El Nino is in full affect here in North Idaho. Rain on ski hill everyday combined with warm winds is making normal winter activities a chore. On the bright side of things, the water temps are still in the low 40’s providing some fishing opportunities. Kokanee are still spawning in a few of the local creeks and there are some big fish hanging out with them. The Clark Fork River has been putting out a few fish and there are even some midge hatches during the heat of the day if conditions are nice enough. On Tuesday we went a swung some flies searching for a bull trout or post spawn brown. With 15’ of T-18 we searched some of our favorite runs with only a few grabs to show for it. Fishing on Lake Pend Oreille has been good still. The water temp is around 41 degrees from 150 feet all the way to the surface. Fish are still keyed on flies ...

Who own's Morning Light Coffee in Montana? It's an incredible story that begins on the side of a mountain. Read on and find out. Morning Light Coffee began on the side of a mountain outside Helena, Montana in 1988. During a break from logging, Mike Myers asked his friend what he thought about the coffee business. This first conversation on a Thursday afternoon in April was followed by a straight drive through to a specialty coffee roasting convention in San Francisco that weekend. From conception to inception: six weeks and the grand opening held during Helena's Governor's Cup Marathon. There was never any doubt in Mr. Myers' mind that coffee was a good idea, "We were trying to educate people, you know? Raise the standards of coffee in the area." And that's just what Morning Light Coffee did. Jake and I walked into the local coffee shop...

Using diesel fuel presents many challenges. Diesel fuel is lower in lubricity, has a higher cloud and pour point and will gel-up faster. What's that mean? You can check out our selection of fuel additives online here. It means if you don't treat your fuel with anti-gel additive, you are looking at more fuel system wear, more gelling, less power and lower MPG. What your Diesel Fuel Needs to Work well in Winter When you work out in this cold in a diesel, whether it's a ¾ ton pickup, a 1 ton flatbed or even with tractors, you will know what a gel point is, and you know without a fuel additive, you can't work. This means in winter, truckers and ranchers, everyone driving a diesel, needs a fuel additive to keep their vehicles running.   "I grew up with my dad using Power Service and Power Service 911 so that's where I turn...

This past week, we experienced a serious thaw and some afternoon temps that were down right May like. When we get a thaw this time of year, the Chinook winds roll in with the warmth. The howling winds vacuum up the snow and ice and change conditions in a hurry. If the warming trend holds out for more than a couple days, then the winds usually moderate. The best winter fly fishing happens when the warming trend lasts for three or more days. Some lucky anglers managed to find the time to get on the water during this ideal window. The reports varied from slow to really good. That’s pretty typical. The guys that did really good have likely made the proper adjustments to cold water angling. If nymphing is your game, then the scud, sow, firebead time is underway and always a good place to start. Midges are the bug of the season and many Miss...

I got a call from my friend Rod, from Griff's Fly Fishing Adventure the other week. He said we should hit the river on my birthday. Sounded good to me since I had not had a chance to get out for a while. I met up with Rod at the WDFW take out below Carlton. We ran back up to a private launch about 3 miles above Carlton where Rod had already put his boat in. The Temperature was a brisk 35 degrees under clear skies. I decided to forgo swinging till we got a idea how and where the fish were holding. Rigged up to nymph for a while. My bug of choice was one I tie that I call a "Either Or" in blue. the first half a dozen runs were a blank on players. Had a take in a small slot but it did not last long. The next run was a slow one and about 6' in depth. Made the a cast did a mend then turned to say something to Rod. When I looked back my Indic...

Help us develop young angler’s skills by passing on things that have been passed on to us. Receive a 10% discount on a new rod, reel, or vise by trading in your old gear. We’ll pass it on to a young angler in need of it. Intrigued? Young anglers can come in and fill out a request form at any of our fly shops.

It's amazing how every time we go out in Montana you never know what to expect. This fall we were headed out for a brisk fall morning elk hunt. We all have our spots but it is always fun to try something new. A friend and I figured we'd just get on a ridge top and listen to find out where to go as the elk were said to be in full rut. As we were driving in, we didn't know the area and in Montana's mountains sometimes it's best to find out where you are before you start walking. So we patiently and slowly glassed the hills waiting for shooting light, and light enough to see into the woods. Right at daybreak we caught a beautiful boar moseying through the tall grass. We turned and looked at each other and said, well maybe this is turning into a bear hunt? We got out of the truck and watched whitetail running everywhere as this bear went up ...

I have owned my mare, Chopaka War Jet, for 18 years. She has always been fractious and a kicker. She stands in the pasture and kicks the fence, the feeders, other horses, the air-. I three way hobble her in the horse trailer. I have learned how to be around her, and she knows what will absolutely not be tolerated by me. Don't get me wrong, she is easy to catch, will do anything under saddle that I ask. She is as comfortable as an old cowgirl boot, she just has a few issues--but I'm alright with that. Besides, all the good ones have some idiosyncrasies, right? Your Mare has a Reputation as being "Ornery"? Blame the Estrus Over the years I have received much unsolicited, well-meaning and sometimes insensitive comments from fellow horse people. Though solutions ranged from downright cruel "training" devices, placing a marble in her uterus...

Your local North 40 Outfitters is having a Milwaukee Tool Event at various locations throughout the month. There will be demos, GIVEAWAYS, experts onsite and much more! These deals won't last so get in to #yourlocal40 and check out these savings!