Page 109 - North 40 Outfitters

I may not be a hunter, but I do love the natural beauty of antlers. They may be simple, but they have a natural grace to them that attracts the eye, which is why I was hoping to use them in a pet project of mine. My little project has turned into a success, so I decided: what better way to show them off than a DIY Antler Jewelry Hanger. What you will need to DIY your Antler Jewelry Hanger Twine Antlers Scissors Hot Glue Gun Extra Glue Sticks Wire Electrical Tape Spray Paint (Optional) Burlap Optional: Feathers, Beads, Leather Strips, Cork Short on supplies? Pick up the rest at the store or online here Instructions for DIY Antler Hanger Step 1 Spray paint antler and set aside to let dry. Step 2 Create Your Burlap Flowers Start by cutting the burlap into strips. The thicker and longer you cut the strip, the bigger the flower, while t...

Since we have no steelhead season on the Methow this year, dedicated stream anglers in the area have been left with little opportunity since the end of September. Fortunately, the winter whitefish season has arrived, bringing at least the excuse to get out on the river. Curious how the river is doing? Check out current river flows here I fished a short section of the Methow below Twisp this week, and managed to catch one good sized whitefish on a size 16 bead-head hare’s ear nymph. The Methow is open for whitefish from Gold Creek to Winthrop, and above Weeman Bridge. The Chewuch is also open all the way from the mouth to the Pasayten Wilderness boundary falls. Whitefish gear rules are in effect, limiting you to a single hook with a hook gap of 3/16" or less (standard size 14), though bait is allowed. (See WDFW regs for specifics). Want...

I did not catch a fish last week. I did wader up and venture forth, but my favorite location was already icing in by Wednesday and the open water was slushy. I took a couple casts just because. I could barely get my line back on the reel. In two casts, my 300 grain head went to about 600 with ice buildup. During the previous week, the run I chose was fishing really well. With slush on top and ice cauliflowering up from the bottom, it was pretty clear I won’t be enjoying that location until after a major thaw. Winter stayed comfortably distant all the way through November, but the mercury dropped precipitously when December arrived. That’s ok. That’s to be expected. It's hard water season for many anglers. Ice is forming nicely. Hopefully we’ll get a good snowpack to follow. Looking back, I can’t complain. I have fished steadily...

The Darkhorse Difference: Durability & Agility... Together as One I’ve been lucky enough to grow up in Montana fly fishing its pristine lakes, rivers, and streams. With there being hundreds of cold and slippery rivers and creeks all over the state, a strong pair of wading boots with good traction is a necessity just about everywhere I fish. Over the years, I’ve had many pairs of wading boots, and have had to buy a new pair almost every season due to growing feet. Of all the boots I’ve gotten to try, the Korkers Darkhorse are going to be my go to wading boot from now on. Korkers made these boots with their interchangeable Omnitrax sole system, allowing you to easily change soles for different conditions so you can stay on your feet all day. Slipping on a rock and going for a swim really puts a damper on the day... especially in ...

I will admit it. I have broken many fly rods. I’ve crushed tips with power windows and ceiling fans. I’ve slammed rods into doors. I’ve tumbled down steep banks with bad results to the rods and my body. I’ve broken them against fish, snags and all manner of obstruction. I’ve double hauled them into 5 pieces. However, one thing I’ve learned from all these bad examples is that it’s always been my fault. I hear it time and time again: "I was casting and it just broke," or, "I hooked a fish and it just broke." Generally speaking, fly rods don’t just break. There is an event leading to the breakage. Often the event is a severe shock to the rod. This can come from pulling on a snag incorrectly, slapping the rod against an object while casting, smacking the rod with the fly or line while casting or severely bending the rod again...

My Review of these Buckskin Mary boots from Korkers: 1. Nice fit and fairly lightweight for a wading boot. I liked the fact that they seemed to drain fairly quickly when I left the water so the increased weight of a submerged boot was mediated fairly quickly. Check these boots out online, right here. 2. Of course, what set the Korkers apart from my other two sets of wading boots I've worn before would have to be the interchangeable soles. I had to hike in, and it was great to wear one pair of soles while hiking and then change once I hit the water. I felt some trepidation about how sturdy the soles would be, but once locked in they were solid and I would never have guessed that they weren't adhered. 3. We are still seeing some moss covered rocks out there even though we are well into winter, and I was pleased with the grip provided b...

