Yeti Sighting! - Northern Minnesota

As the snowpack is finally diminishing here in northern Minnesota there have been some strange sightings as of late. Most recently has been a confirmed sighting of a YETI in Detroit Lakes. I intially spotted the YETI out of the corner of my eye. I was unsure of what exactly I saw, wondering if my eyes had been playing tricks on me. It's not uncommon for mirages to appear over snow, much like the apparition of water in a desert. But a YETI? Something came tumbling out of the woods, right at my truck. I came to a screeching halt as my front tire made contact with the object. What was it? I hopped out of the truck to see just exactly what it was.


I couldn't believe I was seeing this with my own eyes, a YETI in Detroit Lakes! A perfectly unscathed specimen too! Wow, the press will have a field day with this one! I quickly looked over the YETI for any signs of injuries and none were to be found. I quickly secured the YETI in the cab of my truck and made haste back to the Roughfisher Command Post.


After a closer inspection back at home base, I identified the YETI as a 50 quart specimen from the Tundra. A beautiful specimen indeed! There was so much potential with this YETI! I was practically giddy with excitement, dreaming of all the possibilities for good times I can share with the YETI! Think of all the fishing and camping trips we can go on! I can't wait to dress up my YETI. I'll be sure to post stories of my new YETI's adventures. Stay tuned!


Thanks YETI!

Carphunter stickers now for sale

Buy your roughfisher.com Carphunter stickers below, or go over to the online store and pick up a few decals as well as some Carp Crack!.

Get your roughfisher.com carphunter decals!

Quantity

One for $3 $3.00 USD Two for $5 $5.00 USD Five for $10 $10.00 USD

F3T 2014 - Fly Fishing Film Tour Minneapolis

Once again, the Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) is making it's way through Minnesota this winter. Of special note, this year the film tour decided to add another night in Minneapolis! What does that mean? It means that all those folks who missed out on getting in on the sold out action the past few years should have a better shot of catching the Film Tour at least one of the nights this year. Of course, I know there will be folks that will be attending the show on both nights just for the social scene. I'll be there. Here're the details:

MINNEAPOLIS MN - 2 SHOWS - The Parkway Theater
Date & Time:
1/31/2014 7:00:00 PM
2/1/2014 7:00:00 PM

Tickets & Info
https://www.ticketriver.com/event/8947

Details from Google Maps:
4814 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN
www.theparkwaytheater.com
(612) 822-3030

Tickets went on sale January 2nd. Purchase them online at TicketRiver for $15, or get your discounted tickets at The Fly Angler for $13. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FLY SHOP.

Word on the street is that the crew from Pig Farm Ink will be making a special appearance that weekend and sponsoring an Iron Fly event in the Twin Cities after the film tour. Stay tuned for more details.

See you in just a few short weeks!

Fly Tyer Winter 2013

"Check out the "12 Dependable Carp Flies" article by Peter Elkins in the Winter 2013 Issue of Fly Tyer for a glimpse of some #carpcrack in print. #carpfood #carppro #flytying #artisanflies"

3 Rivers Carp Cup August 17, 2013

Don’t miss out on the fun, the bragging rights, the great prizes, and the chance to hook the biggest, ugliest fish you’ve ever caught on the fly at the 3 Rivers Carp Cup in Knoxville, TN.

This year’s 3 Rivers Carp Cup (3RCC) is to be held on Saturday, August 17th on the French Broad, Holston,
and Tennessee Rivers located throughout the greater Knoxville area. The 3 Rivers Carp Cup is a one day
fly fishing only tournament to benefit the Legacy Parks Foundation.
Legacy Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which works to assure that our community
enjoys exceptional recreational opportunities, natural beauty and open spaces, and that those assets
exist for generations to come. One of the primary areas of focus of Legacy Parks is to maintain the health
of and access to our local waterways.

Knoxville's history and growth is tied to our waterways and our rivers continue to define much of our
region. The 3RCC is a fundraiser to support the continued development of recreational opportunities
along the Holston and French Broad Rivers located below Cherokee and Douglas Dams respectively. At
present, access along the French Broad Blueway is adequate but incomplete while public access along
the Holston River is extremely limited and as a result this unique outdoor asset is currently underutilized
by a variety of users. All proceeds from the 3 Rivers Carp Cup will go to support increased access
opportunities on both rivers for a variety of users including fishermen, recreational paddlers, and wildlife
enthusiasts.

