September 2010 Newsletter

If, as the saying goes, Spring has sprung, then Fall has fallen this month. Nights and mornings are chilly, while most d ayare still hitting the 80s and, on some days, even the 90s. Most rivers and lakes still have multiple mayfly and caddis hatches popping out, and tailwaters have lots of midges. Customers report excellent dry fly fishing, both locally and throughout the mountain West. Our staff's trips mirror this experience. We've fished Boulder Creek, the Big T, the Poudre, the usual RMNP streams (including some secret spots we can't divulge), the Yampa and the Frying Pan in the past month. What could be better than a sunny day, golden aspens, bugling elk and a fish at the end of the line? Forget the Rams and the Buffs and the Broncos and the Rox; they'll still be around a month from now. Fish are hungry today- go get 'em!

Chile
We are putting together a trip to Chile. The $2300 price tag (plus airfare- about $1200) is a real bargain. We'll have six nights and five days of fishing. Our home-away-from-home is the Andes Lodge in Northern Patagonia. This area of Chile is similar in climate to our part of Colorado. This low price includes single occupancy luxury rooms with private baths, gourmet meals and Chilean wines and beers. Walk and wade and float trips are available each day with experienced guides. Everthing about this trip is first class. Contact Mike or Dick for more information.

New Products Coming
September is the time we in the industry attend the Fly Fishing Retail Show to see our vendors' new offerings and to place orders for the following year. Truth to tell, there wasn't much new this year, but here's what caught our eye:

• Winston is replacing the now-venerable B-IIx rod with a new rod called (what else?) the B-IIIx. The new rod is a little faster than the B-IIx, but it still has that wonderful Winston action and feel. They have also added several other new rod designs that got us excited.
• Redington has been very aggressive in developing new offerings. They have redesigned and improved an already excellent wader and boot line, and have also expanded their rod, reel and clothing lines.
• Rio has introduced some new lines at mid-range prices to their already broad assortment of lines for every fishing condition.
• Sage showed 4-piece versions of the (currently 3-piece) TXL rods. These are nice light, lovely casting rods ideal for small waters like you find in RMNP. Their new Xi3 saltwater stick replaces the Xi, using new componentry and fittings for an even more exciting rod. Sage also has some cool new reels coming.
• Simms has redesigned several of its boots, and is applying the Boa steel cable lacing system to one model. All Simms boots now come with StreamTread rubber soles.
• Korkers has redesigned its interchangeable sole system; we were so impressed we signed up to be a Korkers dealer as of January. All Korkers boots come with the Boa steel lacing system, and include a rubber and a felt sole, or a rubber and a studded rubber sole. They also showed an interesting new type of open mesh felt sole that we are eager to try. We'll have the full line of Korkers.

Guided Trips
Don't miss out- it's not to late- there's plenty of good fishing ahead. Whether you're interested in local waters or something further afield like the San Juan, the Reef or the Big Horn, we can help you plan the trip you'd like to take. With our extended network of contacts, we can put you in touch with guides around the world. A guided trip makes a great gift. The Laughing Grizzly will also continue to put together trips to destinations like Patagonia and Alaska. Stay tuned for more information. .

Saturday Tying Clinics
Saturday Tying  Clinics will begin on October 16 and will be held every Saturday morning through mid April 2011. We're lining up another great group of tyers, the top pros like Rick Takahashi, Charlie Craven and Pat Dorsey, the best local tyers, and our shop staff. We'll have coffee and donuts as usual. We'll kick off the season this year with Marty Staab. Those of you who have seen Marty tie can vouch for his creativity and the attractiveness of his flies. Be sure to be here on October 16 and watch Judge Staab wow you with his terrestrial patterns.

Fly Tying Classes
We can tell you from our own experience that there are few more exciting events in fly fishing than catching a fish on a fly you tied yourself. A beginning 2-3 hour class is just $65, 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
Wright and McGill Product Prices Slashed
Mike is in Alaska trying to catch a salmon or two, so what he doesn't know won't hurt him. We need to make room for new merchandise that will be arriving soon, so we've reduced the prices on all WM merchandise by 25%- that's right, 1/4 off! We have some fine rods, reels, tools and supplies available at great prices. Rods include regular 4-pc graphites, originally $219.99, now $165, and sweet 5-pc graphite/boron composites, regular price $299.99, now $225! Rod weights include 2-, 3-, 4- and 5 weights. If you're looking for a nice rod at a budget price, stop in before they're gone. In addition to rods and reels, prices are also reduced on shot refills, nipper/nail knot tools, pocket knives and more.

Tying Materials
Chickabou- We've received a small shipment of Brahma Hen Backs with Chickabou. They won't last long, as this is the stuff you need for the Tabou Caddis Emerger.

Antron Sparkle Dubbing- This is a soft Antron, easy to dub. Great for shaggy nymphs or delicate dries; in 40 colors for every possible fly pattern.

Beaver Dubbing- When we started tying 30 years ago, beaver was THE material for dry flies, Its natural oils and fine texture make for high-floating dries. Available in 18 colors appropriate to mayflies, caddis and stoneflies.

Senyo's Laser Dub- Kinda sorta like a soft Ice Dub, but not quite. It is a mixture of sparkle and other fibers. A very versatile product then can be used for all types of flies. Twelve colors.

Books
Pat Dorsey has followed up his excellent Fly Fishing tailwaters with Tying and Fishing Tailwater Flies. The book contains 24 great tailwater fly patterns with detailed instructions on how to tie them, rig them and fish them. Pat is a master of the tailwater art, and this is a great follow on to last year's volume. $39.95