Snow Pike

Not wanting to pack up our fishing gear for the winter just yet. My buddy Dave (Urban Assault Fly Fishing) and I decided to take a float down the Des Plaines River just outside of Chicago, and fish for some feisty Northern Pike.

The day started out a lovely 23 degree's. We were well aware that it was going to be cold, and that we had snow in the forecast, but that did detour us one bit. We spent the first 1/2 of the day casting with no luck. After a few offering changes, Dave, was able to hook up with his first DPR Pike.

An average sized DPR Pike for Dave in the midst of some snowfall (Photo by: Myself)

As the day went on, the snow began to fall steadily, and the temperature was up and down ranging from cold to really cold. Dave continued to hook up and find these feisty pike, and totaled 3 on the day. I on the other hand, was not able to hook up with any. I did, however, have 2 really nice blow ups.

Anchored down in front of a warm water discharge. (Photo by: Dave)

Although, I was not able to hook up with any pike, I would still consider this a great outing. Floating down the Des Plaines River whiled it snowed, chucking big buck tail streamers for northern pike - Hell yeah, I'd do it again!

One of the 2 low head dams we had to portage. (Photo by: Myself)

Broke the oar in half breaking through an iced over section of river. Hand Paddle!! (Photo by: Dave)

Snow, ice, and a frozen buck tail streamer. (Photo by: Myself)

Project Healing Waters Fly Donation

With the holidays upon us, I thought it was a perfect time to donate some flies to Project Healing Waters, and help them support the disabled men and women who have served our great country.

If you're not familiar with Project Healing Waters, I highly recommend you pay their site a visit, and see what they're all about.

I will be donating a total of 51 flies to the Midwest. There are some flies for trout, panfish, and bass. I just hope that they help!

To all of the disabled men and women who have served or are still presently serving in our military, I just want to say, thank you and wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas!

Fly Tying Zone!

I am in the fly tying zone, as of late.

Recently, finished a few orders for some flies. Really cool to have someone reach out and offer to buy something that you've created. Even cooler to think that the flies that I tied will end up in some fish faces not from my neck of the woods. These are my first flies using Hareline Dubbin Senyo Laser Dub...excellent material, and super easy to use! I might be addicted to it.

Some clousers and San Juan worms. (The tips have since been burned.)

New patters!

Really cool to see that Clear Cure Goo used one of my flies for their cover picture on Facebook.

Articulated and Sassy!! - Check out those eyes. They say "Bite Me"

Keep your eye on the look out for some great deals. Found this one at Target on one of the end caps. It's too bad there wasn't anymore or other colors. Definitely, a steal! 

These are going to be awesome for panfish, and small creek smallies.