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.”

Bucket Fishin'

Waylon found himself a deer to chew on

Willie, Waylon, and Zeusy Fruit

Sometimes it's nice just to get out to the river or pond and sit there. We call that "bucket fishin". All you need is a bucket, some worms, and some beers. A few funny puppies don't hurt either.

Put it in the bucket, son.

Dry Fly Outfitters - Missouri River Fly Fishing Guides

Zandy and client with a nice tailwater Rainbow

My old buddy Zandy got his outfitter's license after guiding on the Mo for about 10 years, and started up a Dry Fly Outfitters. He just launched a new website recently...check it out when you get a chance! Here's a few links to the new site...

Missouri River Fly Fishing Guides

Fly fishing on the Missouri River

Fly fish the Yellowstone River

If you're coming to Montana and want to poke some big sippin' browns on the Missouri River, he's the guy to help you do it!

I'm getting a little antsy to fish, I think some guys are heading over to the the Big Horn in two weeks, hopefully I'll have some trout pics to show you soon.

One of Zandy's clients with monster Missouri brown!

Powderfin.com Receives 2009 ECO STAR Award!

Last Thursday was an exciting day for Powderfin.com, as I travelled over to the Capitol building in Helena to accept an Eco Star award. This was an award given out by the Montana State Extension Pollution Prevention Program to small businesses in Montana who are "taking environmentally responsible steps to reduce waste and maximize efficiency, and/or your organization has sustainability at the very core of its mission". I'm proud to say that both of those descriptions apply to Powderfin, and it was an honor to be recognized!

I set up a Powderfin.com table in the Capitol Rotunda, showcasing some of the green products Powderfin sells, then met and talked with other Eco Star award recipients from all around Montana. Governor Schweitzer (sporting his signature bolo tie and accompanied by his dog Jag) was the key speaker, and gave a short but pertinent speech about protecting our lands before taking a few photos with the group.

It was nice for Powderfin to be recognized for our dedication to waste reduction and use of re-used and recycled materials. We will continue to improve in this area as we face the challenges of growth!

Bourbon Street Bowl Bash

It's been tradition around here for the last several years to get some wild caught Gulf Shrimp from my cousin's in South Texas for my Super Bowl Party. Since the Saints were in it this time around, some friends and I definitely thought it would be fitting to have a New Orleans themed party.... much like most of the rest of the world did, I'm sure. So we got 5 beautiful pounds of 10/15 brown Gulf Shimp shipped in from Riviera Red's Seafood (http://www.shrimpfishcrab.com/).

Here was the menu:

Shrimp Boil - shrimp, smoked sausage, potatos, onions, carrots, corn

Jambalaya in the crockpot

Bread Pudding in another crockpot - try this... even if just to make your house smell unreal!

Fried Oysters

Fried Catfish

Raw Oysters

Pulled Pork sammies - Colin used his Memphian skills the day before and smoked up about 6 lbs. of butt

Homeade slaw

We had this house of mine smellin' like an Oyster Bar, but it was worth it. Super good time, and nice to see the Saints perfom well and bring it home to their deserving fans.

That should mark the end of the gluttony season for this guy. It generally starts at Thanksgiving and ends at the Super Bowl. Probably sounds familiar to most Americans. I'm looking forward to getting some flies tied this week, and heading to the Big Horn at the end of the month. Hopefully we'll get lucky with some decent weather and hungry trout.

Bridger Bowl's Birthday - 1-15-10

I took Friday off on Jan. 15th to spend my b-day on the hill, and quickly learned that it was also Bridger Bowl's Birthday. Lift tickets were only $15 if you carpooled with 3 or more people. What a great idea to encourage carpooling, not to mention keep some vehicles off of the road to Bridger....with is often full over over-zealous skiers and riders who will risk their and other's lives when they pass you on the road, only to pull into the space right in front of you. Makes no sense. Anyway..... It was a beautiful day on the hill, pretty busy for a Friday, but I'm glad it was. It should have been busy for $15 a pop! There was some birthday cake at the mid-mountain lodge, and one of the nice fellas at the cafeteria bought me a beer since it was my b-day too. Not bad at all.

We're seeing some good accumulation of snow up there, which is what we want for a healthy run-off and hopefully 3rd straight solid fishing season. Cheers to Bridger's 55th, and of course to MLK Jr.!

