With 2021 in the rearview mirror, we’ve enjoyed reminiscing on some of our favorite fly fishing adventures, both near and far. What were your highlights from last year? Here are a few of ours…
Rachel Therkildsen – One of my favorite memories from the year was from the day we took my dad out to Spinney Mountain Reservoir. My dad doesn't go fishing much anymore, so I always try to make the time count when he gets out with us. We equipped him with a 6-weight rod and a white streamer and it was game time. With a bent rod and line peeling away from him, he laughed and laughed. As it turned out, his best fight on a fly rod was also from his biggest trout yet!
Collin Heyerdahl – The moment that stands out for me was fishing the Henry’s Fork in Idaho during the Green/Brown Drake hatch. Spending so much time head hunting has definitely impacted the way I fish entirely. And fishing fly patterns from Henry’s Fork legend René Harrop has greatly impacted the style of flies I tie at my desk now.
Ben Baxter – When a last-minute cancelation happened, our reserve spot became available, and our crew was in to float the remote Smith River in Montana. The water was high and off color, which made the fishing tough. But the jaw-dropping scenery made the float a memorable one. And, the trip ended on my Birthday!
Jimmy Juliana – Halfway through a week of fishing at Turneffe Flats Lodge in Belize, the stars aligned for me. As the sun started to set after an already epic day on the flats, I finally connected with a dandy Tarpon, which put all three grand slam species on the board in a single day – bonefish, permit and tarpon. And on my birthday, no less! It was a day, and a trip to remember.
Blake Katchur – I had the opportunity to head up to Montana for a late October Trout Spey trip on the Missouri River near Craig. We spent two days learning from and fishing with the very best swing guides around, Whitney Gould and Mike McCune. The weather was a real challenge as per the usual, but that only goes to make the trip an adventure, and a more memorable one. Casting strokes were worked, and reworked, flies were eaten, lines were tugged and some amazing fish were caught, all on the swing.
Johnnie Trujillo – One of my favorite things about fishing and floating rivers is the community you build, including seeing old friends and creating new relationships. And that’s exactly what we had on our last trip through the Gunnison Gorge. We put in mid-day after watching the mules haul our gear down to the river. That’s an experience people should see at least once in their lives! The fishing was slow to start, but we hooked a few fish on Sallys, which is one of my favorite hatches to fish. The highlight of this trip was taking new people to one of my favorite destinations and spending time with old friends on the river. Oh, and watching fish blow up on mouse patterns ain’t to shabby either. The rapids were technical as always and the canyon as beautiful as ever. I can’t wait until next time! Sometimes the fishing comes second to just having a good time with good people and that’s good with me!
Larkin Wilson – To say 2021 was a wild year would be a massive understatement. Lots of big changes across the board. But the one thing that is always the same, year after year, is my love for Colorado’s high country lakes. Last summer, I spent every available weekend in the backcountry. 2 a.m. wake up calls, long hikes on brutal terrain, and a guaranteed battle with the elements every afternoon - all just costs of doing business on trips into the alpine. But being able to cast dry flies to eager trout in some of the prettiest places on earth always makes the effort worthwhile. Looking forward to getting back out there and destroying more knee cartilage in 2022.
Andrew Pulford – Time with the family, training dogs, and chasing fish made 2021 a great one in the Pulford household. This Last year we were able to shift focus on the family and getting back to fun experiences, as I was lucky enough to spend time chasing Tarpon through Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Permit in Tarpon Caye Belize, and most recently was finally able to reconnect with a long time friend in Argentina. With a lot going on around us, I feel fortunate to be able to continuously connect with our customers and traveling anglers, as well as reprioritize time with friends and family. I look forward to travels and adventures ahead in the 2022 season and getting back south and enjoying time with the family.
Doug Andrews – My son, Riley, and I don’t get to fish together much anymore. But when we do get the opportunity, it’s a very special time. We had a few days together this past summer on the upper Arkansas. Lots of laughs, smiles and fish caught. What a great few days they were, and ones I will not forget!
Ryan McSparran – One of the highlights of my year was a trip to south Florida with friends, where we had the opportunity to explore the mangroves on our first real saltwater fly fishing trip. I can remember distinctly after some trial and error, finally slipping a good cast under an overhanging mangrove. Our guide, from his perch on the platform, calmly said, “Strip – strip – ” And that quickly, a big snook exploded from the shadows to crush the fly. That was my best fish of the trip and the most memorable. Needless to say, we’re already plotting our next saltwater adventure!
What were your favorite moments on the water last year? And what’s on the agenda for 2022? If you’re in the Denver area, stop by the fly shop in Littleton and let us know! Whether it’s advice on gear or simply where to find the best hole-in-the-wall food joint on your next adventure, we’d love to help! This year, we’ll be fishing from right here on the Front Range, all the way to Brazil and beyond (for more on that, see last week’s Travel Update). You can also give us a call at 303-794-1104. And remember that we offer fast, free shipping on online orders. From local waters to far-flung destinations, cheers to new adventures in 2022!