A word from Cathy

Barry and I have been home for a month, a very long time in between trips for us. As much as we wanted the month to linger and go slow, it has somehow zipped past us and we'll soon be on the road again - to Argentina next week for the season's opening. But back here at home a lot has been happening. Simon Gawesworth was here for a spey clinic on the Susquehanna River. We were so lucky with the weather. It was a beautiful two days and the foliage and the river was spectacular. 

Everyone commented on our local landmark, the Savage barn, which was also spectacular in barn red.

The following week we enjoyed the company of Harry Schoel and Theo Bakelaar from Holland for a few days. Theo, in his red beret, made an interesting photo subject. They all stayed at The Lodge at Raven Creek, which at one time was our fly shop and is now an event facility and B&B full of country charm, comfort, and terrific hosts — Brooke, who works for us, and her husband, Corey.

A quick night off to enjoy fun and games at the annual community Halloween Party and a chance to take our grandsons fishing at the Benton Dam. It's been a great month and after Argentina next week, we'll slide right into the Christmas season. Just think, winter will go fast and we'll soon be writing about the opening of our trout season here at home (or at least we hope so!).    
Cathy

Gray's Sporting Journal Essay

If you are near a news stand today, make sure you pick up a copy of Gray's Sporting Journal.  Their most recent publication, Issue 6 November/December has some great stories including "On the Ponoi" by Barry & Cathy. 

Sage Blog

We also wanted to make sure you got a heads up that Barry's blog of their recent trip to Spain is published on the Sage blog.  Check it out here.

And lastly, another great read: 

In a recent edition of MidCurrent, the editors talk about Paul Weamers new book, The Bug Book. I know, why do we need another bug book, but take a minute to read the excerpt. It's very interesting and offers some new thoughts on matching the hatch. And, it's practical, applicable information - stuff we can all use to be better anglers.  Click here to read the article

Incidentally, in the current edition (3rd printing) of Cathy's Fly Fishing Handbook, she has video clips of different casts and demonstrates live, through the use of QR codes, how to mend, control drag, add slack, and lots of other casting and fishing tips viewable on your smartphone.

The two books would be perfect additions to anyone's angling library.

Spey Clinic

As we write this week's blog, Simon Gawesworth is in the second day of his spey casting clinic. After the morning session here on the pond, the group had a great afternoon on the Susquehanna River at Bloomsburg. It was a fun day with the spey master and everyone learned a lot! Today looks like a repeat of yesterday. Thank you Simon.

Fall Fishing

As you can see, we're continuing to have beautiful fall weather, the stream is in great shape and fishing as been very good. The long range forecast indicates above average temperatures will be with us for awhile, so if you can get away for a day or two give us a call. We'll keep guiding as long as the weather holds.

New Redington Prowler Wading Boot

These new boots (Siren for women) are getting lots of attention and great reviews. Cathy has field tested the Siren for a year now, loves them, and refuses to give them up. Redington's premier wading boot for 2016. Exceptional performance and durability. Molded rubber rands, wide soles, and quick-drying and quick-draining synthetic materials. Built for long days in any river condition imaginable. Very comfortable.

- Felt or Sticky Rubber
- Molded rubber overlays for durability
- Molded Polyurethane midsole
- Strong & lightweight
- Wide sole-expanded surface sole for stability
- Padded collar for ankle support
- Mesh lined interior & drain holes for quick drainage
- Molded, non-corrosive metal hardware
- Sticky Walnut Rubber and felt sole options
- Stud compatible
- $149.95

Check them out:   

Men 9-13
Women 6-10

Also, we've still got plenty of Fall fishing ahead of us- just ask Brad Berlin!

Our extended forecast shows above-average temps and we plan on taking advantage of it.  We hope you have a chance to get out on the water before winter sets in!

I heard from Cathy and they've had a great week of fishing in the Pyrenees in Spain. As you can tell from the photos, fall has arrived and along with the fall foliage and frosty nights, the fish are starting to move up out of the lakes and into the rivers. They've enjoyed a lot of dry fly fishing to both rainbows and browns. The group took a day off fishing to visit a few cathedrals and local villages and had lunch at Rhoda de Isabena again this year, a favorite stop on their itinerary. Good fishing, wine, cheeses, cathedrals, weather - what could be better?

