Missouri River "Spring" Fly Fishing

A couple of buddies of mine and I went over to Craig, MT last weekend to quell some cabin fever and hopefully catch some eager Missouri River trout. The forecast was for 65 and some sun... but as can often happen in Montana in the spring, the forecast should have been for WIND.

We got blown around quite a bit, and didn't do so well fishing out of the boat. We were actually skunked both days from the boat, but were able to catch some nice rainbows from shore on Sunday. Nymphing was pretty much the only option due to the wind, and the bows were pretty eager to eat small San Juan worms in soft water and in deep buckets. We had one around 20" and the others were typical healthy Missouri River Rainbows from 16-18".

Izaak's still isn't open, so if you go, bring some food. Although microwaveable pork rinds are available at Joe's Bar. I'd never seen these before, and being a pork rinds fan, I had to try 'em. The barkeep popped them the little bag of dried up skins in the micro, and in a minute, we had some hot puffy chicarrones! Dump a little hot sauce on those suckers and they're pretty darn good.

If you're looking to head to the Mo, visit our favorite Missouri River flyfishing guides at Dry Fly Outfitters to book a trip. They specialize in dry fly fishing the Missouri, and they'll put you on 'em!

Zeal Polarized Women's Sunglasses on Powderfin.com

We've just added some awesome new women's polarized sunglasses from our friends down in Boulder, Zeal Optics. We've had their polarized and photochromic ski goggles on Powderfin for a year now, and we decided to go ahead and add their sunglasses for Spring/Summer 2010.

They have some great styles, which not only look pretty hot, but will WORK. Zeal Optics sunglasses are worn by professional kiteboarders, surfers, cyclists, mountain bikers, snowboarders, skiers, kayakers, and windsurfers, among many others.

Zeal Optics Women's Polarized Sunglasses Features:

ZB-13 Polarized Lens Technology - Polarized + exclusive color contrast. Reduces glare, relaxes eyes, and enhances vision.

ZB Tint - Zeal Optic's exclusive color and light enhancing tint is the most versatile for all day, all conditions use

Shatter-proof lens - superior optical clarity and virtually indestructible

Recycled Material Frames - many frames made with up to 30% recycled materials

Reversible Nose Pads - for a custom fit

Spring Loaded Hinges - highest quality, secure and comfortable fit on all types of heads

Non-slip Co-Injection Molded Temple Pads - sunglasses stay secure even when wet or sandy

Lifetime Warranty and Replacement Program - see details

Texas A&M Aggies vs. Kansas Jayhawks - Preview - March 12, 2010 - ESPN

Texas A&M Aggies vs. Kansas Jayhawks - Preview - March 12, 2010 - ESPN

BEAK 'EM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big Horn Breather

Meat with a side of meat

Jason wrangled a few on dries

typical Big Horn Bow

I hadn't been over to the Big Horn since February of 2007, otherwise known as our Big Horn Bro Down. It was pretty much the same idea... a bunch of dudes, dogs, and drinking beer. Oh yeah, and doing some fly fishing. We had a different place to stay this time around, known as the Brown Palace, which is located in a small group of "cabins" known as Cottonwood Camp. The place was perfect for what we needed. It had beds, a fridge for beers, a freezer for ice, a stove for elk steaks, and even a satellite TV for Sportscenter.





Fishing was good on pink and orange scuds, #20's mostly. We caught some decent fish, nothing monstrous. Jason caught a handful on dries... and I don't think anyone did any streamer fishing. I did have one nice follow and swipe from a good sized brown on a mouse pattern. That was a first for me, which was pretty exciting. Exciting enough for me to completely airball on it... but fun nonetheless. I even missed Kansas whoopin' up on Mizzery to fish on Saturday. It was worth it, fishing was good. But... if you go, bring warm clothes. More importantly, bring them WITH YOU on the float. I made that mistake on Saturday, and I paid the price. It did make for a wonderful hot shower and whiskey drink when we got back. The showers at the Brown Palace are top notch, by the way.

Great trip, long hangover.

Powderfin.com: Eco-Friendly Outdoor Gear, Sherpa Adventure Gear Clothing, BPA Free Baby and Water Bottles, - Home

Powderfin.com: Eco-Friendly Outdoor Gear, Sherpa Adventure Gear Clothing, BPA Free Baby and Water Bottles, - Home

Our goal is to work with manufacturers who employ environmentally conscious business practices, and to sell outdoor products that can help make a difference. We're 100% dedicated to the brands we sell and our customers who buy our gear. If you see something on our website, it's because we would use it, and we stand behind it!

Deuter Spectro Series Backpacks

New for 2010, the Spectro series offers Deuter's world-renowned active ventilation in a lightweight package. The new Aircomfort Flexlite back system gives the user 25% less perspiration and spring-steel construction, but the heaviest pack in the series is only 2 lbs 9oz! Another landmark in Deuter's history of innovation. Now available online at Powderfin.com.

Check out the new Spectro Packs at Powderfin.com - here they are!

Deuter Spectro AC 24 Hiking Pack

Deuter Spectro AC 28 SL Women's Backpack

Deuter Spectro AC 32 Hiking Backpack

Deuter Spectro AC 36 SL Women's Backpack

Deuter Spectro AC 38 Hiking Backpack

The Deuter Spectro AC 38 is the largest pack in the new Spectro line. Weighing only 2 lbs., 9 oz., the AC 36 is a perfect daypack for rigorous hikes. The new Aircomfort FlexLite back system makes this hiking pack a leader in 2010. Deuter's Spectro AC Backpacks are a brand new edition to Deuter's 100+ year history of building amazing packs. For hikers who like to travel light without giving up comfort, Deuter Spectro's are an excellent choice. Each pack features the brand new Aircomfort FlexLite Back System with its ultra-flexible twin-frame construction and active 3-sided ventilation. The Spectro AC 38 SL features a super-clean design using lightweight materials, hip belts with ventilation slits, and the new ultra-breezy back system. These innovative additions add up to a perfect backpack for light hiking.

Sherpa Adventure Gear

We're gearing up to add more Sherpa Adventure Gear items to our spring line-up. Stay tuned for some great new base layers!

Outdoor lovers create market for green clothing

From MSNBC.com's "Outdoor lovers create market for green clothing"

The backpacker motto of ‘leave no trace’ has moved beyond the mountain slope and into your clothes.

Outdoor companies, taking to heart their customers’ love for the environment, are increasingly churning out more green gear designed to use organic and recycled materials, less packaging and more energy-efficient manufacturing. Credit consumer — and corporate — concerns over global warming and the impact of production on the Earth and worker health.

“Consumers are demanding it,” said Megan Davis, spokeswoman for the Outdoor IndustryAssociation in Boulder, Colo. “Green is certainly hip but consumers are starting to look a little bit more carefully at what they’re buying.”