All Smiles

It sounds like Winter has returned to Wyoming this week, with more people now chasing springtime powder skiing than rising trout. Most of my buddies have been reporting excellent spring fishing conditions this year on the Snake, South Fork and Henry's Fork. We've been doing more skiing lately than anything else around the Pacific Northwest. I've have not been out for any Steelhead angling in recent weeks, but did sneak out for a morning of Salmon fishing last Saturday on the Willamette River. It's the beginning of "Springer" season here...a strong annual run of Spring Chinook Salmon are heading up the Columbia River and it's tributaries right now and it's getting better by the day. Thanks again to my buddy Michigan Mike for showing me the ropes last weekend! I attended the annual Native Fish Society fundraising auction in Portland last night. It was a blast! This non-profit is doing incredible work in the Pacific Northwest ensuring that Wild Steelhead and Salmon will have a better chance of survival in our future. I was able to meet many local legends around my new fly fishing community here. Check out their website. I'm not always fond of posting too many "grip and grin" pictures, but I couldn't resist these two shots that I came across recently. First, here's a mammoth 14 pound Argentine Brown Trout that my co-worker Trey Scharpe had the pleasure of guiding this happy angler to over the winter. And lastly, but not least, is my good buddy Dave Decker hoisting a 20 pound Belizean Permit that he bumped into while fishing at the Belcampo Lodge, in Punta Gorda, Belize. Nice job Dave!

Grand Teton Fly Fishing

Last week, my good friend Scott Smith and I finally closed our deal with Jack Dennis...100%! Through literally years of hard work on both sides, we have reached the finish line. For those readers who don't know, we had been slowly maneuvering with legendary angler Jack Dennis over the past few years to purchase and take over his beloved Jack Dennis Fishing Trips. Jack started his guide service over 40 years ago, and it matured into a very well known outfitting business with a first-rate reputation. We now own some of the most coveted outfitting permits in the area, which allow us unparalleled access to the great rivers in and around Jackson Hole. We are very fortunate to be able to carry the torch for Jack down the rivers in Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Green River and in Yellowstone. We have officially launched Grand Teton Fly Fishing, and can't wait to see you on the river under our new name! Despite the fact that I'm now in Oregon nearly full-time, I'm eagerly continuing to be a part of this fun business, while chasing new pursuits here. Thanks to all of our friends, colleagues and clients alike for all of the support! Like our page on Facebook (by clicking on the badge on right side of the journal here), and stay in touch!