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Blue Ribbon Flies 2013 Catalog
Serving You for over 30 Years
2013 Digital Catalog - Vol. 1 Issue 1
Greetings!

Instead of a printed catalog this year we have decided to go more digital. Blue Ribbon Flies has had a printed catalog since 1983 and this will be the first year since then that we will not have a printed catalog. The decision to go digital was a very hard one for us, but we felt we could bring more to you, our customers, through this media.

Throughout this publication be sure to check out the links on the sidebar to your left as well as the photos. In these places you will find videos and other information that will be useful to you. The first video is found by clicking the photo below or the link in red text to the left in the sidebar.

Thanks for joining us here at Blue Ribbon and as we usually say in our newsletters, "grab a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy!" For this one you may want to grab a cup of coffee a little breakfast, lunch and perhaps some dinner.

2012 Year in Review

By Craig Mathews

Throughout this publication be sure to check the photographs. These photos will lead you to videos, additional products and other useful information.




John Juracek Photo

John Juracek Photo

2012 year in review

By Craig Mathews

This morning I climbed high into the Gravelly Mountains southwest of our house. I left before 5 a.m. and got near the top of my favorite peak before 7. It's the end of November. Hard to believe this morning it rained for most of the long haul to the peak. At 8400 feet rain turned to sleet, then heavy snow. When I got to the huge boulders below the summit I crossed a set of young mountain lion tracks. My senses really came too when I smelled cat's urine it had sprayed on a juniper bush as I pulled myself over a sharp outcropping above timberline. As I did a male Dusky Grouse burst from snow startling me and I muttered to myself, "you're getting too old for this kind of excitement Craig". I inched along at a snail's pace for another hundred yards or more trying to focus on the task at hand. Rocks and brush came in and out of view in the near blizzard conditions. I was looking for a big mule deer I figured had to be there. My nerves were a bit on edge as I half expected the lion to jump up in my face from a day bed or hiding spot in the rocks. I slide along slowly, wiping snow and ice off my eyebrows and lids trying to see through the whiteout the silver dollar sized snowflakes created. At best I could see 70 yards through the ice fog and snow. The wind was in my favor as I headed into it. I stopped for a breather as a bull elk covered in snow walked into view from the fog. It came the 50 yards between he and I in a few seconds. I had time to look him over. He was better, much better than the bull I'd taken the week before but, as they say, "what's done is done". Now the big guy stood within 15 yards of me, chewing his cud and looking over his shoulder as if something was coming behind. Next he snapped his head around and looked into my eyes. Now staring at me I said to him, "good morning big guy" fully expecting him to bolt and run back the way he'd come from. Instead with nostrils flaring wide open, eyes bulging, nose snorting, he continued walking past me almost with a look as if to say to me, "you are allowed one bull elk a year and it is in the freezer.. .. I'm heading south, play like you never saw me.. .. .." I was wet and cold and shivering now and when he'd walked out of sight into the blinding snow I walked left the mountain and came home. Jackie and I had a late breakfast then we headed to the Madison for a great afternoon of midge fishing in the rain.

The year went that way, sort of, it seemed. Feast or famine, high and low water, lots of caddis and mayflies at times and at other times not. One thing for sure, 2012 will go down as one to remember for its highs and lows. Let's look at the good, and no-so-good.

My first fishing log entry of the new year last January tells of good midge fishing on the river near Lyon Bridge. The several following entries that same month report fine fishing both on the surface and underneath during midge times. Raynolds and $3 were great then as were Babbling Brook and the West Fork areas. Skittering and Zelon Midges and our new "Wired $3 Dips" were the only flies we needed most times for success. This continued through February as Bucky and I expanded our fishing into the Bear Trap area of the Madison. On a mid-February day there we had tremendous fishing with the Wired $3 Dips, Micro-Wulff Cripples and Skittering Midges.

In mid-month Rich, Tim and I had a fun day on the river. Tim and I watched as Rich scored over a dozen nice rainbows and browns without moving an inch. That day my log tells of a high temp of 22 degrees, calm and sunny and lots of fish. I had a ball fishing the new Wired $3 Dip while Tim and Rich mostly fished Zebra and GM Nymphs. We even had some risers that cold afternoon and did well on Skittering and Zelon Midges. On the 28th Clark and I stood in one spot on the Madison as temps soared to 29 degrees and I looked on and took photos as he took over twenty nice trout on dry and subsurface midge patterns. Clark's mixed bag of browns and rainbows came to the same "Wired $3 Dip" we had been "testing" and by now we all knew it was a lock for a great new fly to add to the BRF fly bins for 2013. Credit here is mostly due to our guide Patrick Daigle who first showed us his version of the Dip.

In March Jackie and I hosted our annual saltwater fishing trips to Mexico where we had 2 awesome weeks enjoying bonefish, tarpon, snook and permit in the sun. We look forward to this excursion every year. When we returned the end of the month my log tells of "roaring down to Story access to catch a March Madison trout". I arrived on the river at 7 p.m. where it was 58 degrees and overcast and fish "rising like wolves to midges" my log says. I rigged up just as the wind came up and began spitting rain. I missed a couple then took a nice rainbow, my March trout on the river, and a couple browns before 7:30 when the wind brought on a cold rain and I headed home. Rick's Red Midge worked its magic that night as did the Zelon Midge on the surface.

In March Yvon Chouinard and I were honored for our conservation work at a national Trout Unlimited event in San Francisco. We accepted the award for our co-founding 1% for the Planet which, to date, has contributed over $100 million to conservation causes.

April came in like a lamb with calm conditions and great fishing on the Madison, Henry's Fork, Beaverhead, Yellowstone and the spring creeks as well. Baetis , March Browns and midges, spring stone flies and Mothers' Day Caddis all brought trout to the surface and we had a grand month of fishing in Yellowstone country. Cam and I shot down to The Wasatch Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah in April. It was a wonderful show and I had the honor of being the keynote speaker at their banquet.

By the 23rd of April the ice had come off Hebgen Lake and the curlews and sandhill cranes returned to the Madison Valley. Hebgen and Earthquake Lakes fish well during this earlier than "normal" ice-off season. Midges then came off and big trout cruised the shoreline in search of emerging midges and nearly any other food item that crawled, emerged or swam. Crayfish, bait fish and leeches all took some very large trout this spring on Heben and Quake as well as Elk, Cliff and Wade Lakes.


Montana's general fishing season opened the 19th of May and with it we saw very good fishing on the Madison both on the upper river near the West Fork and $3 Bridge as well as the float stretches below Lyon Bridge. Big nymphs like our magnum #4-6 Prince's along with favorite streamers took some large brown trout all along the river. Below Hebgen Dam the river fished very well all winter and spring.

Yellowstone National Park's fishing season opened the 26th of May and anglers were greeted to over 6" of snow that morning which closed park roads for a while and made for a tough opening day. The next day however Terry and I made our way to the Firehole River at 1 p.m. to find PMD's and Baetis mayflies emerging and trout rising all along the river. The weather was perfect for early season mayflies: rain and snow and 35-40 degree temperatures. We left the river and rising trout around 3 p.m. each having hooked and landed several fine trout. The Firehole's resident fish are, for the second year in a row, larger than the "average" size over the past several years. Most anglers fishing the river this year reported some of the finest fishing they'd had here in many seasons.

The Henry's Fork also fished very well in late May and when it opened on the Railroad Ranch stretch 15 June. More fish in the river again this year, and some very large rainbows too.

In June Drew and Geoff and I headed to the Gaspe Region of Quebec to fish Atlantic Salmon. Our gracious host, Bill Greiner met us in Boston where we took in a Red Socks game then fished a day for strippers before heading up to the Gaspe. The fishing was very tough due to extremely low water conditions and very few salmon in the rivers. Top rod was Drew, Geoff took a salmon and I was blanked but had a grand time fishing rivers I'd read about like the Dartmouth, York and Grand.

The Firehole River was outstanding throughout the month of June. Yvon Chouinard, Mauro Mazzo and I spent a couple days on it photographing our "simple fly fishing" methods in preparation for our upcoming book "Simple Fly Fishing" the 3 of us are writing. Mauro had a 22" male brown we have great photos of which took a Macro Madison Mayfly Nymph. Big trout rose to fine hatches of White Miller and Hydropsyche sp caddis flies, Baetis and pale morning dun mayflies and midges as well as damsel flies on the Firehole both in spring and again in fall and the river and anglers saw a fine year.

The Madison's evening caddis activity got off to an early start in June. My log tells of a wonderful evening of dry fly fishing on 16 June when the first caddis of the early season emerged on the river. By then PMD's and green drakes were emerging on the Henry's Fork with brown drakes soon to follow. June presented the old problem for most anglers like in the "good old days", that being, "where do I fish today?" There were so many options available to anglers it was indeed tough to pick during the month of June. Salmon flies began on the Madison above Ennis around 20 June and by the 27th the big bugs were nearing Raynolds Bridge. 2012 was not however, a strong stone fly year for the Madison nor the Henry's Fork in Box Canyon. There were a few good days but all in all it was caddis and mayflies that brought the best rises of trout in June.

On the 23rd the Madison River Foundation held it annual gala event at Sun Ranch. Jackie and I were proud to help out with this fine event. Record attendance and funds were raised for this important organization which safe guards all we love about the Madison Valley and its wild trout and places. Yvon Chouinard and I presented the "Guardian of the Madison River Award" on behalf of the foundation to the Laszlo Family of Granger Ranches for their continued commitment to protecting, preserving and enhancing the Madison Valley for all future generations.

On the 4th of July I had incredible pale morning dun fishing on the Madison while friends fishing the Henry's Fork had the same. On the 10th the Gallatin River saw emergences of green drakes, pmd's and Epeorus mayflies and my fishing buddy Terry reported fishing "the best day I've ever had on the Gallatin". That's saying something as Terry fishes this river several days each season.

During the first 2 weeks of July we were sure summer 2012 would be an evening caddis year to remember on the Madison. Late day caddis came off in clouds for the first 2 weeks and the trout rose in number from Hebgen Dam to Ennis Lake. We even took samples of a "new" caddis, still unidentified, on the river from 4 July to the end of the month. A #16-18 olive/tan body with grayish-tan wing and long antenna caddis emerged 7 p.m. to dark in selected places on the river from Raynolds to West Fork. Our #16 Olive X2 and #18 tan Iris worked their magic on the rising fish. My notes tell of several evenings with great Iris and X2 Caddis success until the 17th of the month when things changed, and changed drastically. At that time Epeorus sp mayflies emerged, caddis emergences began to wane and E. margarita mayfly spinners fell nightly from 7 p.m. to dark. Trout began refusing the normally reliable #17 Iris Caddis.


Out came our insect sampling nets during a frustrating evening on the river and we began doing what the river told us.. .. .. use a #18 BRF Hi Vis Spinner to imitate the E. margarita spinners. This worked for several nights until trout switched to Epeorus duns and spinners in early August. We designed a new Epeorus dun the Pink Lady Comparadun this summer, one that is slim bodied with a wing of bleached sparkle dun hair making it easier to see on the rough-tumbler waters it emerges from. Steve Bailey the talented fly tier and designer from Florida ties these delicate and beautiful flies for us which worked well all day during the summer months. Fished as an attractor during the heat of the day when no insects were on the water, or during an emergence on the Madison, Gallatin and Yellowstone Rivers as well as Soda Butte Creek this fly was deadly.

The highways between West Yellowstone, the Madison, and Gallatin and Henry's Fork were well traveled by anglers in July! By month's end the waters in the northeast corner of Yellowstone were fishing well and gulpers began rising on Hebgen, Earthquake, Wade and Ennis Lakes. Anglers were all busy fishing and catching!

Blue Ribbon hosted its annual Madison River Foundation/BRF Day in mid-July. Please join us July 15, 2013 at the shop to be a part of this great event where you will learn more about the foundation and its incredibly important work it is doing in the Madison Valley for wild trout. Refreshments are served up with some great conversation and more!

