Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Saturday Morning Seminars

Country Pleasures Saturday Morning Seminars
are now completed for Winter/Spring 2010.

Thanks to all of you who attended this years seminars!

Congratulations to Chris Fink on winning the Orvis ZG Helios fly rod.


See you in the fall when seminars resume. Keep an eye on our seminars page at http://www.countrypleasures.com/ for next years topics

Second Chance by Idylwilde

Ed Engle fishing the trico hatch in Elevenmile Canyon on Colorado's South Platte river.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Idylwilde Creek

Up and coming fly fishing cinematographer and fishing bum Bryan Huskey filmed and produced this clip of Idylwilde Brand Ambassador Brian O'Keefe fishing on a Montana spring creek.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Cuba Flats Fishing for $2590

Ana Maria Lodge (Cuba) Fly Fishing Vacation


Country Pleasures and Avalon are proud to present their 8th location for all their clients who prefer Cuba and its culture for a unique fishing holiday.
For the first time we are able to offer a great fishery at a very low price, so everyone can enjoy and experience this beautiful country. This is the best offering for a lower price venue in Cuba!!!

Fishermen can fish the flats of Southern Cuba

for as little as $ 2590 USD.

The perfect destination for anglers looking for adventure



South Ana Maria is the eighth Avalon destination. We plan to offer this new endeavour as a fishing alternative for those looking to broaden their angling horizons, while discovering a completely unpressured natural marine environment for salt water fish.

The area is completely untouched and exclusively maintained and chartered by Avalon. Species found in this area are: tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook, jack crevalle, snapper, large and aggressive barracuda as well as several other powerful species. Avalon’s goal is to offer another destination to unexplored, virgin waters, as we once did in other areas now well known and protected in Jardines de la Reina. In recent seasons we have visited these waters with guides and clients, with spectacular reviews. The results have been so positive that we are proud to spread the word on how unique and abundant this marine ecosystem is. The rich flora and fauna in this area also make it perfect for diving, as the waters are so clear and the species inhabiting the area, so abundant.

The fishing method we will use at this new location is the same as we are applying in Cayo Largo, with a rotation of the fishing areas, so that each skiff has as an assigned daily area to fish. Dolphins Skiffs with Yamaha 4 stroke 60 HP motors will be used to fish the area, which ensures Avalon’s high standard of quality and security. These same standards are applied throughout Avalon equipment found at all our destinations. The quality of food and service offered will be identical to those in Avalon’s other programs in Jardines de la Reina. The menu will be abundant with fresh fish, seafood, seasonal fruit and vegetables. Meat and vegetarian dishes are also available on request. A great deal of priority will be placed on the quality of meals served on board and the attentive service will be second to none.

This program is completely independent from the other Avalon trips to Jardines de la Reina, in the sense that anglers will arrive at Jucaro Port, where they will board the yacht, for a transfer to the first fishing area. The program can be booked for 4 to 8 anglers in exclusivity. Those staying aboard the yacht will be in 5 double rooms, all with air conditioning and private bathrooms. The guides, crew and wait staff have a separate sleeping area aboard and will be at guest’s beck and call throughout the week. Excellent food and service along with long days on the water in a scarcely explored marine eco system, is what this new and exciting trip is all about!



Ana Maria Fishing
Avalon is offering their 16 years of experience in Cuba with professional guides, fully equipped Dolphin skiffs and best of all: a unique and virgin spot to fish for Bonefish, Tarpon, Snook, Jack Crevalle and other reef fish such as Cuberas, Mutton Snapper, and Barracuda.
The Ana Maria Gulf area will offer you excellent Baby Tarpon opportunities, great Bonefishing, and Permit shots on frequent occasions. In addition to these species you will find Cubera and Mutton Snapper, good populations of Snook, as well as Barracuda.