Reel Action, Kanektok River Alaska
August 6-13, 2016

Join us for a prime week of silver salmon at Reel Action for 2016. At the mouth of the Bering Sea, the fish will never be fresher or more chrome than when they pass by our camp. Along with silvers, we'll have rainbows, char, chum, sockeye, and other salmon but we've selected this week to specifically target silvers, perhaps the most sought after of all salmon for the fly angler. Silvers love to eat flies, jump, run, and fight. Reel Action is a very well appointed tent camp with individual one-person tents, comfortable beds, hot showers, good bathroom facilities, and an exceptional menu everyday. Fishing is at your doorstep - literally. No fly-outs, safe sturdy john boats take us to our daily beats on the Kanektok. An easy ride from camp. These spots won't last long. Single or Spey. Contact us. It's not too early to start planning for Alaska, 2016. Read More Here

WD-40 Pens

You asked. We found them.

In a blog a few months back we wrote of how useful WD-40 pens are for treating zippers, reels, tools, and really anything that comes in contact with saltwater that can corrode or freeze up. WD-40 pens are so much better than the spray for treating just the zipper head or track, the tiny screw heads on saltwater reels, crevices and hard-to-reach spots on tools and accessories, and much more. Some of you couldn't find the pens so we went on a search and we now have them for sale. After you wash your saltwater gear, be sure to use the pens for extra protection. They sure work!  Order here

We got crabs!

Our fall order of Cathy's Permit Crabs just arrived and our bins are full. If you have a saltwater trip planned for this winter and it includes permit or big bones, now is a good time to stock up, and at a very good price too. Normally $2.50 each, for the next month we're offering a baker's dozen (4 of each size — 2,4,6 plus one more) for $25.00, plus shipping. That's less than $2.00 each. Order online or give us a call today. 877-278-5638.  

New Fly Boxes

Foam fly boxes keep your flies organized and in place. Our new box will conveniently fit in either a hip pack or a fishing vest. It's super light-weight. Works especially well for streamers, nymphs and CDC flies or comparadons. Find them for sale on our website now.

*Spey Casting Clinics with Simon*

*November 2 & 3, 9:00-5:00, Fishing Creek*

This is an exceptional opportunity to learn or improve your spey casting from the master. Sought after around the world, Simon is coming to Fishing Creek for two days of spey clinics. Choose Monday or Tuesday, or both, for an intensive-care spey clinic and a delightful time with this entertaining enjoyable Brit.

Simon needs no introduction. Not only is he known for the (very important) hat that he wears at the RIO line company, he has also written three books on Spey casting and has both cast and fished for England in British, European and World Championships and was Captain of the England team for the 2003 World Fly Fishing
Championship. He is A.P.G.A.I. and S.T.A.N.I.C. certified in the U.K. and C.I.,Master and T.H.C.I. certified in the U.S. He is acknowledged as one of the world's leading authorities on spey casting and he lives in southwest Washington, close to his beloved northwest steelhead rivers.

*$350 per person payable with reservation, lunch included. Directions will be included with confirmation.   Only 6 students per day.   Call 877-278-5638 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your spot

Sage Blog Publication

Cathy & Barry wrote a blog while on the Bighorn & it was published on the Sage Blog last week.  If you didn't see it already, take a minute to read about the Tricos on the Bighorn by clicking here

In Memoriam:  Susan Burt Fitzgerald  1939-2015 

Everyone loved Susie Fitzgerald.  Mike and Susie Fitzgerald started Frontiers with a dream in 1969.  In the years to come they would make friends all over the world. She will be missed by us and everyone who knew her.  The thoughts below from her family remind us all of what a great lady she was. 

It is with heavy hearts that we write and advise that we lost a great lady, our mother, Susie, on Thursday, August 20th following complications during heart surgery. An elementary teacher by training and former stewardess, Susie married her high school sweetheart, Mike, and they followed a shared dream to co-found Frontiers in the autumn of 1969.

This ambition was bolstered by their love of the outdoors, and the ensuing innovations of the Frontiers experiment were formative to the sporting travel industry we know today. Their adventures took them to the furthest corners of the world: from Iceland to Iran, Egypt to Ecuador, and Scotland to Senegal. But Susie had particular affinity for Christmas Island, Argentina, Denmark, and Spain.

They leave a legacy for us to carry on with pride, and their lives' work affirms that not all who wander are lost.