On the 21st of July BRF co-hosted a fun fishing event with Bob and Annie Graham of $3 Bridge Ranch and Superintendent Dan Wenk of Yellowstone National Park for the Yellowstone Park Foundation. A fine time was had by all as we kicked of the next phase of the Yellowstone Cutthroat Program in the Park. A separate piece will be included on this program and how you can help further on in this BRF journal.

Hot and dry weather prevailed throughout July and continued into August when things got interesting for anglers in Yellowstone country. Warm water temps caused park fishery officials to close the Firehole, Madison and Gibbon River below its falls. Area fly shops well stocked with fly bins stuffed with spruce moth imitations still have most of them as the moths failed to emerge in number this past summer. Midges became the preferred food source on the Madison during evening hours as Epeorus emergences and evening spinner falls sputtered and shut off early in the month. Daytime river and stream fishing slipped into summer doldrums in August until Nick Nicklas came through with his new Skipper imitation. This great pattern was tied to imitate the little Skipper butterflies anglers see in number along all Yellowstone country rivers and streams in summer. These small insects skip along the surface of streams and rivers where afternoon breezes knock them onto the waters' surface and trout relish them once they do. Our guides and others testing Nick's new fly were amazed at how well it worked. From the Missouri to the Yellowstone, Madison to Lamar and Henry's Fork to the Snake this fly was killing during the warm dog days of August. It can also be counted on to imitate spruce moths and aquatic moths found on most rivers and streams in summer.

Bucky picked up a canoe last winter so he and Sadie fished Hebgen Lake on many of their days off this past summer. All of us at the shop followed Bucky's daily gulper fishing adventures when he'd come in late for work. It wasn't long before things got tough as the big fish began keying on tiny Trico spinners. Bucky spent time at his tying vise and soon announced he " had to come up with a new Up-Rite Trico Spinner" to consistently take big gulpers on Hebgen. According to Bucky and his fishing friends they were not able to fool trout rising to Tricos on the Madison Arm of the lake until he tied his durable, visible and highly floatable new fly. I found it works on Henry's Fork's big rainbows as well as the Missouri River's trout too.

John Juracek Photo

When Callibaetis mayflies hatch on lakes like Hebgen, Ennis, Wade, Hidden and Trout lake big trout initially key on nymphs prior to daily emergences. In early morning big trout work the nymphs that become active swimming from their deep weed bed homes towards the surface in preparation to emerge. As emergence time gets closer, around 10 a.m. , the big fish search out the nymphs just under the surface and aggressive riseforms can be seen along the weed beds and weed walls as cruising gulpers fish key on nymphs just under the surface. For many years we have toiled to come up with a nymph that works for BIG trout cruising, patrolling and searching for Callibaetis nymphs. Those of us who fish lakes during Callibaetis times know all to well how tough it is to consistently take big-wild trout on our lakes when these big trout are selectively taking nymphs. This past August and September our new Callibaetis nymphs took more big trout on lakes than all others combined, period! We call it our Improved Callibaetis Nymph and I fish easier now knowing I have a dozen in my lake fly box at all times! The beaded version is for those pre-emergence times when fish are scoring nymphs swimming up from their deep weed beds in preparation to emerge. The unbeaded nymphs work their magic as big trout take nymphs just under the film as they prepare to emerge. It is during these frustrating times anglers often observe fully formed duns on the surface, but their flies are ignored even though they may see aggressive rises. Fishing our new nymphs will end that frustration!

Funnel cloud-like flying ant swarms showed up the third week of August and provided incredible action for 2 weeks that followed. The last weekend of the month Jackie and I headed to Tom Brokaw's place to show he and his wife Meredith, and Doug his ranch manager how to fish Tenkara. We had awesome hopper fishing at their ranch and the 3 of them picked up quickly on the simplest method of fly-fishing and are now enjoying it on nearby waters.

The following week we spent a few days on Soda Butte and Slough Creeks as well as the upper Lamar River where the hopper, ant and beetle action was just beginning. The awesome terrestrial action would continue through October and into the first part of November.

The first fall run-up brown and rainbow trout showed up late this season. It wasn't until the first hard frost of the season, on 25 August, that we saw the first big male browns come into the lower river just upstream of Madison Arm. Perhaps it was the low water and warm summer but normally we see these early browns arrive the fist week of August.

On the evening of 31st of August and continuing for the next few days we began to see a cooler-wet weather pattern arrive in Yellowstone country. These conditions brought on strong Fall Green Drake emergences on many area waters and our fall run of rainbow and brown trout picked up. While this weather system was short lived it jump-started incredible late summer - early fall fishing. After several weeks of bright sunny skies and warm temps the welcomed rains and frosty mornings signaled the start of a long fall season with good insect emergences and solid fishing in Yellowstone. The big drakes came off the Lamar River along with Slough and Soda Butte Creeks and other area waters. On these waters our Drake Mackeral Sparkle Duns and Emergers were deadly. Baetis emerged on the Madison and Henry's Fork along with midges and fall caddis. The Firehole's White Millers fired up again as did its Baetis and midges. Baetis Foam Emergers, Knocked-Down Duns and Sparkle Duns, White Miller Soft Hackle Emergers, White Miller X and Iris did the trick daily and anglers had themselves field days. The Gibbon River saw an early run of rainbows come in below its falls in mid-September, and the Madison in the park turned on with fall soft hackles like our September Song, Full Dressed Red and Shakey Beeley as the big fall fish came in strong at month's end. Late Callibaetis hatches furnished fine late summer/early fall nymph and dry fly action on all area lakes. Too, with so many fine fly-fishing options to pick from the biggest concern anglers faced was where to fish each day!

October snuck in warm and sunny, hardly prime conditions for Baetis emergences but on the 8th my notes tell of "Baetis finally coming off in number on the Madison and a good rise of fish". This continued through the month. On the 13th I was coming home around noon after working the morning and I stopped to check Babbling Brook section along the river where my journal says, "54 degrees, high overcast and calm and fish head and tail rising in every pool". I get home in a hurry, rig up and get to the river at 1p.m. and have wonderful fishing until 4 when the bugs leave the water and the fish go down for the day. This continued well into November when the weather was right.

The fall season was awesome too for anglers fishing streamers and stone nymphs as well as fall soft hackles. Many of us went to Jack Gartside's old Soft Hackle Streamers and our Woolhead Sculpins and took very large trout on the Yellowstone, Madison, Box Canyon of the Henry's Fork, and lower Firehole and Gibbon Rivers below their falls. Bright colors worked on bright days; yellow and white Soft Hackle Streamers, natural and muted shades on overcast days like our natural Woolheads, Cheech's Fall and olive Streamers and other big bugs.

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John Juracek Photo

What a great late season after a long-hot summer. I fished our area rivers through November and December all with great success. Midges are still bringing up fine fish in December and January and February are yet to come and are always our best midge months!

I type this over time. When we began this journey it was late November, still big game season. Now, tomorrow is New Year's Eve Day. This morning I rolled out of bed at 6a.m. Our outdoor thermometer showed 6 degrees. The stars shined bright over the Madison Range of mountains to the east. The moon was nearly full and cast its glow on Madison River that shimmered and glowed in a golden ribbon as I looked at it through the trees from our home. I had our new puppy, Obsidian (Sid), sitting in my lap watching a one horned whitetail deer that had shed one of his antlers this week walk through our yard. The snow cover with bright moonlight allowed the deer to cast a shadow as it strolled by. Sid was on sight point staring at the deer, nose twitching, tail held high like a good German Shorthair pup. I thought of the coming new year and all its promises; winter midge fishing in January and February, fly fishing programs I'll do in St. Louis and California along with Bozeman and Great Falls and more, a bone fishing trip in March returning in time to film and narrate the first of our World Fishing Network programs. I began counting the days to spring midge and Baetis times on the lower Madison, Beaverhead and Henrys Fork. March Brown and Mothers' Day Caddis on the Yellowstone in April and our Spring Mayfly Tours. Opening day on the Madison and Firehole in May, the opener on the Henry's Fork's RxR Ranch in June. My thoughts turn to caddis times, and PMD's and Green Drakes, and giant stone hatches in early summer.

Tiny Sid stirs in my lap as the deer walks from view and I look at him and he looks back at me. We have this silent agreement just then that we will soon begin our bird dog training, he and I as our other dogs sitting at my feet, Leksie and Finn, did years ago. Sid stretches up and licks my chin. And, so begins another year in Yellowstone country with dogs and trout, the fly-fishing business with all of you our good friends and shared stories, flies and tackle, and guides and our summer shop help, hatches and wild places. Thanks for sharing it with me, and all of us at Blue Ribbon Flies!,/p>

Thank you for your friendship and loyal patronage over the years. We know there are many other places you could shop and we work hard to earn your trust, loyalty and friendship. We believe in giving back to what we all love. That's why we co-founded 1% for the Planet with our friend, Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia. That's why BRF leads the way in causes like the Yellowstone Park Foundation's Lake Trout eradication program in Yellowstone Lake in the park, the Madison River Foundation's Stewardship Program, Montana Trout Unlimited's Stewardship Program and other like projects and programs. Because of your support we are able to help as best we can by helping fund these important programs and projects so that all our kids and grandkids will be fishing and enjoying Yellowstone's wild trout and wild places as we did.

Thank you too for your photos, gifts of chocolates and wine, cheeses and fruit, criticisms and ideas, and all you do by stepping up to the plate and supporting the many worthy projects to protect and preserve this place we all love and call Yellowstone.

Please, never hesitate to call-write-email or stop by for our advice on places to fish, to stay, to see and experience. Let us share our ideas on rods and reels, waders and gear, flies and fly tying materials. We are here for information on when to come to Yellowstone, current stream conditions and insect hatches and best flies, and anything else you'd like to talk about from fly tying, fly fishing, conservation and more.

From all of us; Cam and Bucky, John and Jackie and I, the guide and new crew you'll meet this summer, Thank You and we look forward to hearing from you soon and seeing all of you this season! Make sure you sign up, if not already on our list, for our free weekly email newsletter. We hope you enjoy this journal and stay tuned for more to come!

Guided Trips

Fish With The Best!

Our guide rates have stayed the same now for the past 5 years and will not go up for 2013.


For more information on these trips click on the corresponding photo. This will lead you to pricing as well as more descriptive detail.

Cost of Float and Wade trip one or two people $450.00 $650.00 for three people Walk/Wade only.


Check here for Salt Water and other customized Trips.

John Juracek Photo

John Juracek Photo

Blue Ribbon Flies Guided Trips

"Everything you take from a guide is yours forever, whether you use it tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, or ten years after. The point is that you always have it."

John Juracek on guide knowledge.

If you have ever visited Yellowstone country, like many of you have, the idea of hiring a guide has probably crossed your mind. The incalculable amount of water in this area can be overwhelming at any given time of year. With so many choices it is very difficult to choose where to fish with the limited time given. Let's face it, time, especially fishing time, is a resource that most of us don't have a lot of and we want to use it wisely. When any of us plan a trip there is a lot of thought involved and several decisions to be made. In this process value plays a major role in preparation, and value is what you can expect with a Blue Ribbon fishing guide. Your hard-earned money is too valuable to waste on anything else.

Over the last thirty years much has changed in the fly fishing industry but one thing hasn't, and that is that Blue Ribbon Flies has employed the best guides in the industry. These are career guides that have been with us many, many years. They are passionate about what they do and are eager to teach others. Whether it be a walk or float trip, a gulper trip or cast & blast we encourage you to see what Blue Ribbon guides can teach you. And remember, the knowledge you gain is yours forever. You are not just hiring a guide for the day!


Lake Trips

THE HOME OF GULPER FISHING!

Located just 2 miles from our front door, Hebgen Lake offers some of the most exciting dry fly fishing around.

Fishing Hebgen turns into an addiction as many of the local guides and fisherman can tell you. Fishing for big rising browns and rainbows ("Gulpers") in the 2-4lb range is one of our favorite August activities.