The 3RCC allows anglers to fish for the elusive carp along some of East Tennessee’s most scenic
waterways. The carp may be the most difficult fish to take on a fly and provides real challenges to the fly
angler. Last year’s tournament saw 44 anglers from all over the United States chasing carp in support of
the Legacy Parks Foundation. The momentum and enthusiasm for the 3 Rivers Carp Cup is building and
we expect to have an even larger contention this year with participation from as far away as France.

• Registration Fee: $50 (includes an official Carp Cup fishing shirt, drinks, and hors d’oevres.
• Dates: Meet and Greet: August 16, 2013 6-8pm. Tournament: August 17, 2013, 8am-6pm.
• For more information visit 3riverscarpcup.com
• To register call Allen Gillespie (3RCC Tournament Director) at 865-200-5271
or email: allen@3riversangler.com.

Carp Camp 2013 Beaver Island, MI: The Delivery

Getting rigged up proper for Beaver Island can be a challenge to the average freshwater angler. Unless you fish the salt, much of the gear you have for Great Lakes carp is probably under powered for the task at hand. My last visit out to the island, I got spooled by an ornery young buck carp in the midst of the spawn. All 200 yards of my backing was out for the world to see and I didn't have anything to show for it. That was when I was fishing a Ross F1 #4, mated with a Ross RX 9 weight. This time around, I brought in the big guns, putting aside my Ross Momentum for the F1 #5. I spooled up that badboy with 300 yards of backing and a Scientific Anglers Grand Slam textured taper flyline, designed by Bruce Chard. There is no way I was gonna get spooled this time! While I sat at the house rigging up my rods and reels, I had discovered on Facebook that Chard's Gland Slam taper I just spooled up had just won the Best Saltwater Fly Line award at IFTD earlier that day. Yahtzee!



Fly selection for carp is different on Lake Michigan than anywhere else. Think big. I always bring my kit with me when traveling to fish. It is most unwise to show up at a joint unprepared. Even with research, fly selection can change like the wind and the hell if I'm gonna get caught with my pants down. Bringing my tying kit with allows me to match the current forage, see what kind of flies the guides are fishing and tying, and also provides for some entertainment during our downtime at the house. This go round, the guides were downsizing a bit, so the big beefy, burly stuff that I had tied and brought with were probably gonna be a bit super sized for this trip. See? I would have been screwed if I didn't bring my kit. I ended up tying up some large swimming nymphs as an insurance policy, in efforts to mimic the hex mayfly nymphs that were abundantly present. And it would eventually pay off.


Water temps were pushing seventy degrees near shore. That, coupled with boat time casting from the front deck, meant that it was time for wet wading. I left the waders at the house and geared up in my flats boots, neoprene booties/gaiters, and my Mountain Khaki Granite Creek pants. I've exclusively worn these MK pants when fishing for the last three years now. Not only are they comfortable and quick drying, but the SPF 50 rated material is key to keep my legs from getting burned. Some folks like to sport shorts, not I. I like pants not only for the UV protection, but from shore hazards like stinging nettles, thorns, and stinging insects. I donned my CarpPro MK Granite Creek Windshirt for an upper. This was a wise decision. I wasn't concerned with my core temp from the winds since air temps were ranging from the low 60s in the morning to mid 70s in the afternoon, so the wind proof aspect of the shirt was a crucial advantage to me on this outing. On the boat rides in and out, however, this shirt kept me dry from all the surf spray. Unlike the other campers who had to don jackets in order to stay dry, I was able maintain preparedness without having to change clothes and still maintain my level of comfort. Winning.


I was definitely equipped with the right gear; so how'd I do? Find out soon when Part 3 concludes the Carp Camp recap.

