Newsletter 1/24/09 - Cutthroat Anglers

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Cutthroat Newsletter - 1/24/09

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Greetings!

I know, I know. It's been a while, but if you can imagine doing a fly inventory that is so far pushing six figures (I know a few of you certainly can!) among other monotonous year-end tasks, it takes a while! We have, however, been mixing in some exciting plans for 2009 with our other chores.

I don't want to completely let the fish out of the tank just yet, but we have begun installing and filling a new cabinet of over 200 salt and warmwater patterns and will soon have an additional 250+ bins of trout flies! More to come............

As for the fishing blotter, the trend of healthy flows and consistent fishing continues. On most of our rivers deep nymphing with midge patterns has been the most productive tactic, but we expect to start seeing some great dry fly fishing in a couple of weeks.

In our free time, many of us have been escaping the cold and trying our hands at carp fishing downtown Denver. From what we understand it's still a bit early, but we've had some success. If nothing else, you can't beat the scenery!

New Years Resolutions

Well, we're a couple of weeks into 2009, and many folks (who haven't already given up on the concept) have made some New Year's Resolutions. If you have made your '09 resolutions and you're sticking to them, I sincerely do admire your sticktoitiveness.

Personally, I've never been good with them. This year I've already eaten three glue sticks because I resolved to bring a lunch to work and forgot. I still have my high school girlfriend's name tattooed on my neck (if anyone knows a nice gal named Nicole, please let me know). And lastly, I've pumped plenty of aluminum cans, but no iron yet.

We've Got A Winner!

As many of you remember, by signing up for our mailing list, you also entered yourself into a drawing to win a Sage Rod.
This year's winner was Jeff Clonts from Denver, CO.
Congrats Bro! Enjoy the new stick!

For those of you like me, sans the glue stick part, why not make some healthy fishing resolutions that are a bit easier to follow through with. Here are a few ideas;

Learn a New Piece of Water. We all have our "go to" spots, and I believe we should continue to go to them. I mean, we've earned them, right? However, it's always exciting to try to unleash the mystery of a new piece of water. Who knows it may end up to be the new go to!
Learn to Catch A New Species. Anything from Bluegill to Billfish can be caught on a fly rod, so try something new! By the way, Carp are a hoot if you get the chance!
Fish More. You may have already resolved to watch less TV, get more exercise, or reduce stress. Why not kill two birds with one stone? Frequency will also boost your learning curve immensely, as there's no substitute for time on the water.
Get a Friend, Family Member, or Kid Involved. Fishing is a great way to spend quality time and bond with those close to you. If not someone else, get yourself involved. Join a club, volunteer, or attend Trout Unlimited meetings. You'll surely make some new friends that share your passion for the sport.

2009 Fishing License Rants, Tips, and Info

Although Colorado fishing licenses are comparatively cheap to many other states, the process of buying one can at times rival that of obtaining a mortgage.

Many of your are familiar with the process. You go in to see your local license agent with your fingers crossed hoping that you're in the "system" and that the system is "systemizing" properly that day. If the stars are aligned for the duration of the process, it's a fairly quick, painless and secure deal. If the "system" fails or you're new to the "system" it usually goes something like this:

"Sir, to begin the process, the State of Colorado requires 27 forms of photo identification, your mother-in-law's sister's maiden name, and the month and year that you grew that mustache. Oh....and one more thing...... please blurt your social security number out across this room full of people."

In this day in age, many people feel that some of the information required to obtain a Colorado fishing license is sensitive and rightfully so. Many also prefer to take care of mundane tasks such as this online for the sake of efficiency.

The good news is that a trip to http://wildlife.state.co.us/ may save you a trip to www.freecreditreport.com. Colorado fishing licenses are available online, which offers several benefits;

Sensitive personal information is entered directly into the government system.
You can pay with a credit card (most license agents only take cash).
No lines, no wait, more time on the water!

Important 2008/2009 Fishing License Info

Due to recent changes made by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, your 2008 Colorado Fishing License is valid until April 1, 2009. Also, all 2009 licenses will be valid until April 1 2010.

Gore Range TU Chapter Fly Tying Symposium

Come join the Gore Range Trout Unlimited Chapter for an evening Fly Tying Symposium (remember that resolution about getting involved?). Representatives from Cutthroat Anglers, the Blue Quill Angler, and Blue River Anglers will be tying their favorite patterns as well as sharing tips and tricks. Here are the details:

When: Tuesday, February 10th, 6pm-8:00pm
Where: Fishpond USA, Dillon, Colorado. 707 East Anemone Trail, Suite 3. Across from the Red Mountain Grill. Click here for directions.
Who: Local Fly Tiers: Pat Dorsey, Walt Mueller, Zeke Hersh, Billy Berger, Jim Cannon, Chris Hall, Jonathan Keisling, Clint Rossell
How Much: FREE! Nada! Nothing! Zip!
What to Bring: a fold up camping chair if you have it
Questions: Call Sarah Barclay 970-401-4697

Sincerely,
Chris Hall
Manager
Cutthroat Anglers