Being weather dependant (wind) many of our Hebgen trips are combined with a floating or wading trip. Clients find themselves casting Trico's and Callabeatis to Gulpers in the morning, and Hoppers and Ants on the Madison in the afternoon. This is a great way to spend the day.

John Juracek Photo

Walk/Wade Trips

Our Walk/Wade trips focus on individual side by side instruction. These trips let us show you how to break down a river and successfully fish it bit by bit.

Most of these trips take place in Yellowstone National Park and include: Slough Creek, Lamar, Soda Butte, Yellowstone and Firehole, just to name a few. If you're the angler who prefers a smaller "off the beaten path" stream this is the trip for you.

Rick and Julia Llewellyn Photo

Float Trips

Whether you've been fishing the Madison longer than Quake Lake has had still water, or it's your first day in a pair of Gore-Tex Waders, a float trip down the Madison River with a Blue Ribbon Guide is the best day of guided fishing that money can buy.

Our guides spend more time in a drift boat every year than most people spend in their automobile.

Float trips are our most popular trips, and after spending a suspenseful day covering every nook and cranny of 10-12 miles of fish-filled water you'll see why.

From learning how to read water to executing the perfect reach cast, a day in a drift boat is not only an adventure, but the perfect environment to learn the art of fly fishing.

In addition to the mighty Madison our guides frequently float the Yellowstone, Missouri and Beaverhead. So, the next time you're in Yellowstone Country, treat yourself to something really special and reserve a float trip with a Blue Ribbon guide. It's an experience you won't soon forget.

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Scott Heppel photo

Blue Ribbon Road Trips

There is no better way for visiting anglers to experience all that the area has to offer than on a Blue Ribbon Road Trip. Each day brings a new river, different strategies, a variety of water, and a unique landscape. The fishing options in Yellowstone Country and Southwest Montana are staggering, and conditions change from year to year or day to day. Let our guides sort through the dozens of fishing options to find the best of the best for your road trip. Travel with us in search of prolific hatches, fearless trout, and epic waters.

These first class trips are all inclusive. Four days of guided fishing, all meals, lodging, and transportation are included. All you need to do is arrive at the Bozeman airport with your gear, and we will take it from there.

Here are the dates for the 2013 Spring Road Trips and remember we can always customize dates to fit your schedule.. ..$3400 for two anglers.. ..$2650 Single angler

April 4th-9th, April 11th-16th, April 18th-23rd, April 25th-April 30th, May 2nd-May 7th, May 9th-May 14th, May 16th- May 21st

Books

The Writings of Yellowstone Country.

Whether planning your next fishing adventure from your sofa at home or a West Yellowstone hotel room, discover where to go, how to get there and what flies to use.




Fly Patterns of Yellowstone, Volume II

Craig Mathews and John Juracek have collectively fished the Yellowstone area for over six decades, and they're at it again. This book brings together all the latest Yellowstone fly pattern developments and details the stories behind many of today's most productive flies. Includes 42 descriptions and recipes, color and B&W photographs; 92 pages.. .. $24.95


Yellowstone Fly Fishing Guide

Craig Mathews & Clayton Molinero

This guidebook will take you on a journey that explores the major rivers, lakes, streams, backcountry, and overlooked waters of YNP. Discusses insect emergences and activity, fly patterns, and effective fishing techniques. Included are locations, access points and trailheads, distances, and terrain descriptions. 15 maps, B&W photos, 150 pgs.. .. $16.95


Western Fly-Fishing Strategies

Craig Mathews

A thorough guide to the best techniques used to fish "the Golden Triangle" (Yellowstone/Montana/eastern Idaho) & other Western waters successfully. 4-page color insert, B&W photos, 50+ useful illustrations, color fly plates, 212 pgs.. .. $18.95


Atlas of Yellowstone

W. Andrew Marcus, James E. Meacham, Ann W. Rodman, Alethea Y. Steingisser

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park was the world's first national park. In a fitting tribute to this diverse and beautiful region, the Atlas of Yellowstone is a compelling visual guide to this unique national park and its surrounding area. Ranging from art to wolves, from American Indians to the Yellowstone Volcano, and from geysers to population, each page explains something new about the dynamic forces shaping Yellowstone. Equal parts reference and travel guide, the Atlas of Yellowstone is an unsurpassed resource. Features more than 500 maps including detailed topographic maps of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.. ..$65.00

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Curtis Creek Manifesto

Sheridan Anderson This is the only title that has all the basic information cleverly presented. Curtis Creek is a fun read and a testament to the mind of a simple man that knew his stuff!.... $9.95
New Flies For 2013

We have spent countless hours experimenting with tying materials, and fishing the newest variations of these flies. When it comes to the best of the best, these are the patterns that work for us and they'll work for you too.

You won't find these flies in other catalogs; they are innovative creations from our guides, fly tyers, and friends.

John Juracek Photo

Improved Callibaetis Nymph.. .. $2.25

When Callibaetis emerge on lakes like Hebgen, Ennis, Wade, Hidden and Trout big fish initially key in on nymphs. In early morning trout work the nymphs that become active as they swim from their deep weed bed homes towards the surface in preparation to emerge. As emergence time get closer, around 10 a.m., the big fish search out nymphs swimming just under the surface and aggressive riseforms can be seen along the weed beds and weed walls as cruising gulpers key on nymphs. For many years we toiled to come up with a nymph pattern that works for BIG trout cruising and patrolling as they search for Callibaetis nymphs. Those of us fishing lakes during Callibaetis times know all too well how hard it is to consistently take big-wild trout on our lakes when they will only take nymphs. This August and September our new Improved Callibaetis Nymphs took more big trout on our lakes that all others combined.. ..period! I fish easier now knowing I have a dozen in my lake fly boxes at all times! The beaded version is for those pre-emergence periods when fish are eating nymphs swimming from deep weed beds in preparation to emerge. The unbeaded nymphs work their magic as big trout gorge on nymphs just under the surface- film preparing to emerge. It is during these frustrating times anglers often observe fully formed duns on the surface, but their flies are ignored even though they may see aggressive rises. Fishing our new nymphs will end that frustration!
John Juracek Photo

Pink Lady Comparadun.. .. $2.25

Our new Pink Lady Comparadun is designed with a slim body and wing of light elk hair allowing it to float high and be easily seen on the rough-tumble waters like the Madison and Box Canyon of the Henry's Fork where it emerges. Steve Bailey, talented fly tier and designer from Florida, ties these delicate and beautiful flies for us that worked well last summer on those bright-warm afternoons when dry fly fishing got tough.

John Juracek Photo

Wired $3 Dip.. .. $2.25

Trout eat slim bodied midge larvae and pupae that are available to them year round. Most midge patterns are tied with lead foundations or beadhead style and lose the slim body profile trout key on. Our guide Patrick Daigle came up with this great new pattern that gets down deep where trout look for midges in the drift prior to emerging. Tested by our guides and approved by our shop helpers that spend more time than most on Yellowstone's rivers the Wired Dip will soon become a favorite of all who fish it!

John Juracek Photo

Up-rite Trico Spinner.. .. $2.25

Bucky picked up a canoe last winter so he and Sadie fished Hebgen Lake's famous "Gulpers" on their days off last summer. All of us at the shop followed Bucky's daily gulper fishing adventures when he'd come in late for work. It was not long before things got tough as the big fish began keying on tiny up-wing Trico spinners. Bucky spent a lot of time at his tying vise and soon announced he "had to come up with a new Up-right Trico Spinner" to consistently take big gulpers on Hebgen. The result of considerable fly testing resulted in his durable, visible and highly floatable pattern that the ultra-selective gulpers cannot resist! We have found it works on Henry's Fork's huge rainbows as well as the Missouri-Big Hole and Bighorn Rivers' cruising monster trout too!

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John Juracek Photo

Nick's Skipper.. .. $2.25

Nick's Skipper imitates those amazingly prolific golden butterflies anglers see in number along all Yellowstone country's rivers, lakes and streams in summer. These small insects skip along the surface of our waters where afternoon breezes knock them into the water. Trout are always on the lookout and relish them every chance they get. Our guides and others testing Nick's fly were amazed at how well it works. From the Missouri to the Yellowstone, Madison to the Lamar, Snake and Henry's Fork this fly was killing during the dog-days of August and early September. It can be counted on to imitate spruce moths and aquatic moths found on most rivers and streams in summer also.

Photographing Fish

An Article by John Juracek

John Juracek is a photographer and writer from West Yellowstone, Montana. For twenty years he was part owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, where he still works part-time during the summer. His minimalist photography has appeared in books, catalogs, and calendars. He has authored many books with Craig Mathews and is very much a part of the Blue Ribbon Flies team.




John Juracek Photo

Photographing Fish

by John Juracek

Ever wished that your photographs of fish looked as pretty as the fish themselves? We probably all have. Here are some of the things I think about when photographing fish. Perhaps you'll find value in them too.

Foremost in my mind is an appreciation for what the fish have provided in the way of sport. If I'm going to ask for their picture as well as for the excitement of their capture, I feel a responsibility to accord them a certain measure of respect. I try to show them off in a pleasing manner. I try to make the photograph about them, and not about the angler or about me as the photographer. No hero shots, no funky poses, no unusual lens effects.

You may feel differently. If, for example, you would like to include the angler in your picture, think about having him look at the fish and not at the camera. Doing so directs attention to the fish, which is sort of the point. (You can have your picture taken anytime.)

Photographing fish by yourself is difficult. And it can be hard on the fish. It's better to seek the help of a friend. Both you and the fish will be glad you did.

Focus the camera on the eye of the fish. If the eye is sharp, everything else in the photo-sharp or not-will appear acceptable. If the eye isn't sharp, nothing about the photo will look good.

Do not remove the fish from the water until the camera is ready. Limit the time the fish is out of water to 5 seconds or less. If you wish to reshoot, put the fish back in the water between pictures.

Holding a fish with the front hand facing palm out and the back hand facing palm in (as in the accompanying photo) shows off the fish in an attractive manner. Whenever a fish is held with two palms out it's awkward looking, for the fish and the fisherman. And invariably, too much of the fish gets covered up by hands.

As much as possible, keep the thumb and palm of your front hand hidden behind the fish. Doing so provides an uninterrupted view of an important body line. Same goes for the fingers of the front hand; keep them out of view as best you can. I like the back hand as far back as possible while still supporting the fish. Try holding fish smaller than 16″ in one hand. I think they look best that way.

Hold the fish no higher than an inch or so above the water. This is good for the fish in case it slips from the hands, and it also maintains a visual connection between the fish and its habitat. Isolate the fish from its environment and you end up with a photo of-forgive me here-a fish out of water. Consider, too, getting the camera down to the fish's level; it's a more pleasing perspective than shooting high overhead.

This isn't everything involved with photographing fish, but it's a start. Give these suggestions a try and I think you'll find your pictures to be respectful of the fish and eye-pleasing to boot.

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DVDs

Another Great Resource to Yellowstone.

Yellowstone country is vast, and its fishing possibilities are practically limitless. To help you get a handle on all the options available, we've put together the following valuable resources. These DVDs contain essential information about the region and its fishing.




Fly Fishing Yellowstone Hatches

Flyfishing Yellowstone Hatches

Article by Jackie Mathews

A new fly-fishing season is upon us but today is windy, -6 degrees with lots of new blowing and drifting snow so there will be no winter midge fishing. It is a great day to sit by the wood burning stove and go through DVDs and books and past email newsletters. I like to look back over fly-fishing and fly tying resource materials on a day like this. The DVDs and books BRF produced and continues to work on are packed with solid information like the book I wrote about in last year's catalog, "Western Fly-Fishing Strategies".

