RUSH

Rush... Rush River - It's not known for slappin' da bass, and if it is, I'm sorry for misinforming you all.  What I can tell you is that it rocks as a fishery!

With me being a "FIB" - I am ever so grateful of everyone that's invited me out fishing with them since I've moved up here to Minnesota.  There's truly some really awesome people up here, especially within the fly fishing community.

On this particular outing I was invited out by Jim, and his friend Ted.  The morning was cold, and it got even colder with the wind.

Suns out.

The area was scenic, and that kind of made you forget about the cold winds - That's BS.  Those cold winds were winning the battle, and letting you know each and every breeze that it was there.  The fishing was extremely slow, but I always manage to hook into rocks or fish sticks.

Snag City.

Long hikes to even more scenic areas yielded no trout.  Determined to hook up with trout the way that we wanted to, on a streamer, both Jim and I were stubborn to change flies.  It was also way too cold to be tying knots haha.

Can you believe that nothing came out of the brush pile.

Ted had been using a nymph rig all day, and I'm not quite sure the number of fish he caught, but I can certainly say that he was catching fish.  That was a positive sign.

On to a new location on the Rush, and I was still tossing a streamer.  I finally hooked up with 1, but shortly lost it as I was jumping in the water off the bank.  Jim switched to a nymph rig, and was able to entice a decent little brown from out of a pool that should have produced more.

Ted showing us where all the fish are.

Jim hooked up in his honey hole.

These brown trout of the Driftless really have a particular beauty to them.

Butter in the net.

A big THANKS goes out to Jim, and Ted for having me out with them on the Rush, and showing me where to grab a damn good burger on the way home!

The trek back with Jim and Ted's excellent adventure.

THE RUSH.

IT ROCKS.

Kinnickinnic River

The Kinni (Kinnickinnic) River - I've fished it once last year when I was up here with my homie Dave for the River Falls Fly Fishing Expo hosted by Brian from Lunds Fly Shop.

• FISH, FILMS AND FUN IN RIVER FALLS
• RIVER FALLS FLY FISHING EXPO PART: 2

I was invited out to fish the Kinni by John and there would be 3 others with the group - Robert of Bob Mitchell's Fly Shop, Charlie Forbes, and Jigger Jim.

The day started early.  It was cold, slightly windy, and as the day progressed the warmth of the sun was seeked.  The guides on our rods were freezing up, and there were no fish being caught, but damn was it nice to be out.

The difference in temperature between the shaded and sun hit area was fun.  We all much preferred the sun.

John and Charlie discussing flies and Jim working a very nice pool in the distance.

Theme of the day.

Robert trying his hand at a pool Jim just finished working.  The rest of us were working on our tans.

While Jim and Robert were working the pool above, Charlie, started to rig up a nymphing rig.  We were all tossing streamers all day and the only person who hooked up was Jim.  Once rigged up, Charlie worked the pool and caught a few little browns.  He then suggested and insisted that he rig me up with a nymph, and I agreed...first cast and drift I had a fish on, and I didn't even know it.  Haha

Thanks, for the picture, Jim!

On the trek back John found a deer carcass frozen in some shallow water along the bank.  Interested to see if it had a rack, he started to kick some of the ice, and that unsettled some very potent smells, which lead to some laughs and the end the day.

Kick and Sniff.

Done.

A big thank you goes out to John, Robert, Charlie, and Jim, for inviting me out and showing me some new water.  Much appreciated guys!

The Kinni.

BREAKING NEWS!

I am moving to Minnesota.  

Yep, you read that right.  I, Justin M. Carfagnini, am picking up and leaving the state of Illinois, where I have resided almost all of my 34 years of existence.  This has been in the works for a few months, and now it's official.

Am I excited - Absolutely.

Am I scared - You bet your behind.

The move is going to come quick, and I have to be in the Minneapolis area on February 1st, so, there's a few things I need to take care of by that time, like...finding a place to live. Hahaha!

I'm really excited for this new opportunity, and I'm looking forward to experience life in a new city/state that I have only visited one time.  Talk about taking a leap.