Fly Fishing for Roughfish on the Ottertail River

Join me and Doug Harthan of Front 20 Outfitters, LLC to learn some of the finer points of Fly Fishing the Ottertail River. We are offering a guided fly fishing trip on July 26 for 6 anglers. We will be fishing the Ottertail River for rough fish and anything else that may come our way. That is a great opportunity and price for an opportunity to learn some techniques for fishing for our abundant rough fish, these fish are great fun on a fly rod and challenging as well. The Ottertail River is a great fishery and is definitely underutilized by fly anglers. Don't miss out, give Doug a call or email or use the contact form to reserve your spot! We have 6 spots and the cost is only $50.00 per angler for a day of fishing & learning.

Cost: $50.00 per Angler
Date(s): July 26, 2013

Last Call - Carp Camp 2013

Just recently, a couple of spots have opened back up for Carp Camp 2013, due to a scheduling conflict with some of the guests' prior obligations. Believe me when I say this, I think it was harder for those folks to have to give up their spot at Carp Camp than it was for me to have to put these spots back up for sale.

Their loss is your gain. As easy as it would have been to give these spots over to some good 'ol boys behind the scenes and have the trip immediately booked up full again, that is counter to what Carp Camp is all about. I am going to do what's fair and put these spots back up for sale to the general public, specifically the viewers and fans of the Roughfish Nation. I don't want Carp Camp 2013 to be filled up with a bunch of pros. While that would be fun in its own right, I want to give the average angler a shot at the big time and see what it's like to fish to monster trophy carp, and see what it's like to "live the life" for a week. So all you folks out there will get first pick at one of these coveted spots. I can guarantee you that these remaining spots will book up quick, so act fast!


Just in case you are on the fence and not quite sure what all entails the camper at Carp Camp, here are a few of the details:


Carp Camp 2013 runs from July 11th through 16th, 2013, on Beaver Island, Michigan.
Camp barbeque provided by your host and guides on the evening of your arrival.
Five nights lodging at The Fisherman's House, fully equipped with a modern kitchen, washer/dryer, TV, enclosed porch, and open deck with grill.
Four and a half days of guided fly fishing provided by Indigo Guide Service, sight fishing to monster carp in crystal clear water on the flats of the Beaver Island archipelago.
Breakfast and lunch are provided by the Dalwhinnie Bakery & Deli daily, dinners are on your own after the first night.
Roughfisher Fly Fishing will be providing all guests with a custom assortment or flies tied specifically for Beaver Island, including patterns like the Mustache Ride and Landing Strip. Feather Craft will be providing a Meat Locker to house all that meaty goodness!
Countless of other swag and goodies to be handed out to each camper, graciously donated by my sponsors. I don't want to let the cat out of the bag just yet, but the goodies alone being handed out during camp retail at over $300.


Carp Camp 2013 hosted by roughfisher.com is priced at $1499 per person with a $500 deposit to be paid at the time of reservation. Balance is due upon arrival on Beaver Island. If you have any questions or would like to be part of this trip please fill out the form below:

For more information about Carp Camp 2013, please check out the Carp Camp 2013 page.

Life Untucked Bahamas Angler Sweepstakes

Mountain Khakis™ & Bair's Lodge Present the Life Untucked Bahamas Angler Sweepstakes

One (1) grand prize winner plus guest will win a 4-day/3-night stay at the legendary Bair's Lodge on Abaco Island, Bahamas. Known as the Bonefish Capital of the World, the winner and guest will be treated to 3 days of guided bonefishing on the flats of South Andros.

Prize Main Package Details:
Bair's Lodge, Andros Island, Bahamas: 4-day/3-night stay for 2 people including meals, 3 days guided bonefishing, and equipment as needed.
Mountain Khakis: Two (2) head-to-toe Mountain Khakis Coastal apparel outfits and coastal lifestyle accessories.
Thomas & Thomas Fine Fly Rods: Two (2) exclusive, custom T&T, 4 piece, 9' #8 saltwater fly rods.
YETI Coolers: One (1) YETI Mountain Khakis Tundra 45 and two (2) YETI Accessories Packs.
Chaco Sandals: Two (2) $110 cash cards to Chacos.com and two (2) Chaco T-shirts.
Costa Optics: Two (2) sunglasses and two (2) backpacks with C-Line retainers, clarity kits and hats.
American Expedition Vehicles (AEV): Two (2) schwag kits.


