9/15/2009

We really had a great time fishing with you in Wyoming last week!

The perfect spots you took us to, the fly selection and rig set-up, the approach & presentation, the real-time fish-fighting advice, your energy and encouragement day after 12-hour day, not to mention your fabulous lunches, all combined to make it an unforgettable five days.

The size of fish and variety of species - even if I sometimes had a peculiar ability to hook only whitefish while Stephen unerringly landed the biggest trout in the hole - make SW Wyoming, as presented by Van Beacham's Solitary Angler, the undiscovered fly fishing destination in the Rocky Mountain West.  (Let's keep it a secret until we can get up there next year!)

Thanks again for everything.  Hope you're having as good a time fishing on your own as you showed us.  See you next year.

Neal

9/15/2009

I want to second Neal's compliments on our trip.  For years I have always wondered why you elected to spend your summers (and well into the fall) in Wyoming when we have such great fly fishing options in New Mexico (and Southern Colorado).  Now I know!  I could spend a month just exploring Fontenelle Creek between the headquarters and the upper sections and barely scratch the surface of the water within 50 miles of the Frontier Suites!

I also advanced my fly fishing skills more in a week than I have in the last decade, thanks largely to your patience and sage advice.

I look forward to a trip up there next summer, for sure with Neal in tow!

Stephen

Subject: reports,7/23,24&25(camp culebra)

all 80 cfs steady and 80* and sunny.

2a: tried hoppers,ehc and para adams and finally orange stim was the key...non-stop on this until about 1.00 pm...10 or 15 14" browns with football profile...can't wait until next year for these!

5 or 6 cutts up to 20"which took me downstream a long way and i tripped and loaded my waders, lost my net and fly box and still had the trout on...caught up with my net and fly box and finally landed this beauty...whew...should have had this on video for a few laughs....ehc hatch started at about 3.30...my arm was worn out

1b: no action on oranage stim??? but ehc was good for the 14-15" browns...not a single cutt or bow the whole day??...caught 8 fish in a 30 min period on the ehc at about 3-3.30 on the lower portion

3:fiesta day in san luis...started at 8.30 with orange stim and it was good until about 10.00 when the ehc kicked in and i landed about a 20" cutt from the dead tree hole and not only took my fly out of its mouth but another from a fin with a 16" dropper line wrapped around it too...i'll bring the fly in...looks good and we'll see if we know who uses this type

just for fun i threw the scupzilla under the bridge and a plus 20" cutt was caught... sweet
–JM, July 26. 2009

Recently, I brought a new member with me to fish the Culebra Creek. As always, the fishing was fantastic! I have fished all over the world and the Culebra continues to be one of my favorite spots to fish. I love the consistency the Culebra offers and the fish of all sizes. The water and scenery are always beautiful no matter what time of year I fish. I have yet to find a bad spot to fish on the Culebra! It is truly an amazing place!

Just got back home and already planning my next trip back! SHHH!!! Don't tell the wife!
- K

Had a good day with lots of action on the surface with PMDs. Caught several browns and rainbows around 15" and nothing under 12". Great stretch of river.
- B

Just wanted to let you know what a great time I had fishing with Tom Martin on the Holy Water June 27th (2009).  I'd never been on a guided anything before, and Tom was so patient and helpful.  I felt like I was past a "beginner" fisherman, and Tom taught me so much in one day, it would take two hours just to touch on the topics!  The fish were bigger than I had fished before, and so many of them!  Ask Tom about the "one that got away", and the lesson I learned from it.  Thank you for all that you do to preserve excellent trout fishing.  And thanks to you and Tom... now I need to find someway to get my mind back on work!
- BP

THANKS again for letting us on the Culebra!  We had a great time ... caught lots of big healthy fish!

Mostly browns, orange stimis on top and any beadhead beneath as a dropper... .
Again, anytime you're in ABQ, stop in!
- TJ, June 11, 2009