Lets all hope the outcome is much better than that.

How fitting I rerecorded this cover of Green Day - Good Riddance just the other day.  This was the first song I learned how to play on the guitar.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas, and have a fun and safe New Years!!  

Things have been slow around these parts.  I've decided to take a page out of +Howard Levett's  (Windknots and Tangled Lines) book and run a contest to basically say thanks, and to generate some entertainment to offset the cabin fever that is surly building up for everyone.  Be on the look out next month for that!

Until then, please enjoy my cover of Better Man by James Morrison.

Agate Falls - UP Michigan

During my mini winter road trip around the Midwest, I stopped at another waterfall, Agate Falls, to be exact.  This one was different, and not as touristy as my stop at Bond Falls.  There were 2 parking areas, and a man made trail, but the trail only went so far.  You had to view the falls from a great distance.

I noticed that there was a beaten path made that went down to the bottom of the gorge, but there was just a few red flags that went off in my head:

1. I'm alone and there's no one else around.
2. Snow, ice, and an pretty steep incline aren't a good combo.
3. The sun was starting to set.

Given those red flags, and me being me, I still gave it a go.  After a few missteps on some icy rocks, I decided that today was not a good day to die.  So, I turned around and walked back to my car, and called it a day after taking some pictures from afar atop the bridge.

Underneath the train bridge in the distance is Agate Falls.  The pictures I seen on Google look great, and I will definitely be making a trip back here, in much favorable conditions.

It's really easy to drink Shasta Cherry Cola, PBR, and Budweiser.  It's even easier to carry it out with you and toss it in a garbage can in the parking lot or the next gas station you stop at.  Don't be an A hole and leave it somewhere it doesn't belong.  Take out what you take in.  Leave no trace.

The Windknots Christmas Contest

If you like contests, fly fishing, and coming up with snarky/funny/crude statements for pictures, then the below information is just for you!

+Howard over at Windknots and Tangled Lines is hosting a caption contest, and the winner is going to receive some sweet prizes!  Click the link below.

WINDKNOTS CHRISTMAS CONTEST

Bond Falls Park - UP Michigan

Work. Work. Work.

I was in dire need of a mental escape with all of the hours I've been putting in at work.  I'm not complaining about the hours, because, the extra pay is nice, and if it's there, I'm not one to say no.  

With my car loaded up, I headed North.  Stopped at my favorite Northwoods spot in Wisconsin to spot fish a few familiar areas.  These were going to be quick stops, so, I opted for my casting rod and a spinnerbait, so, I could cover an area faster.  I knocked and knocked, but no one was home.

Next stop - Bond Falls

The last time I was in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I drove past a sign for Bond Falls, and didn't have a chance to stop there, because, the sun had already set.  When I pulled up the parking area was closed, and I was a little bummed about that. 1/4 mile down the road I came to another parking area, and there was 1 vehicle already there.

Most of the U.P. was covered in snow from the previous week.  I was thankful for this, because, it added an extra element of beauty to the already gorgeous U.P.....and it allowed me to follow some footsteps to find where the falls were haha!

After following some footprints in the snow, I came across some signs.  The tracks were no longer needed.

The walk was fairly short, and the signage and man made paths helped quite a bit.  I can see this place being heavily visited in the summer months with how easy the access is to some great scenic views.  After a short walk along the trail, I came across a small set of waterfalls.  I knew right off the bat that these were not the actual falls, because, I had seen picture on Google.  They were still pretty to see.

Walking further down you come to the top of the falls, and what a sight.  I didn't get any good shots of the view, but it was pretty awesome.  The stairs next to the falls that lead down to the trail that leads you to the front view of the falls is really slippery and icy this time of year.  So be careful!

Now I present to you - Bond Falls.

The falls were incredible, and definitely well worth the stop.  While I was walking in, the couple in the other vehicle were on their way out, so, it was really cool to have the place to myself.   I really wish I could sleep next to them and listen to the sound of that rushing water...I think I may have to take the audio from a short video I took of them, and make it my ring tone or something. Haha

If you're ever in the Central Upper Peninsula, I highly suggest you make a stop to see Bond Falls.  As you can see from the pictures, it's a beautiful place.

