2013...
What a year it has been.. Surprising actually.. This may be a week
early, but I am never one to follow the herd. This year I tried
something new.. fishing with women. I have met some good ones and some
not so good ones. Huge learning experience for me.. I have also come to
find out that people have a thought about who I am and what I stand
for.. 90% have been wrong. I find that fascinating.
Pretty much just my daughter, my boat, and chasing fish. Yes I do
partake of cocktails, men, and other things that life can give me when i
feel like it. It is my freedom right? I am old enough to do the things I
want when I want. So to those that ask "are you drinking tonight" when I
am in the middle of my nightly Yoga, or those who spout off with other
random insults that they think fit me.. I wish you the best in 2014 I
know this next year is going to be the BEST I have had in a long time,
Ill be following my heart to where it leads me. Peace
November 4th
Always going 90 miles an hour- always late with everything-
I am headed to Mexico this week to see what big fly fishing is about..
More girls are being added here :)
We are expanding
Oct 17-21 2013
Headed out to deliver a boat to Sacramento area.. [URL=http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/troutchicks/media/roadtripoct2013_zps30a9e7a9.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y540/troutchicks/roadtripoct2013_zps30a9e7a9.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
SO excited to get into Cali, I drove past my buddy Mike on Donner Pass. [URL=http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/troutchicks/media/caliborder_zps51cd8f5e.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y540/troutchicks/caliborder_zps51cd8f5e.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Once boat is delivered to its new owner I make a decision to fish Crowley. Crowley was the 1st place I fly fished. A very special place to me. I owe a huge Thank you to the man who help start me out in my fly fishing career. I used to be afraid of the rivers & lakes.. Im growing up!
I get to Mammoth about 8 and check in the Motel 6, which is nice by the way, and then head over to the pizza joint.. mmmm yummm then back to bed. I am getting boring in my age. It is unique to travel alone & dine alone. People dont quite know what to think of you.
Next morning I meet Ernie & his buddy Russ. Ernie took care of everything. i grabbed my old school T&T 5 wt and new Hatch reel that needed to be broken in.. Ernie did the rest. It was nice not to be in charge of putting people on fish. Way nice. I actually felt like a Princess (and only one person calls me that) Crowley Temp [URL=http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/troutchicks/media/crowleytemp_zps7c1715c6.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y540/troutchicks/crowleytemp_zps7c1715c6.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
We motor out to the spot. a little chilly- not too bad though. Our Spot [URL=http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/troutchicks/media/crowleymornig_zps93c2b2bd.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y540/troutchicks/crowleymornig_zps93c2b2bd.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
I look over to side and I see this guy... I know this guy! Mr. Gary Gillingham
Gary railed them all day!!! [URL=http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/troutchicks/media/garygillingham_zps6b11597f.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y540/troutchicks/garygillingham_zps6b11597f.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Some 30 some odd fish to the net today - I wish I would have known how dumb my hat looked LOL get it back on the head! [URL=http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/troutchicks/media/Crowely101913_zpsc0515966.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y540/troutchicks/Crowely101913_zpsc0515966.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
After a bunch of fish were caught, I thanked Ernie for a fun day and headed to Vegas.
I headed to Vegas, because the only other two people I wanted to see were busy. :(
Alaskan Angleett or whatever her user name is, Terri & Met up in Vegas! It was a Jack & Diet coke night for me :) [URL=http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/troutchicks/media/terriampI_zpsbb4078ba.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y540/troutchicks/terriampI_zpsbb4078ba.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Terri's Friends, Brenda & Michelle, then Terri, in the horns and me [URL=http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/troutchicks/media/terrisfriends_zps9214defc.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y540/troutchicks/terrisfriends_zps9214defc.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Then I headed home. Long drive - and now back to work. It was great to see the friends I did see and hard to miss my loved ones. Next time will be a longer trip for sure.
