Classic Fly Patterns Tied by Rocky Maley

I had the great pleasure of photographing a few “classics” tied by fly tier Rocky Maley.  I will be using his ties in some upcoming projects.  Rocky is very talented behind the fly tying vise.  If you have not seen his work, drop in on his Facebook profile HERE.

 

I am also very excited to be working with GRIFFIN Enterprises and photographing their latest fly tying vise for 2010.  The Montana MONGOOSE reigns supreme in design and build.  If you have not yet tied on a Mongoose I suggest you give it a try!  After one tie, you will not go back to your old vise.  For more information on Griffin Enterprise fly tying products and the Montana Mongoose, visit http://www.griffinenterprisesinc.com/vises.html

Product shots coming soon.

Utah HB-80 Capital Hill Rally

It was great to see people out supporting the Utah Water Bill HB-80!  Here are some of the highlights from the rally.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To see the rest of the images you can visit my FLICKR account here:

Utah HB-80 Photos

For more information about how you can Help Support Utah Water Recreational Access visit:

WWW.UTAHWATERGUARDIANS.ORG

PLEASE DONATE! WE NEED YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

Back To The Green River

Favorite shot of the trip…  Trav

Beautiful Trout

 

Dry Fly Fishing

 

The Weather

Three Seconds

I started getting more serious about birding 2 years ago.  Since then I have spent countless hours with Colvin scouting various birds in hopes of getting them on the glass.  Last year we both came away with some nice shots but the Male Harrier eluded us.  There is so much that goes into hunting these raptors on the camera.  Hiking through the phragmite, mud, snow, and cold weather are just some of the challenges (not to mention equipment and being ready for the opportunity when it comes). The odds of getting a male harrier on the camera are difficult with fewer numbers than the females.

This past week we spent three full days specifically targeting harriers.  We got a few shots but the lighting was not in our favor.  It was either snowing or cloudy and the one good hour of light, not a single bird. I have to be honest and say it is disappointing, but none the less both Brett and I have come away with other images to add to the “folio” and shot stuff that was off the radar and not planned.  It is during this time that I learn the most.

Today we went after it again.  The afternoon lighting was perfect. We setup in two different spots and had it dialed in after a couple of hours.  Just before the sun began to set the opportunity that I had eagerly been waiting for arrived.  Out of the corner of my eye I could see a beautiful Male Harrier hunting the outer rim of the phragmite.  As quickly as I saw the movement my reflexes kicked in and I panned.  Tracking, Tracking, SNAP, SNAP, SNAP! 

What a rush!   Days/hours waiting, whispering, pondering, ….it all boiled down to three seconds.  It felt so damn good.  I know I had the shot.  It is an awesome feeling.  Leaning over to Brett and showing him the prize on the view finder, we laughed with excitement!  My nemesis,  the elusive Male Harrier no more. 

What has seemed like an impossible feat for me has become a reality today and I am excited to have the image.  It means a lot and I am grateful that I get to share it with you all!  I hope you enjoy the photograph as much as I do!  So much work, persistence, and patience have gone into this one! 

Here’s to the chase and hopefully more “3 Second” opportunities!

~JayMorr~

 

Nikon D700, Nikon 300mm f/2.8G ED-IF II AF-S VR-II with a Nikon TC-17E II

ISO 200, F8, AV Priority

~UN-EDITED~

For a look at Brett Colvin’s incredible Female Harrier shots from today, visit his blog post:

http://www.flytowater.com/2010/02/improv.html

INTERMISSION

This intermission has been brought to you by – “The Golden Midget”.

Had a great day shooting with Colvin.  A test run on the new gear.  The baldies were planted on the outer rim of the ice.  I focused on the gulls, a few harriers, and practiced.  Birding is tough and it definitely takes work and patience.  While I didn’t get any of the birds I wanted on the glass, I chalk it up to payin’ my dues and better luck next time.

I took a few photographs of the man cannons. 

B O O M !

  

     

 

Photo Courtesy of Brett Colvin Photography 2010 ©

Winter Flyfishing On The Green River – Part II

Here are a few more highlights of my recent trip to the Green.  My second series of photos include the images of the Big Horn Sheep that I was able to stalk up to about 10 yards.  When he stood up from the river bank I knew that I was getting a bit to close for comfort. 

I watched Trav work “Sippers” and one of my favorite shots is of him crouched down and stalking a nice brown trout that can be seen rising in the photograph.

After the fish was landed I took the opportunity to grab a quick photo of the beautiful fin.  I think it looks good in B&W.  Fish look better when landed on a W I N S T O N. 

Who said LARGE bugs were only thrown in the Summer months?

Remember to “Wade Softly & Carry A Green Stick” ~quote Trav

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay Tuned for Part III …

Green River - Utah Winter Fly Fishing

The drive up to Utah's Green River this past weekend was sketchy. The snow made for icy roads in the early, Sunday morning hours. The pay off ... solitude and a river all to ourselves.

I spent a couple of great days behind the lens. I will share a series of photos throughout the week. There were many highlights on the trip. The "Battle Ram" (Big Horn Sheep) that came down from the mountain to drink, I was able to sneak up within 10 yards and photograph him.

Here is a peak at the first few.

"Midgin"