The Giving Season......

             Hello all and thanks for checking in at the O’Grady Fly Fishing Adventures blog. When Cat and I first began writing this blog several years ago, we really had no idea what it would grow into. Some of our earliest blogs would get 15 or 20 readers throughout the week. Cat had always wanted to be a writer but as for me I couldn’t understand why anyone would ever want to sit down and write. Then one day it hit me, I could share jokes, stories, I could tease others and I could even talk about great new cool gear and throw in a tip or two, and maybe the greatest thing about the blog is that no one can ever cut me off, the stage is mine(hehe). We have probably written to much personal info but it seems that we have really developed a personal relationship with our readers. Now every once in a while, something from the blog will come back at us and all we can do is blush.

               Yesterday I walked into the shop and a reader and friend was in and said that he had something for me. I immediately felt a little sheepish and then he went on to remind me about my run-in with the killer beaver this summer( http://ogradyflyfishing.blogspot.com/2016/07/taking-advantage.html ) and then said it may be a little late because I’m walking so well now. He pulled it from around his back and it was a walking stick that he had carved from scratch. The staff has a beaver holding a fish carved out of the top, it has flies carved into the wood and then has Winston and Cat eyes burned into the wood. The final touches were the flies burned in throughout the staff. Now I have to admit, I had no idea how to take this and it absolutely blew me away. This project was incredible and had to have taken months to complete, while looking it over I was stunned, I don’t think I had ever received a gift that had taken that much time to complete. I asked Joe why he did this and he said that he felt like we helped him learn how to fish. I got it home last night and I kept finding myself walking into the other room and checking it out. Now I have never been very good and taking compliments or even more so gifts so in my best Connellesque way, I will put my humor into this. It seems that our blog has touched people enough over the years that readers and friends want to give us gifts. I wanted to start by saying that Joe has set the bar awfully high and it may be very difficult to equal, but just in case you want to try, tickets to Belize might be pretty cool(hehe). Okay that was my joke, but thank you so much Joe, the staff is incredible.

               Now on to the fishing, as with most of the fall, fishing has been real hit and miss, my trip out on Wednesday was fantastic with several big fish hookups and four sixteen inchers to the net. Thursday I fished by myself and hooked one good fish and several dinks. Today’s trip was a little slow with a breakoff, a few losses and a couple of quality fish to the net. Today we got to meet up with Steve and Cajun and Winston got to hang out with a new friend on the river. I think the problem we are dealing with is that with the warmth of the water, there is just too much food in the water to really get the fish gorging at any one time. If you are thinking about a learning guide trip then the next two weeks should be the perfect time to get it done. The river crowds will really pick up right around Thanksgiving so right now is a great time to cover a lot of the river. Fish were taken on FOD’s, Black emergers and Cream Blings. As always, Connell, Cat, Winston, Joe and the Drift Fly Shop want to thank you for reading…

                         From Today

Down On the Bayou........

            Hello all and thanks for checking in at the O’Grady Fly Fishing Adventures. For the most part, Cat’s and my marriage has been pretty basic over the years. Now don’t take this the wrong way, I wouldn’t change it for the world, but my job has kept many new adventures from coming to fruition. After selling the business last spring, we were really looking forward to adding some spice to our fishing lives. The new knee slowed some of those plans and then a few weeks ago, Cody called the house and told me that he had an open spot for a trip to Southern Louisiana to chase the usually aggressive Redfish. Like most “guys” outing proposals over the years, when asked my original thought was “sorry I can’t because of work,” and then it hit me.... I could go!

         I was a little apprehensive of doing anything without Cat, but she kept insisting that it would be awesome, and honestly how could it be anything else, I was going with Cody after all. Now before we jump into the trip, I wanted to talk a little about how perfectly timed this trip ended up. With my Huskers somehow having an unbeaten season, I dared to believe. Heck, if the Cubs can do it, miracles are possible. Anyway, during the fourth quarter of last week’s game, I actually started to believe and like usual, my heart was ripped from my chest in overtime. I think I hid it pretty well but idle time last week certainly landed my thoughts back at the game. The amazing thing about fishing trips, a quote from Metallica, “Nothing Else Matters.” They have to be anglers.