Ernie Gully - The Guide - here is a link to his website & Blog. He knew his stuff on Crowley - Good guide :) Ernie's link: [url]http://www.erniegulleyflyfishingguideservice.com/apps/blog/show/34296743-shelly-kicks-ass-at-crowley#comments[/url]
Sept27 & 28 2013
Total drive time 8 hours - one way Route: west on hiway 12 through Missoula MT, to Lolo along 100 miles of river windy road through Kamiah Idaho, past Orofino Idaho to the tiny little place called Peck Idaho. I was sent there for a work event on the Clearwater River. I was not sure what to expect knowing it is a small area.
It is Steelhead season there and Poppy's Red Shed fly shop, which is really just a little red shed, hosts this event.
My boss is taking his vacation there. He is a huge steelhead fisherman, and one hell of a spey caster. I am just a humble fly girl. I am not worthy of this river or it's style of fishing. I was intimidated to say the least.
I hauled the new Patagonia Adipose down, which I used as my "Show Boat". Duel purpose here, because I handed her over to the Patagonia rep after the show closed.
I met Poppy for the 1st time, he is something special. A real down to earth nice man, easy to love
We all camped in his yard.. We all got rained out. It was "A River Runs Through It" in my tent. The next night a nice couple offered up their Suburban and yes I took it.
The Spey Clave turned out a pretty big deal. Rep's were there from all the major companies. Even in the pouring rain, lots of people showed up. I guess Steelheaders are used to this weather :) They had a casting comp on sunday, the longest cast was 145 feet I saw before I went fishing.
Here are some pic's from the event
Sunday.. The boss invited me out to have a Spey lesson. I was intimated and wanted to puke because this is the last man I wanted to look dumb in front of. My rod for the day was a 14' TFO. I actually made some decent casts. I didnt fall in the river. No fish though :( A nifty experience to say the least. I hope to get back over there this season.
I just thought I'd share this experience with you all - it was different than casting the fly, but not a bad thing at all. Here is a video on Poppy's place, it has the spey casting footage in it too- for those who dont know what it is.
Sept 23rd, 2013
Back to Back Island Park trips..
Last week was exhausting but a great bunch of girls. This weekend, Holly & I met to fish. There were 6 of us. It was a great time.
I am so far behind on my web work here. Adipose is sending me to Poppy's this next weekend! I am so excited!
There will be a few more girls added here - All in good time. I think we are all just trying to fish before the snow & cold prevent it.
Be safe all
Shelly
Sept 11, 2013
I have found happiness in the Montana, Idaho & Wyoming fisheries. My fly fishing experiences are growing by leaps and bounds. This weekends adventure should prove to be interesting. We will have a total of 10 women that will meet in Island Park this weekend, staying in one cabin... I have added part of the article that went into Lady Angler this month to help explain what the trip will be about. "The Start of the Sisterhood.."
In my years of growing up and getting older I have made very few close friends that
are women...
This year has brought many exciting changes for me. My boat, my job with Adipose
Boatworks, new location to lay my head 4 days out of the week (I just don’t seem to
stay around Helena on the weekends much) and now some new “fly sisters”.
It had started with Michelle Bryant inviting me to her women’s event on The Fork
in September. We partnered up on my TroutChicks.com website and TroutChicks
Facebook. She was a great addition to bring in. Michelle has brought in the other
powerful fisher ladies into our group. The more time I am spent getting to know the
ladies through the group discussions, the more comfortable I am with the chick’s
thing.
These ladies talk my talk! Our private discussions involve waders, gear, beer, food,
flies, rods, men and so much more! Now this stuff I can relate to! I am grateful to
learn from these ladies. I am looking forward to spending the time on the water with
them.
We decided to have our event as an invite only thing. We have 10 women from the States
of Utah, Montana, & Idaho that will be attending.
Emily- Utah
Michelle- Idaho
Aileen- Idaho
Rachel- Idaho
Tara -Utah
Hedi- Utah
Brittnay- Idaho
Patty- Idaho
Holly- Utah
and me
Hopefully each girl will be able to take something good from this weekend.
I have to get 3 the boats to Island Park, 3 hours one way, starting tomorrow night after work. Ill check in with a full report next week. May the Fly Fish Gods smile upon us all!