Today I watched the entire DVD "Fishing Yellowstone's Hatches". This Telly Award winning DVD was produced by our friend Phil Takatsuno. I've always been proud of our BRF crew that fished and narrated this important production. Watching it again today for the first time in a while I could not help think of how important this DVD is for anglers coming to fish the Yellowstone area and southwestern Montana. For 160 minutes this wonderful DVD explains: when to come to fish certain hatches, where to fish these awesome hatches, how to fish the emergences, what flies to use, strategies for successful fishing Yellowstone country and Montana and much more. This one DVD will answer these questions and prepare fly fishers for effectively and efficiently fishing the myriad of hatches, rivers, lakes and streams in our area and beyond as well as address all the other stuff fly fishers fuss over and need.

In Montana, Idaho and Yellowstone we are blessed with thousands of miles of wild trout streams and hundreds of lakes, ponds and sloughs. Each has its own unique seasons, hatches and fly patterns required for success. For visiting anglers Fishing Yellowstone Hatches is a godsend. It answers "when should I come and fish the Firehole?", "when will the Fall Green Drakes emerge on the Lamar River and Soda Butte and Slough Creeks?", "what is the best time to come to fish the evening caddis hatches on the Madsion?", and "what flies do I need to fool the big-selective trout on rives like the Henry's Fork and Madison or lakes like Hebgen?". These questions and more are all explained in this valuable DVD.

No matter if you are coming to fish southwestern Montana, eastern Idaho and Yellowstone country for the first time or you are a seasoned angler who's fished our waters many times, this is the best resource guide available, plus it is so much fun to watch, and the scenery and wildlife are incredible!


Fly Fishing the Madison River

Craig Mathews

The Madison River is born from the confluence of the Gibbon and the spectacular Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park, and converges with the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers to form the mighty Missouri in Three Forks, Montana. Come along and learn how to fish the entire Madison River.. ..$24.99


Bonefishing the Flats

Craig Mathews

If you want a hands-down, practical introduction to bonefishing, this is the one to watch. If you have fished for bonefish before, and want to recap some skills and learn some new ones, you are also well on the way here. Bonefishing the Flats is just that. All the details you need to successfully pursue the ultimate shallow water game fish with fly rod and reel.. ..$29.99


Fly Tying Yellowstone Hatches Vol II

Craig Mathews

Fly Tying Yellowstone Hatches Vol II is a follow up to Fly Tying Vol I. This DVD is filmed in high quality wide screen format. There are 33 flies featured in this DVD, new ones and classics that must be included. These flies are not only used in the Yellowstone area and throughout the country, they are tried and true around the world. All flies in this video are tied by Craig Mathews and guest tier Bucky McCormick.. ..$24.99




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Where the Yellowstone Goes Trout Headwaters, Inc

Where the Yellowstone Goes follows a 30-day drift boat journey down the longest "undammed" river in the lower 48. Director Hunter Weeks presents a thoughtful exploration of life on America's great undammed river, the Yellowstone. With Montana's captivating scenery at the forefront, Where the Yellowstone Goes takes a closer look at the impact people have on each other and on our environment.. ..$24.99

Fly Tying Materials

Hair

We have always been fanatical about deer and elk hair here at Blue Ribbon Flies. For more than 25 years, we have prided ourselves in having the best hair available anywhere! Every year we sort through dozens of deer, elk, antelope, moose and other hides looking for the perfect hair.


We choose only premium hides, and cut those hides into generous pieces which are then graded by quality and tying function. Every piece of hair at Blue Ribbon Flies has always been hand-picked by fly tiers for fly tiers, and this year is no exception!




For years we have had a stash of this super fine elk hair reserved only for our tiers. We have finally found a consistent supplier of this beautiful hair and can now offer it to you. This ultra fine elk hair is ideal for small (size 18-22) caddis.. ..$4.99 Bleached.. ..$5.50


Sparkle Dun Deer Hair 2X3

We have waded through over 200 early season deer hides to come up with the best hair ever seen for sparkle duns. This is quality, short tipped, hollow, easy to flare hair that is a joy to work with. As always, if you need it, order immediately. Natural.. ..$3.50 Bleached.. ..$7.50


X Caddis Deer Hair

This hair is individually selected to tie the X-caddis. It flares just the right amount to form a perfect silhouette and provide excellent flotation. The color and mottling is ideal for a variety of caddis and small stonefly patterns. Natural.. ..$4.99 Bleached and Dyed.. ..$5.99


Bull Elk

Bull elk are exceptionally beautiful, and the blonde hair from the flank is exceptional for tying stimulators or classic elk hair caddis. Graded for tip quality, straightness and texture. Natural.. ..$3.99 Dyed or Bleached.. ..$5.99

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Select Cow Elk

This is our best all around elk hair! It is straight, fine to medium textured hair with good tips. Natural.. ..$3.99 Dyed and Bleached.. ..$5.99

Fly Tying Materials

Special Fly tying Materials

Blue Ribbon customers are sophisticated and discriminating fly tyers who demand the best. We respect that, and for years have delivered only the highest quality materials. That tradition continues, and we hope you find our selection superior.

  Hackle



trigger point fibers

Trigger Point Fibers

These fibers are perfect for our famous BRF Cripple mayfly patterns. They have just the right texture and look for the wings, not the body, of all our favorite bugs.. ..$6.50

biots

Turkey Biots

Many tiers have asked what material is used to make quill bodies on small (size 12 and under) trout files. This is the material. They make nice bodies for emergers, spinners, and slender nymphs.. ..$2.50

Goose Biots

Stripped goose biots are used for tying legs, antennae, tails and feelers on many stonefly and nymph fly tying patterns.. ..$2.40

rabbit feet

Snowshoe Rabbit Feet

We've recommended snowshoe feet for years as a great material for wings on emergers and duns. This high floating hair has been incorporated into several Blue Ribbon Fly patterns including 2001's new fly the "PMD Rabbit Emerger".. ..$5.50


Coq De Leon

These stiff, translucent fibers are perfect for our new spinners. Long and straight, in variations of natural browns and grays, these glassy tailing fibers are available in light speckled, medium speckled, and dark speckled.. ..$7.99

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Premium CDC

The quality of material makes all the difference in a fly pattern. This is exactly one of those instances. Premium CDC is long, soft, buoyant, durable and easy to work with. It's loaded with preen oil for maximum natural flotation and is the highest quality obtainable.. ..$3.50

Fly Tying Materials

Adhesives and Glue

There are a number of glues and cements that are Indispensible when tying flies. An assortment of glues and cements, on the tying bench, are as important to the fly tier as any other tool or material found there.




Hard as Hull Cement and Thinner

This super hard head cement contains acrylic copolymers. The cap of the original formula has a brush applicator. The penetrator formula, new for 2013, is specially formulated to soak in and lock in the fly materials without added bulk or changing the surface appearance. The thinner can be used with either of the 2 cement formulas. 1/2 oz. bottle.


Zap-A-Gap

This is a strong adhesive that's great for many applications, even oily surfaces.. ..$4.75

Zap Gel

We're using this extra thick formula on our Jiminy Cricket, but it has a variety of applications. Ideal for gluing eyes on, tying flies, and fast-curing, this product has really impressed us.. ..$2.40


Liquid Fusion

100% waterproof, this product is ideal for coating shrimp backs, nymph wing cases, reinforcing fragile feathers, thinning for a deep penetrating head cement, dries clear and glossy just like epoxy without the hassle of mixing.. ..$8.99


Dave's Flexament & Thinner

Put on several coats for an epoxy-like finish or use thinner to water it down to dry fly consistency. Flexible, very durable one-coat cement for under-bodies, hopper wings and reinforcing fragile quills... ..$4.99

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Water Base Head Cement

Water is the carrier and evaporates out leaving a hard, glossy finish. Best of all, there is no longer a need to buy thinner and no toxic fumes, just use water to thin.. ..$3.25

A Gift of Fly Fishing

An Article by Craig Mathews

"He would love to learn to fish, its all he talks about". I said to her, "well let's take care of that"




A Gift of Fly Fishing

By Craig Mathews

In a summer newsletter I wrote how I gave a rod to a youngster I'd met as I fished the Firehole River. After the newsletter went out telling of this gift 6 faithful readers of our news called, or stopped in and purchased rods to give youngsters, or beginning anglers.

Briefly, the young lad I met on the river was with his mother, a single parent. I was testing out my nymphing skills with a new tenkara rod, basically catching a fish a cast due to a drag-free presentation the tenkara offers while fishing a riffle near the iron bridge. I heard a noise and turned around to see a dozen folks standing on the bank behind me watching me luck out. At first I didn't see the little guy standing at my side but when I did his mouth was agape and his eyes wide open. His mother told me, "he would love to learn to fish, its all he talks about". I said to her, "well let's take care of that" and handed him the rod as we walked downstream to the next run. He didn't complain about the water and mud we sloshed through, his tennis shoes now muddied and sopping wet. He caught a few little Firehole rainbows on several casts, the smile never leaving his freckled face. I gave him the rod and a few flies and left for home with a bigger smile on my face. I copied this a dozen times in 2012. With fishing license sales going down every year as I-Pad, video games and other gizmo sales skyrocket I feel we have to do something to get kids and other beginners on our rivers and streams. Too, wounded warriors as well as disabled and physically challenged folks often need help getting started in the sport we all love. What better way to do this than to introduce those potential anglers to fly fishing through the simplest form of the fly-fishing. Tenkara fishing is my choice for that introduction. I have seen it work many times and I'll continue to promote it.

The last 2 seasons I've had hardcore, seasoned anglers come in to talk about Tenkara. Their initial comments sound something like this, "you couldn't land any trout of size with one of those cane poles", or how about the gal who won a donated trip we gave to Greater Yellowstone Coalition. When she first saw the tenkara rod I carried that day her comment went something like, "what are you gonna catch on that wimp rod?" A few hours later she watched and photographed me as I landed a fine fish over 22". Her turn came at the next pool when she hooked and landed a nice 16" fish. Now I get reports from her telling of her latest tenkara feats on her home waters. Or, the veteran Madison River angler who first laughed at Tenkara and now has "tenkara" built into his email address he is so hooked on it.

I can say it is the simplest form of fly-fishing. It is easy to master, anyone can catch fish immediately using tenkara, I have seen it. And, from a fly shop owner who depends on selling $700-1500 fly rod and reel combinations, it is vey affordable as rods and lines get anglers into tenkara for under $200. Too, it is about getting beginners and youngsters on the rivers, lakes and streams and into our sport.

It is what it is. You can make it very challenging, or simple depending on your mood. I have had enjoyable angling with Tenkara on small water like Blacktail Deer and Lava Creeks where a fish a cast is often the rule. Then I've fished spring creeks where I've had to crawl close to bank sipping fish in order to present a pinpoint accurate cast to score a big trout. Accuracy using a Tenkara rod is very easy to master, even for the neophyte. Too, I've hooked several trout in mid-river on the rivers like the Madison and Gallatin and had to throw my rod a few times in order to keep from being broken off. I have proof, photos of my rod skating along in the currents and they've been published in our email newsletters. I've never lost a rod throwing it and following it downstream. Most often the rod swings downstream of the trout that then turns and comes back upstream towards me where I pick up the rod and usually land the big trout. This creates quite a crowd as anglers will approach saying they "can't believe what I just saw".

It is perfect for those anglers who enjoy hiking into lakes or far off the beaten path waters. It fits in your pocket or in a backpack. I carry it along with a box of flies and I have all need for a successful and enjoyable day on the water But, the most fun and enjoyment I get from tenkara is giving one away as a gift; making a new angler, bringing a smile to a youngster or wounded warrior. It is all about the gift of fly fishing and so much more!

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Fly Tying Materials

New For 2013

UV2 Materials

The UV2 spectrum is another KEY to fish because it optimizes feeding opportunities, as well as prey, mates, and danger. Using it in flies can arguably be said to provide anglers an advantage by arousing their curiosity, aggression, and territorial behavior.




