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Old man winter has us bundled up in sweaters, mukluks, and fuzzy hats that make us look like we just escaped from a yeti convention. But hold on to your ice-fishing holes! Before you know it, the snow will be gone, the streams will be clear and cool, and the fish will start waking up from their hibernation like they just downed a triple espresso. So why not book your guide today? Let’s get you onto your next lunker before it gets too busy—because you know how fish can be, always making plans and forgetting to invite us!

Someone once asked me, "Isn't nymphing a 'dirty' thing to do?" No, not THAT kind of nymphing. Euro (or Czech or Polish or French) Nymphing. I explain it in this presentation I recently did for our local Orvis shop. ( 502.425.0198 www.orvis.com/louisville  4288 Summit Plaza Dr Louisville, KY 40241 ) At its most basic it is a technique used for smaller streams or where long casts are not required. Plus, you don't even have to speak Czech, Polish, or French! Vous etes les bienvenus . Don't Horse 'Em!

'Twas an epic day. The Colorado Rocky Mountains. A high altitude stream. Family. Perfect weather for tight lines. Little could be better. Jeff, a cousin and novice fly fisher, had casted a Crazy Legs with a chartreuse San Juan worm dropper. Nice drag free drift. Good hook set. Didn't horse 'em. However, bringing the high altitude 'bow to the net was a bit tricky. A family of locusts descended and had their two dogs with them. I love dogs. I don't love out of control dogs interfering with my - or anyone else's - fly fishing. These beautiful beasts somehow learned on their own to "net" a fish. Gingerly holding the trout in their mouths the canines would wait until the hook was removed and then would lovingly place it back into the water. Or so I was told. I wasn't convinced the pups wouldn't add more stress to the trout, so the shooing away commenced. Jeff deftly netted the fish, removed the hook, and released him all while keeping it wet and minimizing the intrusions of two of man's best friend. The fly line didn't fare so well. After we were gratified that the trout was released in a healthy manner the task of untying the pooches began. Line was twisted around every appendage a dog could own. The Crazy Legs was firmly "hooked" into the long, thick hair of one of the four hind legs. At least it wasn't buried in the skin. A firm grip and tug and the fly was released without harm to either. All was right with the world. Later that night when the fish tales and yarns got going Jeff was heard to ask boisterously, "How many of you have ever caught a fish and a dog on the same cast?!"

Shout out to John Partinger and his team of professionals at our local Louisville Orvis shop (502.425.0198 www.orvis.com/louisville) for inviting me to to present Hatchery Creek and Nymphing on 16 May. I had a blast. They had refreshments. The audience stayed awake! Visit them soon. Next seminar is Thursday 20 June! And take the Helios Cast challenge. You may just be the lucky recipient of a free Helios rod. Don't Horse 'Em!

Looking for the best fly fishing hotspots? Look no further than Fly Upstream Outfitters, your go-to destination for all things fly fishing. Fly Upstream Outfitters is not your average guide service - they are passionate about providing unforgettable fly fishing adventures and top-notch, patient instruction to help you hone your skills. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice looking to learn the ropes, Fly Upstream Outfitters has you covered. One of the unique offerings from Fly Upstream Outfitters is their blog, where they share valuable tips, insider knowledge on fishing conditions, the latest news in the world of fly fishing, and so much more. This blog is a treasure trove of information for fly fishing enthusiasts (or fanatics, more like) looking to up their game and stay informed about the ever-changing world of fly fishing. Don't Horse 'Em!

Are you ready to improve your fly casting techniques and take your fly fishing to the next level? Mastering the art of fly casting is essential for any angler looking to enhance their skills and increase their success on the water. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fly fisher, there's always room for improvement when it comes to casting. Fly casting is a fundamental skill in fly fishing, and learning proper techniques can greatly impact your ability to present your fly accurately and effectively. I always say this, though: "It's not as hard as you think." Besides possibly brain surgery or rocket science, not much is throughout our lifetimes. (My apologies to brain surgeons and rocket scientists.) Here are some tips to help you master the art of fly casting: Practice and Patience: Like any skill, mastering fly casting takes time and practice. Set aside time to work on your casting technique regularly, and be patient with yourself as you improve. Proper Grip: Start with a good grip on the fly rod. Hold it with a relaxed and comfortable grip, with your thumb on top of the rod and your index finger in front of the grip. Or as Lefty Kreh taught when really wanting to zero in on a target, place your index finger on top of the grip. When you cast you'll be pointing directly at your target. 11-1. On the clock face, that is. Most students I teach get more help from 11-1 than 10-2. Think and visualize 11-2 and you'll really end up with your rod tip hard-stopping at 10 and 2 anyway. Tight Loops. Keep the line straight and the loops tight for better accuracy and presentation. When practicing look at your rod as you back cast and fore cast. You'll look silly, but, hey!, you're only practicing. Practice Different Casts: Work on mastering different casting techniques, such as the overhead cast, roll cast, and reach cast. Each cast serves a different purpose and is valuable to have in your casting arsenal. Seek Feedback: Consider taking a casting and fly fishing instruction class (we can help with that!). An experienced friend or instructor is the best way to start catching fish on the fly. Have Fun. If you start to not have fun put the rod down and go back to it later. I have to remind myself of t his when I'm at my fly tying bench. Don't Horse 'Em!