August 21st, 2013
Yes I have been slacking here on the site work... Adipose is keeping me busy.. The night job doesnt help much either- except for paying the bills.. :P
This weekend will be a fun weekend in Bozman MT., Im hoping to hit the Yellowstone.. The following weekend, I will be in Ennis for Adipose, The following weekend, Sept 6th, I will be in Casper WY; the weekend after that, I will be on The Fork... busy busy busy
All good things are on.
Hope everyone is good.
Shell
July 9th 2013
Great new things are in the future for TroutChicks...
Way freaking stoked to join up with Michelle Bryant! Stay tuned for exciting news that she is bringing to the table! HELL YEAH!
It took me a couple of hours to get to where I was comfortable to enjoy myself, after all this was my 2nd time doing this float and my 1st time rowing it all the way alone.
As I made my way down the MO, I got comfy enough to float-drift with the oars out of the water, and make some casts..
My boat tracked so great I was able to catch fish with dries! Of course my damn phone died on the pic of my 1st fish...(It was a nice Bow that filled my net)
I met some way cool guys almost to my intended takeout, Pruit, Dave & John, they were way cool so I followed them down the river to Pelican so that I can learn more of the river. They gave me a ride back to my truck. I had a blast drinking beer & learning with these guys.
Great day on the MO for me, and a hell of an experience with my boat. I am so happy it lets me be able to float alone and catch fish.
tight lines all
Shell
June 12th 2013
Adipose Boatworks is a great place to work, I am loving it. Although I havent had much time on the water.
I did float Riverside to Hatchery Ford early June, it was interesting. I caught some fish.
It was a fun day. The boat sales are hopping!
Im living M-F in Helena Montana, Back in Island Park Friday-Sun. It is fun...
I wish you all the best in this fishing season.
Tight Lines
Shelly
May 22, 2013
Howdy Ya'll
Salmon flies are on the Henrys Fork. It started for me last thursday.
So much fun!
Im working in Helena MT for Adipose Boatworks. Im loving it.
Ill be back to my waters on friday night.
The TroutTravlers are in Sand Point Idaho.. I am expecting good reports from them soon.
Holly is headed to San Diego.
Tight Lines all!
Shelly
May 11, 2013
Good morning all, I'm sitting in Craig Montana for breakfast, just an FYI, the best blueberry syrup ever can be found at Sportsman's.
Well - It has been a crazy couple of weeks. I was thinking of working at the Missouri Inn for 3 nights a week, it is in between Craig MT & Cascade MT. The fishing is amazing here on the MO. I gave it a try, loved it. The issue was finding a place to stay for the 3 nights a week. I had set myself a budget for living in both Island Park Idaho & the Montana area. It didn t work. This is my last weekend here for working. I have met so many new friends. I am grateful for this.
I'll be back to Island Park on Sunday night/Monday morning. I absolutely need to get moved. The "TroutShack" has been repaired with new the plumbing. Yay me :) Now I am just looking for any kind of old fishing decor to make it fun.
I have committed to working for Fish & Game to do their creel survey. I had done this when I first moved to Idaho in 2007. I also got a call from a fly shop in West Yellowstone MT. for a job offer. I want this job too. :) It could lead to bigger and better things in the next few years. I'll talk to him on Monday with the days I can do.
They say things happen in 3's. The 3 men who had been dangling in my life and confusing me are now officially out. It feels better having all that decided and out of the way. 2 of them were reruns, one is just better as a buddy. It does crack me up that I thought the non-hot guys would treat me better than the hot guys who are actual guides that could be arrogant with reason.I had that wrong, way wrong. Single is a good time to learn yourself better. There is no reason to settle for anything less than you want.
Enough rambling -
Tight lines all
Shell
May 1st 2013 -
Great time on the MO last week! Wait for my article on this trip! I fished with two most excellent fisher chicks!
TroutChicks will be moving this week, just across the lot at Lakeside, but still a bugger to have to deal with it.
This is also the start of a new chapter, trial period for me.. More to come on this when I am ready to release the info.
