Page 133 - Blog
This past weekend was wintry, but fishable. I know a number of folks got out on the Missouri River on Saturday, while I was tying flies on Facebook. The Sunday Report I also heard reports from up and down the river on Sunday. So I headed down to Giant Springs on my lunch break. I met up with Ben, who was trying out a new Commando Head. He wanted me to show him how to cast it. I showed him how I single hand it and managed to hook a spunky little bow in the process. "What fly you got on here, Ben?" "The Mini Montana Intruder you tied on Facebook yesterday," he replied. After the quick casting lesson, I bounced over to Cutter's crew. He was surrounded by dogs and kids with Nerf guns, while trying to load up the grill. After I arrived, the dog and kid show found a porcupine. If you see a porky down at Giant Springs bristling with Nerf darts...
Read moreNorth 40 Life
-
Posted: January 24, 2017
Do you have some cowboy boots that could use a face lift? Well, this project is for you- The DIY Boho Cowboy Boots project allows you to spruce up your favorite pair of boots with your own unique style. Whether its an old pair from the back of the closet or a new pair fresh off the shelf, you can easily design your own fun pair of cowboy boots. Materials Needed for Building your Own Boho Cowboy Boots Cowboy Boots: new or old Belts: New or old Leather punch Rivet Gun Rivets: 1/8" 3mm x ½" 12mm Washers - 1/8" Scissors Utility Knife Cutting board If you have any other ideas to add to your boots, take a look at our craft supplies selection Before You Start: You're going to have to find the right cowboy boots. I definitely recommend using all leather cowboy boots, but you can use ones with softer top like what I used, since all leather is...
Read more5 Min -
Posted: January 23, 2017
As simple as approaching a trout sounds, there's a strategic technique that should be followed when attempting to get close and personal. Take A Breath: Slow Down Obviously you want to be breathing before you approach a trout, but that isn't what I mean by take a breath. It is very important to watch that trout rise two or three times. Those extra couple rises will tell you how timely the trout rises, where his "home" is, whether he is eating dries, nymphs or emergers. But don't only watch the trout! Take a quick glance at your surroundings. There may be a 6 foot log or a "friendly" jet boat that is going to pass right over your target. If that is the case, adjust accordingly. Tie on your heaviest streamer, and launch a cast at that boat. (Actions not advised) Instead, you should just take a breath, absorb everything that is occurr...
Read more5 Min -
Posted: January 20, 2017
By Bryan Tollbom I've been heading over to Montana for the past few weeks in search of open waters as well as trying to get the most out of that pricey Out of State license before it expires. However, I finally decided it was time to buy my Idaho license and start poking around my home waters. So, we geared up and headed to the Clark Fork River in search of some slower moving back waters and hungry trout. Want to know how the river is doing? Check out the current river flows here The weather had warmed up quite a bit, all the way to 23 degrees. Once on the water, I reached straight into my streamer box. I was no more then a few casts into the day before I was hooked up onto my first fish and things did not slow down after that. In the next two hours, I hooked into 7 fish and got 4 of them to hand. A pretty amazing day of streamer fishi...
Read more5 Min -
Posted: January 20, 2017
For N40 Coops 2.0, we asked you to show us your best coops and you answered the call. Courage takes action and you didn't disappoint. In this journey, we learned the stories behind each coop and discovered why every coop is truly special and unique. We met inspiring people and came to understand the bond that comes with owning your own animals. And, we were deeply encouraged by the people who are becoming inspired to learn more about the origins of their food. Don't know what N40 Coops 2.0 is all about? Check this out. Entries came pouring in from all over Montana, Idaho, and Washington (over a hundred plus) -but we could only choose six. The winners have been chosen. They will be revealed at our N40 Coops 2.0 Video Premiere Event and you're invited. Missed last year's N40 Coops winners? Read this. Here's what you need to know- What N40...
