MEND PROVISIONS: ALT CHURCH 12/03/2017

It's Winter Sunday morning, and you feel like tying flies.  You sit down at your vise, and you're just not feeling it that morning.  It's probably because you sit there and tie in the same room by yourself all of the time.  Well, I have a solution to pick up your winter fly tying spirits.  Every Sunday throughout Winter unless social media notified, Mend Provisions will be hosting open tying from 10 AM - 3 PM at Mend HQ.

The Mend Provisions SJW tool is an essential and should be in everyone's fly tying tool kit.

The first open tie was Sunday 12/03/2017, and I attended after a night of staying up too late eating ice cream, drinking beer, and watching Saving Private Ryan until 3 AM.  I know what you're thinking, "Man, I wish I could party just like CARF!"  Don't you all worry about that either, I am working on a book titled, "Hey Man, do you want to party like CARF!?"  It's set to be released when pigs fly, so, that should be very soon.

 

During my time at Mend HQ, I tied up some carp bugs that I thought out in my head, and I'm thinking that these things are going to be great.  What do carp love more than corn....candy corn! Duh!  It was real easy for me to come up with a name for these carp treats - CARF's Candy Corn.

 

There were quite a few people that came in tied for a bit and had to go, and if you're reading this, it was nice to meet you all (Dan, Brent, and Dave...I think).  There was another guy there by the name of Cody, and he was tying up some very nice streamers.  Alt Church was a perfect way for him to get some tying done, and talk fishing before he had to start work that afternoon.

Cody McLean whipping up some streamers.

If you're familiar with Abel Reels, you most definitely have seen the Johnny Cash reel pictures floating around on the internet.  I finally got to see it in person, and I just have to say, "DAMN."  My photograph does it no justice at all.  In person and in professional photographs this real is an eye catcher.  There's no doubt in my mind if I were to own it, it would just sit on display somewhere I can just look at it all the time.

Abel Reels - Johnny Cash reel.  Damn. That's a gorgeous reel.

Alt Church open tie is every Sunday throughout Winter from 10 - 3 PM

 

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LUNDS FLY SHOP: BUGS & SUDS 11/15/2017

 It's the 3rd Wednesday of the month, and you're looking for something to do.  Well, you're in luck, because, every 3rd Wednesday of the month, Lund's Fly Shop hosts an open tie night at Swinging Bridge Brewing in River Falls, Wisconsin.  This open tie night has a name, and its name depicts exactly what you can expect from one of these nights, Bugs & Suds.

Tying flies and telling lies.

If you are without a vise, not to worry, because, there are extra vises to be used by anyone.  In my experience, others are willing to share knowledge, materials, and even teach others who are looking to wet their feet in fly tying.

I'm a fan of IPA's and Swinging Bridge Brewing is brewing up an excellent one by the name of East Cascade.  They also just released a fantastic stout, Captain Trips.  It's a chocolate roasted coconut stout that I was fortunate to get a taster of before they released it, and I must say...damn, that was delicious.

Head Brewer Mike O'Hara pouring me some fresh suds.

Wandering around checking out what others are spinning up, you'll find a variety of bugs.  Big bugs, small bugs, and weird bugs, they're all there.  One of my favorite things about showing up to open tie nights is the all of the interesting flies you'll come across.

Carlin Salmela showing off a fresh musky bug.

My vise waiting for me to replace the tiny hand with a hook.

Josh Mattis whipping up some trout streamers.

Tavis focused.

When you combine the people, the stories, and beer at Bugs & Suds, you're going to have a good time and some good laughs.  Oh, and pretzels, how could I forget about the pretzels, and beer cheese soup.  Hell, the whole menu there at the taproom is fantastic.  It was made with the help of other local business, and features quite a few locally grown/raised options.

Nick Brevitz kissing the fly 1/2 tied by myself, and the other 1/2 tied by Drew.

On this particular night, there was a tier by the name of Andrew Muntz.  Initially, I was greatly impressed with the work he was putting in on the musky flies he was tying.  Brian Smolinski noticed me watching and shouted out to me, "Hey CARF check this out" and handed me one of Andrew's flies.  I was like WHOA.  That is not a musky fly, that is a musky lure, and my level of impressed went through the roof.  This dude does some RAD work.

Andrew Muntz working on one of his impressive flures.

Others who were not familiar with Andrew's work were just as impressed as I was.  Drew was so impressed with the flure that he wouldn't stop petting it, and I think became best friends with it after a few more beers, and there are even rumors that Drew and the fly are now in an open relationship.

Drew has the look of love in his eye.

Peace and love in the heart of the Driftless.

So much love.

Drew loves everyone.

Don't forget - it's the 3rd Wednesday of each month.  If you need directions or more information please contact Brian Smolinski over at Lund's Fly Shop.