I wish you all the best
Tight Lines,
Shelly
TheShark
April 22, 2013
Hi All -
yes I froze my butt off among other thngs. The Green, Slate Creek area, Wyoming is a beautiful float. the winds are not friendly. I think this was officially my last trip with Bucky. It sucks when you loose a fish buddy. Only time will tell.
This week Ill be in headed to Craig Montana to fish with Head Hunter's Fly shop in my Adipose. That is my bright spot on the horizion.
Tight Lines all
Shell
April 18th, 2013
Hello Friends of TroutChicks!
Time has been flying like crazy. There is just never enough time for everything I want to get done. Jonathan & Mikayla, my TroutTravlers, will arrive into North Carolina tonight. Im excited for their reports! I will be headed out to the Green in Wyoming tomorrow, Im expected to freeze my butt off.. I hope the fishing trumps the weather.
The River Damsel is now a part of TroutChicks! I am excited about her joining us!
Tight lines all!
Shelly
April 11th, 2013
Hi All!
Spring is here and fishing is fantastic! Weather has been a buger, but still fishable.
I just wanted to let you know that Marc let me use the Loop Cross S1
with the Evotec FW G4 reel... FREAKING LOVE IT! I also got my new
TroutChick, Mikayla on it today, she did amazing today casting the
dries. It made her day so much more enjoyable. Thank you She leaves tomorrow for her cross country fly fishing trip.
New things coming to TroutChicks.com!Stay Tuned!
Tight Lines!
Shelly
April 01, 2013
Wow- I had a great weekend of fishing with some new friends. I am expanding the website so my TroutChicks girls can have their own blogs to share what they would like to share with us.
There is never enough time in the day to get everything done.
It's "Mud Season" here in Island Park. The truck is not really white anymore.
Kris Gordon will be here to fish with me soon. I'm looking forward to learning his fish skills.
My Character Builder article has been turned in to Lady Angler Mag for the next edition. I am also trying to get the next one for Lady Hunter finished this week.
I'm just rambling today - so much going on! I need to dash for now.
Tight lines all!
Shelly
March 23rd 2013
It's a chilly spring morning here.. The water is opening up more and more here at Lakeside Lodge. Fishing has been great all over our area!
The articles for Lady Angler are getting closer to being completed.
The one x guy that I thought was going to be back is not. It may be for the best since I am so busy with so much more than I expected. It's all good, but busy.
My Michigan friend will be here soon, we plan and hitting several rivers to create hell and havoc on the fish :)
Time for work at Ponds.
Tight lines all,
Shell
March 18th, 2013
Good Morning from Island Park Idaho!
My Trout Chicks necklaces are in and starting to be shipped out this week! Way stoked
here is Barbie in her's.
Spring is here in 1 day!!!
skwallas are out!
Lady Hunter's 1st publication is out! Check it out!!!
Tight Lines all!!!
Shelly
March 4th, 2013
Wow - what a great past week.. I bought my Adipose boat! It will winter in Helena MT and come home soon after the snow melts.
I am having TroutChicks limited edition necklaces being made now. I am pretty excited about this. They will be available on this site soon!
Island Park is still busy with the snow machines.. Some of the fishermen are starting to show up. A man that had meant so much to me may be back in my life. Only time will tell on this. He isn't afraid to fish offshore with me for tuna. One of the things I love about him...
Ive turned in a few more articles-stories for Lady Angler Magazine. This next issue will be the 1st with hunting in it.
I'm still living in one of Lakeside Lodge's cabin. Once the spring thaw happens I will move into my next place that has plenty of boat parking, huge deck for BBQs, and a view of the lake.
Grizz from Trouthunter has been knocking the hell out of fish. Henry's Fork Anglers, has a new assistant manager, Deven Ence. I'm hearing good things about this guy. Fishing has been great on the lower river.
I have added a new artist section to my site. Please see Emily's Bio-
Tight Lines All!
Shelly
Feb 23, 2013
Good Morning! Huge snow storm here! it's 21 today
The new edition of Montana Fly Fishing Mag is out! http://montanaflyfishingmagazine.com/default.php
I've been talking to Tracy, from Adipose Drift Boats, I so want one of these! I'll be making a trip to Helena MT soon to find out more on one...