            We flew out early Wednesday and right off the bat, I was worried that a missed connection in Houston might be a nasty omen, but we only ended up missing about an hour. We rolled into New Orleans just after lunch and found an incredible little hole in the wall Cajun restaurant north of downtown. Our ride south out of Nola was a little surreal with the remnants of Catrina still everywhere.

          Our lodge was an old river boat that sat in a canal. This was not Cody’s first rodeo for redfish, but for me every experience was a new one. It’s amazing how your senses go crazy when you get away from your norm. The humidity, the salt, and just the smell of the Bayou had me on my toes for two days. The first day was a little stressful because the fish were just not normal. The south has also had a very warm fall and the warm water temps have kept the reds from moving up into the shallows. The first day we saw one fish that had moved up and Cody was on deck and made the perfect presentation. The fish exploded on the fly and on his third attempt he finally ate the fly. The clouds and wind kept us from seeing anymore and we made our way back to the lodge.

           The second day was a different story; I think I had four different shots but couldn’t get a take. Cody had one take but the power of the fish broke the line. We were able to see fish that day, but for the most part they weren’t as aggressive as usual. We could tell the guide was frustrated and he then went looking for a school of Black drums. I had never seen anything quite like it, the fish were big, strong and a well-presented fly was eaten. We landed several in the 25lb range and the trip was made. We made our way back to New Orleans last night and since it was my first trip, we had to make our way to the French Quarter. I’m glad we made it to Bourbon Street, but if I make another trip I will do my best to avoid Nola.

            We made it home this morning with no problems and I realized that my Huskers play OSU this evening. Hmmm, maybe a trip to Belize this week. As always, Connell, Cat, Winston, (Cody, Mark, and Ronny T), and the Drift Fly Shop want to thank you for reading…..

Back in Buizz.......

             Hello all and thanks for checking in at the O’Grady Fly Fishing Adventures blog. I wanted to start by saying how awesome it was getting back in the water this week guiding. At times, it seemed as if the fish had missed me as much as I had missed them and at times it felt like they had completely forgotten me. I was cleared last week and had three trips scheduled, and with the fishing picking up, I couldn’t wait to get back out.  The first trip had my mouth watering with what I expected to be perfect conditions, but just when I think I know it all I find out that I don’t. For some strange reason, bugs were basically nonexistence, and fish went into lockjaw mode. Yeah, we got some to the net but was not Arkansas-esque at all. The next trip out was much better and we found feeding fish sporadically all day. Today saw fish eating early but slowed considerably after about 10:30. Anyway, the days were fun and it was nice to be able to talk that much again. The pics are a few from the week. We did see a new addition into the 20 inch club for the Drifts guide trips, congrats Duane!

               I expect fishing to be on and off until we get that first nasty cold snap, but I find it hard to complain about 80+ degrees in October. The cottonwoods right now are absolutely gorgeous and the valley screams a bright gold. Right now is a great time to book a trip and work on the essentials before the Blue wings invade. Fish were eating small Blings and really small Tube Wing midges.                         I wanted to give a quick shout out to the fly fishing club called the Pueblo Renegades. If you are looking for fellow fly fishing addicts here in P-town look them up or stop by the shop. In addition to river cleanups, they do contests and get togethers on a regular basis. It was good seeing the group out today and they were all full of smiles. As always, Connell, Cat, Winston and the Drift Fly Shop want to thank you for reading….

What a Difference....

               Hello all and thanks for checking in at The O’Grady Fly Fishing Adventures Blog. What a difference four days can make. Last Friday I had a high school classmate and her husband make their way from Omaha all the way to P-town to learn how to fly fish. I was so excited to help these two see what Fly Fishing has to offer, and fishing had certainly been getting better. I have been living in P-town long enough to not be surprised by any weather at any time of the year but even I had to scratch my head when I saw the 90’s rolling in. Wednesday, Cat and I fished in 50 degree weather and the fish loved it. Friday morning arrived and we were back at 90 degrees. We made it to the water at around 9:30 and Lori hooked several fish right away, but by 10:15 it seemed that the fish had gone in to total shut down mode. The next five and a half hours saw just a couple takes. In the shop over the weekend the fishing stories were far and few. We saw that the weather was supposed to cool today so Cat and I headed to the river and what a difference 4 days and 20 degrees made.