Susie used to say, "Michael handles the forest, and I handle the trees." All who knew them can appreciate the testament this bears to strength of their partnership. Indeed, Susie's perpetual optimism was balanced by unwavering practicality and an eye for the details.

Of course this metaphor may also be interpreted literally: Susie was most at home among the trees in her splendid garden. A passionate horticulturalist, she had one of the most admired private gardens in Western Pennsylvania. Susie undoubtedly had a green thumb, but it was not just the trees and flowers she nurtured. Her generous spirit and boundless compassion (and her love to dive into a 'project') deeply enriched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Though small in stature, Susie bravely faced giant health challenges. Diagnosed with breast cancer as a young mother at age 29, she soldiered through massive doses of radiation, moved house, wrangled toddlers, and started a business. This was a gargantuan feat that only tiny Susie could have managed. In the subsequent forty-six years, she was blessed to be cancer-free and lived each day to the fullest. Ironically, the radiation that cured her cancer induced the heart disease from which she suffered in her last decade and created the insurmountable obstacles she encountered in her final hours.

With love and happy memories,

The Fitzgerald Family

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Susie's memory
may consider the following:

The Cancer Caring Center of Pittsburgh
www.cancercaring.org

The Drew Mathieson Center for Horticultural and Agricultural Technology www.drewmathiesoncenter.com

Looking Back-  Trico Fishing on the Bighorn

We saw some of the best dry fly fishing on the Bighorn that we've seen in many years, in some ways it was the best ever. The trico hatch was the name of the game and it came every morning about 7:00 and lasted until early afternoon. We remember great trico hatches from earlier years on the 'Horn, but this year the hatches were heavier than ever before with clouds of insects actually darkening the air above the water. If you could make yourself stop fishing and take a minute to look around and listen, the sights and sounds of feeding fish were incredible. Along with all the usual places, there were fish feeding where you would never find them during normal times.  

As with all tail water rivers, one never knows what next year will bring, but we're hoping this is the start of a new cycle, or that it's coming back around. One thing for certain is that we'll be there next year looking for the tricos. Our dates are August 20-27 & August 27-September 3, 2016.  Two weeks, two groups.

Alex Gonzales

Some of you may remember Alex Gonzales at Pez Raton Fishing on the island of Los Roques in Venzuela. We are sad to write that he recently died of cancer. Alex was passionate about salt water fishing and fishing boats, had his own television fishing show in Venzuela, and loved both deep sea and shallow water fishing. He will be missed. 

Looking Ahead

We are really excited about having a prime week in silver salmon season at Reel Action camp on the Kanektok River in Alaska. At the mouth of the Bering sea, the camp gets first shot as the fresh salmon come in from the ocean. In addition to the salmon, there is some fantastic rainbow and char fishing on the upper stretches of the river, easily accessible from camp. Silvers are our favorite of all pacific salmon, they aggressively take flies, fight hard, and love to jump. Lots of fun on a single handed or spey Rod. Our 2016 dates are August 6-13. Read more.

We recently came across this video clip by Gin Clear Media and wanted to share it.  "The South Island has vast tracts of some of the most intact, undisturbed natural areas left on our planet—these last truly wild places deliver beauty and isolation in spades but it is the allure of giant trout in crystal clear water that draws anglers from around the globe to this treasured land."

We don't use rafts or boats, we don't camp, and we much prefer Sage rods, but this clip is about the island, the fishing, the adventure, and there is no place on earth like the South Island of New Zealand. We are there every February. This destination has drawn us back again and again for many years. If you've thought about New Zealand or if it's on your bucket list, come with us. Your itinerary can include one or two lodges and the most incredible scenery and fishing for wild browns that you'll ever find anywhere. Details here.

As promised, here is more from the Becks recent trip to Africa.  Barry has been busy editing images from their safari and we are beginning to get a glimpse here in the office of how great a trip it was. The wildebeest migration with the crossing of the Mara River looks fascinating. Below are a few of my favorite images & an excerpt from Cathy's journal which I just love reading...  Enjoy.