How to get there
Anglers can fly into Cayo Coco, Cuba on direct flights from Canada. A short taxi ride to Jucaro where you will board the Caballones for six days of fishing
Contact us at (403)271-1016 or http://www.blogger.com/info@countrypleasures.com for availability.
Ask us about a free "group leader" package.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Alberta Licences


Don't forget to get your 2010 Alberta fishing licenses ONLINE this year.

2010 licenses are required as of April 1, but are already available, so don't forget till a CO checks you on the second!

Get your license online (and you can print as many copies as you want, without the $2.00 replacement fee...plus they can be laminated!). You can also save some paper by reading the regs online.

Get your license here:
https://www.albertarelm.com/

And view the 2010 regs here, make sure you check out the "Important Changes for 2010":
http://www.albertaregulations.ca/fishingregs/

New Stuff From Simms

NOW IN THE SHOP!
SIMMS DEREK DEYOUNG T-SHIRTS
Stunning Simms T-Shirts with images from original artwork done by Derek DeYoung.
Available with images of a Tarpon, Permit, or Brown Trout.
The Permit and Tarpon are taken from original commissions for none other than Country Pleasures. We kind of think these 4 panel paintings are pretty cool..., considering they hang in our shop. Stop in soon, quantities are limited.

"Derek DeYoung, one of three featured artists in the 2010 Simms T-shirt collection, offers a contemporary style to fish illustrations. The vibrant colors and unique style of his art pop off of the white t-shirt. The perfect addition to any angler's closet"



SIMMS "FLYAWAY" SHIRTS
"Expanding on the protection story in our Technical Sportswear category, our No Fly Zone™ shirts offer the latest and greatest in insect repellent technology in a fabric & design that is perfect for any fisherman. Features UPF 50 sun protection! "

-No Fly Zone™ insect-repellent technology offers full coverage with unprecedented durability and long-lasting performance
-50 UPF sun protection
-100% Nylon ripstop fabric
-No Fly Zone™ is a permethrin-based insect repellent: odorless, water-based and biodegradable
-Excellent protection from multiple species of crawling and flying insects
-Shirt also features our COR3 Technology to provide moisture-management and odor-control - made specifically for anglers
-Dual patch-on chest pockets with zippered closure & hanger loop inside collar
-Fully expandable collar for extraordinary insect & sun protection
-Straight hem with slight drop tail
-Now available at Country Pleasures

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Saturday Morning Seminars

Saturday, March 27, 2010 10 AM at Country Pleasures
A WEEK IN THE LIFE - PATAGONIA, CHILE

Slide and Video presentation on trout fishing in maybe the most beautiful settings we have ever seen.
All attendees will be entered in a draw for a “gnarly” Foam Bug Selection.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Sage 2010 Rods with Jerry Siem

Jerry Siem talks about the 2010 rods from Sage. For those who don't know who Jerry is, he has been designing Sage rods since their start. One of the best two or three casters in the world.



Saturday, March 20, 2010

Old Jim Mclennan Videos

Found these videos of Jim on You Tube. They are an old video Jim did on Southern Alberta, split into six parts. Awesome retro stuff...Neoprene waders, Orvis Full Flex rods, and no grey hair!!!! Ah, those were the days.

PART 1 of 6


Part 2 of 6


Part 3 of 6

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Dave Bloom Ties Flies

Dave Bloom, signature fly tier for Idylwilde ties his PMD nymph.
This is the guy who brought us the Bloom's CDC Caddis, and Bloom's
Parachute Caddis! I recommend sainthood, he's forever changed my life!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Saturday Morning Seminars

Saturday, March 20, 2010 10 AM at Country Pleasures

FAVORITE FLIES WITH RUSS WEBB
Russ is one of the best tiers we are aware of and his flies are amazing.

All attendees will be entered in a draw to win a foam/rubber leg tying package.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Devils' Gold Trailer

The name of the village Oromomo — the access point to the Pluma and Itirisama Rivers in Bolivia — means "Devil's Gold." Apparently, the elders who named the village felt that riches of the region were somehow cursed. But for fly fishers "Devil's Gold" reflects brightly, referring to golden dorado, one of the wildest of freshwater fish. Castaway Films spent a week on location shooting deep in the Bolivian jungle at Untamed Angling's Tsimane Lodge to capture this seven minutes of video, which is some of the best there is on dorado fishing.

