February 2011 Newsletter
Groundhog Day, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and Presidents Day highlight the month of February, but it's probably best known for Valentines Day, and that brings to mind an old bit of doggerel:
Love is a series of darlings and dearies,
of honeys and sweeties and sugared entreaties.
of billings and cooings and cooings and billings,
all tempered, of course, by occasional killings.
But seriously, February brings heightened expectations of warmer weather and more fishing options, and Punxsutawney Phil confirmed it this week with his prediction of an early spring. Nonetheless, we have heard reports of good winter fishing at a variety of locations including Eleven Mile Canyon, the Gray Reef, the Miracle Mile, and, closer to home, the Big Thompson and the St Vrain on the Buttonrock Preserve. Those who haven't fished much this winter have been tying up a storm in anticipation of spring, and trips as diverse as the Bahamas, Chile and Alaska. Whatever you're doing this winter, enjoy, and be sure to stop by the Laughing Grizzly for all your fishing and tying needs, and advice on where to go.
Trips
Chile Ole'
We have a couple of openings the week of March 24-31 for a fabulous trip of a lifetime to northern Patagonia. This cost of this trip is only $2300- a considerable saving from the regular price. Check out the details here.
Let's go to Rocky Mountain National Park!
The Laughing Grizzly is organizing two RMNP camping trips this summer. Dates are July 15-18 and July 22-25. You'll hike into a backcountry camp site where the fishing is likely to be above average, and the scenery is gauranteed to be. These trips will be hosted by Mike Kruise, Scott Bley, Frank Drummond and Steve Schweitzer. and include all meals and guiding. Cost is $250 per person and the trips are limited to 8 participants each. Contact Mike at the shop for more info. 303-772-9110 or laughinggrizzly@comcasr.net.
Saturday Tying Clinics
Tying clinics will continue every Saturday morning through mid-April 2011. We've lined up another great group of tyers for this season. Featured tyers in February are Larry Jurgens, Jay Zimmerman, Chuck Prather and Pat Dorsey. We'll have coffee and donuts as usual. 10:00-12:00 every Saturday.
Trout Unlimited/Laughing Grizzly Kids Learn to Fly Fish Program
This program is designed for kids 8-13. They'll learn entomology, fly tying, casting and fishing. They will also learn about the importance of clean water for trout and bug habitat, and some of the challenges to our local waters like the Big T, the St Vrain and Rocky Mountain National Park. We'll cover Trout Unlimited's mission and the types of conservation efforts they work on. The class meets on alternate Saturday mornings from 8:00-Noon and is limited to 12 participants on a first come, first served basis. The class is free. Sign up at the Laughing Grizzly, or contact Dick at laughing.grizzly@gmail.com. Because demand for the class far outstrips the available openings, we ask that your child commit to attanding every session. Parents are encourage to attand all sessions as well. The first session is Feb 19, and we'll meet every other week.
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 $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
Centipede Legs
These are rubber legs with a difference, from Montana Fly Company. The colors are wild and will add extra attraction to your flies from the most delicate little nymphs to the largest, gaudiest streamers in your vest.
Sexi-Legs
Another Montana Fly Company product, Sexi-Legs are an oval cross-section Spandex leg material with black banding. Great for Cat Poops, Girdle Bugs and hoppers.
A Fly Fishing Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park
Steve Schweitzer's new book is fnally here. The book features 150 fishing locations in the Park, from roadside stops to deep backcountry expeditions. It includes maps, trail descriptions, stunning photography, fly recommendations, Park history and much more. Price is $29.95. We have limited copies available, but more are on the way. Thanks to everyone who attended the book release party on February 4.
Brush Creek Cane
Frank Drummond continues to build some of the most beautiful bamboo rods you'll ever see. There's a new one on the rack, a 6'3" 4wt. Don't forget that Frank also teaches bamboo rod making. For $850, you'll come away with a lovely bamboo rod that you made yourself.
Korkers Boots
Korkers has redesigned their interchangeable sole system to make it even easier. These boots have been flying out of the shop. They come with a felt and a sticky rubber (Klingon- clever, eh?) sole from $149. They are also available with a set of plain rubber and studded rubber soles for $20 more. Additional sole styles are priced at $24.99 and up. Mike and Dick have made the switch. Come in and try a pair today.
That's it for this month. See you in the shop or on the water.
The Laughing Grizzlt Staff