Winter 2011 Newsletter
Thank you for a wonderful 2011. If it weren't for you, our loyal customers, we wouldn't be here. We understand that our success depends on meeting your needs, and we'll strive to continue to bring you the best in products and service in 2012. We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season.
Saturday Tying Clinics
Saturday morning clinics are sailing along with good attendance. The schedule from now through April is set, with some terrific tyers including Charlie Craven, Pat Dorsey, Austin Clayton and many more. Check the schedule here.
Kids Learn to Fly Fish Program
The Laughing Grizzly and the St Vrain Anglers Chapter of Trout Unlimited will once again sponsor the FREE Kids Learn to Fly Fish program for kids 8-13 years of age as of February 1, 2012. The program teaches entomology, fly tying, habitat conservation, challenges to local waters, trout species and, of course, fly casting and fishing. The class will meet this year on the following dates (followed by subject matter):
- Session 1: 2/25/12 Intro/Entomology/Fly Tying
- Session 2: 3/10/12 Entomology/Fly Tying
- Session 3: 3/24/12 Entomology/Fly Tying
- Session 4: 4/7/12 Habitat Conservation/Trout and related species
- Session 5: 4/21/12 Insect Hunt/Stream Characteristics
- Session 6: 5/5/12 Casting and Fishing
All class sessions are from 8:00 am-Noon. Meeting place(s) TBA. Because of the demand for this program, participants must commit to attend at least five of the six sessions; attendance at the first session is mandatory. A parent or guardian is STRONGLY encouraged to attend with his/her child. The class is limited to 10 participating kids. You can pick up an application at the Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop or we can e-mail an application to you. Email us at laughing.grizzly@gmail.com to request an application. Applications must be submitted no later than 2/10/12. If you have any questions about the program, contact Dick Shinton at the email address above.
Winter Fishing
It's a familiar story, but winter fishing can be successful and rewarding in tailwaters around the state. Among the best of the tailwaters are the Frying Pan below Reudi Dam, the Taylor below Taylor Park Reservoir, the Yampa below Stagecoach Reservoir (walk-in or snowmobile access only until April 1), the Arkansas below Pueblo Reservoir, the South Platte below 11 Mile Reservoir, below spinney mountain Reservoir (the Dream Stream), Cheesman Canyon and at Deckers, the Blue below Dillon Dam, and locally, the St Vrain below Buttonrock Dam and the Big Thompson below Olympus Dam in Estes Park. Fishing any of these locations generally demands similar flies, tackle, gear and tactics+
Bugs and Flies- Generally, only midges are active this time of year. On warmer, sunnier days, you'll often see midges hatching with trout pursuing the emerging pupae just under the surface, or eating adults on the surface. There are few things more exciting than hooking a 16" rainbow on a size 26 para Adams or Griffith's Gnat. Most of the time, however, try a small black, olive or red midge larva or pupa in sizes 20-24 dead drifted through the deepest runs and pools trailing behind a size 18-22 pheasant tail nymph. Use enough weight to get your flies down. In shallow water (like the Blue below Dillon Dam), don't bother with an indicator- dead drift your flies on a tight line, much like Czech nymphing- you'll feel the takes.
Tackle- Your regular 3-, 4- or 5-weight rig will work in the winter, too. It is just about mandatory to use 6- or 7X fluorocarbon tippet. It does make a difference. Don't forget the Stanley's Ice-Off paste for the guides and line. Paste fly floatant or lip balm (eg, Chap-Stick) can work in a pinch. Every winter we see rods broken because the line has frozen in the guides; the fish's strike and your hook set can put enough stress on the rod to snap it.
Gear-Layering is the way to go. Wear a breathable base layer of polypro or fleece with appropriate intermediate and outer layers that fend off the wind and precipitation. You generally don't need a lot of extra socks; most tailwaters are bottom release, so the water is relatively warm- about the same temperature it is in the summer. Too many pairs of socks can constrict your feet. If you can't wiggle your toes, you'll probably get cold feet. Half finger gloves or flip-over mittens can keep your fingers toasty. Carry an extra pair in case your first pair gets wet. I (Dick) got a severe cold injury to two fingers of my left hand a couple of years ago on the Frying Pan. Not only was it intenseley painful at the time, those two fingers have continued to be very sensitive to cold temperatures, a painful reminder of that day. Wear a hat with ear flaps, or something else to keep your ears warm.
We have all the gear you need here at the Laughing Grizzly. Here are some suggestions:
Flies: Black Poison Tung, Deep Blue Poison Tung, Red or Black Zebra Midge, Bling/Improved Bling, Rainbow Warrior, San Juan Worm (pink/purple/red), Chamois Leech. Eggs (orange/chartreuse), Parachute Adams, Griffith's Gnat.
Rods: Winston BIIIX, Sage One, Sage Vantage, Sage Flight, Sage 99
Reels: Ross Evolution, Sage 4250, Lamson Velocity or Litespeed, Lamson Konic.
Lines: Rio Grand, Gold or Nymph.
Leader: Rio or Umpqua Mono, 7-1/2 or 9 ft (3 Paks save about $2.00)
Tippet: Rio, Umpqua or rog Hair fluorocarbon 6- or 7X
Base Layer: Simms Waderwick, Redington Redi-Layer, Redington Fleece
Intermediate Layer: Simms Waderwick Fleece, Redington Slough Creek Fleece
Outer: Simms Guide or G3 Guide Jacket, Redington Stratus II Jacket
Gloves: Simms Windstopper or Freestone, Glacier Half Finger gloves or Flip Over mittens
Hat: Glacier Beanie or Ball Cap with ear flaps.
Fly Tying Classes
We can tell you from our own experience that there are few more exciting things in fly fishing than catching a fish on a fly you tied yourself. A beginning 2-3 hour class is just $75, and we supply the tools and materials. You also receive a 10% discount on your initial tool and materials purchase. Classes are one-on-one (unless you get a group together), and teach you to tie five fish-catching bugs. The five patterns cover a variety of basic techniques and materials that will allow you to tie many more patterns.
In the Shop
Umpqua Hooks- Umpqua has introduced their own line of hooks to complement their Tiemco line at a budget price. All popular styles are available$. In packages of 50 from $5.75
Laughing Grizzly Fly Boxes- Waterproof 2-sided clear boxes in four popular sizes from midge to streamer. Get 'em while they're available, as these boxes always sell out quickly. $12.99-$16.99
Redington Kispiox Hoodie- Water resistant, windproof stretch fabric hoodie. Great for winter layering, or spring and fall weather on its own. $99.95
Simms Rivershed Crew- Sweater-like knit on the outside, Polartec inside. Nice enough for dress-up.
Redi-Layer Under-Wader Wear- Great for winter weather on the water. Anti-microbial, fast wicking. Tops $49.95, Bottoms $39.95
Sage One Rods- Sage’s newest rod, the One is one sweet casting rod. It is made with a new process that incorporates a unique “sweet spot” that improves every cast. $715-740 in 3-10 wts.
Montana Fly Company Ipad Covers- Wow! Great fishy artwork to enhance your Ipad. $59.95
Buffs- New designs, including pheasant. Very cool! $22.99
Crazy Legs- Cool new two-tone colors for your streamers, hoppers and other new patterns. $1.95
That's it for this time. See you in the shop or on the water.
The Laughing Grizzly Staff