*Winner will be notified Monday, June 24th, 2013 and announced thereafter. Grand prize winner & guest responsible for all travel arrangements & costs. FL & NY residents not eligible to participate.

The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing For Carp - by Kirk Deeter

Image courtesy of Stonefly Press

Coming soon, The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing For Carp written by Kirk Deeter and published by Stonefly Press. CarpPro has hooked up a deal with Stonefly Press to take preorders now. Not only do you get from shipping buy buying direct from CarpPro, but they will throw in a free CarpPro sticker as well.

There is probably no one better suited for the task of putting together an all inclusive book on fly fishing for carp than Kirk Deeter. Aside from the technical understanding and know how of the sport that Deeter possesses (he is one of the fishiest guys I know), Deeter is able to effectively convert that knowledge and know how to text better than anyone else in the industry. How do I know that Deeter is legit, I fished side by side with him on Lake Michigan for several days and watched as he just about schooled me on everything from pinpoint distance casting into the wind to hooking up with fish. Deeter is the real deal.


Deeter lays it all out in his new book, secrets and all, in a manner that anyone can understand, whether new to the sport and genre, or a grizzled carp veteran like myself. Do yourself an honest favor and pick yourself up a copy of Deeter's book. Better yet, pre-order your copy at CarpPro now!

2013 Great Waters Fly Expo

Just a little over a week until the Great Waters Fly Expo. This is the 10th anniversary for the Tom Helgeson's Great Waters Fly Expo. The event is once again being held at the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN, March 22 through 24, 2013, in the new exhibit hall. I'll be presenting, spreading the gospel of the dark arts of fly fishing for carp and roughfish. I'll also be found in the fly tying demonstration area so find me at the Scientific Anglers and Ross Reels tying table and their vendor booth.

I'll have plenty of flies available for sale, as well as stickers and dubbing, and a bunch of Mountain Khakis swag and their new spring catalog. Can't forget CarpPro, there'll be plenty of stickers available to go around.

See you there!

Steal Your Fish

The wildly popular Steal Your Fish decals are back! These are in limited supply so act fast! Rugged 3.5 mil vinyl decals featuring environmentally friendly UV resistant inks, suitable for indoor/outdoor use. 3.5 inches diameter. One for $2, two for $3.50, or five for $7.50. Postage included.

Purchase at the Roughfisher Fly Fishing online store.

Carp Camp 2013

Please join me and four other guests July 11th through 16th, 2013, on a hosted trip to Beaver Island, Michigan, home of carpzilla. Located offshore of Lake Michigan approximately 32 miles northeast of Charlevoix, Beaver Island is only accessible by air or sea. Air service to Beaver Island is provided by local carriers from Charlevoix or Traverse City, as well as daily ferry service departing from Charlevoix.

Get welcomed to Carp Camp 2013 your first night on the island with a Meet and Greet barbecue with all of the guests and guides, food and beverage provided by your host. Kick back and relax in the evenings, sitting in on fly tying demos with your guides and host, picking their brains for advice and tactics, or enjoying a pint on one of the island's several pubs. Enjoy five nights lodging at The Fisherman's House, a fully restored turn of the century home, fully equipped with a modern kitchen, washer/dryer, TV, enclosed porch, and open deck with grill.

Spend the days exploring the endless flats of Lake Michigan and the Beaver Island archipelago, sight fishing to monster carp in crystal clear water, with four and a half days of guided fly fishing provided by Indigo Guide Service. Fly rods, reels, leaders, tippet, and flies are provided by the guides, of course, you are more than welcome to bring your own. Roughfisher Fly Fishing will be providing all guests with a custom assortment or flies tied specifically for Beaver Island, including patterns like the Mustache Ride and Landing Strip. Don’t be afraid to stock up and bring along your favorite patterns though!

Breakfast and lunch are provided by the Dalwhinnie Bakery & Deli each day, as well as bottled water provided by the guides while on the water. Dinners are on your own after the first night. You are more than welcome to join the guides and me for dinner, visit one of the island's restaurants, or cook at the house. McDonough's Market should have just about anything you need while on the island. Enjoy your last day on the island with a half day of fishing before packing up in the afternoon and travelling back to the mainland.