UV2 Peacock eyes

4 Peacock Eyes treated with Spirit River's unique UV2. Use these eyes for any fly you would normally use regular peacock for. Try it and see the difference for yourself.. ..$3.50

UV2 Pheasant Tail

Spirit River UV2 Pheasant TailTwo natural pheasant tail feathers treated with Spirit River's UV2 visual enhancement process.. ..$4.50


UV2 Fine and Dry Dubbing

UV2 Fine & Dry dubbing is absolutely the finest dubbing on the market. This dubbing is permanently waterproof, ties perfectly tapered dry flies down to size #28. If you're searching for the ultimate dry fly dubbing, look no further. Featuring the Spirit River Inc UV2 enhancement.. ..$2.99


UV2 Caddis and Nymph Dubbing

UV2 Caddis and Nymph Dubbing is equal to rabbit dubbing but with an additional softer fiber added and enhanced with Spirit River Inc, UV2 process.. ..$3.50


UV2 Sparkle Yarn

In the sun the yarn fibers light up with the UV enhancement, and in cloudy conditions we noticed the flies tied with the UV2 seemed brighter, and shimmered and glowed with a halo of light even on dark days.. ..$2.99

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UV2 Enhancer

Multiple colors combined to create a general "dark" or "light" colored blend. The dubbing is very fine and can be mixed with dry fly dubbing that you already own to infuse natural UV2 insect patterns.. ..$5.99

Fly Tying Materials

Bird Skins

We spend much of the off season hunting throughout the west to bring you the widest, most varied selection of natural bird skins found anywhere.


Natural skins have been used to imitate everything from wings to tails to legs and gills.




Hungarian Partridge Skins

There is no question this bird is as valuable to the fly tier as anything that flies. The feathers come in shades of brown and gray, are finely speckled, wrap like a dream, come in a nice range of sizes, and can be used on dry or wet patterns.. ..$29.99


Blue Grouse Skins

We use these fine skins to tie our fall soft hackle flies like September Songs, Shakey Bealeys, Full -Dressed Reds and Bakers Hole Soft Hackles.. ..$19.99

Ruff Grouse Skins

The western Ruffy has always been a favorite of ours here at Blue Ribbon. We have used many of the different feathers for a wide variety of patterns. The wing feathers make great tails on stonefly nymphs, with richly mottled back and neck feathers.. ..$17.99


Valley Quail

These are #1 skins and have fine coloration. Great for many small soft hackles. Many of these feathers will get down to a #24.. ..$14.99


Chuckar Skins

The barred flank feathers showing white, black and chestnut red make great cheeks on streamers and salmon flies. Sections of the flank feathers can also be used for tail veilings or tails themselves.. ..$24.99

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Sharptail Grouse Skins

The substitute for the elusive Golden Plover. These prairie grouse are a favorite of ours for sculpins, crayfish, and salt water shrimp.. ..$14.99

Fly Tying Materials

Hooks

Hooks are the first and sometimes the most important item when creating flies. When you spend a lot of time tying flies, the last thing you want to see is a hook breaking or bending. The quality of the flies you tie start with the hooks you buy!

  Hooks



Alec Jackson North Country Hooks

A great 2x short high carbon steel fly tying hook with a needle point and mini-barb. Perfect for all soft hackles, midges, spiders and other imitations. 25 per pack.. ..$6.50

Alec Jackson Soft Hackle Hooks

High carbon steel, 1x fine/2x short. 25per pack Awesome for hooking when fishing down and across traditional wet fly style. Needle point, mini barb, chemically sharpened. 25 per pack.. ..$6.25


Dai-Riki Hooks

For dry flies, nymphs, streamers, steelhead, salmon and saltwater. With Dai-Riki you get an excellent hook at a great price. For all size and styles simply click on the photo.


Gamakatsu retainer bend

These barbless hooks are some of the sharpest hooks we have found. We have been using these to tie our new Amber X caddis. Pack of 25.. ..$5.60


Tiemco Hooks

Tiemco fly hooks are made with fly fishing in mind. And since a sharp, strong hook may be the single most important component in your fly fishing gear, we believe it makes perfect sense to choose Tiemco. For all size and styles simply click on the photo.

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Fly Tying Materials

Zelon

We have incorporated zelon into countless patterns, and after more than two decades it remains the main component in most of our fly designs today. We dye all of our zelon right here in West Yellowstone to match more than forty custom colors.

  Zelon



Crinkled Zelon

You have read about it for years, tied with it, fished with it, and know what a difference it makes in your angling success. We use zelon more than any other material in developing new, more effective patterns. This fine-fibered sparkle yarn is ideal.. ..$3.99


Improved Micro Zelon

Now with more bounce and less bulk, our improved micro-zelon is even better. This improved version floats better, ties like a dream and makes very fine bodies when wrapped. With just enough crinkle and just enough shine.. ..$3.99


Zelon Dubbing

Quite a few years ago, we created this blend of natural furs and various shades of shredded Zelon. The Zelon adds sparkle and buoyancy, perfect for emergers or nymphs. This full bodied dubbing comes in 25 different colors.. ..$2.50


Zelon Dubbing Selection

We have put together a selection of our six favorite, primary zelon dubbing blends in a convenient dispenser box.. ..$12.99

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Zelon Selection

Every year we have customers that ask us, upon gazing at the Oz -like Wall Of Zelon, what colors do we use the most. Well, we have put this selection together in a handy storage box that takes the six most commonly used colors of zelon.. ..$14.99

Fly Tying Materials

Legs

Details are important in fly tying, and making sure your bugs have realistic legs, tails, and antennae can often be the difference between tying a productive or a non-productive fly.




Silicone Flutter Legs

Solid color flat shaped Silicone Legs that flutter in the current and wiggle on the surface. We really like silicone for our legs rather than rubber as it lasts longer and moves better. The flat shape of the Flutter Legs is perfect for streamers, nymphs and big dries.. ..$3.50


Grizzly Flutter Legs

Barred on both sides and available in a ton of colors. 4 bunches of legs per pack. Grizzly flutter legs work on dries, nymphs and streamer patterns. Silicone so they don't get brittle in the sun like rubber legs.. ..$3.50


Spanflex

This Material has unbelievable stretch and returns to its original form. Good to use for ribbing, tails, feelers, legs, and bodies.. ..$2.50


Variegated Rubber Legs

Round rubber legs dyed a variety of tightly barred colors, this leg material is great to jazz up exsisting patterns with a new look, and opened up a new facet in our fly tying. They are a great addition to any hopper or cricket pattern.. ..$2.60

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Sili Legs

Made of silicone, they have a translucency and flexibility that is unmatched by conventional rubber legs. This allows fly tyers to choose leg colors that blend in with the overall color scheme of their flies thus creating realistic looking fly patterns. Sili Legs have been a standard for our famous Bonefish Bitters.. ..$2.50

Fly Tying Materials

Threads and Wires

Threads, Tinsels and Wires have a wide variety of uses; bodies, ribbing and even tails are just a few examples of these uses.




Ultra Wire

Ultra Wire is a key ingredient in so many successful fly patterns that it may be the hottest material in fly tying, but one of the most commonly used as well.. ..$1.99

Midge Wire

This Ultra fine diameter wire comes on it's own metal spool. Perfect for Nymphs size 18 and under. Also great for ribbing your favorite dry fly.. ..$2.99


Veevus 16/0 thread

From the Veevus Company of Denmark. Veevus 16/0 is a twisted unwaxed thread. Ideal as an alternative to Spider Web and Trico; the thread untwists and splits easily and has a very impressive breaking strength.. ..$3.70


Uni 8/0 Thread

This super strong UNI thread receives our highest marks. It is simply exceptional thread - once you use it you will never be able to go back. The smaller the fly you tie, the more impressive it is.. ..$2.75

Danville Thread

Danville 6/0 Flymaster is a High Quality Waxed Thread and is among the 4 most popular in the industry.. ..$1.80


Combo Thread

Over the last few years small, thin bodied nymphs seemed to have been the key. We have been fascinated by this new thread! We have found it to be great for small nymphs and fine dry fly bodies. The segmentation that this thread gives is superb. 50 yard spool, 6/0.. ..$2.99

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pearsalls silk

Pearsall's Silk Thread & Floss

This floss and thread makes for beatiful bodies and has become a standard here at Blue Ribbon for most of our soft hackle flies.. ..$3.99

Fly Tying Materials

Beads

Beads aren't just for incorporating a little extra weight to your fly any more. Beads are also used to make a fly more attractive as well as eyes, extra buoyancy, and even segmented bodies.




Dazzle Beads

Fly tying beads are one of the small pleasures in our life. Especially Dazzle fly tying beads. Imagine fly tying beads on psychedelic drugs. 24 per pack.. ..$5.50


Lucent Beads

Montana Fly Lucent Tungsten Beads give your bead-head patterns a little pizazz with these anodized tungsten beads. Created to give off a metallic sheen that sparkles and reflects light to catch the eye of passing fish. Heavier than brass, the tungsten beads sink quickly. 20 per pack.. ..$4.25


Plummeting Beads

Tungsten beads are the best way to get flies down fast! With lead being banned in many fisheries brass and tungsten are the only options. These beads are high quality, and are offered in a great range of colors and sizes. Like traditional beads they are all countersunk. 20 beads per pack.. ..$7.99


Brite Beads

The highest quality beads available, these beads feature a two-diameter hole. This allows them to fit snugly against the hook eye, but still have the inner clearance to fit over most styles and sizes of hooks 25 pack.. ..$2.99 100 pack.. ..$9.99

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Multi-hued Rainbow Brass Beads

Each bead has a kaleidoscope of color. Will reflect different color hues as your flies move through the water. 25 per pack.. ..$3.99

Is Your Rod Case.. ..

Article by John Juracek

"If we observe carefully enough, the necessary steps that lead to a successful outing cannot help but come clearly into focus."




John Juracek Photo

John Juracek photo

Is Your Rod Case Hurting Your Fishing?

by John Juracek

The kinds of rod case that allow for putting away a rod fully strung, reel and fly attached, have been popular now for years. They're viewed by most anglers as a convenience, a way to save time. And they do save time. After all, you need only pull your rod from the case, piece it together, and bingo-you're fishing. How much harm could there be in that? Plenty, the way I see it.

Equipment that expedites the process of getting our fly to the water, of making it quicker and easier to begin fishing-as these rod cases certainly do-is generally counterproductive to catching fish. We are harmed more than helped. That's because the time saved by such gear is often stolen from precisely where it's needed most: the time we devote to observation. Nothing aids success as much as time spent looking in, on, and around the water. Ideally, all this looking takes place before we start fishing.

Watch your fellow fishermen. What do most of them do when they arrive at the water carrying rods already strung, flies tied on? Yes. They start casting. Temptation proves too great, even for those who know observation is important. "I'll just take a few casts, see what happens, and then figure things out." Only they never do. They just keep casting. If they happen to be using two nymphs and an indicator, their fate is all but sealed. Changing that kind of set-up requires work, and the inertia against re-rigging in response to prevailing conditions is often too great to overcome.

But wait. I don't mean to suggest that this approach (going-with-what-you've-already-got) can't be successful. It can. It just takes good timing. Or a little luck. Prescience, even. So if you happen to possess a good supply of any of these, great. Keep it up.

But if you're like me, never knowing exactly what might take place on a given day, here's a suggestion. Shelve your fancy rod case. Or at least unstring your rod completely after every fishing session. That way, next time out you'll have no place to start except at the beginning. And the beginning is observation. Always. If we observe carefully enough, the necessary steps that lead to a successful outing cannot help but come clearly into focus.

And when they do, go ahead and rig your rod.

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Rods

60% Program

PURCHASE THE ROD OF YOUR DREAMS NOW

To most of us the outlay of $700.00 for a new fly rod is hard to take. Yet the highest quality rods with the newest technology are all upwards of $500. We have come up with a solution to stretch the payments out. Send us 60% of the cost of the rod, we will send you the rod.


