Fight Invasive Species

Whirling disease, Diddymo (rock snot), Zebra mussels and other invasive aquatic species have begun to impact trout fisheries around the USA. To help prevent the spread of these critters and plants, North Fork Anglers recommends the elimination of felt-soled boots and replacing them with wading boots that have rubber soles instead.

Simms and Orvis have gone to great lengths to provide rubber-soled wading boots that have good grip when wading, yet aiding in the non-transport of invasive species. Even the uppers of the wading boots have been redesigned as well to further aid in keeping these unwanted, non-native threats to wild trout, salmon and steelhead waters.

Remember, it is up to each of us to take responsibility in the protection and enhancement of the waters we love to fish. The best way to get involved is by replacing your felt-soled boots as they wear out with the latest in technology, or when your conscience takes over.

For your convenience, North Fork Anglers has the new wading boots in stock at our retail location in downtown Cody. Major renovations are taking place at our eBay and On-Line stores. You will be notified in a future newsletter when those changes are completed and functional. We're excited about those changes and hope you will be too!  

Calendar of Events for Winter and Spring

North Fork Anglers has FREE fly tying classes every Saturday morning from 9-12 going on until April. This is a great way to learn a new skill, improve on old ones while filling fly boxes. The classes are also a great place to make new friends and fishing companions as the fur flies and the hackles are wound on a hook at the tying tables. All skill levels are welcome.

Introduction to Fly fishing classes are scheduled for March and April. If you are new to the sport, want to tie better knots, learn aquatic insects, read water or all of the above, these classes are for you. These are popular classes and signing up early is recommended; Six students per class.

Introduction to Spey Casting classes will be held late March or early April. Learn the basic Spey casts, how to select the correct fly lines and leaders, as well as how to fish flies using swing techniques. Classes will be limited to 4 anglers per class.  

A New Decade

Happy New Year! It is hard to believe 10 years have passed since Y2K captured our attention. Some were certain the world would end, others were convinced a computer virus would wipe out hard drives across the globe ending civilization as we knew it at that time.

Happily, none of that happened as predicted. Instead, we have seen the sport (and art) of fly fishing progress in many different ways the past 10 years as 21st century technology was applied across the board to gear and equipment, leading to lighter fly rods and reels, tougher breathable waders and fly lines made for every imaginable fishing situation.

Destination travel has become the 'norm' as we continue to explore the globe in pursuit of our passion. Besides fishing with North Fork Anglers in Cody, many of us have managed to wet a line in foreign countries pursuing new or exotic species.

Permit, bonefish, tarpon, billfish, shark, salmon, sea-run browns, peacock bass and steelhead trips have been added to our fly fishing diaries, Facebook, Twitter or web sites to document our successes as fly fishers and our compulsive need to fish the next great place.

The new decade has the promise of more trips, bigger fish and hopefully, continued good health and prosperity. Also ahead of us lie serious ecological issues we as fly fishermen need to be made aware.

Stopping the transportation of invasive aquatic species, both plant and animal, is a huge challenge. As you will see in the sidebar article, fly fishing manufacturer's are addressing this challenge. So should we.

Changing climate worldwide is a huge concern as we address warming temperatures and how to prevent the loss of prime wild trout, salmon and steelhead waters as well as the potential loss of coral reefs, and the threat to flats and pelagic saltwater fish.

Without jumping onto a political band wagon, let me say that each of us as an angler has the responsibility to ensure rivers, lakes and the oceans we cast a fly into become free of pollutants and especially, the current hatchery mentality.

Our right to catch a fish is not as important as the fish's right to remain wild and free. If we don't get accept that responsibility, one can easily surmise what future fly fishing opportunities will greet us in the next decade.

Guided Trips

Our first guided trip of the new year came January 2 on the lower Shoshone River. Fishing was tough due to the wind that day, but the fact is, taking a guided trip in Cody can be made 12 months of the year!

It is hard to believe twenty-five years have flown by since North Fork Anglers guided our first client. In the years since, we have guided thousands of anglers on the quality waters that surround Cody on the East side of Yellowstone.

As you might imagine, the summer months are our most active. That is when the weather is best and the hatches are prolonged and the air is filled with stoneflies, caddis and mayflies. In fact, last year's mayfly hatches, especially pale morning duns, was the best we have seen since the 90's.

Float trips are very popular in July and early August and getting an early reservation will ensure you a seat in one of our boats. Walk/Wade trips are the best way to avoid crowds and see the wildlife that surrounds the rivers and streams our guides will take you.

If you are interested in obtaining your WY Cutt Slam certificate which involves catching all 4 cutthroat species native to Wyoming, North Fork Anglers will arrange that for you by taking you to waters where native, wild Yellowstone cutthroat abound. We also partner with Two Rivers Emporium, Pinedale, WY, to help you catch the other 3 species found on the west side of the state.

Our guides are trained, well qualified professionals that know the waters (over 150 years combined fly fishing experience) and can take an 'iffy' day and turn it into a great one for you. Instruction and a great time on the water is what has kept North Fork Anglers guiding in the area all these years. We hope you feel the same and will be calling to book your reservations shortly after reading this!

Join us on the North Fork of the Shoshone, the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone, the lower Shoshone, or the Bighorn River. If you prefer smaller waters, or private water (including lakes), let us know - we can arrange that as well. Rates will remain the same as in 2009. Phone 307-527-7274 to make reservations.

Facebook

North Fork Anglers is now on Facebook! Join us there and keep up with whats going on at the shop, post your photos, videos, and let us know what is happening in your fishing world.

Click here to join us on Facebook