Smoky Mountain Fishing Trip

           I just returned from several days fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with my co-worker F.J. Crane and his brother Sean. While it was my first time fishing in the park, F.J. was fairly experienced, having fished there several times. We focused on the high mountain streams. These streams have tons of small, 100% native, Brook trout. The streams are tight and full of rocks. For those of us not heading to Mongolia or the Amazon anytime soon, I believe the Smoky’s are tougher on gear than any other stream I have fished lately. Our waders, reels, and wading boots sure took a beating.

           

proof of local stream action heating up

Two D&H customers have been out chucking flies and getting results on smallmouth.  Of course, these are very skilled anglers, but you too can go out for some early season action.

Montana update

I just got off the phone with one of the ranch hands in Montana and he said they got 8" snowfall on Monday.  He said the snow pack is at average and they should have good water levels this year.  Sounds like good fishin' in September.  Contact me at the shop if you have any interest in joining me in Montana this year...Mark 513-871-3473 or mark@BestGear.com.  For more details and to see a slideshow, go to my Post on March 16th.

new items: Woolrich shirts and shorts

We received some nice shipments this morning and we are busy unpacking and putting new items on the shop floor.  It is a beautiful 80+ degree day in Cincinnati and the perfect weather for three new styles of 2.5 oz cotton madras shirts from India.  If you have not worn a madras shirt before, you should give it a try.  The more you wear and wash the shirt, the softer and better looking the colors become.  Have a look at all of the patterns below.

local streams starting to turn on

I am working the shop floor this weekend and the reports are coming in that guys are getting smallies to hit flies on local streams.  One angler was just in saying the bass were slamming his streamers.  He was buying rubber-legged bead head buggers in brown.  He was also throwing crayfish patterns.

new item: Patagonia wading boots

Felt soled wading boots give great traction on algea covered rocks.  Pretty much everyone can agree on that.  The big talk in fly circles is about what are the best alternatives to felt where states have outlawed the wearing of felt in their streams for fear of spreading diseases thru invasive species.  (I think the best way is to clean and dry your gear properly.  Remember, when you get rid of felt you still have laces, the rear pull tab, stitching, gravel guards, etc, etc.)  This new boot from Patagonia has been getting great reviews by guides in the field.  We have a pair down in the Smoky Mountains this weekend being field tested.  We will let you know our thoughts.

D&H fly fishing trips to Montana

Montana Fly Fishing Adventure

 September 15-20, 2012
September 21-27, 2012 

September 15-20, 2012     Upper Canyon Ranch

As guest of the ranch, we have the exclusive use of over two miles of the Ruby River and a private spring fed pond on the ranch. The thing that makes fishing on the private stretch of the Ruby so good is the lack of fishing pressure.  The fishing on the Ruby is all walk/wade and the wading is very easy due to the gravel bottom and rather low gradient.  There are drift boats at the ranch and you will have the opportunity to float some of the best rivers the West has to offer: the Madison, the Beaverhead and the Big Hole.  If you enjoy technical small streams, there are plenty of opportunities on the Ruby's headwaters and other small streams in the National Forest.  We determine where to fish day to day by where the fish are hitting and by what type of fishing you prefer. 

    

Four days of fishing and five nights: $2245. 

September 21-27, 2012 Big Hole Lodge

Craig Fellin, owner of the Big Hole Lodge since 1984, has been fishing Montana his whole life.The lodge is nestled in the mountains of the Beaverhead National Forest with the inviting Wise River practically at your doorstep. This is a small operation with a maximum capacity of 12 guests, emphasizing personalized service, warm hospitality and outstanding trout fishing.

The first day of fishing may begin with a full day float on the legendary Big Hole River, known for its beauty and world class wild trout fishing. The next day might find you floating the Beaverhead River, one of the finest tailwater fisheries in the country. Other days you might wade the upper Clark Fork, Rock Creek, Horse Prairie Creek, and Deep Creek or float the Bitterroot River. 

Five days of fishing and six nights: $3300. 

once the link opens, click on "Slideshow" above the first picture and enjoy

Montana slideshow

  

Please take a look at the above slideshow and if you have any questions, contact Mark at 513-871-FISH or mark@BestGear.com

D&H shop guys fishing

Louis at Brookville

D&H upland hunts

Our last upland hunt of the season takes place on Sunday March 18th.  For the last hunt, our host Billy Gerwin, has decided to up the targets in the field and release 20 quail per hunter and give us a special rate of $270.  This includes birds, guide with dogs, bird cleaning and lunch.  Billy's famous setters are ready to work hard for you.  We hope you will be able to join us.   Contact Mark at the shop for more details and to sign up: 513-871-FISH or mark@BestGear.com