                We got to the water at just after 9:00 and decided to try some different spots. For about four hours Cat and I had to listen to each other go “Yeah, oh this is a good one” followed by “What the”. I know at one point I was sitting at 0 and 8 for the big fish but I was slaying the super dinks. Finally I was able to work my first quality fish to the net, there may or may not have been a small tear drop in the corner of my eye. The landing got much better for the both of us and we both got several to the net. The river did not disappoint today and the trees are just beginning to turn the valley Gold. The next ten days or so should be the prettiest of the year.  You can see a little of the colors in the background of Winston’s pic, I think he was getting a little tired. The close up of the Osprey was a plus. Sorry our river was a little difficult on you Lori and Mike but remember you are always welcome.

                Our fish seemed to be super hot right now and really gave us everything we could ask for. I think our biggest problem was that we had gone so small on our flies. Most of my big fish were on a size 24 black midge and the dinks were gorging on an egg. I have been feeling more and more confident every trip to the water so I am now beginning to take on guide trips. Sight fishing will be spotty between now and our first super cold spell but (if no 90 degree weather), fishing ought to be steady. Call the shop if you are ready to book, November is filling up. As always Connell, Cat, Winston, Lori & Mike and the Drift Fly Shop want to thank you for reading….

Gonna Get Some Learning....

            Hello all and thanks for checking in at the O’Grady Fly Fishing Adventures blog. One of the comments the shop has been inundated with over the last few weeks has been about the number of super dinks in the river. Now some in the know claim that we have no natural reproduction, the river tells a different story. I’m not sure when it actually started but at some point in my life, I found it really rewarding trying to help young people. I have guest lectured in both middle and high school. I have coached several of my kid’s sports teams, and Cat and I worked in our church youth group for several years. Over the years, some of my favorite clients have been kids. It is so rewarding thinking you are possibly making a positive impact in young people’s lives.

               Today, Cat and I had a different type of youth teaching. We got to the river at just after noon and the super dinks were absolutely gorging. Now it has been a long time since we have found ourselves fishing to those but today we had an idea. If we know that these super dinks will live their entire lives in our river, maybe at an early age, we need to teach them how delicious our flies actually are. All they have to do is taste our flies and we will open a whole new world to their moldable little minds. Winston also did his part in growing fish knowledge. While working with our fish youth today we just happened to work a few quality fish to the net. Obviously, fish that had been taught correctly. It sure was a productive teaching day today. Water was a little murky today so sight fishing was limited, luckily PMD’s were hatching all day long. As always, Connell, Cat, Winston, Mr. Kotter, and the Drift Fly Shop want to thank you for learning……….

Baby Steps.....

            Hello all and thanks for checking in at the O’Grady Fly Fishing Adventures blog. On Friday I had my re-evaluation on my knee and after getting the go ahead, I made the most of it. 8 miles on the bike both Friday and Saturday, and today Cat and I made it to the river. We got to the water at just after noon and had an incredible day. I was hoping the fish would be as happy to be reunited with me as I was with them, but they had other ideas. Clarity was much better than I expected and Winston and I both acted like Pavlov’s dog when I spotted my first fish in a feeding lane. I took an extra second to collect myself and then laid the flies in front of the fish. I watched his mouth open just as my indicator jumped and it was game on. Well not really game on, it was a little more like todays Bronco game. The fish bolted straight for the rocks and as my first thought went to chase, my second thought was to be safe and take baby steps. I got my rod way in the air and flipped the line over two separate rocks. Just when I thought I had slowed him, he took off down river and then the line went dead. He had taken me under a tree. My next three hookups were the same, excitement and then the smell of smoke. Finally, I hooked one and was able to chase him just enough to get him in the net, it sure was great getting reacquainted. We started to make our way down river and I landed my next three, plus several super dinks. Cat was catching fish the whole way down but more than catching fish, I think she was just totally enamored with her new Sage X.