MY GEAR

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Lens - http://amzn.to/2hhdHJS

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Vedavoo Bench Basin - http://amzn.to/2zGBU78

Rite Bobbin Half Hitch - http://amzn.to/2hzxKab

Peak Vise - http://amzn.to/2zXEBCd

**The above links are Amazon Associate links**

TYING UP SOME MEAT

With Winters arrival up here in the Great White North, I have been getting back in the fly tying saddle.  It had been a long while since I've tied anything but baitfish for bass since the move up to Minnesota.  I'm slowly getting back in to the swing of things, and I must say, it's just like riding a bike.

There's ice on the lakes, so, this fly most likely won't see water until next June....unless I plan a winter trip somewhere warm that has big fish willing to eat an 8/0 Partridge Universal Predator X that trails behind a huge foam head.

It's always #SHARKWEEK

Who know the Great White North had Great White Mini Sharks.

MY GEAR

Camera - http://amzn.to/2hnMwkD

Lens - http://amzn.to/2hhdHJS

Rising Stellar Scissors - http://amzn.to/2yCE7wM

Vedavoo Bench Basin - http://amzn.to/2zGBU78

Rite Bobbin Half Hitch - http://amzn.to/2hzxKab

Peak Vise - http://amzn.to/2zXEBCd

**The above links are Amazon Associate links**

KINNI CORRIDOR PROJECT

I was contacted by someone with the City of River Falls and they asked to use a few of my photographs for their webpage.  They used 2 of my photographs for banners on their webpage from last winter.

Featured in the photograph below are 3 of my homies.  Jim Aronson, Charlie Forbes, and John Sherlock.  Jim was fishing a nice run, while Charlie and Sherlock were...I don't know.  Tying on new flies?  Talking about world domination?  Undoing wind knots?

RIFFS & TUGS: The Art of Jake Keeler

Ever wanted to see the art of Jake Keeler in person?  Well, you're in luck, because, it's on display at Bad Weather Brewing Company.  You're also in luck if you wanted to tie flies while you visit the brewery to see Jake's art, because, on Friday, November 17th from 6 PM to Bitchin' you can bring your vise and tie some flies.

If you have never tied a fly before and want to learn, come on down!!!  Pig Farm Ink and Bob Mitchell's Fly Shop have provided vises, tools, and materials so those who want to try it out, can!

Tie some flies, drink some beers, and view some arts!

Spread the good word!

Jake Keeler Website - www.20acrecarcass.com/

Jake Keeler FaceBook - www.facebook.com/JakeKeelerArt/

Jake Keeler Shop - www.etsy.com/shop/JakeKeeler

If you have any questions about the event, please feel free to contact either myself or Jake Keeler.

BMFS: HOPS AND HOPPERS 11/07/2017

Drinking beer, tying flies, and telling lies.  Another fun night spent at Lake Monster Brewing in Saint Paul Minnesota for Hops & Hoppers hosted by Bob Mitchell's Fly Shop.  I typically tie 1 fly at these gatherings, and spend the rest of my time hanging out and talking with the homies.

Hops & Hoppers

It's always interesting to see what others are whipping up at the vise.  On this night there were quite a few trout buggers being tied, along with some big musky, bass, and salmon flies.

Bret at the end admiring the work of Sherlock.

Grant Meyer with his laser like focus.

I forgot this man's name, but he's only been tying a week.  He tied his first woolly bugger on this night, and it was nicer than any woolly bugger that has ever left my vise.

First woolly bugger lookin' woolly buggery.

Micah Crider loves black hats and driftless trout.  He and his wife have a pretty sweet blog with some great photography and stories.  You should take a minute and check it out - The Driftless Flyer.

Michah Crider workin' it.

Just because it's an open fly tying night, doesn't necessarily mean you have to tie flies.  I like to consider fly tying an art, and while Mr. Sherlock was skillfully creating steelhead flies with a hook and vise, Charlie Forbes was right next to him showcasing his skillz with paint and a brush.

Sherlock and Charlie doing thangs.

...and not long after the above photograph, Sherlock was showcasing the powers of super glue.

Sherlock.  Nuff said.

Sherlock.

Charlie does some amazing work, and I am a fan.  If you haven't, you should really check out his Instagram page for more of his work.  It was a really great to see him meticulously paint his works at the open tie night.  I think he should do it more often.

Charlie Forbes creating something magnificent, per usual.

Before he goes to sleep each night, Bobby Nacho's tosses back a few musky flies to keep his musky game strong.  

Bobby Nacho's

Looking forward to the next open tie night I am able to attend.  My goal is to tie more than 1 fly next time.  I'm shooting for 2....Baby steps.

MY GEAR

Camera - http://amzn.to/2hnMwkD

Lens - http://amzn.to/2hhdHJS

**The above links are Amazon Associate links**

MUSKY HUNT WITH VOYAGEUR PURSUITS

Since moving up here to Minnesota, I had visions of hooking up with monster musky - regularly.  That's definitely not the case, and you're probably thinking to yourself, who the hell does this guy think he is that he's going to catch musky all the time.  Trust me, I think that same thing, but what can I say, I'm a dreamer.

