Peck, Idaho

In the midst of a long roadtrip we arrive a little early, riding the confused cusp between time zones, in need of new sink tips, Maxima, and a few gaudy marabou/stinger concoctions. The Red Shed is still closed, and so we hang out in the cool February morning air, wolfing donuts, contemplating elusive winter chrome over wicked-strong coffee. The resident shop dog, Daisy, emerges to greet us, and we know that Poppy won’t be far behind.

In January, 2010, 33-year-old Benjamin Michael Whalen, believed to be a former flyfishing guide, allegedly knocked off a string of specialty flyshops in Colorado. He is charged with multiple misdemeanors and felonies for crimes committed across a number of Colorado County jurisdictions. Whalen’s modus operandi was to enter a shop and discuss a gift for his father and the purchase of high-end rods and reels. Once the shop employee was distracted, the suspect would leave the store quickly with the items. The crime spree lasted half a month. At the time, Internet blogs, message boards, and fishing forums lit up.  A virtual posse was deputized and dispatched to track the culprit down.  There was significant speculation as to who could/would target such small niche businesses—and get away with it for so long.  In general, there was outrage. Whalen is currently behind bars in Arapahoe County Jail, awaiting trail and facing up to 8+ years in prison.

Roadtrip report: Montana & Wyoming

Like tan lines, summer skirts, and cold beers on blistering hot nights, flyfishing roadtrips are quintessential elements of the July experience. Driveways disappearing through rearview mirrors. Miles peeling away over endless pavement.

Melrose, MT

Next time you’re driving around fishing the rivers of southwest Montana and you’re in the mood for a little adventure, try driving the High Road. This rough-and-tumble 20-mile county road connects Twin Bridges to Melrose and the Big Hole River to its confluence with the Jefferson. But before you start out, learn from the mistakes of others and check to see that your drift boat trailer is firmly attached to your truck and that everything on your roof rack is securely tied down. It’s also not a bad idea at this point to double-check your buddy’s AAA tow-package. Then floor it.

Bozeman, MT

Sunshine and Salmonflies on the radar

Of the laundry list of flyfishing variables we cannot predict, weather—good or bad—ranks near the top. So far spring 2010 has been a strange, extended winter for many living in the West: Rain, snow… more snow. Nowhere is that more prevalent than in southwest Montana, where late-season snowpack continues to pile on, extending runoff season indefinitely.

Watching the incessant deluge from the windows of The River’s Edge flyshop, in Bozeman, MT, good fishing is always a go—whether it’s delayed or not. And the promise of rivers returning to fishable levels, and Salmonflies smashing down the doors is, like every year, inevitable.