Grant Wiswell, the film's producer, says of the video: "We came for Dorado, PERIOD. Ever since I watched an old Larry Dahlberg video on the subject, I haven't been able to get these magnificent fish off my mind. As it turns out, the Tsimane experience completely trumped anything I had previously seen or heard about the Golden Dorado. Not only are these fish numerous and willing, the warm water is clear as can be, which makes for fantastic fishing. I'd estimate that we sight-casted to at least 80 percent of the fish we caught."

Director and Producer: Grant Wiswell
Sponsors: Untamed Angling, Tsimane Lodge, Simms, Targus Fly and Feather, Rio Products, Smith Optics, Cliff Outdoor Products, AquaTech Underwater Imaging
Producer of Music: Nathan DeVore of David Vanacore Productions


Monday, March 15, 2010

Kudos to Rogue Angels



There seems to more female oriented sites coming on line all
the time (awesome!!!!1).

One of the better ones is Rogue Angels. Check it out at
http://www.rogueangels.net/

Sunday, March 14, 2010

What's In Your Box

Mike Gifford's Streamer Box

"Like my other boxes, I use the M-Series because it fits my pack and it's light. I store flies in large storage boxes and re-supply my day use boxes for my fanny pack as needed. I have eclectic tastes in streamers. I prefer big flies ( I'll often use Steelhead Patterns) on floating lines fished as fast as I can move them, but when the fish aren't in to that I'll switch to Clousers, Geek Leeches, and 1/4 Pound Buggers.
If I can stay with the floating lines, great, but if high water or fish moods dictate I'll switch up to a 200 or 250 grain Streamer Express. The Express lines work great for getting the fly right in front of their faces."

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Meet Louie The Fish



He's not really a fish! But he is a really good artist!


Caity got him to do a Permit for my present this past Xmas.

His work is spectacular!

Fly Fishing Schools

2010 marks the 29th year of CP Fly Fishing Schools.

Introductory, Intermediate, Private, Fly Tying, etc means we
offer a school that's right for you!

Our instuctors are the most experienced and competent you'll find anywhere!

Need to take your fishing to the next level?
Have a family member or friend you've always wanted to get started in fly fishing?
Got a couple little things to fix in your cast?


Check us out at http://www.countrypleasures.com/fly_fishing_schools.htm
give us a call, or stop in to the shop for more information.

Friday, March 12, 2010

COOL CLOTHES FOR LADIES WHO FISH

The bulk of our Spring shipments of ladies clothing from Simms
and Redington have arrived in the last few days. Really nice new
styles from both!




Redington Ruby......Simms Superlight........Simms Superlight pant





Redington Capri........Kenai Full Zip Jacket......Shasta Hoody








Dave Bloom-Fly Tier to the Stars

Dave Bloom, signature tier for Idylwilde Flies, has developed some of the best patterns we have seen over the last few years.


The Bloom's Tung Dart, Bloom's CDC Caddis, Bloom's Parachute Caddis, Bloom's Sculpin Bugger, just to name a few, have improved our lives immeasurably.


To check out Dave's stuff go to
http://www.idylwilde.com/html/signature_tiers.php?tier_id=4






Thursday, March 11, 2010

Why Do We Still Have Fish Farms

NBC Nightly News Special aired on March 3 discussing the plight of our BC Salmon,
thanks to "the damn fish farms".

I spoke with a representative from SOS last week. Not only have the farms in Chile
crashed the surrounding environment, but now the Norweigan farm have created a "Super Lice" that kills mature Salmon, as well as now being impervious to SLICE,
the chemical used to control sea lice around the farms.

