{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Missoula, MT - Trip Report

Very nice Dan!  I'm jealous!

I thought I heard the words of God the other day too -- but it was actually just some noise coming from underneath the truck.  Smog pump apparently.....got an appointment for next week.  

It felt spiritual though.  

Gene

On Tuesday, April 8, 2014 3:47:09 PM UTC-4, Dan Davala - Founder/President wrote:

I was super fortunate to attend the annual Orvis Guide Rendezvous this past week in Missoula, MT.  During my time there, I had the privilege of floating the Blackfoot with Tim Linehan.  Tim was the Orvis Endorsed Guide of the Year last year, and on the water it was extremely clear why.  Humble, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and passionate are just a few words that come to mind, but above all, fishing with Tim was just plain FUN!  On the boat with me was Trey Oliver, the Fishing Manager of our Charlotte, NC shop, and an all around fun dude as well.

Conditions were excellent, we had highs in the mid-fifties and the river was still in pre-runoff shape.  While we had hoped for some top-water action on Skwala Stoneflies, the water temp was still very cold so no bugs on the surface.  We had to work at it, but with Tim's persistence we got into some awesome fish on streamers and nymphs.  I managed to check two species I hadn't yet caught off the "list" - West Slope Cutthroat and Bull Trout.  Trey and I both got small Bulls actually, but no "Bull Donkeys" this time as Tim calls the pigs.  We also got into some nice browns, plenty of Cutbows, and lots of Rainbows too.  Needless to say, I am totally impressed with the "pre-runoff" fishing in MT, and I learned a ton throughout the day with Tim who is an excellent teacher. 

The Guide Rendezvous was awesome, attracting guides and outfitters from around the Country and abroad as well.  There was a tangible buzz in the air about the upcoming season, and about all of the things coming down the pipe from our company as well.  There was a huge, amped up crowd at the accompanying "Down the Hatch Festival" and Film Fest on Saturday too, and Fly Fishing Great and Mentor to all of us, Hank Patterson, was a keynote speaker.  Along with his many powerful insights, he also announced his successful launch of "Cuttyrainbrown Unlimited", a bold new conservation organization dedicated to protecting his favorite species of fish.  I joined as a life member on the spot!

As part of the "A River Runs Through It" generation, I'd be lying if I didn't say it was a special thing to finally fish the Big Blackfoot.  I think I may have even heard some of the words under the rocks while on the float.  And while I didn't get in on a Front Street poker game, shoot the chutes, or get down to Lolo on this trip, it was still the fulfillment of a dream, and the birth of many more.  Looking forward to the next great adventure!

Dan Davala

Oh yeah, we had some meetings too!

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