Monday - Aug. 10. Our vehicle stayed out all day, the others came in a little bit early. We both went back to the Mara River and watched another small crossing. Again all the wildebeests made it across safely. We saw cats, lions sleeping on the rocks, and later more sleeping by a ditch. We found one hot looking cheetah laying in the shade of a bush. We drove around looking for a male lion that our driver, Mohammed, thought should be near and found him with another female but they both looked hot and tired so we decided to go to lunch. On the way we stopped to watch a big herd of wildebeests gathering on the river bank and Mohammed thought they might cross so we went to the river with about 30 other vehicles. It wasn't long, after a couple false starts, that we watched as thousands of wildebeests and one topi all crossed safely to our side. It was an amazing spectacle and lasted for more than 10 minutes with no crocs which was amazing in itself. One little straggler on the end way behind all the rest even made it safely. Everyone was cheering him on and people clapped when he finally climbed out on our side. The sheer rawness of the event made it a very moving experience as the animals were frantic to get across and once in the water they were all kicking and bawling trying to climb over the slower ones. The panic was in their eyes and it was each one for himself, a wildebeest stampede in slow motion because the water was fairly deep and chocolate. Neither us nor they knew if or when the crocs would show.

After it was all over and the animals were off in the fields they immediately started to feed on the grass. Maybe it's how they calmed down. We decided to have lunch and talked about what we had just witnessed - the great migration, the stuff we see on National Geo and Animal Planet documentaries and how lucky we are to have seen it. The migration doesn't happen all at once or all in one place. There are many crossings and often the animals will change their minds and turn back. This is the stuff that keeps us coming back again!

One Spot Left

We have a spot available for one angler in our November departure to Tres Valles, Argentina. This is spring time in the Andes, spring creeks and streams are in great shape, lots of dry fly fishing for browns and rainbows. It's a great time to be in Patagonia. You will room and share a guide with a retired professor from Princeton and will enjoy 7 nights/6 days fishing. November 27 - December 7, 2015. Check out the details.    

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust

Where do bonefish spawn? If you fish in saltwater, you have probably wondered about this. The BTT group is doing amazing research on this subject and many others. Enjoy the eye-opening video clip on bonefish and please consider joining BTT, so they can continue to research and protect bonefish, tarpon, and permit fishing. Our fishing future depends on it!

Today I wanted to re-post a blog that Sage published a few weeks ago.  It's a great story that Barry wrote & we hope you'll take a few minutes to read it.  Click here to go to the Sage Blog.  Enjoy!

Cathy & Barry have been in Africa on safari for the last 2 weeks.  Internet has been spotty for them and I've been anxiously awaiting photos.  When I got to work this morning and checked my email here's what I found....  Enjoy!

"We have had an amazing safari. Four fabulous destinations in the Serengeti and Masai Mara. Our group has seen lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, hyenas, zebras, all kinds of antelopes. We visited Maasai villages, danced with warriors, enjoyed beautiful evenings with sundowners, caught the animals at first light and adored the cheetah cubs. We say good by tomorrow to this first group. Everyone has mixed feelings about it as we've all become good friends and will miss each other. Barry and I are hoping for a total repeat of this past safari with our new group."

Holbox Recap

There is a small, quiet, laid back village called Holbox located on an island "around the bend" from Cancun that we have fallen in love with. On the island is a small fishing lodge on the beach whose manager, Luciano, spoils his guests with expresso delivered to your door in the morning as a wake up call, fresh ceviche and cold beer on the veranda in the afternoon, and wonderful stories about the island and the people.

The fishing is all about tarpon, big and little. The babies are perfect 8 & 9-weight sport, but just because they're babies, it doesn't mean that they're easy. These fish see   a lot of flies so anglers change patterns often and extend their leaders hoping for an edge. The acrobatics begin as soon as one is hooked, for these "babies" love to jump and run line. Heck, it's so much fun that we've got anglers who only chase baby tarpon.

On the other hand, when the weather permits and the seas are calm, the guides can get out for big tarpon. Now the 12-weight rods and sinking lines come off the rack. Small tarpon flies are replaced with 4/0 and 6/0 black snakes and tarpon toads. Adrenaline ratchets up and you can feel the excitement as the pangas race through the liquid glass sea in the first light of day. Soon the guides are searching the horizon in search of rolling fish and once spotted, they rush to position the boat. We usually get one shot as the fish pass by and then it's leap frogging with other boats to get into position again, praying that the fish will stay up and we'll get another shot. It's an adrenalin rush, no doubt about it, but the real rush kicks in when a big fish is hooked. There's absolutely nothing like it. Ask Harry. He's in the photo with his 50th birthday tarpon.