This week should have a day or 2 of fishing once i know my work schedule.
Tight lines all,
Shelly
Feb 19th, 2013
Good morning from Lakeside Lodge Wifi... Its 1 degree here.
I still have no Internet or Direct TV.. Till Spring.. Installers can't get it done with this much snow and ice...
I headed to the Westfork area of the Madison. Beautiful area.
Before I could even get to the spot I wanted... I got knocked down by a chunk of ice floating .. Went down and in. Soaked. It was 25 degrees with a bit of wind. I made a few casts but had to get back to the truck. Being that I was not ready to quit for the day i headed to Ennis MT to see if i get info on the parts of the Madison that were not closed. So I found this little fly shop, that had been helpful in the past, The Tackle Shop. I talked to the guy, asked what was open on the Madison.. He told me the area I was "Swimming" today was a closed area. Another guy in the shop was laughing. Closed? Hmmm funny because Grizz & Tom were there yesterday and Kelly Galloup was there right before me, I wish I would have know this I would have loved to have fished wiTh Kelly or at least talked to him, he is a good dude. http://slideinn.com/blog/category/fishing-report/madison-river/ SO me doubting myself, I paid $6 for a river map, felt like an idiot to fish a closed area and found my way to the Gravel Bar, a huge Thank you to Nick English for this place, for good soup, the best pulled pork sandwich, beer and a shot of Makers-mark to shake the chill. The bartender, who is a guide of 11 years told me I was told wrong because I was from Idaho, Idaho plates and all. He said the "Anchor Draggers" , Idaho Fly Fishers, will get steered wrong purposely. I guess too many Idahoans spend too much time on their rivers, spend too much money in the little town for the shop guy to be cool to me. Although I don't know if he misunderstood me or the area I told him i was in.. Not sure why he said what he said, but I do know that I won't go back there. Im not one to knock a place of business normally. This buggs me a bit though. This type of thing makes me appreciate my fly-shop guys at Troutie, and Henry's Fork Anglers.
So today I will find my way South, hopefully to float in 36 degree weather.. Cross your fingers that nothing happens today ;)
Tight lines all - may the Fish Gods smile on you
Shelly
Feb 6th 2013
Good Morning from Pond's Lodge in Island Park Idaho! Morning temp is 19.
Wow what a week! I moved to one of Lakeside Lodge's cabins, so cute! I am without WIFI for now an Direct TV will be here tomorrow! I hate moving. Leaves no time for fishing...
Just a quick tad of info..Size 22 BWO's on the Madison are working, Raynolds area. Prince's & Eggs at the Box, Warm River.
Ill be on the water soon to start giving better reports!
Tight lines & Tall Tails
Shelly
Jan 29 2013
Good Morning from Island Park Idaho! Temp is 9. Ive dropped a few more pounds.
Im fishing with the Lakeside Boys, http://www.facebook.com/lakeside.lodge.10, today before work, an of course there is some kind of Winter Weather Advisory.. :P You'll have that..
So hopefuly I'll have time to post my trip report before work today..
Tight Lines and Calm Seas to you
Shelly
Jan 22 2013
Good Morning from Island Park Idaho, it is -11... I've dropped 2.9 pounds!
I made it to a river yesterday! See my new Fish Log page!
I had to stop by the Dr's office on my way to the river.. He just happened to be in.. He changed the asthma meds total spent for Dr yesterday and new scripts was $157.00. As I was whining about cost the nurse said it was better than being dead.. She had a point.
