First Guide Trip of 2008

Yesterday was my season opener.  The Big Hole, Salmon Fly to Brown's Bridge.  Mostly cloudy and 24 degrees at 10 AM.  Water flow 318 cfs.  I was packed with my usual assortment of gear neatly stored in my Simms Guide Bag.  I use the Fishpond Eagle's Nest Travel Pouches to futher the organization.  Though it was cold I felt toasty with the Filson Mid-weight Pull-over sweater tucked under the Simms Rivertek jacket and Simms Guide jacket.  Simms' rain jackets are like  portable houses, protecting not only from rain, but keeping out wind too, giving one a sense of warm security and well being.  It was needed on this day.

We got off to a slow start due to cold water; not landing a fish for about a half hour.  We were soon rewarded with a husky 20" brown several fish later.  Soon the pace picked up and we were into nice rainbows and browns all day.  The water was alive with midges and we did well with midge emergers.  We also did well with the venerable San Juan Worm, Rubber Leg Poxy Back Copper Johns, and a variety of other nymphs.

It was great to be out guiding again after a five month hiatus.  It felt like I had just guided a few days earlier as every aspect is firmly ingrained after all these years.  Climbing into my trusty Avon raft, seeing the fresh bottle of Tobasco sauce hanging from its special holder, and grasping the Cataract oars made the made the whole world seem right.

My clients were great guys, a father and son.  Both had a great time and enjoyed every aspect of being on the river; a trait all good anglers have; relishing in everything the day brings, with the trout acting as icing on the cake.

I might add that my old, almost black, Simms waders and L-2 boots still provided Yeoman service.  Cold, nasty weather is when you appreciate the quality of the products you use.  The best gear makes for a comfortable day while the mediocre is just another way of spelling misery.

The day ended all too soon, but the game's afoot.  Guide season is here and will just keep getting better.  Hope to see you in my boat or on the river.