            Today was so much fun, but we did have a few not so great moments. I walked up on one fish and pointed him out to Cat. I measured him up and got several good drifts on him. After several drifts with nothing, my indicator dropped and I set. I could feel tree immediately and then walked over, and yes even when a person thinks they can really see fish, sometimes I get fooled. I’ve said it many times before, if you can’t learn to laugh at yourself, you are going to miss the greatest joke of your generation.

            It sure was great getting back into our river. At times the new knee felt great and at times it felt like I was dragging around a wet log. I have friends coming in next weekend, but after that I believe I should be able to start taking guide trips again. Clarity was really good today but I think it will bounce around a little over the next few weeks. Hatches will continue to increase from now until the end of the year. We saw a mixed bag of bugs flying around, giant Sulphurs, tiny PMD’s, and lots of midges but fish were mostly just eating caddis. As always Connell, Cat, Winston, Dr. Feign and the Drift Fly Shop want to thank you for reading…….

Learning To Fly.....

               Hello all and thanks for checking in at the O’Grady Fly Fishing Adventures blog. It’s been quite a while since I have been at the keyboard. I’m sure most of you know that it has been quite a trying time in the O’Grady household this year. My shoulder was bothering me so much last year that just after the first of the year I had surgery on it. Early summer it was back surgery and 4 weeks ago, I had my right knee replaced. The first two recoveries flew by and I found a rod back in my hand in two weeks. The knee was a little different. The first week and a half was a little overwhelming, I have never felt so helpless in my life. I finally felt the desire to go outside so Cat and I made a trip to the shop. I only lasted about a half an hour and then I told Cat it was time. After the first two full weeks I began to quickly notice improvement. My new Sage X showed up and I think Cat was a little tired of being my personal slave. She hung the rod right near the TV so that every time I wanted to kick back, I would see the rod and go back to trying to work out. The last week I have found myself truly longing to get back to the river. I didn’t think I was ready to fish but there is so much more to being at the river than just fishing.

               We headed to the river at around 11:30 this morning. Cat had the X and I brought a chair. We had to stay pretty close to the car and we found one of our favorite runs was open. I dug my chair in and sat while Cat was rigging up. At that time a lyrical line from Pink Floyd ran through my head, “standing alone, all senses reeled.” I know it may seem silly but after not being next to the river in over a month, it’s amazing the senses that your mind picks up on. The first was of course I was sitting just close enough that my toes were in the water. Pooh-dog wanted me to get the full extent of the water so he kept coming up to me and shaking. The next sense that went off was smell, please no large nose jokes here, the Russian olives, I’m not sure what they are but another plant smelled a little like mustard, and mostly just the smell of the river. And last and maybe the best, the sound. The leaves of the trees blowing and the sound of the water rolling over the rocks will be going through my head all evening.

               I didn’t have the time to get totally lost in my thoughts because Cat hooked up several time the first half hour we were at the river. The first fish she fought for a little while and then the dreaded “pop” with the flies coming back at her. The next fish Cat was able to wrestle the to the net. She hooked a few more but then you could tell the fish in that spot were on to us. I asked if I could try casting a few times and she said no problem. I carefully walked about five steps into the river and got several casts and drifts in. Nothing hooked but it sure felt good. Cat fished a little more and then I asked her if I could try a different run on the way out and she said sure. I had to crawl through a few boulders to get to my spot and another line from Pink Floyd sounded “there’s no sensation compared to this, suspended animation, a state of bliss.” I finally got set up and got a good base. Second cast and my indicator shot up river, I must have been busy singing “learning to fly”, because by the time I set the hook, I could hear the fish giggling from below. I casted a few more times and hooked another fish, he was only about 11inches but he was the most awesome fish I have landed in over a month. As we were heading home the perma-grin was definitely plastered across my face. I have a long way to go, and I can’t wait to Learn To Fly.

               Fish today were caught on True Bloods and SOL’s. Fishing today wasn’t incredible but it sure was awesome being there. As always, Connell, Cat, Winston, Gilmore&Waters, and the Drift Fly Shop want to thank you for reading…….