Beauties from 2010

Willow's own Colton Conner

Ian from New Zealand

On the swing....cant get much better!

Larry Ross with a fish to match the reel.

Newly engaged Chad Lipse

The one and only Deroy Brandt

Yours truly swinging the flesh.

Deroy Brandt

I have not known Deroy for very long but he has become one of my very good friends and a partner in crime on the river, or any other piece of water for that matter. Deroy is an avid fly fisherman, fly tier, and photographer extraordinaire. He is a main contributor to the our blog which showcase his great photographs and creative writing. He is currently an Art major at the University of Alaska Anchorage and I believe he has a very bright future ahead of him and I look forward to more exciting adventurez together.

Here is a small sample of my personal favorite pics from Deroy. Enjoy.

Simms StreamTread Vibram Soles

Made the transitions to the new Simms Vibram sole boots last summer and I was pleasantly surprised. Matched with the HardBite Studs and Star Cleats they stuck to the river bed very well in most all conditions. The cleats are also a nice addition when log jumping. It's nice not having to walk around on snow stilts in the winter as well.

3 Rivers Fly and Tackle Saturday Fly Tying

3 Rivers Fly and Tackle Saturday Fly Tying

As the ice thickens and the snow gets deeper, the Vices get hotter. Winter has always been the time of year(especially in the 49th State) when most anglers spend less time on the water and more time tying flies. Behind the vice you dream of future expeditions and new ways of fooling the one that fooled you. So on most Saturday mornings we have a gathering. A gathering where similar souls come together to create and converse. If you think that you are searching for the same thing that we are then join us. Join us Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle in Wasilla(for whom we are grateful to for the hospitality). These are informal sessions in which you need to bring your own equipment and materials but we are always willing to help.

Deroy Brandt

George Riddle of Blueberry Island Lodge lending a helping hand.

Summer Exploring

Exploring upper reaches of a valley creek.

Deroy Brandt, Colton Conner, Jake Williams

Loop Alaska

Jake and Wade Williams of Reel Fly Adventurez

Jackets: Loop Opti 3L pinstripe

Reels: Loop Evotec and Loop Opti Runner

Partners in Crime

I usually fish alone. Up until this summer my fly fishing has been a solitary pursuit in Alaska. My days were spent kicking around in a float tube perfecting my Stillwater prowess. That all changed when I met up with Jake and Wade. They showed me that not all moving water in Alaska was crowded and pounded hard. We had a great summer using the Switch Rods on some big Valley Bows and I can't wait for the ice to melt! Thanks for the outstanding summer and the hat.

Deroy Brandt