Read more5 Min -
Posted: January 19, 2017
What Is IF4? IF4 is the abbreviated form of the International Fly Fishing Film Festival. The International Fly Fishing Film Festival® consists of short and feature length films produced by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe, showcasing the passion, lifestyle and culture of fly fishing. The films at this popular event are capturing the attention of anglers around the world. IF4â„¢ contains exclusive content and is a must see experience coming to a theater near you! I’ve had a chance to preview the films. They had me at giant Icelandic brown trout, but after a feast of 100 lb Costa Rican Tarpon, a big helping of huge Redfish eats and a buffet of Amazonian Jungle fish, the Legend of Neckbeard eased me back to the Rockies. And that was just the first half. Where To Go? The Missouri River Fly Fishers are hosting the...
Read more5 Min -
Categories: FishingPosted: January 19, 2017
Through the Ice into the Frying Pan... Fishing the Panhandle Looking at a map of the Idaho Panhandle reveals a land dominated by water, an angler's paradise. The big waters of Pend Oreillle, Coeur d'Alene, and Priest Lakes garner much of the angler's attention in the warmer month but the region is sprinkled with dozens of smaller shallower lakes. These smaller lakes teem with a cornucopia of panfish species including Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Crappie, and many are frequently stocked with trout including Rainbow, Brook, and Cutthroat. Shallow, quick to cool, and first to freeze in winter these little lakes form the frosty backbone of the region's ice fisheries. Read about best places and species to target ice fishing in Montana. What's Ice Fishing Season look like? Once a solid 3 to 4" of ice forms on these lakes anglers eager to deploy ...
Read more5 Min -
Posted: January 18, 2017
With our new line-up of fly tying vises slowly trickling into the shop, my days are filled with excited ohhhs and ahhhs. Since we are in the midst of fly tying season, I can't help but demo every vise on the shelf. Two vises that have gained a lot of attention in Sandpoint are the Atlas Vise by Wolff Indiana and the Traveler 2200 by Renzetti. Two reliable vises with a similar "tying on the go" look. After tying a couple dozen flies on each vise, I have noticed a few pros and cons I feel the common tier should be aware of. First, let's look at the simple facts. Wolff Indiana Atlas Vise - $159.99 Lifetime Warranty Full Rotary 7/0-32 hook range Comes with base and clamp Made in USA Renzetti Traveler 2200 - $189.99 Lifetime Warranty Full Rotary 4/0-28 hook range Comes with base or clamp Comes with bobbin cradle Made in USA Here are 5 ca...
Read more5 Min -
Posted: January 17, 2017
If you like fly fishing in open water, you are going to be happy with the current weather. I love a good January thaw. After an icy cold December and early January, the Chinook winds and warming temperatures are a welcome change. The snow will evaporate. The upper river will be free of slush and the shelves of ice will gradually break and drift away. And the fish- they will be hungry. I’m the sort who prefers to be outside whenever I can. After the sustained cold period, I was getting pretty pent up. Nothing was going to keep me from sampling the goods yesterday. It was not the warmest day and it was quite windy, but it was the day I had to go, so I went. Apparently, a few other folks had the holiday off as well. Curious how the river is doing? Check out the current river flows here As I was pulling off my waders after a great afterno...
Read more5 Min -
Posted: January 13, 2017
Strategies for planning a successful out of state hunt begin with... 1.) Ask yourself, what do you want to hunt? The first thing you need to decide if you are applying for an out of state permit, is why you are doing it?  Maybe you are looking for a trophy animal, maybe you are hunting for another tasty critter for the freezer, or maybe you just want another hunt with friends and family. I've found that Wyoming Antelope hunts are great introductory hunts as tags are plentiful, and the goats are easy to find. Need more ideas of what to hunt? Check out the latest North40 eMag hunting issue here. Some states are world renowned for trophy quality animals of certain species, for instance Arizona is known for large bull elk.  If you are looking for a trophy of a specific species, use online tools such as the Boone and Crockett club to see...
Read more5 Min