Today, I wanted to share an article that was sent my way by a guide and good friend. He and I, have had some good discussions over the past year. Many of them concerning the rollercoaster of the pandemic and the 2020 guide season. This article touches on a lot of thoughts that entered in and out of our minds this past summer. The article is thoughtful and perceptive. I hope everyone will give it a read, especially those of you who are a part of our local guide and outfitter community.

Link to the article is here https://www.anglingtrade.com/2021/02/03/is-fly-fishing-going-to-implode-as-a-result-of-the-pandemic/

Gift Certificates

Looking for that last minute gift idea for the ones you truly love? Look no further! We are offering gift certificates to those of you who need an extra stocking stuffer this holiday season. Certificates are available in any amount and are redeemable towards any products we offer. Contact us as soon as possible so we can get them out to you before it’s too late. Happy Holidays everyone!

Safety

Unfortunately, bad things can happen when we’re out on the water. Just ask those that have been fishing in Dutch John over the past couple of weeks. 9,000 cfs is no joke and more than enough water to test the most seasoned of oarsmen! Several boats have been lost. Thankfully, to our knowledge, no one has been hurt.

Of course, this fishing is very different than a day on the Provo River. However, many risks can still present themselves. Be sure to check your flows, be sure to wear a wading belt and most importantly don’t fish alone.

By hiring a guide, you will not only have an attentive and engaged partner. But, you will also have access to a deep well of experience and knowledge to keep you safe.

Gameplan | R&D

Save your self some time. During high water the only constant is change. An unfamiliar set of circumstances can present you with a very unsuccessful day on the water. Good guides are duty bound to acquire the most up to date and accurate sets of data possible on the waters they fish. No matter the challenges or how many miles they put on their rigs. They must sacrifice their time and personal relationships to chase down this elusive holy grail of knowledge. Yes, they may share some generic info on a fishing report. But, in truth, the real skinny is reserved for those willing to book a trip.

Setup & Fly Selection

The devil is in the details. Adaptation and creativity are indispensable in high water conditions.

Depth and weight are critical to success and this doesn’t always mean 7 BB’s and 10 feet of 2x. In reality, it means cold hands, blood knots and broken finger nails.  Reading water, as always, is important and it is only made infinitely more difficult by water that is high and off color. High water requires patience and strategic searching techniques. One of the most valuable things you can glean from a good guide is observing the tactics and adjustments he/she makes when it’s time to switch it up.

Believe it or not, fly selection is important and it may or my not be true that the only flies that matter in the “High Water” game are San Juans and Rubber Legs. You’ll have to hire a guide to find out!:)

Conclusion

Without question, as guides, we own a certain bias when it comes to writing a post about why you should hire a guide.  On the surface it seem disingenuous and self serving. But, we hope that most of you can see though this illusion and realize that our motivations are more complex and good hearted than that.  We take great joy in sharing our knowledge and contributing to your success as an angler. Sure, guided anglers generally catch larger fish (and more of them) than non-guided anglers, however, the biggest difference will be what you learn, not what you catch.

For those of you who desire to learn as much as possible about holding water, casting techniques and fish behavior during this high water year we definitely recommend hiring a guide, if only for a day

Ultimately, we want you to take the knowledge from our shared time on the river and enjoy as many solo excursions as you can.

Lay of the Land

It is always good to have friends in high places. #guideadvice

With a political upheaval underway in Washington. It currently seems that more emphasis is being placed on industry and exploitation of natural resources than their protection. The recent introductions of HR 621, HR 622, the repeal of the Stream Protection Rule and the impending confirmation of Scott Pruitt as the Administrator of the EPA all but confirm a deliberate effort to destroy and marginalize the protections that currently apply to our public lands.

Many of us have been trying to keep a positive and politically neutral stance on this topic.  Hoping for the best and that through thoughtful and less than intrusive protest we may stop this trend from growing.  However, as we move into the unknown future, it is possible that circumstances will require us to do more.  We must be able to organize, communicate, and be willing to commit to more intrusive and powerful protest.  We must be able to stand together despite our differences and protect a common good.  We must also be able to project our message and convince people that these things are worth the sacrifices we must make to have them in our lives.

In light of this we would like to a share a video documenting an effort of a community to consider the costs/benefits of a government-proposed mega-dam on the Susitna River in Alaska.  We found it inspiring and welcome comments on this post.  Enjoy!

 

 

At Park City Fly Fishing Guides we believe that “Your worst humiliations are only someone else’s momentary entertainment!”

I know, it sounds harsh and insensitive and by no means do we condone or enjoy creating misery for others. However, there are a select few of us out there that tend to take our selves a little too seriously.

This short video is a tribute to their self inflicted wounds and our unavoidable laughter.

So take some time, find some humility and get familiar with your rig before you hit the ramp this spring.  #guideadvice

 

Be sure to check out this powerful Op-ed in the Salt Lake Tribune written by Peter Metcalf. Addressing, head on, the battle the Utah state government is waging against our public lands. We are fly fishing guides not politicians. However, our business and the gift we share with people exists only in a world where these wild places are valued and protected. We stand in solidarity with Peter and ask that our public servants reverse course and reconsider their efforts to destroy access to our public lands.

It’s Feel Good Friday!  “A man can not be comfortable without his own approval.” Mark Twain  

#guideadvice

It’s Feel Good Friday!  Raise your cups and get after it! Enjoy your friends, your family and maybe even your enemies. Life is way to short to be a miserable asshole:) #guideadvice