The guides and myself know you will enjoy yourself and have an amazing time on Beaver Island. If the sheer numbers of mammoth carp and smallmouth don't impress you, the raw beauty of the emerald green and blue water and never ending flats will. Be prepared to be blown away.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Five nights lodging at The Fisherman's House
• Four and one half days of guided fly fishing with Indigo Guide Service
• Breakfast each morning at Dalwhinnie Bakery & Deli
• Lunch from Dalwhinnie Bakery & Deli
• Bottled water provided by the guides
• Day 1 ‘Meet and Greet BBQ’ with all participants and guides
• Evening fly tying demos with your guides and host
• Unlimited pre-trip advice and individual assistance on the island
• Fly rod, reels, leader, tippet , flies (guides have it all, but bring your own if you prefer)
• Roughfisher Fly Fishing will be providing all guests with a Beaver Island custom fly assortment (don’t be afraid to stock up and bring along your favorite patterns though!)

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Transportation to and from Beaver Island, Michigan
• Michigan fishing license
• Waders and boots
• Rain gear
• Polarized sunglasses (a MUST for sight fishing!)
• Gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages
• Dinners (except for Day 1)

Carp Camp 2013 hosted by roughfisher.com is priced at $1499 per person with a $500 deposit to be paid at the time of reservation. Balance is due upon arrival on Beaver Island. If you have any questions or would like to be part of this trip please fill out the form below:

MORE INFORMATION
For a further taste of the Beaver Island experience check out these posts from roughfisher.com:

Beaver Island Land of the Carp Flats

The Badasses of Beaver Island

Flats of the Third Coast (video)

Lake Michigan feature article, Money Shot, CarpPro magazine Issue 1


BEAVER ISLAND INFO:
Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce

Transportation options to and from Beaver Island:
Beaver Island Boat Company

Fresh Air Aviation

Island Airways

2013 TFM Beaver Island Carp Trip

Announcing the 2013 TFM hosted trip to Beaver Island, Michigan.


Our friend Cameron of The Fiberglass Manifesto fame is hosting a trip to Beaver Island, MI this summer, home of monster smallmouth and carpzilla! The trip includes 3 full guided days of fishing provided by Kevin, Steve, and Austin of Indigo Guide Service, 4 nights lodging, and breakfast and lunch included. The trip runs July 7-11 and is priced at $900; spots are filling fast so if you're interested in attending act fast! Visit the TFM page or Carptrip.com for more information about this trip.


Details about my upcoming hosted trip to Beaver Island this July are coming soon. Stay tuned!

2013 F3T Minneapolis

The 2013 Fly Fishing Film Tour is back in Minneapolis Friday, February 1 2013. Same location as it has been the past few years, the PARKWAY THEATER, 4814 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN. Get your tickets from the F3T online box office or stop by The Fly Angler in Blaine for discounted tickets. I don't recommend waiting until the last minute to get your tickets or showing up at the door to purchase; the past few years' shows have sold out and unfortunately we've had to turn a few folks away at the door. So be sure and get your tix now!

Last year's show was a blast with the F3T hosts, Fly Angler staff, and the 3M/Scientific Anglers/Ross Reels crew. Let's make this year's show even better. See you there!

Product Review: Mountain Khakis Granite Creek Pant

Remember how badass those Mountain Khakis Alpine Utility Pants are I told you about? I'd like to introduce you to their flats friendly brother, the Mountain Khakis Granite Creek Pant. When I'm not in my waders when fishing, I'm in these pants, no exceptions. I've put several pairs of these pants through their paces over the past two seasons and all I can say is wow.


Highlights of the pant include the UV 50+ rating for fighting the sun, the quick drying material preventing you from feeling soggy with jungle rot, key pocket placement and enough of them to stash your tippet and flies so that you can fish minimalist if you want, and of course the reinforced heel cuff, nothing is more important on a pair of fishing pants than protecting your cuffs from getting fragged and frayed out in the aquatic arena.