As I found my way down the Ashton hill I was trying to be stubborn and say screw the meds, I don't need them. I texted Mr. Mich to vent about stupid meds and my vanity in case the meds made me gain weight... He was in support of the meds. Fine so I stopped in and the pharmacist she had found me a less expensive and non steroid pill. Love her. Small town pharmacy blows away corp guys. It used to be over $300 for a script, now $30. Works better and quicker than the steroid inhaler my dear Dr had prescribed. I am still supposed to check in with him today to let him know how fishing was... Gotta love the man
Fishing was fun. Little cold. It hurt to breath, but i didn't care, I just spent cash to be able to breath better.. So screw it I was fishing, the drugs will take care of it later. I made several casts caught several fish. It felt good to be back in the water. I stopped by TroutHunter to check in with Grizz, give him details on my fishing. Said hi to the others and headed home to warm up. Fever hit and lasted all night. Maybe that is what the Dr was worried about..
Now it's morning and have to work tonight.. a new week.. My Monday
Hope you all have a great one
Shelly
Jan 21 2013
It's 5:57 am on my one day off this week.. I woke from a dream that was full of Green Drakes, feeling the excitement come to a crashing halt as I remember it is January 21st and see that it is -6 from what the news is saying which means a whole lot colder at my house. No Green Drakes today, but at least the coffee is ready an tasty this morning.
My one day off a week normally means the coldest day of the week. It just works out that way.. I told "The Boss", or asked "The Boss" if I could scale back my days during this next summer, being the good man he was understanding at my request. He also knows I get bitchy if I'm not fishing a few times a week. He doesn't need to deal with that, he has enough at work to handle. Just give me my fishing days an Ill be a good employee, or try my best to. I love "The Boss" and my job, some days are just tougher than others, days off are a good thing. It is the best paying job in Island Park, also the hardest. It is a little family with brothers & sisters bickering. I've been written up once, talked to quite a few times. I have to say that the other night, Saturday, a real busy night, 2 of my "Brothers" saved my hide, I had an asthma attack and couldn't breath or talk, Matt caught on that something wasn't right, he asked if it was an attack & Joel ran an got my inhaler. They stopped what they were doing to save my hide. Of course I'm sure they wouldn't want me to drop right there in the kitchen, that would slow down the food coming out.. :) I've made a lot of friends here at Pond's and love seeing the seasons change with the people. Right now we have all of the Sledders coming in. I look forward to the fishermen to come back in, that is my favorite time of the year here.
8th day of not drinking.. Wow it is amazing of the things that have happened this week that I can actually remember. Winter time here can lead to a lot of alcohol intake. Having a few shenanigans happen with some added weight gain, I've decided to take a break from it just to see what happens. So far I like it. Im saving money.. The money will go towards my own drift boat this year.. Of course I am drawn to the most expensive an worthy top of the line Adipose. I'll go more into my boat of choice later. I've also bought 3 new Mac's in the past 3 weeks.. And my other splurge to make me crazy is the Adobe Photo-shop Elements 11.. Oh my hell to relearn all this and more there is "no time for boozing" as my friend "The Photographer" says and he is brilliant as they come. Today I'll break out the Wii to see if any weight has come off.. This sober stuff had better work..
The article finally came out in Lady Angler Magazine.. (Direct link Http://publ.com/0DLDxMp) I had some help with it from Grizz at Trouthunter. It was submitted in mid November. I was pretty stoked about it, the flys and rivers that fish well during the year.. Then The Ex-Boyfriend, who was trying to get back onto my good side, maybe he wasn't, but anyway he gave me this "The Fly Fishing Map of The Harriman Ranch, Water of the Henry's Fork" a couple of weeks ago, I finally opened it yesterday.. Well lets just say it blew my article away. They did a great job. I need to work harder to be more original. I need to pay attention to what is happining around my area and what people are doing. Of course "The Photographer" did the artwork, he does AMAZING work, I hope to hell he doesn't think i was trying to copy him or their work. He has skills that would put most to shame in everything he touches. I'm just some chick trying to fish.
SO today as I sit with my coffe cup 1/2 full, I wonder what to do.. Laundry? Clean house? which is a mess right now, Website?- which is also a mess right now, Trip to Bozeman, the drive there is alongside The Maddy.. Im sure I need something from the city, which will have a high of 37 while Island Park may hit 19... but the Madison river has had some good reports... Warm River? It's just down the hill with a left turn... I need to fish so Ill put the rods in my truck an see where I end up...
