Join Me This Season

Earlier this week I completed a journey that began with one of those white knuckle blowing snow limited to no visibility drives.  The kind of trip that starts safe and sound.   But when you are almost in the exact geographical center between home and your destination Mother Nature batters you with a vengeance.  While focusing on the task at hand, driving, and making sure that the taillights I am following aren’t disappearing to some off road, in the ditch, destination thoughts of being somewhere else such as on the water crossed my mind often.

Can you say fun drive!

I enjoying providing stillwater workshops and seminars across North America including many of the ‘on the water’ variety.  Each year around Christmas I post the seminars and workshops I am aware of up on my website calendar.  In the past I have had people express disappointment that they weren’t aware of my seminars or just forgot to check back on my calendar.  In order to alleviate any missed opportunties here are the workshops and seminars in chronological order I have planned for 2012.

Made it to my first destination

I have included a brief description of each seminar, pricing, dates etc.  In addition, I have provided links to specific websites or informational documentation for each course.  If any one of these seminars or workshops is of interest please let me know right away as many of them feature small class sizes for maximum interaction and learning.  If you check my calendar you will see that a number of workshops and seminars have already sold out.

Stillwater Secrets and Beyond Seminar, Ottawa Ontario, March 17-18, 2012-This is a two day seminar consisting of a full day seminar on Saturday including a variety of stillwater techniques, hands on knot tying and Euro nymphing.  Sunday features a hands on fly tying seminar with all materials provided less basic tying tools and some spooled products such as thread, Mylar and wire.  Costs are $50/day or $90 for both days.  There are still a few spots available, please send me and email to book your spot.

Conquering Chironomids Weekend Seminar, Robinson’s Sporting Goods, Victoria, B.C, March 31-April 1, 2012.-This comprehensive 2-day seminar covers both tactical stillwater chironomid presentation techniques and hands on fly tying.  The presentation techniques seminar takes place on Saturday, hands on fly tying Sunday.  All tying materials less basic tying tools and spooled products such as thread Mylar and wire are included.  Costs are $40/day or $75 for both days.  To book a spot please contact Robinson’s Sporting Goods, 1-888-317-0033.

BC Outdoors Sports Fishing Learning with the Pros Seminar and Workshop with Brian Chan, Kelowna B.C., April 28-29, 2012.-The Learning with the Pros seminar format has been a popular choice for many.  Good friend and colleague Brian Chan and I will be providing a one day techniques seminar followed by an all-day hands on tying seminar.  The tying seminar includes all materials less basic tying tools and spooled products such as Mylar, thread and wire.  Costs are $100/day or $180 for both days.  To book a spot please contact Kim Crawford at B.C. Outdoors Magazine, 604-464-1876 or via email.

Spectacular food and accomodation along with access to a number of private lakes awaits those who visit Falcon's Ledge

Stillwater Fly Fishing School, Falcon's Ledge, Altamont, Utah, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 18-20, 2012-This the second season I have offered an on the water stillwater fly fishing school at the luxurious Orvis Endorsed Falcon’s Ledge.  We have access to private waters teaming with rainbows, browns and tiger trout.  This particular seminar will have a definite chironomid, mayfly and damselfly focus.  Class size is limited to 12 students only.  To book a spot please call Falcon’s Ledge at 877-879-3737.  Seminar price includes all food accommodation, class room and on the water instruction.

Conquering Chironomids Fly Fishing School, Fortress Lake Wilderness Retreat, Fortress Lake, B.C., June 18-June 22, 2012-This weeklong school takes place on one of most spectacular stillwater venues in North America chasing trophy brook trout using a variety of chironomid techniques.  At this time of the year the chironomid hatch on Fortress should be in full swing.  Emerging adults blanket the water like snowflakes.  Fortress Lake provides a rare opportunity to hone a variety of floating and sinking line techniques.  Costs for fly in are $2895 and includes flights from Hinton, AB, food, accommodation, classroom and on the water instruction.  A hike in option priced at $1875 is also available.   To book a spot please contact Fortress Lake Retreat at 403 346 1698 or email.