What's the catch? We're skipping the obvious pun here. Just send us equal monthly payments totaling the balance due for four months (no financing charges unless the payments are late). Honest. That's all there is to it. Just specify when ordering a rod that you want to use the payment plan.

  Rods



Burkheimer Rods

These trout rods are light in hand, and heavy in performance. If they don't cast 80 feet with good turnover right after they dropped a fly on a quarter at 25, they're not Burkheimers. Burheimer wants to build you a rod that you're proud to fish with, because you deserve it, and the trout deserve it. The Classic Series sets a new standard in high quality fly fishing equipment. All Classic series rods are made with a Deep Cedar colored blank. The Deep Action Load (DAL) series of rods was designed for the caster who prefers a more relaxed stroke. These rods offer full flexing blanks, firm tips and fast recovery.. ..$695.00


Temple Fork Finesse

Lefty Kreh Finesse Rods complement the TFO line by offering a more "traditional" taper and action for those who fish small flies and fine tippets on light lines. These are the ideal rods for meadow streams, limestone creeks, and spring creeks. At short to medium distances, Lefty Kreh Finesse rods cast effortlessly, turning over long leaders easily. The shorter lengths are perfect for tight quarters while the longer length rods will keep a back cast well above tall grasses. Lefty Kreh Finesse rods are handsomely appointed with Rosewood inserts on an up locking reel seat which nicely accentuates the deep olive finish.. ..$179.99


Sage Circa 8 Foot 9 inch 5 weight

The CIrca rod with Konnetic technology is a game changer in the slow-action style of dry fly fishing. Its hypnotically smooth slower tempo combined with crisp and precise loading and unloading of each cast results in unmatched accuracy and delicate presentations. The CIRCA is a perfect addition to your rod collection, allowing you to approach a river with stealthy, short-range accuracy.. ..$775.00


Winston BIIIX Rods

"Incredible" is the only way to describe this new series; they are arguably the finest fly rods ever made. Utilizing higher modulus third generation Boron/Graphite composite, Boron IIIx rods offer unprecedented performance. They have an even broader casting range that lets anglers control line speed for long casts directly into the wind or gentle presentations up close. They feature a stronger butt section for lifting more line off the water. They are highly responsive and very powerful, yet lightweight with great feel and liveliness.. ..$895.00

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Echo Micro Practice Rod

Even our own John Juracek agrees that this is the finest casting tool he has ever seen. This is as close as you can get to the "Real Thing." The skills that you aquire indoors will translate to better casting on the water.. ..$39.99

Reels

Whether you're on a guide trip or fishing on your own, the right rod and reel can make all the difference between catching fish and having a great day in Yellowstone, or simply having a great day. We all know every day out here is great, but we're just like you - we want to catch a few fish too.

Good equipment goes a long way toward helping us do that. We think the following rods and reels are superior; if you're considering new gear, take a hard look at these.

  Reels



Hatch Reels

The 4 plus bridges the gap in size and weight between the 3 and 5 plus models. The reel was designed to be the perfect 5-weight reel, but feels equally balanced with both 4 and 6 weight lines as well. Every Hatch reel is finished with Type II anodizing.. ..$450.00


Lampson Litespeed 2

Lamson's pursuit of perfection has resulted in the best large arbor design on the market, the Litespeed. This light-weight, high-tech, high-performance reel has been Craig's reel of choice for the past several season's. Check one out for yourself.. ..$309.00


Lampson Speedster

The Speedster is a super-high retrieve rate reel with a narrower spool, inboard mounted handle and an outer diameter significantly larger than our highest performing reels. The narrow spool prevents line barreling, the added circumference and inboard handle improve retrieve rate. Mate these features with our time tested smooth as silk, maintenance free drag system, Classic Waterworks Lamson styling and attention to detail, and you have what the name implies: A Hot rod of a reel.. ..$289.00


Hardy Lightweight Reels

The four models in the range - the Flyweight, the Featherweight, the LRH Lightweight, and the 2010 addition Princess Reel - have been used by discerning anglers for over half a century. Their appeal is simple. The simplicity of their looks. The simplicity of their design. Their durability and reliability. Classic reels that perform whenever you need them.. ..$249.00




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Ross Flyrise Reel

The Flyrise #2 is a large arbor fly reel that is built around the award winning Evolution LT drag system. This is pretty impressive considering that the Evolution LT sells for more than twice the price of this incredible series.. ..$110.00

Vises

Tying your own flies definitely has it's own rewards. To tie a fly, then have a large trout inhale it, is a feeling that many don't understand.

Trout flies vary from sizes 2 to 24 and sometimes even larger or smaller. Choosing the right vise to accomadate this massive range can sometimes be hard and frustrating. We have chosen a few vises for your consideration. These vises have been used by us and we have tied hundreds of dozens of flies with them.

  Vises



Renzetti Presentation 3000

This is the first True Rotary vise designed in the early 70's by Andy Renzetti. The Presentation 3000 True Rotary Vise is the ideal vise for the tier who is primarily interested in tying small flies and streamers. Crafting miniature offerings can require considerable hand and finger manipulation. Maximum finger clearance behind and around the hook is possible with the Presentation 3000 because Renzetti made the jaw slender and set it at an angle.. ..$369.95


Regal Medallion Series Stainless

These Steel Jaw Vises have the smallest profile jaw in the Regal line of vise jaws. The jaw is manufactured from heat-treated stainless steel that allows for machining the small profile yet maintains the durability expected in a Regal Vise. These vises rotate 360 degrees and pivot 220 degrees up and down. The performance of these vises lies in the unique design of the head and jaws.. ..$295.00


HMH SX Vise

This vise is built on a fixed-angle frame but gives you the added versatility of the famous HMH interchangeable jaw system. We think the SX is the best value for your money, giving you better access to any size or type of hook than any other vise on the market today. The SX is guaranteed for life, and is available with either a pedestal base or c-clamp.. ..$145.00


HMH Profile Plate

Seeing better means tying better. Machined delrin support body with machined brass fittings. Stainless steel rod. White plate adjusts side to side, front to back, and tilts to give optimum view of fly.. ..$29.99

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Anglerhaus Standard Vise &Tool Kit

Great entry level tool kit that also works well for the traveling angler. Comes with 7 quality tools, vise with pedestal base and a basic fly tying instruction book.. ..$29.99

Tools

You've heard us flame for years about using quality materials and how they make fly tying much easier and help to create a quality fly. The same goes with fly tying tools. The proper tools make fly tying a breeze and when used with quality materials, the sky is the limit.


We have put together just a few quality tools that we use everyday.

  All Tools



Renzetti Bobbins

The standard length tube is 2-inches, the extended length version is 2 3/4-inches. The small diameter tube is 3/32-inch and the large diameter tube is 1/8-inch. With the exception of the Ultra Midge Bobbin and Lead Wire and Tinsel Bobbin, we use ruby tips that make for ultra smooth thread delivery and excellent wear resistance.. ..$19.95

Rite Bobbins

Ceramic Thread Tube, Small Diameter Barrel, Removable Vinyl Grip, Solid Brass Arm, "Click" Drag Adjustment, 1-9 ounces of thread tension. The most versatile of all fly tying bobbins.. ..$20.99


Anvil Midge Scissors

These are John & Bucky's favorite scissors. Made of ice tempered stainless steel with one blade micro-serrated to grip the material for exacting cuts.. ..$19.99

Dr. Slick Razor Scissors

We have always been a big fan of Dr. Slick tying scissors. The blades are sharp, well built and they last forever.. ..$29.00


Double Ended Stacker

A hair stacker is a tool used to align the tips of hair cut from a hide before attaching it to the fly. It is as simple as putting the fur into the brass tube, inserting the tube into the hair stacker, and then gently tapping the stacker on a table top a few times. At this point all the fur or deer hair tips will be even, ready for you to attach it to the fly.. ..$16.99


Stonfo Roto Dubbing Loop Twister

This tool is a split wire and ball bearing driven dubbing loop tool. This product spares the need to manually twist the tool. Just one spin with the thumb and the bearings do all the work.. ..$15.99

Dubbing Teaser

This is one of the most indispensable tools on our tying desk. Use it to scruff or fuzz up any fly with dubbing. Its bristle design allows the tool to pick out guard hairs and the like without breaking delicate ribbing material.. ..$9.99

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Mini Hook Hackle Pliers

We know it may sound crazy, but we cannot contain our excitement about having these hackle pliers available again. If you've visited us at Blue Ribbon, you know these are the only pliers we use. We guard them with our lives!.. ..$3.50

Dr. Slick Stainless hackle Pliers

These stainless steel hackle pliers from Dr. Slick are really nice and hold hackle tips exceptionally well.. ..$6.50

Tools

Organize

Ok, you have all these tools lying on your tying bench. Here are a couple items to help organize all of the madness.




Renzetti Tool Caddy

If you are into fly-tying then this is a must have item. It is all about having these tools right at your fingertips for quick and easy use.. ..$18.99

C&F Magnetic Hook Palette

Tired of hooks scattered all over your tying desk? Well C&F Design has come up with a solution. The Magnetic hook pallet keeps all of your hooks in order where you want them. Three sizes: Midge, Standard and Streamer.. ..$19.99


Matarelli Cutter and Whip Finisher

The thread cutter makes finishing a fly very fast without having to pick up another tool.. ..$29.99

Matarelli Extended Finisher

Finisher with extended reach.. ..$21.50


Fly Vise Racks

These racks come two to a pack and are perfect for curing flies and just cleaning up your mess.. ..$3.60

Griffin Hook/Hackle Gauge

Get your hackle proportions pefect. Slides on to the stem of your vise where it's always handy.. ..$6.50


Hareline Bead Pad

Perfect for keeping your tying area neat and tidy, the Hareline Silicone Bead Pad features a textured semi-soft surface that's great for keeping your hooks and beads from rolling or sliding away. Pad measures approximately 7.50" x 5.25".. ..$5.50

Cliff's Top Shelf

Use the hook and hackle gauges to keep the sizes right. The magnetic work surface keeps your hooks handy and out of the mess. To attach to your vise simply slide the vise shaft into the hole and adjust the height.. ..$12.99

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Tach-It Fly and Hook Holder

This neat little device consists of a 3"X4" magnetic pad, which attaches to a steel stand and can be placed in two inclined positions. The magnetic pad has a 40 mm scale on one edge for measuring hook dimensions and a dry fly hackle gauge.. ..$12.00

A Favorite.. ..

Article By Bucky McCormick


"Bucky" or Robert McCormick has worked at BRF for last the 9 years and we are lucky to have him. His knowledge and passion for fly fishing is limitless.

If he's not fishing you can find him with his dog Sadie hunting the local area grouse.




John Juracek Photo

John Juracek photo

A Favorite Yellowstone Option

by Bucky McCormick

It's 7:00pm on July 18th as I pull up to the river. Adult caddisflies and mayfly spinners are already swarming over the bank side vegetation. I remove my rod from it's case, attach the reel and check my leader and tippet. A few trout are rising as I look up and down the river. Nobody else is here.

How can this be? Isn't the Madison always busy on a July evening? You bet. Only thing is, I'm not on the Madison. I'm on the Gallatin.

Why is the Gallatin so overlooked? Of all our rivers, it has the highest diversity of insects, it's trout are plump and healthy, love dry flies, and the river is absolutely beautiful. I will most likely encounter rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout this evening, so why am I the only angler around for miles? The only reason I can come up with is that the trout on average aren't as large as their cousins in the neighboring Madison.

It's true the Gallatin's trout are smaller, but for me a little solitude is important too. In fact, it's one of the big reasons I call Montana home. This river also has enough variation of water type to please just about everyone. The classic riffle, run, pool water in Yellowstone, the wonderful pocket water north of the Taylor's Fork to Big Sky and the big deep glides of the lower canyon are enough to keep an angler happy for months. Plus, there are plenty of wonderful tributaries to keep a backcountry angler occupied for years.