Log on to http://www.saveoursalmon.ca/ and even better yet, get involved
and stop them from killing our oceans!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Saturday Morning Seminars

Saturday, March 13, 2010 10 AM at Country Pleasures

FAVORITE FLIES WITH SCENIC RICK

Rick Harding has fished and guided around Southern Alberta and B.C. for the better part of 3 decades.
Come and see his favorite patterns for Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat Trout.

All attendees will be entered in a draw to win a dry fly supply package (floatant, shake, etc.)

EXTENDED FOR 2010!!!, AT EACH SEMINAR WE WILL BE DRAWING FOR FREE PRIZES. ONLY THOSE ATTENDING THE SEMINAR WILL QUALIFY. FLY LINES, GEAR, FLY TYING SUPPLIES, ETC. WILL BE GIVEN AWAY AT EACH SEMINAR. IN ADDITION, EVERY TIME YOU ATTEND A SEMINAR, YOUR NAME WILL GO INTO A DRAW FOR AN ORVIS HELIOS FLY ROD TO BE HELD ON APRIL 10, 2010. THE MORE SEMINARS YOU ATTEND, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Sight Fishing in Afghanistan

New techniques are always welcome on the CP Blog. Not necessarily the best technique for catch and release.



No animals were harmed during the filming of this video. Yeah right!

Cabin Fever ???



Then stop in, pick up one of these, and enjoy the fix until warmth!!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Tired of Golf Tournaments?

Thinking of a company function for this summer?

Want something Different?

Why not try a Corporate Float Trip on the World famous Bow River?

Beginners to experts will enjoy a day on the river.

All of our guides excel at teaching and you'll catch fish along the way!


Less expensive than Golf Tournaments. Less work for your company.

We do the organizing. For more information give us a call or go to





Sunday, March 7, 2010

Practice, Practice, Practice!

We at CP Flyfishing have always recommended that to improve as an angler, practice is paramount.




Well, here is one more way to keep your skills honed.......



Saturday, March 6, 2010

Idylwilde Now Has A Blog



Zach and the gang at Idylwilde now have their Blog up and running.


Good one to add to your surfing list: http://www.idylwilde.com/wordpress/index.php


Their main site is cool too! http://www.idylwilde.com/index.php


Check em out!

Friday, March 5, 2010

Robotic Fly Tying

Dr. Szlyk demonstrates the precision and dexterity of the daVinci Surgical Robot by tying a delicate fly fishing lure small enough to fit on the head of a dime!

What's the world coming to?



Thursday, March 4, 2010

New Stock Arrriving!


We just finished unpacking 24 boxes from Simms, Sage, and Orvis on Wednesday.
Some new stuff for 2010 that hasn't been in the shop yet.
Lots of new products to see!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Saturday Morning Seminars



Saturday, March 6, 2010 10 AM at Country Pleasures

PERMIT-PATTERNS AND TECHNIQUES

Mike Gifford will be tying some pretty cool new patterns for Permit that actually work!

Tips for fishing them as well!


All attendees will be entered in a draw to win a selection of new Permit patterns.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Brown Trout On A Beetle

Another short video from Chile. Fishing the banks of a lake with lots of sunken wood and overhanging vegetation. Maureen makes a cast right up on the bank, twitches the big dry fly, the fish comes at the bug once, refuses, and then eats the bug like they often do with the big beetles, with a big pop!

Fish On A Beetle In Chile from Mike Gifford on Vimeo.

Monday, March 1, 2010

The Search - Tahiti Trailer

Kent Fraser and friends voyage deep into the unknown with a group of dedicated anglers, conservationists and scientists to explore the bonefishing on remote Pacific islands. "The Search - Tahiti" (Intrepid Angler/Gin-Clear Media, 58 minutes) documents the thrills and spills of hardcore saltwater fly anglers in search of the world's biggest bonefish. But the important underlying theme deals with the plight of the coral atoll environment and the inhabitants of Polynesia, as well as some excellent scientific and research segments that shed light on the lifecycle, distribution and threats to bonefish worldwide.