Henry's Lake Cutthroat

Idaho Stillwater School, Island Park Lodge, Idaho, July 13-14, 2012-The Island Park region offers some outstanding stillwater opportunities.  This comprehensive stillwater school includes one full day on Sheridan Lake.  Sheridan is a private lake trophy lake.  I have personally taken rainbows to 9 pounds.  We will also spend time on legendary Henry’s Lake and Island Park Reservoir.  The school is a blend of both class room and on the water instruction.  At this time of the year, chironomids, mayflies and damselflies should be in full swing.  Costs are $595 and include access to Sheridan Lake.  Accommodation and food is extra.  Class size is limited to 10 sudents only.  To book a spot please contact Lynn Scott at BS Flies via email or call (208) 390-2177.

There are few places as scenic as Fortress Lake

Fortress Lake Sight Fishing School, Fortress Lake Wilderness Retreat, Fortress Lake, B.C., Monday through Friday, August 27-31, 2012-during the late summer Fortress Lake is crystal clear providing some unbelievable sight fishing opportunities.  Watching a trophy brook trout rush and engulf your streamer or delicately rise to a dry fly is heart stopping.  Through both classroom and on the water instruction students will learn a variety of skills such as how to spot and approach fish along with equipment considerations for sight fishing.  This type of fly fishing is addictive so be warned.  Costs for fly in are $2895 and includes flights from Hinton, AB, food, accommodation, classroom and on the water instruction.  A hike in option priced at $1875 is also available.   To book a spot please contact Fortress Lake Retreat at 403 346 1698 or email.

Prowling the Parklands Weekend Stillwater Seminar and Hosted Trip, Russell, Manitoba Region, September 13-17 2012 (three full days on the water) and September 17-23, 2012(five full days on the water)-The southwest corner of Manitoba offers arguably the best stillwater fly fishing in North America.  These rich productive lakes are home to large often huge rainbows, browns and tiger trout.  At this time of the year trout will be gorging on leeches, scuds, water boatman, backswimmers and vast quantities of forage fish.    The three day trip costs $695/person, 5 day trip costs $1150/person and includes accommodation, food, seminars, and one on time with me on the water.  My June trips booked before I had a chance to advertise and fall is already starting to book.  These are popular trips.  To book a spot please contact me via email.

Hopefully you might be able to fit one of my seminars or workshops into your open water schedule.  If you need any further information at all please do not hesitate to contact me via email.

2012 Western Idaho Fly Fishing Expo

January continues to fly by.  This past weekend found me at the Western Idaho Fly Fishing Expo.  What a great show.  Show Coordinator Eric Moncada and his team from the Boise Valley Fly Fishers are to be applauded for a job well done.  They were fantastic hosts. I am looking forward to returning in 2013.

Yes I now have to wear glasses when I tie!-Photo Courtesy of Erik Moncada

While at the expo I provided some of my more popular presentations including 10 Habits for Stillwater Success, Approaching a New Lake and My Favorite Western Canadian Stillwaters.  I even ventured up onto the casting pool and provided a Stillwater Presentation seminar with a particular focus on floating line techniques and retrieves.

10 Habits for Stillwater Success-Photo Courtesy of Eric Moncada

All of my seminars were well attended and I enjoyed talking to so many people.  Just about everyone I spoke to have an enthusiasm for stillwaters.  I also provided an hour and half fly tying session tying some of my favorite stillwater patterns featured in my books and DVD’s.  My Clearwater Pupa proved popular.  I really enjoy tying these realistic epoxy style chironomid pupa patterns that are so popular in Europe and England in particular.  I also featured my version of the Black and Red Ice Cream Cone, Herl May, Pearly Damsel and Foam Creeper from my latest book, Stillwater Selections.  This pattern is also featured on the Learning with the Pros-Stillwater Fly Tying Volume #1 DVD.

