Enjoy

Pics by Deroy Brandt

Rocky Mountain High

Went up to a "secret lake" in the Rocky Mountains and here is what happened...

Coffee with my cousin Jake on his deck. Colorado River in the back yard.

Beauty Rainbow

One word: SLAB

Sweet Reel

More Fall Fishing

Report and photos by Deroy Brandt.

The morning started out with a high hopes. We caught a healthy Rainbow from the first hole and then we preceded to walk down the creek and pick up a few more within the first half mile. Every Rainbow we landed was seventeen inches or better. We did not break twenty inches but they all looked like they have been eating at Krispy Kreme! After our initial euphoric half mile, the bite seemed nonexistent. Like all die-hards, we soldiered on and changed techniques and flies but it seemed our luck was limited to the dawn of the day. Despite the rest of the day being a seminar in humility and casting, we had yet another wonderful Fall day in the Valley.

Amazing!

Loop Opti Runner

A good way to break in the Opti Runner reel by Loop.

This reel may be the sexiest reel out there. The super large arbor allows for quicker line pick up and protection of light tippet. And we love hearing that sealed drag scream.

(The Loop Opti 3L pinstripe jacket is sexy too.)

Wade Williams (Reel Fly Guide)

Valley Trout Set-Up

Here is a look at our Valley Trout set-up.

-TFO 5wt. Switch Rod

-Loop Evotec LW 6/8 Reel

-325 grain Skagit Short head by Rio attached to Airflo's Ridgeline running line (20 lb.)

with Airflo polyleaders

This has been a perfect set up for fishing Valley Rainbows. Here are some benefits of this set up:

-Better line control (mending long distance and high sticking) with 11 feet of rod.

-The ability to spey cast when needed. (Favorite use)

-Sensitive enough to feel the little guys but strong enough to handle the occasional Silver Salmon.

-Better control when swinging flies. (Another favorite use)

Great spey casting rod!

Make sure the reel balances out with the rod.

Deroy Brandt (left), Colton Conner (middle), Jake Williams (right)

Deroy Brandt: " Our members, here in the Valley Swingers Club, have meat (its big, hairy and needs a wide gap). That meat requires a big stick and two hands so our meat can swing through each hole effectively. That is why our members choose TFO Switch Rods to dig deep and do work."

Colton Conner: " Versatility. You can throw a size 20 parachute adams and a freak nasty dalai lama using correct style and line weights. Also can be used in thick brush to wide open long bomb domination."

Fall Fishing

The rivers have been fluctuating a bit the last few weeks but it looks like its starting to level out. Water is still a little high right now but very fishable. Flesh and beads are working along with some streamer patterns.

Last Catch....untill next season.

I had a great last day on the river with one of my former college professors Larry Ross who is actually a Gloomis and Ross Reels pro staffer. The fishing was a bit slow with numerous hook ups but nothing to the net until Larry hooked into this beauty. It was in a bit of a technical spot but Larry played it very well. I do have to say one thing that I have never been fishing with someone who was that excited to catch a fish. It was not that it was some world record or his first fish ever, or any instance like that but more so he just appreciates, respects, and purely enjoys fly fishing and what it has to offer. I was so happy to see that excitement and passion because not only is it rare to see but I share that same excitement and passion and am not afraid to show it. So many people just get caught up in wanting to catch fish and they think thats all that its about. I feel bad for those people. I often say that fishing is always good but the catching is sometimes not.

Gloomis and Ross Reels pro staffer Larry Ross and Jake with beautiful Valley Rainbow

I am now headed down to Greeley, Colorado for the winter for school. Wade will be around for a while to keep guiding but will also be leaving towards the end of September. I will still be posting fishing reports for the Valley and then posting pics from Colorado. Once again it was a great summer with some great fish and I look forward to next season. Tight lines!!