2010 Show Season is in Full Swing

I just returned from the Fly Fishing Events show at the Spruce Meadows complex in Calgary.  I had the chance to talk to many people who attended, not only the show but in my presentations, tying demonstrations and workshops.  I spent most of my time when I wasn't presenting at the BC Outdoors booth signing copies of my latest book Stillwater Solutions.  Thanks to all of you who braved the elements and dropped by as well for your kind words regarding the book.  By all reports the book has been well received. 

This past weekend also saw the release of BC Outdoors Learning With the Pros-Tying and Fishing Stillwater Flies-Volume 1 DVD featuring myself and good friend Brian Chan.  Our latest DVD features 12 new stillwater patterns along with our favorite presentation techniques for each fly.  The six flies I featured come directly from my latest book.  You can contact BC Outdoors at 1-888-898-8811 to order your copy.

Prior to the Fly Fishing Events show I had the pleasure of speaking to the Santiam Fly Casters in Salem Oregon.  It was nice to get out of the cold for a few days.  The Santiam Fly Casters were the first club to see my latest presentation, Advanced Chironomid Techniques.  I also provided a short on camera tying demonstration featuring some of my favorite chironomid patterns right after my presentation.  If your club or group would like me to speak to them please contact me via email at flycraft@shaw.ca.

This coming weekend sees me in Red Deer, Alberta providing an all day tying seminar featuring a cross section of patterns from the Stillwater Selections book.  By all accounts it is going to be a full house with over 25 people scheduled to attend.

For more information on my 2010 show season and speaking events please visit my Calendar section on my website.  New dates continue to be added.

Goodbye to a Trusted Companion

Well 2010 has thrown its first challenge my way.  Last weekend my family headed to Saskatoon for a soccer tourney.  Besides my passion for fly fishing I also have one for soccer and help coach my eldest son's rep team.  We placed our beloved golden retriever Bailey in the kennel as we have done in the past.  On Saturday afternoon we received the news that she had passed away suddenly from an apparent heart attack.  Although she was 10 years old her passing came as a complete shock and utter surprise.

At first we were somewhat stunned by the news but when we arrived home the reality of our loss set in.  It has been a challenging week.  Our house seems empty.  Those of you who have or have had a dog know they have a way of weaving themselves into the fabric of the family.  She was a fantastic companion and will be sorely missed.  The bow of my boat won't be the same without her.

On a brighter note, my show season getting into full swing.  Next weekend sees me in Calgary presenting at the 2010 Fly Fishing Events show.  I will be putting on two workshops one of which is a fly tying session featuring patterns from my latest book, Stillwater Selections.  All thought they are almost full I believe space is still available for both workshops.  For more information please visit the Fly Fishing Events website.  If you can't make a workshop please drop by the show if you are in the neighborhood there is still lots to see and do.  I will be providing a series of seminars and fly tying demonstrations.  copies of my new book and DVD will also be available for sale at the BC Outdoors Sports Fishing booth.

Shows, Calendars and Trips

I thought I would take a break from writing and prepping for my upcoming shows and presentations in January.  Kind of ironic taking a break from writing by writing something in my blog?

My new book Stillwater Selections, as you are probably aware is out and feedback has been quite positive.  Some are wondering if it will be available in stores.  Presently it is only available directly from the publisher, BC Outdoors Sports Fishing magazine.  My latest instructional DVD should be ready for sale with a few weeks.  It is entitled, BC Outdoors Learning with the Pros Stillwater Fly Tying Volume 1 and features both myself and good friend Brian Chan.  As with my book it will only be available through the producer, BC Outdoors Sports Fishing magazine.  Booth the book and DVD will be available for sale at the Fly Fishing Events show in Calgary, January 22-24, 2010 and the Fraser Valley Boat and Outdoor Show, March 5-7, 2010.  Both Brian and I will be presenting at both shows so please drop by if you can.

For those of you like me who finally realize the year has changed when your calendar no longer makes sense there is a fly fishing solution.  Why not pickup a 2010 Canadian Fly Fishing Art Calendar?  These unique and beautiful calendars feature a series of of fly prints from original watercolors by Larry Stefanyk.  To order a copy please visit the Island Fisherman Finder website. 

 I have also added step-by-step instructions and images for two fly patterns on my site, the Draggin and Water Floatman. 

On a final note, I will be hosting a stillwater fly fishing seminar this year at Fortress Lake Retreat from June 18-21, 2010.  If you have ever wanted to catch trophy brook trout in an absolutely spectacular setting then this seminar is for you!  I kid you not, it is like fishing in a postcard!  The flight in is well worth the price of admission, lots of Kodak moments on this trip.

This comprehensive seminar will cover a wide range of subjects with a particular emphasis on chironomid techniques.  We will of course provide you with ample chances to shank hands with trophy brook trout in excess of seven pounds!  We are just finalizing the details so please keep an eye out for additional information including costs in the not too distant future.

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable New Year's celebrations and didn't over indulge too much!  Mine was pretty tame, watching a fantastic world junior hockey game and a DVD.  I am definitely showing a preference for quiet relaxed New Year's celebrations, they are just the ticket!

January tends to be a quiet time for most fly fishers.  It does however mark the beginning of the 2010 outdoor show season.  Here in frigid Edmonton, it was a high of -17C today, the Northern Lights Fly Tyers-Trout Unlimited Edmonton holds their annual educational seminar weekend in January.  This dynamic club has a distinguished history of attracting some of the biggest names in fly fishing.  Last year it was Dave Whitlock.  2010 sees Gary Borger and Mike Lawson providing a comprehensive 2-day seminar that includes 12 1-hour sessions covering a wide variety of subjects.  If you can be in Edmonton for the weekend of January 16-17 I strongly recommend you make the time attend this seminar.  For more information you can visit the What's New section of my website or the Northern Lights Fly Tyers-Trout Unlimited Edmonton site.

My first show of the season sees me in Spruce Meadows Calgary, Alberta presenting at the Fly Fishing Events show on January 22-24 .  I will be providing a variety of fly tying sessions, PowerPoint seminars and two workshops.  This show also marks the first public release of my new book Stillwater Selections.  For those of you dropping by this great show you can pick up a copy and if you wish I would be happy to autograph it for you.  My latest instructional DVD with good friend Brian Chan will also be ready for release at the Fly Fishing Events show. Brian will also be presenting.

When I am not presenting you should be able to track me down at either the Fly Fusion or BC Outdoors Sports Fishing booths.

For more information regarding this show please visit the Fly Fishing Events website.  I hope to see you there!