O'Neal is Back!

Ty suggested a trip into the Deep Creek Drainage when I was planning our trip to Utah. I agreed and packed a fly rod. Best damn idea of the week. We had a great time and caught many many fat fighting browns that hammered big dry flies. The canyon is unrecognizable after several fires. The fish were all killed off from fire retardent several years ago and no one had been in there in 3 years. Still a pretty good leg burning hike even with the four wheeler trail that is there now. We had a great day, I might make a fly fisherman out of Ty yet. I know the great fishing in this canyon is where I got it bad. Ty caught a lot of trout and we fished together and had fish on at the same time many times. I also caught the biggest fish I have ever landed in there on my first cast into Deep Creek as soon as we hit the first water. Big fat brown about 16 inches, big fish for this size creek, nice start to the fishing and a good omen that proved correct. O'neal is running low and that could be bad for later in the summer, Southern Utah is on fire again and dry as hell. It seem like a different creek the trees are all gone the canyon is opened up like never before and the stream itself must of had a major flash flood because the pools and runs are all different. But the important thing is that is full of trout and they are hungry and they love dry flies and really that is all you can ask for.

p.s. If you go try a size 10 stimulator, (yellow body) don't be afraid to go big you will catch more and bigger fish - CJ

25 Big Uns

Lisa and I celebrated our 25th Anniversary on June 20th. Congratulations to me. If you want to send a gift we like fly fishing stuff. We stayed in Spokane at a hotel on the river next to Riverside Park. We had a great time and then headed to Southern Utah for our 25th high school reunion which also was fun. Ty also turns 25 this year (we were busy in 1981) We have been married since we were kids, now our kids have kids. Lisa is more beautiful than ever and although I look pretty rough I can still move like a cat and think on my feet. 25 years! I love you baby.

A Motley Crew

Here are some pirates attacking Bryant after the play on opening night. Boo was really good as Dr. Livesy and played the pompous Englishmen who keeps reminding everyone that he is a doctor and an officer of the English Crown. I laughed quietly through the whole first scene because Bryant looked to me like Chris Farley from the movie Almost Heroes when he is at the party before the expedition and has his hair slicked down. The play has a few opening night glitches but was good. Lisa decorated the lobby and ran the souvenier shop. I set up the tiki torches outside and had six of them burning as they people came in. Twas a bloody good time I say you scervy dogs. Tasha bought a pirate bandana from Lisa and put it on for the show. I tried to get Boo to change one line where he says "Good Heavans" when he sees Captain Bones dead to "Bloody Hell" but he won't do it. Once again my stellar advice falls on stupid ears.

Name The Boat 2

I have to say people the participation in the naming contest was poor. If you read this blog and didn't submit a name then shame on you. Besides a few wiseacres there were only a few legitimate entries including some people I have never heard of. Nick came up with a few suggestions after floating the Coeur d'Alene River in it twice. Dusty Old Bones and the Creaky Whinning Old Lady did not sit well with me and may get him banned from the boat. Aside from Nick's hurtful comments there were Moms old standby of Never On Sunday and Dad came up with Old Tippy. I have decided to honor them both and combine the names. So come on up and take a float in "Tipsy on Sunday" Thanks, and keep your waders wet boys.