It's also supposed to be a good smallmouth fishery, as well.  I've heard the bass aren't big in size, but plentiful and fun.

Go visit now!

It's Colder Up North

A decision has been made, and I have decided that I will be doing a multi-state road trip.  After work on Thursday (Today), I will be headed in my favorite direction for adventure...North.  I am planning on doing some exploring in Northern Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  I'm going to be doing quite a bit of hiking to seek out new rivers, lakes, access points, and sights I'm not used to seeing in the summer months.

I will most certainly be wetting a line, as well.  Hoping to find some rivers with shore/wading access way up North that come from Lake Superior, and maybe, just maybe, there will be some willing salmon or trout that will want to party.  

A few other things I'm sure I'll encounter on my adventure.

• Cheese Curds
• New Glarus Beer
• Friday Fish Fry
• Peace
• Quiet

Thank you, all, for your suggestions!  
Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Where Would You Go

Alrighty.  So, I have been busting my butt off at work the past 6-7 weeks.  I'm finally going to take a day off and go do something, but that's the question I am trying to answer....

What am I going to do?!?!?!

I am off this coming Friday (12/02) and will have 3 full days off, and have no idea what to do with myself.  Whatever I plan on doing, I will be leaving Thursday night, and returning Sunday evening/night.

Here are the options that I have currently in my head....

1. Northwoods of Wisconsin
1. Musky season is closed.
2. Bass fishing will definitely be difficult.
3. Cold and snow.  I'm prepared.
4. I know the areas fairly well.
2. Michigan
1. Trout fishing.
2. Steelhead Fishing.
3. I have no idea where to go or what I'm doing in this state.
3. Southwest Wisconsin
1. I think the Driftless season is closed.
2. Musky season is most likely closed.
3. Not a far drive.
4. New Glarus Brewing - Great beer and cheese curds.
4. Minnesota/Minneapolis
1. Musky season is closed.
2. Trout fishing.
3. Bass fishing.
4. I have never been to the state.
5. No idea where to go or what I'm doing in this state.

Any other suggestions?  I just need a getaway that isn't to far...6 hours is my max driving for 1 day.  I'd like to maximize my time doing something like fishing, kayaking, hiking or whatever.

I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Eat lots of good food!

 

Don't go waiting in lines after dinner or the day after.  Get out and enjoy what's out there!  There's so many other things that you can do with your time that would be much more enjoyable than waiting in some department store line to save a few bucks.

 

I know I plan on getting out and going for a hike or possibly a quick wade on some small waters that I know won't produce any fish, because, it's that time of the year...but who cares!  It'll just be nice to get out and enjoy nature.

 

 

I have many doppelgangers, and my friends love to find them.

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families.

Not The Only Blogger

I'm not the only Blogger in the Carfagnini family.  My cousin Brianna recently made her cooking/food blog public, and it is looking good!  She is one helluva talent in the kitchen, DIY projects, and crafting.

I highly recommend that you check out her blog.

FYI - It'll make you hungry.

Click Here -> Swinton Kitchen.

Chicago Cubs Did It

I know this is old news by now, but the Chicago Cubs are World Series Champions!!!

Howard (Windknots and Tangled Lines) - Mark (Northern California Trout) - They did it!!!

Game 7 was seriously, in my opinion, the greatest baseball game ever played.  I was watching the game from the couch and at the start of the 7th inning, I decided that I should be down in Wrigleyville.  Just like I was for when they clinched the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Once down there, I joined the masses in the streets watching the game as best we could...through the windows of any of the nearby bars.

Photo from somewhere on the web.

Once Kris Bryant picked up that short ground ball and the ball hit the back of Anthony Rizzo's glove, the whole city of Chicago erupted!  There are not enough words to describe the atmosphere.

 Unbelievable.  Unreal.  Electric.  Insane.  Crazy.  Bonkers.  HOLY COW!