Fishing remains excellent on the Spokane River, despite of all the snow and cold temperatures we've been seeing lately. I had success with both nymphs and swinging streamers on my days off from the shop. The river is still running around 6,500 cfs, so please be careful while wading. Curious about how the river is doing? Check our current river flows here Once this cold snap breaks, you can expect to see the BWOs start coming off. In the meantime, take a break from all the holiday hustle and bustle by drowning some nymphs under an indicator. Arctic air is good for you and will make you appreciate those long summer days even more! Need to stock up on flies? Check out our fly selection here If fishing isn't your thing in the winter, we'll have plenty of fly tying and fishing classes happening at the CDA shop starting in January. Please sto...

Why Coyote Hunt in Winter? It's winter and the temperature is in single digits. Snow blankets the ground, and the sun is just about to break the horizon. While you may be dreading getting out of bed, I'm already sitting in the snow, about to start my first calling sequence of the day. Winter for many means hitting the slopes or ice fishing. For me, it's another hunting season. It's when a predator's fur coat is prime and brings the best prices. But maybe more importantly, it's the challenge of trying to outsmart a wily adversary that possesses keen senses and great eyesight. A predator that at this point in the game, is basically hunting you. Most of what I've learned about predator hunting has been through trial and error. I made mistakes, and I've learned from them. Over the years, that has made me a more successful hunter. There are s...

I was fortunate enough to spend most of my childhood summers in Island Park, Idaho (where you are always within casting distance from fishable water). I have learned some great tactics for fishing stillwater as well. Because of this, I am no stranger to a float tube. Mornings on Hebgen, Quake, Henry's, and Grebe Lake would not have been possible if it weren't for my faithful float tubes. Favorite Features of the Fish Cat 4 Over the years, I have had my share of tubes. Starting with my red and brown "donut" shaped Caddis covered in what looked like synthetic canvas. After several seasons, and too many scary scenarios in the middle of the lake with a leaky tube, I have happily settled on the Fish Cat 4 by Outcast. This comes as no surprise considering it is the #1 selling float tube in the U.S. My favorite feature is without a doubt...

By: Wesley Rowbotham With Christmas right around the corner, decorations are slowly being unboxed and put on display. But for a lot of people, decorating the trees in their yards can be both cumbersome and time consuming. With our DIY Bird Seed Ornaments, you can create easy outside ornaments that will both look great and attract a few extra friends to your holiday celebrations. Curious as to the types of friends you'll find, check them out here What you will need to make your Bird Seed Ornament Mason Jar Lids Wild Bird Food Flour Twine/String Straws Knox Gelatin Karo Syrup Mixing Bowl Measuring Utensils Cookie Sheet Wax Paper Need to stock up on supplies? Check out our craft section here Bird Feed Recipe 3 Cups Wild Bird Seed ½ Cup boiling water 3 tbsp Karo Syrup 1 packet unflavored gelatin ¾ Cup Flour If you need bird seed, you ...

As ice begins to form in early winter, the buzz of anticipation begins. Hard water fans rejoice when the mercury drops. Ice allows shore bound angler's free reign over some very productive waters. Smaller lakes and waters at higher elevation freeze first. Large bodies of water take more time, but at some point in December, anglers will begin heading onto safe ice and pulling out fish. There are numerous opportunities for ice fishing the region around Great Falls. If you are in the area, stop by your local North 40 Outfitters and get the gear you need to get out on the ice, or shop for ice rods here.  Ice Fishing for Trout: Tactics and Lures Trout are always in season in Montana. As cold water fish, they tend to stay fairly active throughout the winter. If you find the right location and lure or bait combo, the bite can get hot. Jigs, be...

The Spokane River has dropped by almost 2,000 cfs since my last report and all stretches are fishing well. December weather is definitely here with cold temps and snow in the forecast for the rest of the week. Curious how the river is doing? Check out the current river flows here As the water gets colder, the fish will become more lethargic, so try using attractor-style nymphs and streamers. A brightly colored Copper John fished under a size 10 Prince Nymph will draw strikes, as will flashy streamers like a size 4 Lil' Kim. Don't worry about getting up at dawn either. You'll find these fish most active during the warmest part of the day. If you're lucky, there may even be some fish rising to BWOs in the back eddies too. Need some new flies? Check out our fly selection here. Winter is also the time when people start venturing over to Rock...