July isn't the only month the river fishes well. Winter midge fishing in the canyon is a great diversion from a ski trip at Big Sky. Pre-runoff in April and May can see excellent hatches of Baetis on the river too. Fishing the autumn hatches of Baetis and Mahogany duns, along with streamers is a great way to round out the season.

In the years I've been living in Montana, I feel pretty lucky to call the Gallatin my "home river". I find myself fishing it more and more each season. If this all sounds appealing to you too, give the Gallatin a try next time you're out is way. You may be pleasantly surprised.

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Gear

Lines, Leaders and Tippet

Whether you're minimalist or a gear junkie, one thing is for sure: everyone who fly fishes needs line, leaders and tippet. Yes, even you Tenkara nuts require these items! All of us have a lot of time invested in fishing, from the flies you tie, to the time you take off from work. The last thing you want are faulty connections to your fly.


Here are some of the best Line, Leader and Tippet products on the market!




Rio Gold Fly Line

This has been our favorite line for the past few years! The RIO Gold has a revolutionary taper design that gives incredible loop stability at distance, a unique profile that allows a rod to load at close range and a front taper that delivers perfect presentation of flies between sizes #22 and #2.. ..$74.99


Rio Powerflex Tippett

This is the monofilament of choice for BRF guides. In fact, we can hardly keep the large guide spools in stock during the summer months. Referred to as double strength nylon, Powerflex is a high tenacity copolymer, with excellent knot strength.. ..$4.50


Trout Hunter Fluorocarbon

This is the best Fluorocarbon tippet in the fly fishing world today. It's strength is unparalleled, it knots easily, it is extremely abrasion resistant and the handy 55yd spools will save anglers an average of 8 cents a yard over other major brands. At first we balked at the in between sizes, but after using it we've become converts.. ..$22.99 Also, check out Trout Hunters' Nylon Leaders.


Rio Leaders

RIO's Powerflex Trout leaders feature a powerful butt section that provides unsurpassed turn over for effective wind penetration and to easily cast streamers and indicator rigs. Each leader is made with an advanced copolymer material that ensures the highest knot and tensile strength to allow confident hook sets and greater landing percentages.. ..$4.50

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Cutthroat Dry Fly Leaders

This leader is a must for enhancing your dry fly presentations. These leaders will turn 4'-7' of your favorite tippet and drop your dry with the most gentle of lay-downs.. ..$13.00

Waders and Boots

The proper boots and waders are important to an angler's comfort. Not having good quality equipment can make even the best of fishing days turn bad.




Simms G3 Stockingfoot Waders

Simms' most popular wader, the G3's stand up to the toughest conditions, offering functionality and comfort that you need when chasing brown trout in Argentina or brookies in Montana. 5-layer and 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro Shell fabric technology, Patented front and back leg seam construction for enhanced articulation, comfort and durability, Patented built-in Guide Model Gravel Guards, DEET & saltwater resistant, Exterior chest pocket with zippered closure holds large fly box, Fleece-lined hand warmer pocket with DWR treatment, Flip-out Tippet Tender pocket includes patented built-in retractor, Low profile belt loops accommodate 2" wading belt, Nylon wading belt & repair kit included, Easily converts to waist highs Every pair manufactured in Bozeman, Montana.. ..$449.99


Patagonia Rio Gallegos Waders

Built with strategically placed weights of our proprietary waterproof/breathable H2No Hydrostorm polyester microfiber fabric package, these waders maximize durability while achieving a new standard of comfort and breathability. Our revolutionary Merino wool grid booties - re-engineered for even better fit - wick moisture and keep feet warm in cold water and cool on long walk-ins. A new sliding, infinitely adjustable suspension system converts easily to waist height (or any height you prefer) and allows quick "relief" without having to remove your jacket or wrestle with balky zipper access. High-wear seams feature exterior reinforcement tape for unsurpassed abrasion-resistance and longevity.. ..$449.00


Simms Rivershed Boot

100% synthetic construction is lightweight, quick-drying and facilitates easy cleaning Rubber coated ballistic nylon mesh panels Full perimeter rubber rand offers superior durability and ease of cleaning Fully neoprene lined Dual-density EVA midsole Sturdy asymmetrical molded toe box with rubber cap for protection and durability High quality, non-corrosive hardware and high quality, long lasting nylon laces; Pull-on heel loop.. ..$179.99


Patagonia Ultralight Wading Boots - Felt

New for 2013, Patagonia Ultralight Wading Boots - Felt are the best boots for all anglers travelling around the world. These extremely lightweight boots feature durable construction in a sturdy and comfortable boot for all fishing conditions. Patagonia has used the most durable fabrics and modern sole design with multiple gripping zones for safe wading, maximum durability, and ultralight weight.. ..$179.00

Available March 2013 - Accepting Pre-orders Now!

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Patagonia Black Hole Duffle

Notorious for swallowing copious amounts of gear, our Black Hole Duffel creates order out of chaos. Made of waterproof fabric and equipped with water-resistant zippers and seams, this burly carryall will protect your gear from rain and rough handling. Its U-shaped lid allows quick access to the main compartment, while two internal mesh pockets keep small items organized. The padded bottom panel adds structure and helps cushion the load when your duffel gets pitched from on high.. ..$159.00

Gadgets

Boxes

When it comes to fishing there are lots of situations for which one box isn't enough. Luckily, the fishing world offers plenty of options. Whether it be functionality, size or aesthetics there's always something to fit your needs.




Dutch Boxes

These boxes are one of a kind. Each is a masterpiece created by Dave Schultz, long- time friend and angler. Pictures just don't do these fine boxes justice. The wood and precision construction are world-class.


BRF Water proof Boxes

For good reason these have been our most popular boxes and they should be, for the price these are some of the best boxes you can find. Similar ones go for almost 3 times the price!.. ..$12.99


Simms Wheatley Fly Boxes

A fantastic combination of the classic Wheatley fly box and wonderful DeYoung fish artwork Anodized aluminum construction 4" box features 10 rows of slit foam (5 per side) with 20 slits per row, Assembled in the USA.. ..$79.95

Brown Trout.. ..$99.95


Tach- It Fly Boxes

The box measures 3" x 4" x ˝" deep. Its small size allows you to put one or two in an ordinary shirt pocket. Three or four will vanish inside your fishing vest with space to spare, and they also fit nicely into most chest packs. There is no wind, short of a hurricane, that will liberate your flies from an open box.. ..$24.00

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Simms Fly Patch Box

A unique foam fly box with a hook back to quickly attach the box to your vest, waders, or rain jacket fly patch. Quick, easy & so convenient.. ..$19.99

Gadgets

Just for the Dry Fly!

Fly fishers love their gadgets and why not? They are fun and in many cases very practical. These items are essential to the dry fly fisherman, without them you might as well put on an indicator




Amadou Dryer and Sheets

Amadou is a fungus that absorbs about five times its weight in water. The Amadou is glued in between two pieces of tanned leather. Also comes with a string for hanging from your vest or "D" ring. It is great for drying your flies after catching a fish and preparing the fly for floatant again.. ..$29.99


Ruby Cell Dryer

For years we have extolled the virtues of amadou for drying soggy flies, as loyal readers know. But we have found something just as good. It's a synthetic material (made for medical purposes, probably) that absorbs water incredibly fast and well.. ..$17.99

Umpqua Dry Fly Patch

Dries water soaked flies and yarn indicators. Works well with CDC and is a great leader straightener.. ..$3.00


Trout Hunter Fly Dressing

Natural CDC Fly Dressing is made with real waterfowl preen oil, one of nature's most efficient conditioning and flotational agents. It will not mat, discolor, or damage even the most delicate flies.. ..$5.99

Fish Pimp Fly Sauce

This is the perfect gel floatant for those larger Stones and Hoppers. We also like this for the general attractor stuff -- Humpies, Wulffs, and Adams.. ..$3.99


Frog's Fanny

You have heard us rave about Frog's Fanny for years. We always keep one bottle on hand and a spare nearby at all times. Bring your dry flies back to life with Frog's Fanny. After a few fish (or bad drifts) many dry flies can get waterlogged.. ..$4.99

Dry Magic

Not sticky, does not mat the fly and is non-toxic. This fly floatant works well on all kinds of flies, especially CDC patterns. This can applied not only to flies but also to leaders and lines.. ..$11.99

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Shimazaki Dry Shake Spray

A spray version of the world-famous Shimazaki Dry Shake. A great floatant especially for those cold days. Just give those flies a quick shot.. ..$29.99

Nets

Wolf Moon Nets

Wolf Moon Trout Nets are handcrafted in the USA by Bill and Donna Kallner


While their elegant usefulness honors fishing traditions, our nets are designed to meet the practical needs of fishermen today, tomorrow and into the future.

  More Gear



Wolf Moon BRF Tenkara

We had our friends at Wolf Moon create this Tenkara style net especially for us. Even if you're not into Tenkara fishing this is a great small stream net. Curved to fit neatly between your back and hip pack and of course these nets can be used with your vest as well.. ..$69.00


Wolf Moon Slope Tuck Net

Finally a net made for those of us who prefer a hip pack instead of a vest. The curved handle allows this net to be comfortably placed between ones' back and pack. Clear rubber bag and a catch and release shaped hoop.. ..$98.00



Wolf Moon Steeple Tuck Net

Another curved version with a traditional tear drop hoop. Clear rubber bag. Bucky's favorite.. ..$92.00

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Tenkara

A Simple Form of Fly Fishing.

Many of you think we have gone nuts with the whole Tenkara idea and the truth is yes, we have! But don't get us wrong Tenkara doesn't take the place of "Fly Fishing" it's just another style that compliments it.


There's a time and a place for each method, and each has it's own uniqueness. If you haven't tried the Tenkara you should at least think about giving it a try. If you don't like it we'd be surprised.




Tenkara USA Rods

Tenkara rods are ideal for mountain stream Trout fishing and for catching other species such as bluegill and Largemouth Bass. Tenkara rods are ultra-lightweight, very portable (they telescope into a mere 20 inches), and are excellent for backpacking.

If in doubt, get the 12ft Iwana, a great all rounder. The 13ft Ayu for more open stream and desire for a softer rod. 13ft-14ft 7in Ito is our largest rod and an excellent choice for larger trout on open streams and even lakes. The 11ft Iwana is good for tighter streams with lots of trees overhead. The 12ft Yamame and 13ft 6inches. Amago are good options if you consistently catch fish over 17inches or bass. Iwana Tenkara rod.. ..$157.95

TFO Soft Hackle Tenkara Rod

Designed to provide effortless casting and stellar drifts, this wickedly lightweight Tenkara fly rod makes the take of a trout or char feel like a lightening bolt down your arm. Thanks to the style of Tenkara fly fishing (the lack of excess line and the use of a reel), you're able to focus solely on the fly presentation and not be distracted by needing to mend. 10ft 6in Tenkara Fly Rod offers fast action 11ft 6in Tenkara fly rod provides slow action rod collapses down which makes it super-easy to transport when you backpack into the backcountry or travel spare tip included for convenience.. ..$199.99


Tenkara Fishing Guide

This is the essential guide to a simpler world of fly fishing. Beginning and seasoned anglers will find the information needed to make the transition from western to Tenkara fishing. The essentials of gear and rigging, fishing dry lines, subsurface fishing and casting, knots and Tenkara backpacking.. ..$19.95


Tenkara Traditional Line

Tenkara USA lines are hand-woven by expert line-makers in the United States. Length: 10ft. 6in Material: Premium monofilament. Transition loop: Soft SpectraŽ braid, 80lbs Extender: 3X equivalent monofilament with perfection loop. ..$19.95

BRF Tenkara Line

Designed by Yvon Chouinard and Craig Mathews exclusively for Tenkara fishing. This is really two lines! A 35 ft DT 000 fly line cut in half forming 2 distinct lines. From there we customize the length of the 2 lines in length to our fishing needs. Most often this ends up being one 15 and one 9 foot fly line.. ..$29.95


Tying Tenkara Flies DVD

Tenkara anglers do not normally change flies, yet each angler has his "one" pattern that he believes may be the most effective. While a DVD teaching how to tie multiple tenkara flies may be seen as a contradiction, this will show you why it's said that "Tenkara has ten colors". This DVD contains 2.5hours of content, and will teach you how to tie 17 different Tenkara fly patterns. It includes talks on the philosophy of Tenkara flies and fly-tying and features renowned Tenkara master Dr. Hisao Ishigaki.. ..$24.95

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Tenkara Line Holders

Unlike rectangular methods of storage, the Tenkara USA spools don't create kinks in your line leaving them supple for less drag and reducing tangles. Round is the way to go in my opinion.. ..$9.95

Fuji Easy Keepers

The Fuji EZ Keepers offer a convenient way to manage your line when you collapse your Tenkara rod. Perhaps their biggest advantages are that you will not get line twist and your fully rigged and collapsed rod fits inside the Tenkara USA rod sock or Ebira rod quiver so you can be ready to fish in seconds. You'll need two for Tenkara rods.. ..$8.00

WInter Fishing

Article by Craig Mathews

You should experience Solitude, Rising Trout and Winter Fishing on the Madison River




What we do in the winter time.