Midwest Golden Bones - Recap (Late)

The 1st annual Midwest Golden Bones Fly Tournament was a great success.  Kurt Nelson and Bill Katzenberger were the masterminds behind the tournament, and my hat goes off to those guys for all of the work they did.

There's a great write up, and some fantastic photographs from the event over at the Tippets and Tales blog.  I highly recommend you check it out!!!  --CLICK ME--

The event even made The Moldy Chum blog. --CLICK ME--

FRIDAY - MEET UP AND PFI: IRON FLY
I hosted the PIG FARM INK - IRON FLY event to kick off the weekends festivities at the Rivers Edge Bar & Grill in Batavia, IL.  Kurt had his Towee boat parked in the beer garden and he had compartments filled with ice and beer provided by Sweetwater.  Booze, Boats, and PFI: Iron Fly...an equation that equals a bitchin' good time.  Huge thanks to my homies from the FARM for hooking it up with some killer prizes provided by Yeti Coolers, Costa, and Post Fly.  What a fun night of fly tying challenges, happy anglers, and some creative and questionable flies.  I only took a few pictures, and they're not good. (For pictures please visit Tippets and Tales post.)

Mike Burns walking away with a Dead Weight Fly swag

SATURDAY - TOURNAMENT DAY
Check in at the DuPage Fly Fishing Co. shop was between 6 and 7 AM.  I arrived at 6:58 AM.  Haha  I had slept over at my cousins place which was literally 10 minutes away.  I woke up early and told myself that I had time, and I should just close my eyes for another few minutes.  Next thing I know, I wake up, and it's 6:47 AM.  I was out the door!

After arriving fashionably late, I received my swag bag, measuring device, was given the run down of the rules, and off I went.  Per usual...I didn't have an exact plan of attack, but when Bill said that Salt Creek was in, I knew I had to go back to my old neighborhood.  On the way to my spot, I became very hungry, so, I stopped for breakfast at my favorite breakfast spot, and ordered my usual chorizo/jalapeno omelette, with extra crispy hash browns, and pancakes.  I was stuff, so, when I finally arrived to my destination....I tilted the seat back in my car, and took a nap. (Oh, it was raining at this time btw.)

3 Amigos omelette at Bentley's

2 hours later, I woke up to a big truck, and some guys talking.  I leaned up and peaked to see who it was, and it turned out to be 2 guys from the tournament.  Hilarious.  We had no idea anyone else knew about the water we were intending on fishing.  Needless to say, they were already geared up and ready to rock and roll on the water, but I on the other hand definitely was not, so, I started my car and drove to a back up spot in the area.

...and after fishing a little while at the back up spot, I decided to head back to Naperville and fish the DuPage River.  Long story short...I caught a bunch of small smallies, and bluegill.

CHUBBY.

Huge bluegill that I thought was a decent sized smallie.

I finished the day with no carp, but that was quite alright with me.  Once back at the bar for the final results, there was a plethora of food and booze.  Just what you need after a long day of fishing.  The guys did an outstanding job organizing this event, and I'm looking forward to it next year.  Congratulations to all that won raffle prizes, and those who placed in the top 3 for the carp that they caught.  Extra huge CONGRATULATIONS to Mike Allen who won the tournament with an insane number of fish caught.  You da man, Mike.  You da man!

CUBS WIN!

The Chicago Cubs are going to the World Series!

Unfortunately, I didn't have a ticket to the game, but that didn't stop me from heading to Wrigleyville to partake in all of the celebration that was going on in the streets.  It was PACKED, but oh so much fun to experience.

Surprisingly, there were only a few idiots out, and they were climbing the street lights, and as soon as they came back down they were taken away by the boys in blue, and I'm not talking about the Chicago Cubs.  Other than that, everyone was having a great time in the streets and in the bars.  I didn't see any fights or flipped cars, but the Cubs also didn't win the World Series.  I'm hoping they do, though...and not because I want to see flipped cars. Haha

What a great time to be a Cubs fan!

Oh, and hats off to the Chicago Police Department for doing a fine job amidst the chaos of Cubs fans.  I could tell that some of the officers were enjoying being there and just watching some of the drunk idiots.