The nitty gritty:
Retail $82.95
6.3oz 100% Brushed Nylon
ScotchgardTM Treatment
UVA-UVB 50+
6 Pockets with Mesh Pocket Bags
3 Zip Security Pockets
Cargo Pocket
Quick-dry, Lightweight & Packable
Diamond-Shaped Action Gusset
YKK®Zippers
Reinforced Heel Cuffs
Triple-Stitched Seams
Mid-Rise, Relaxed Fit

I've blasted these pants out on the Great Lakes flats, the concrete and rebar battlefied of the South Platte in downtown Denver, my homewaters out on the prairie, and everywhere in between. These pants are also right at home for those hot, humid July evenings in the country, at the lake, or for grabbing a few cocktails out on the town. Best of all, after all that abuse, these pants still look like they're brand new. I couldn't ask for a better of pants for the summer.


Images property and courtesy of Mountain Khakis

Christmas Wishes

Merry Christmas from the roughfisher!


Wishing everyone out there a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! If anyone wishes to catch 30 pound plus fish on the fly like like the fish seen in the photo above, put in a good word to Santa. I will be hosting a trip to the mystical flats of Beaver Island and the land of giant carp July 12-16 of 2013. Check out carptrip.com for some preliminary info. More details will follow soon after the new year.

Only Santa knows if you've been naughty or nice. Hopefully you've been good!

CarpPro ISSUE 1

The premier issue of CarpPro has gone live, and no better way to start off the newly revised format than to kick it off with fly fishing only content.

Be sure to give this issue a read; it is the only fly fishing magazine issue devoted solely to carp on the fly. Lots of excellent content from contributors like Kirk Deeter, Barry Reynolds, Kevin Morlock, Mr. P, John Montana, McTage, and many others. Oh yeah, and I managed to squeeze in a little piece about fishing Lake Michigan and finally unveiled the secret recipe for the Mustache Ride and Landing Strip fly patterns.

Must Read Now!

Carp Crack: It's an Epidemic

If you haven't checked out the Fall issue of the Drake yet, you're doing yourself a great disservice. Among the accustomed fine photography and literary work is a Scuddlebutt piece by Pete McDonald of fishing jones fame, featuring yours truly.


This is not a an egotistical pandering for your kudos. As per the usual, Pete naturally captures what we ponder and perceive on ink and paper, an arduous task for any writer in a sport as panoramic yet enveloped as fly fishing is. His frustration during his endeavours with pursuing the wily carp are poignantly captured in this anecdote. Read the piece to see how his journey ends against the carp.


On a recent trip to Denver, I had to make pilgrimage to one of the finest fly shops in the nation, Trout's Fly Shop. Aside from the obligatory bullshit sessions with shop celebs Will Rice and Michael Gracie, every staffer in the shop from owner Tucker Ladd down to the shop dog, knows their stuff and they most definitely know how to run a fly shop. It's always a trip seeing your own signature fly patterns in the fly bin, even better when you see customers riffling through the bins and picking out your flies among the other fine offerings Trout's has to offer. Humbling to say the least.


In commemoration of the success of my Carp Crack pattern, I will be offering a special bonus with any Crack Pack order during the month of November from my online store. Simply purchase a 12 Pack of the Crack Pack and enter the promo code: DRAKE (or mention it in the order comment section) during checkout and I'll throw in a free Ruffian, as seen in the photo above. Order the 24 Pack and I'll throw three Ruffians!
This hot fly pattern is not yet available in stores.

The Ruffian is the baby brother to the Carp Crack, and has been my go to pattern this season. Effective in burnt orange, tan, olive, and black, this fly has been deadly on everything from smallies to carp. Burnt orange, however remains my favorite. Order your Crack Pack today and get hooked up!

Battle of the Bug Tyers

Introducing, The Battle of the Bug Tiers - Morlock (Rainy's Flies) vs. Lipton (Idylwilde Flies).

Come join Trout’s Fly Fishing and two world class signature fly tiers on Friday, August 24 (2:00-5:00pm) at the shop for a FREE tying demonstration. Kevin Morlock of Indigo Guide Service will be tying up his deadly effective Rock Hopper. I'll be featuring the venerable Carp Crack, as featured in the Fall 2012 Issue of the Drake Magazine. Who will emerge from the ring victorious?


Make the jump for patterns specifications and details of the event: Trout's Fly Fishing Battle of the Bug Tiers


When you stop by the shop on Friday, don’t forget to take advantage of Trout's happy hour specials. Hope to see you there!