At no time of the year will you see as many rising trout as in winter. I'm not suggesting you contact your travel agent and book a trip to West Yellowstone to solely fish in winter. But, if you happen to come to Yellowstone, like our friends Mary Pat and Mike did last week, to ski or snowmobile or tour in winter then by all means plan to spend a day or 2 fishing trout rising to midges.

Mike and Mary Pat wanted to see Yellowstone and fish midges in winter having read about it in our weekly email newsletter. I got him set up on a snowmobile tour in the Park as well as a motel room in town. We looked at the weather forecast and decided on a day that looked best for them to try their luck with our guide Scott, midge fishing. Last Tuesday after Mike and Mary Pat had snowmobile toured the Park Scott met them at the shop and headed to Raynolds Bridge where they had outstanding nymph fishing. The day before Scott had non-stop rising fish. You may have seen a few shots of the couple in action holding nice trout they both took on dry midge patterns.


If you want to fish incredible winter dry fly midge action you should consider the following:

Check with us before coming. We can help arrange cross country skiing, snow coach and snowmobile tours and other winter activities while you experience Yellowstone country during the "quiet time".


Get the book "Modern Midges" and read up on winter midge fishing, fly patterns and midge fishing strategies. It will add greatly to your knowledge of midge fishing not only in winter but all year long.


Come prepared with proper clothing and fishing gear. An 8'6" or 9' rod 4 or 5weight is perfect as are all Tenkara rods. You will find that while the trout are in prime condition cold water prevents them from fighting as hard as they do in summer. I fish mostly a Tenkara rod in winter and the beauty of it is that there are no guides to freeze. Too, and most important, is the short-slack line pinpoint accurate cast you need to make as trout feeding on midges do so in very narrow feeding lanes. The Tenkara is perfect every time for making these casts.

You should use 5 or 6x tippets. I prefer Trout Hunter 5.5, 6 and 6.5x fluorocarbon that is extremely abrasion resistant. Hooked trout invariably run against shelf ice and can easily break fine standard nylon tippets. Fluorocarbon will save money in fewer lost flies, and time in retying flies on after breaking off. Purchase a Cutthroat Leader too. These furled leaders with tippet ring are quick and easy to knot tippets to. Believe me, when your fingers are cold you will be happy you have both the tippets and leader above.

Speaking of cold fingers, get a pair of R1 Patagonia Gloves. They are fine neoprene and lined as well. So supple are they that you can tie flies on wearing these gloves on your warm fingers. Too, you can easily handle fish while keeping your hands toasty warm.




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Get the right fly floatants. Not only will they save time they'll also save frustration as well. Nothing is worse than a dry fly you can't get to float all the while big trout rising a rod's length away. First I treat my flies with "Dry Magic" a silky-smooth silicone paste. Between trout I blot my fly dry using amadou, a must when fishing tiny dry-flies. After a fish or two I blot my flies with amadou then apply Frog's Fanny between fish. Lately I find using a short spray blast of Shimizaki Dry Spray saves even more time and I end up catching many more fish during an emergence.

For fly patterns you will need only a few. I like a #20-22 Zelon Midge or Griffith's Gnat Emergers for times fish are taking single emerging midges. When they key on skittering single adults a #20-22 Skittering Zelon Midge works its magic. Cluster patterns are a must when trout are working mating clusters of adult midges and the Griffith's Gnat works best during these times in sizes #16-20.

I hope you will make it out to experience Yellowstone in winter. The quiet solitude, wildlife, snowy landscape and wild rising trout are something all serious anglers must see once in their angling lives. I should however warn you, as I did Mike and Mary Pat before their trip here last week; once you do you will return to do it again, and again. Nothing compares to Yellowstone in winter. Give us a call!

Conservation

We can make a difference by becoming more active in issues and projects that protect the Yellowstone ecosystem. All fly fishers have an infectious passion about the very issues they support. Some of these issues include clean air and water, protecting wild trout and maintaining a healthy habitat for trout as well as the abundant wildlife we appreciate. As anglers we are obligated to take the front line in the fight to protect, preserve, and enhance the rivers, lakes, and streams for the wild fish that inhabit them.




John Juracek Photo


Conservation

Article By Tim Bozorth

I'm very lucky, my father fly fished as did both my grandfathers. So I got started fly fishing earlier than most. I was given a used fly rod and reel for my 10th birthday, in 1962. My Dad picked it up from the Winston Rod Company when they were near his office on Third Street in San Francisco (SF). It was a fiberglass fly spin combo that someone had ordered and didn't like and Dad also got me a used Pfluger reel to go with it. I was set, for the next ten years this was my fly fishing outfit and I still have it.

The summer between 7th and 8th grade I was at a friend's house and saw he tied flies. I thought wow, I'd like to do that, so I saved my pay from my paper route, lawn mowing and cleaning the local butcher shop on Saturday nights and purchased a Thompson B fly tying vise, it had a big wing nut to tighten the jaws. Finding materials was tough, all I could find were really bad necks, brown or white in color. However, my job at the local butcher shop gave me plenty of duck and goose feathers from the ones I plucked for a quarter each. I scavenged all the hair, fur and feathers I could. My first efforts at tying were really pathetic.

I used to go into SF with my dad when he went to work and I'd hang out at Winston watching Doug Merrick and Gary Howells making bamboo fly rods and then go uptown to Ambercrombie and Fitch. Before A&F was a clothing store they were a hunting and fishing outfitter. I would buy a few flies and then go home and copy them. That's how I learned to tie. For my 13th birthday I received a grizzly neck and a large number of various feather packets and I was off and running.

Later in High School materials were easier to come by. I was able to obtain Wapsi materials from a place in Oakland. Then Andy Puyans started up a fly fishing shop with lots of materials in a town nearby and Hal Jansen had a place in a sporting goods store with fly tying materials.

Family vacations were always a two week camping trip to Montana, Wyoming, Idaho or British Columbia. That's what my Dad worked all year for and looked forward to, was that two week camping/fishing trip with the family. In High School I would go up the coast and fish for steelhead in the winter over Christmas break and backpack into the Sierra's or head up to the rivers of northern California in the summer. During college I would quit my summer job a few weeks early and head to Henry's Fork, Yellowstone or the Madison to fish before the fall semester started.

Several times my Dad and I made the trip to Henry's Fork. He wasn't one for catch and release, but I was, and I made him begrudgingly release everything. When I pulled out a surprise bottle of whiskey after dinner to ease the chill, he thought it might be OK to let 'em go.

After I got married to my lovely wife, Denise, I was determined not to work for a two week annual fishing vacation and we moved to Bozeman. When our first son, Ben, was born, I needed a permanent job and was hired with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as a hydrologist. I figured it would be like when I measured stream flows for the USGS in Nevada and Eastern California except I would be working between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and could fish before and after work and during lunch time. Well, I was quite wrong in that regard but we did get to live near and frequent the Yellowstone, Gallatin, and Madison Rivers when in Bozeman and later Spring Creek in Lewistown, the South Fork of the Snake in Idaho Falls, the Umpqua in Roseburg, OR, the Big Horn in Billings and the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Ruby and Madison in Dillon. Now I'm retired and we live close to the West Gallatin and can get to the Yellowstone and Madison quickly. We have been fortunate to live 30 of my 36 year career in Montana.

I still tie flies, more now than ever before. The hackles, material and hooks get better all the time as do waders, vests and other gear. I still have lots of fishing to catch up on with my wife, children, grandchildren and friends.

This summer I got a Tenkara rod for Father's Day and my graphite and bamboo rods mainly sit idle. I find great joy in the simplicity of no reel, a short line and tippet. It is quick to rig-up and you learn quick to get better at playing fish by keeping your rod tip high. If you don't you likely lose the fish, but that's OK. In the summer, wading sandals, shorts, a box of flies or two and some leader material is pretty much all you need. You get better at a stealthy approach and in the winter you don't have to worry about the guides freezing up. The Tenkara just amounts to alot of fun and my grandson who just turned one is going to go Tenkara fishing with me this summer (if I get the okay from his Mom).

I look forward now to raising funds and working with the Madison River Foundation and assisting with their great work on the Madison as well as lending assistance and helping to raise funds for the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, National Parks Conservation Association and the Yellowstone Park Foundation.

While I have retired from BLM, I still plan to work to conserve and restore resources in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.


John Juracek Photo

Madison River Foundation

Founded in 2003, the Madison River Foundation is an advocate for the Madison amid the challenges of rapid residential and population growth, commercial development, increasing recreational use and the traditional Western competition over scarce water resources. We strive to work collaboratively with all those who live, work, and recreate on this storied river and its related watershed. Based in Ennis, Montana, the Madison River Foundation is a tax-exempt, non-profit membership organization incorporated under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We are supported by the voluntary contributions of members, friends and donors.


1% For the Planet

The one percent for the planet club was founded in started in 2001 by Yvon Chouinard, of Patagonia clothing company, and Craig Mathews of Blue Ribbon Flies. This club was formed to protect, preserve, and enhance wild resources. Members pledge one percent of their gross sales each year to environmental causes. In these times of budgetary shortfalls, we feel that it is up to the businesses using everyone's natural resources to financially support the protection of these resources. Blue Ribbon Flies has pledged two percent of our gross sales each year since 1997, to projects like Three Dollar Bridge on the Madison River and The Yellowstone Park Foundation. We were the first business to donate a percent of our sales, and we hope other businesses will follow our lead. By supporting businesses that give a percent of their sales back to the environment, consumers can help to protect, preserve, and enhance the resources of Yellowstone Country. After all, wouldn't you want to buy your gear from a business that gives back a percent or two of its gross sales back to projects in OUR Park, and on OUR Madison River?


Trout Unlimited

Today TU is a national organization with more than 140,000 volunteers organized into about 400 chapters from Maine to Montana to Alaska. This dedicated grassroots army is matched by a respected staff of lawyers, policy experts and scientists, who work out of more than 30 offices nationwide. These conservation professionals ensure that TU is at the forefront of fisheries restoration work at the local, state and national levels.

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Yellowstone Park Foundation

The Yellowstone Park Foundation works in cooperation with the National Park Service to fund projects and programs that protect, preserve, and enhance the natural and cultural resources and the visitor experience of Yellowstone National Park.

Cutthroat T-Shirt

Proceeds from the sale of each go towards Yellowstone National Park's Cutthroat Program through the Yellowstone Park Foundation. Please help us protect the iconic Yellowstone Cutthroat and continue it's recovery in the Park.. ..$19.99

Thanks for spending time with us! As always, please don't hesitate to call us with questions, advice or just talk a little fishing! We Look forward to seeing you!

John Juracek Photo

The Gang at Blue Ribbon Flies

phone: (406)646-7642