My homie Tom Hazleton of Voyageur Pursuits heard I was on the hunt for my first Minnesota musky, so, he invited me out.  The conditions seemed almost too perfect.  It was the evening, and there had been gray skies all day.  I had such a great feeling that today was going to be the day I caught my first Minnesota Musky.

Well, the evening did not go as planned, but it was a great time none the less.  There were no musky caught, but we had a few beers, and brought a few pike to the boat before calling it a night.  Huge thanks to Tom for inviting me out and showing me that musky really don't exist in Minnesota.

Catching Northern Pike on the Great Wall of China.
Photograph: Tom Hazelton

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QUICKIE

Found myself in Wisconsin with some time to spare, so, I did the logical thing....I went trout fishing.  I was out and about enjoying the weather and hiking around Willow River State Park, and afterwards, I decided to head on down the road to the Kinnickinnic River.  I grabbed my FSA custom 3 wt, Vedavoo hip pack, and Tacky fly box, tied on a top water bug I've been working on, and walked on down to a new spot I scoped out back in June.

EATER

The no name fly I've been working on was the ticket and my fly box was not needed.  I found some rising trout on the tail end of some small riffles, and they were picking off anything that was drifting through.  

Vedavoo hip pack.

Wet waded up the river just a little bit in to some skinny water, and found some a few more fish drifting that same fly.  I don't know if it was the fly or the amount of fish caught, but the fly was starting to come undone.  Need to do some tweaking...I kind of want to think that the trout were just beating it up throughout the short outing, which is very possible.

Brook trout like to party.

Came across a floating fish, and upon further investigation - I determined it was the biggest trout that I have ever seen with my own eyes in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin, and that it was a brook trout.  Didn't have a wallet on it, so, I wasn't able to determine it's age or where it came from.

What a shame.

All in all it was a solid 1.5 spent fishing on a beautiful day, and a reminder to me and to all of you that live here in the Midwest to get out there and enjoy the outdoors and the kick ass weather while we have it....Winter is coming.

PIG FARM INK: AMERICAN FLYDOL MINNEAPOLIS

PIG FARM INK PRESENTS:  BITCHIN TOUR

Come on out to tie flies and belt out some jams with the Pig Farm Ink Tour crew at Otter's Saloon for AMERICAN FLYDOL! Bring your vice, tie some flies, or just come on out and party.  Jay Johnson, Nick Halm, Jonathan Jones, Casey Anderson, and myself will be there.

WEDNESDAY - AUGUST 16TH @ 8 PM

OTTER'S SALOON

617 CENTRAL AVE SE

MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55414

PIG FARM INK

BOB MITCHELL'S & CONSERVATION CORP - CLEAN RIVER CRAWL

Bob Mitchell's Fly Shop and Conservation Corps have teamed up with a few different breweries to host 4 separate river clean ups around the Saint Paul/Minneapolis area.  I attended the first one, and had a great time.  It was my first river clean up, and it was such a positive experience cleaning up some trash around the waters that I fish.

Scavenger Fly and Lift Bridge Brewing table.

I got to explore a part of the Kinnickinnic River that I hadn't fished, and it was beautiful.  I had no idea there were some small waterfalls just up river from the usual stomping grounds.  There wasn't a lot of trash found on this part of the river, and that was surprising to me.  It also, told me that there are definitely others out there that care.

The Kinni. (Kinnickinnic)

Couple hours later we all met back up at the tents and David from Lift Bridge Brewing began to grill up some goods, while we all drank some Lift Bridge brews and told fish stories.

David grillin' up the good.

Hazel the Tiny Dingo keeping cool.

Bret and Evan ready to chow down after a long hard day of cleaning the Kinni (Haha)

It was a great day on the water, and I didn't even wet a line.  I will definitely be back to that section of river with my 3 wt and some small flies.  I spotted quite a few small trout zipping around while I was cleaning up.

Post clean up BBQ.  The yellow bags contained the trash picked up.

Fish stories with Aaron, Robert and Bret.

I won't be around for the next clean up, but I should definitely make it out for the last one.  For a schedule, links, and more information about these river clean ups - please check out the links below.  Big thanks to all of those that did the organizing for these events!  Cheers!

Free the Kinnickinnic.

BOB MITCHELL'S FLY SHOP

CONSERVATION CORPS

LIFT BRIDGE BREWING

UPCOMING DATES FOR THE CLEAN RIVER CRAWL

===CLICK HERE===

June 17th: Lift Bridge clean up on the Kinnickinnic River

July 15th - Fulton Brewing clean up on the Mississippi River

August 19th - Odell Brewing clean up on the Vermillion River

September 16th - Lake Monster Brewing clean up on the Minnehaha Creek