The Great Kokanee Search

October 26, 2019 Jillian Rash

Kokanee Salmon. It's official, I've got a new obsession. I learned a few months ago that Kokanee's inhabit a river just twenty minutes from my house. A few local newspaper articles, several hours of "googling," and way too much time staring into my phone watching YouTube videos and I have become determined to catch one of these boogers.

I'll admit, I am captivated by some of the oddities in the fishing world. Tiny little trout? Check. Slimy, stinky carp? Check (although I've yet to catch one). Whiskery catfish? Check. And now, those prehistoric-looking kokanee. What can I say, they've captured my heart from afar.

Writer's Block - A Journey

October 23, 2019 Jillian Rash

I've just sat down at my local library to write about some of our recent fishing trips and I encountered a problem I've had all year, writer's block. I've tried exercises varying from free writing to forcing myself into 1000 words to switching up where I write. Needless to say, not much of it has worked. They say (who are they anyway?) that this condition can last a few weeks to a few years. I'd like to think I'm still in a curable stage and can recover without too much treatment. I put a bit of effort into some technical 'how-to' writing, but what can I teach you that you don't already know? I'm stuck with the metaphorical gibberish.

Finding Your Endurance

August 22, 2019 Jillian Rash

I've figured out that there's an endurance sport for almost every 'outdoorsy' person, mountain, desert or water, there's certainly one for you. But here's the thing, fly-fishing is most certainly not on that list, or so I thought.

A while back, Jacob and I went out into the high country, possibly a bit earlier than we should have. See, there was plenty of snow this past year and it took the rivers a little while to go down. As much as we both thought we knew what 'high water' meant, alas, we did not. It was much like coming to grips with the fact that east coast mountains are not the same as actual mountains. Swallow pride, move on.

Discovering Cutthroat and A Little More

August 14, 2019 Jillian Rash

If you drive around in the mountains a bit from our house, follow a Forest Service road for a few miles, you end up in a canyon with a perfect little river flowing through it. It's mostly become our 'go-to' escape, given its closeness and exceptional beauty. But, who am I kidding, almost everything here is perfectly splendid.

We decided on a quick trip in the middle of the day right when the temperature had gotten too hot to work anymore, and a little extra elevation was necessary. We hit the river just as the afternoon rainstorm did it is monsoon season after all.

If you've been a follower of this little blog of ours, you've probably noticed that I've misplaced my enthusiasm for it. Maybe it's the adjustment to a new place, lack of motivation, too many rod bags, too little adventure, or perhaps basic laziness. I'm still trying to figure it out.

Colorado, Thanks For Having Us

April 23, 2019 Jillian Rash

I had great plans to capture every moment of our move across the country, from wonderful images of the Mississippi to the fields of Texas to all the wonder of New Mexico. But, what is it they say about the ‘best laid plans?’

I’ve woken up to the warm Colorado sunshine for the past few mornings. I’ve wandered among the cedars and shared a beer with friends not seen in months, but as of yet, no cutthroat. Ah, well, those days will come.

It’s a bizarre thing to see your whole world reduced to a few measly boxes and even more stunning to see your whole business fit in the back of a little Subaru. It’s a reminder that things are just that, things. The important stuff will make it and the rest will move on to someone else. That being said, I wouldn’t trade any of those things for this view I get to see every day.

How To Take A Walk In The Woods

February 14, 2019 Jillian Rash

Get a good nights sleep. Dream of 18-inch rainbows and uncharted waters, hatches, and sunshine.

Wake up early to a good pot of coffee. Drink it all and pack more for the ride, it's going to be a long one.

Meet up with a fellow angler, meet up with the second down the road.

Drive around for a while, check out a pull-off or two, decide on a spot you noticed a while back.

Gear up. Full regalia. Waders, boots, wading staff, pack, camera, water bottle, snacks, beer, everything.

Don't forget your 8' 6" fly rod, forget the 7', the longer rod will be much better.