Travel Chair InsectShield Camping Chair

From ABC's Good Morning America, Jan. 12, 2010

"The Good Housekeeping Research Institute tests thousands of products each year to find the ones that will improve your life in big ways and small ones. Carolyn Forte, who heads the institute's home appliances division, shared some of the most useful innovative 2010 products with "Good Morning America." They earned the institute's VIP designation as Very Important Products.

Price: $59.99 (chair) and $30 (bunk sack); www.powderfin.com
Whether you're camping in the wilderness or sitting on the sidelines of your child's soccer game, Forte says you'll want this portable chair.
There's an insect repellent from Insect Shield (CLICK HERE for more info) embedded into the fabric keeps biting bugs from ruining your good time.
It's also EPA-registered and safe for children and pregnant women to use.
The bunk sack has been similarly treated, and can be used by itself or as a sleeping bag cover for a no-itch night under the stars."

If you live in a buggy place, you know the value of a pest-free evening in the backyard! This chair will help reduce the need to cover yourself in chemicals while your enjoying a warm evening of family and friends.

Buy the Travel Chair Insect Shield Bug Repellant Chair at Powderfin.com!

New Sherpa Wool Winter Hats

We just added some new Sherpa Wool Winter Hats to our selection of Sherpa Adventure Gear hand-knit hats on Powderfin.com.

All hats are fleece lined for itch free warmth, and are super comfy! I wear the Namche pretty much every day here in the Montana winter, and it's the warmest hat I've ever own. At around $20... Sherpa hats are a good investment to keep your dome warm.

Here's a few of the new ones...

Sherpa Adventure Gear Pema Wool Winter Hat

This classic-style Sherpa winter hat has polar fleece lining for keeping you warm on the ski hill, or walking the dog in town. The Sherpa Pema Wool fleece-lined wool beanie�s cable knit style is equally at home on your precious head in the Montana backcountry or on your way to the brew pub.

Sherpa Adventure Gear Nima Wool Winter Hat

This classic-style Sherpa winter hat has polar fleece lining for keeping you warm on the ski hill, or walking the dog in town. Enjoy warmth in style wearing this fleece-lined traditional wool hat in bold colors. The Sherpa Nima lambswool winter hat is hand-knit in Nepal, providing superior warmth and comfort.

Sherpa Adventure Gear Kungha Wool Winter Hat

The Sherpa Khunga combines the warmth of wool with stripes and contemporary style. The Khunga hat, like all Sherpa hats, has polar fleece liner for itch-free warmth. All sherpa hats are hand-crafted in Nepal, made of the finest lambs wool. Each Khunga Hat has been individually carded and knit in the valley of Kathmandu, Nepal.

Riviera Reds Seafood Shop - Portland, TX

If you want to try something other than stuffing your face with turkey and gravy this holiday season, how about some fresh, wild caught gulf shrimp from down south?!

My cousin Brant and his wife Carol started Riviera Reds Seafood Shop in 1987 in the Corpus Christi Airport, and they now ship seafood across the country. You can order online at shrimpfishcrab.com or you can call direct - 1-866-905-9056.

I've been cookin' up a mess of big ol' Texas Prawns for my Super Bowl party for the past few years, and it's always a hit!

Give it a try, overnight seafood delivery is available for any occasion.

Sherpa Adventure Gear

Sherpa Adventure Gear

Need the perfect men's base layer... try the Sherpa Tsepun, or the Sherpa Baans. They're killer. Inexpensive, super comfortable, and effective base layers for any outdoor activity.

I recently left my Tsepun in Houston... laying across the back of a chair at a concert. Dumme. Time for a new one. Seriously, for right around $50.00, these things are a steal.

Pie Eating Contest - No Contest

One of Powderfin's PowderKin boldly entered the Steamboat Oktober West Cow Pie Eating Contest, proudly sporting his Powderfin logo tee for the action. I don't know what the Vegas odds were on this event, but as a longtime pal of the contestant known often as "the Grizzler", I would say they were pretty strong in favor of ol' Griz powering through a pie before anyone else willing to line up at the feeding table.

Look at the focus. After a full minute of mental preparation, our boy was ready to dive in.

Grrrrrrrrrrrr.....

Don't Be Denied

There's nothing quite like seeing a master excel at their craft. On this day, there would be no denying our champion his due. Congratulations Griz, and thanks for representing Powderfin in this historic event. Haha...