You Never Stop Learning

One of my primary attractions towards fly fishing and tying is the fact that you are constantly on a voyage of learning and discovery.  It is such an ingrained philosophy that it is the basis of my website slogan, “Because you never stop learning.”

Silvia Releases a stunning rainbow.

My recent trip to Manitoba was a prime example.  As most of you probably know, I have been running hosted educational trips to the Parklands region of S.W. Manitoba for the past four and a half years.  Students from all over North America join me to experience some of the spectacular stillwater fly fishing this region offers and to, perhaps most importantly, improve their stillwater fly fishing skills.  My students are not the only ones learning, with each trip or day on the water I learn something too. 

Ron Enjoying his Parklands Experience

Joining me on my fall trip was Jerry McBride from Spokane Washington.  Jerry is a member of the Inland Empire Fly Fishing club and originator of balanced flies.  Jerry’s balanced fly philosophy has had a significant impact on my stillwater tying.  I was looking forward to seeing Jerry once again and in particular spending time on the water with him.  Over the past few years Jerry and I have communicated back and forth regarding balanced flies but I have never had the good fortune of watching him tie of his signature flies.

A typical Parklands rainbow

During the middle of our one week excursion Mother Nature showed her maniacal side as strong 60 km/h plus (40 mph) winds buffeted the region for the day.  Winds so strong our cabins shuddered and creaked throughout the day.  The winds showed no sign of abating. Everyone unanimously agreed, staying off the water was the only sane course of action.

Parkland browns are fat and healthy

To pass our ‘cabin day’ I provided a couple of seminars, fellow Inland Empire club member Leon Buckles provided two entertaining presentations he had on hand.  Hawaiian bonefish and the cutthroat slam are now on my bucket list.  Actually it should be a barrel list with the amount of stuff I have been putting in it of late! 

I watch as Jerry demonstrates-Photo Courtesy of Bob Vanderwater

In addition to Leon’s presentations Jerry agreed to provide a tying demonstration featuring a couple of balanced leeches and his devastating Bionic Worm.  I sat close by Jerry watching him tie.  Although I had been tying balanced flies for a number of years now, Jerry demonstration proved a welcome refresher and provided some tips that I have now added to my balanced fly tying repertoire.

Here is what I noticed and learned from watching Jerry tie;

• Most of my balanced flies, leeches in particular, use 7/64^” diameter tungsten beads.  Jerry likes to use much larger beads up to 5/32” on some of his leeches.  Tied on these sizes the leeches looked balanced and proportioned.  Going forward I will make use of larger beads as they sink much quicker especially in windy conditions when circulation currents might slow down the sink rate of the fly.
• After years of tying chironomids my instinctive method of sliding the beads onto the pin was narrow end first.  Jerry slides his beads onto the pin large end first when using tapered beads.  The pin head disappears flush into the bead.  This also requires less thread to lock the bead tight against the pin head as the narrow end of the bead is closer to the pin diameter.
• I am a fan of up eye jig hooks, especially the Mustad32833BLN in sizes #10 or #8.  Jerry prefers to use standard shank down eye hooks feeling the wire is stronger and better suited to the rigors of battling large trout.  His current favorite is a 4X heavy wire Mustad R90. 
• Prior to discovering up eye jig hooks I used down eye hooks all the time.  The challenge is remembering not to obscure the hook eye with the body materials so you can tie the fly on.  Jerry adjusts how he forms the body to ensure the hook eye is clear.  When using materials such as Crystal Chenille he pushes and compresses the material to keep the hook eye clear.  Standard shank hooks are ideal for tying smaller balanced flies such as scuds as up eye jig hooks are tough to find smaller than size 10.
• Jerry uses leeches tied using the small secondary aftershaft or filoplume feathers on a pheasant rump feather.  Once wet, these feathers spring to life providing a seductive action trout find hard to resist.  For years I used aftershaft based patterns, primarily damsel and dragon nymphs along with leeches.  Time to dust of those materials and get them into the game more often.

Jerry's balanced flies

The learning opportunity our cabin day provided proved to be one of the highlights of my trip.  Proving once again, you never stop learning.

Jerry and I enjoying time on the water-Photo Courtesy of Scott Fink

If you are interested in joining me in 2013 for one of my on the water educational stillwater seminar trips in Manitoba please let me know.  We are just finalizing our 2013 dates but it looks like we will have a weekend trip during the first week of June followed by two back to back week long trips.  We will also be offering a week long fall trip.  These trips book in the blink of an eye so send me an email right away and I can get the pricing and seminar information to you.

Join me in the Parklands in 2013

Here is a small informational video clip we put together that provides some additional information too.

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.