Foam Creeper

Hook:          Mustad C49S #6-#8
Thread:        6/0, Olive
Body:          Furry Foam Body, Tan/Olive
Wingcase:    Stillwater Solutions ¼”Midge Flex, Olive
Legs:           Stillwater Solutions Midge Stretch Floss, Olive or Light Olive
Thorax:       Stillwater Solutions Soft Blend Dubbing, Olive or Dark Olive Green
Head:         3MM Tan sheet foam, use permanent marker to create eyes and mottle as necessary to match natural nymphs

Tying Note:  You can make your own foam bodies by gluing Furry Foam to 3MM sheet foam using 3M's Super 77 adhesive.  Use a River Road Creations Cherobyl foam cutter (tapered) to cut our the body.

I had hoped to spend some time on the water with my good friend Pete Erickson but unfortunately temperatures were below zero.  The brisk wind further compounded things.  We opted for football and catching up.

Jeff Currier (Left) and Pete Erickson (Right) enjoying a relaxing dring and great Mexican food

For those of you who don’t know Pete is an excellent fly fisher with a particular talent for Euro Nymphing.  Each time I come to Boise I enjoy getting on the water with Pete and honing my contact nymphing skills.  Pete provided his always popular Contact Nymphing presentation.  The theatre was packed, standing room only.  If you haven’t tried this nymphing method I strongly recommend it.  Once mastered the results are nothing short of incredible.

I was first introduced to the method in Durango, Colorado when I was providing stillwater instruction to the U.S. Fly Fishing team.  I watched a good indicator fly fisher work his way through a run taking a half dozen fish in the process, pretty good results in my opinion.  My opinion was shattered when another teammate went through the run behind him using the Polish nymphing technique.  I can’t recall the exact number but it was almost triple that of the indicator angler.  I knew right there I had to learn the method.  The original nymphing techniques that Vladi Tzebunia stunned the world with at the 1989 World Fly Fishing Championships have evolved into the one of the most popular nymphing methods today.  It was also at this event where I first met Pete.  In addition to his Euro Nymphing skills Pete has a particular appetite for stillwaters.  Loch style techniques in particular.  I can’t imagine why we became friends?

I am already looking forward to returning to the Boise area again this year for some focused chironomid seminars including hands on leader and tying sessions.   You will also have a chance to spend time with Pete to learn more about his Contact Nymphing methods.  Class size will be small to provide maximum learning and interaction.  Pete and I are working out the details and we hope to be making an announcement shortly. If you are interested in attending one of these sessions please let me know.  We are also hoping to add a few other session subjects too with other presenters.

I am busy preparing for the Northern Lights Fly Tyers Trout Unlimited Edmonton seminar this weekend in my home town of Edmonton at the downtown campus of Grant McKewan University.  Jack Dennis will be my partner in crime for this fun educational event.  If you are in the Edmonton area and are looking to escape winters icy grip why not drop in and check things out. Tickets, at $65.00 for two days and $40.00 for single days, are on sale at club meetings or via e-mail. Tickets should also be available at the door.

After my weekend seminar I am off a few days later for the Somerset Fly Fishing Show.  I will be there manning one of The New Fly Fisher booths answering questions, both about our show and the great destinations we get to visit.  Hopefully some of you will be able to drop by.

New Additions to Fly Craft Store!

As probably most of you are aware, this past year I updated my website.   It was time for some changes and a facelift.   Based upon the number of requests I had received for my books, DVD’s and Quick Release Indicators a component of this facelift included a Store page.  My Store page seems to be a positive addition as indicated by the positive feedback it has received.

Plans are in the works to add a variety of other products to this page so stay tuned.

The first step in my planned expansion is the addition of my latest book, Stillwater Selections and DVD, Learning with the Pros-Tying Stillwater Flies Volume I.  As with the book, Stillwater Solutions Recipes my latest DVD is a joint venture with good friend Brian Chan.  Both of these items are now available via my site both individually and as a combo.  The combo packages offer a savings of over 10% as compared to the individual prices of each item within the combo package.  You can watch a short ‘teaser’ of the Learning with the Pros DVD below.

I have also added combo packages for my first book Fly Patterns for Stillwaters and DVD Tying Fly Patterns for Stillwaters along with my second book Stillwater Solutions Recipes-Volume I and DVD Tying and Fishing Stillwater Flies.  Each DVD contains in part many of the patterns featured in each of the books they are partnered with.

Please visit my on line store for more information on both my new book and DVD along with my previous titles.