blogger.com (Trout Buddha) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 02:41:00 +0000

Hola Amigos -

The Trout Buddha has survived the end of the semester, made it through an unexpected trip west to help with a family situation, and suffered (yes suffered) through an inordinate amount of craziness associated with the "day job" in the past couple of weeks. I hope to be posting with some regularity soon. Lots of fishing ahead, a hopeful MLB season rooting for the Brew Crew, and lots of days paddling on the water.

Some random thoughts, observations, and shout outs:

1) I have to give a shout out to the folks at This is Fly, their recent Best of Summer list is top notch.

2) Anyone out there fishing fiberglass? I have been thinking about fiberglass rods lately. They look great - lots of custom rod shops, a wide range of prices. Might need to give one a try soon. Cabela's has an interesting choice for around a C note. Lots of budget rods as well as many high end models like these from Gray Wolf. They say the soft action is a lot like bamboo. Might be fun on some small streams in the driftless area. Can you have enough rods? Hmm just add money and stir!

3) File this one under: I would rather they tie a parachute Adams. Saw this news story a few hours ago that the fashion industry is putting pressure on the sale of feathers normally used to tie flies. KARE 11 in Minneapolis report on the growing use of feathers tied in with hair extensions as part of a growing fashion trend. The famous Bob Mitchell Fly Shop is featured in the story. Hmm what will they think of next?

Tight lines amigos,
Trout Buddha