Sound like fun? Well, we'll be going back to Isla Holbox next summer. Keep us in mind. You'll be glad you did. Contact us for dates and to get on our trip list.

Let the Show Begin

Barry and Cathy are in Orlando at the iCast/AFFTA (American Fly Fishing Trade Association) annual show. This is an industry show where all the manufacturers come together to show new products and product lines. Dealers, sales reps, distributors and manufacturers from all over the world are at the show for the next three days. Today was the second day of set-up and as you can see, the Sage booth went from chaos to stunning in 2 days time. While it took 2 days to put it up, at the end of the show it will all come down in about 5 hours time!

The new products from Sage for 2016 include the MOD, a moderate action rod in 2 thru 6 weights, all 9'. Retail $850. The Little ONE family is a handful of rods 0 thru 4 weight, all 8'2". Retail $850. The BOLT is an ultra-fast action rod in 4 thru 8 weight, all 9'. Retail $650. The PULSE is a fast action rod 3 thru 8 weight, various lengths. Retail $450. The popular METHOD, CIRCA, SALT, ONE, ACCEL, MOTIVE and APPROACH rods are not changed for 2016. The reel line continues to redefine itself and while there are new models and improvements within some of the families of reels, the families themselves have not changed.

A note from the Redington side, we're seeing lots of new rods and reels with amazing technology and design at even more amazing prices. Check out all of these new products at your local dealer in the coming months.

We'll have more from the show next week.

Still Space for the Spanish Pyrenees

We still have rooms available October 12-20, 2015, on our Spain departure. Fall is a beautiful time of year to be in the mountains and the Spanish Pyrenees are no exception. Come with us and experience spring creeks, streams and small tailwater rivers. Lot of fishing and lots of scenery and a great price. $5950, 6 days fishing. (double occupancy/shared guide). Spain is a great trip for non-anglers too. See the itinerary.

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go.....  

Our 2016 trip schedule is beginning to take shape and here's what it's looking like so far. We're currently working on getting all of the itineraries updated on the web site. If you're interested in a trip that is not up on the site yet, please let us know and we'll get you an itinerary. Hope to see you in 2016.

January 7-18 Coyhaique, Chile
Febrary 2-15 South Island, New Zealand
March 1-8 Tres Valles, Argentina
March 9-20 San Huberto and Quemquemtreu, Argentina
March 20-22 Limay River, Argentina
April 4-14 Campeche/Grand Slam, Mexico
Iceland June (mid-late, dates TBA)
July 8-18  Ireland
August 6-13 Alaska
August 20-27 & Aug. 27-Sept. 3 Bighorn MT
Spain (Oct. TBA)
Sept. 26-Oct. 3 Mongolia
Nov. 25-Dec. 5  Tres Valles, Argentina

Our order of the 2016 Angler calendars just arrived!  We are excited to announce that Willow Creek is showcasing the entire new year exclusively with Beck images.  We have them for sale in our online store.  You can check them out by clicking here. 

The Overland Journal Article You Won't Want to Miss

In 2014, after a week of taimen fishing in Mongolia Barry and Cathy and a small group of friends packed up sleeping bags, a week's supply of food, spare tires, water, and extra gas cans and drove across Mongolia to the western province of Olgii and the world famous Eagle Festival, a rendezvous of nomadic golden eagle hunters and spectators, to experience and capture images of this amazing event involving contests and competitions. Their essay appears in the current issue of Overland Journal. Although I heard the stories when they returned from their trip and I was involved in submitting the story for publication, when the printed magazine was delivered to our office I couldn't help but take time out to read it.  The magazine editors did a fantastic job printing some of Barry's best photos and Barry & Cathy wrote an engaging story of their time in Mongolia.  We hope you'll take the time to find a copy and enjoy it! 

Iceland, 2015- Cathy's Report from the Field

Summer (as it is) is arriving late in Iceland this year and some of the fishing areas are still closed because of snow. That said, Barry & Cathy had a good trip with lots of beautiful char and brown trout caught on dries, nymphs and even a few on streamers. We'll let the photos tell the story. It was pretty incredible and we are anxious to explore more of this new region next June.

Urgent! The Bahamas Need Your Help TODAY

The Bahamas fishing destroyed?  

We desperately need your help TODAY to stop ridiculous legislation that could be passed TOMORROW. Please read.

http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=bff91a6f13d94a309ad9b3885&id=13332306ee&e=4b3a2c83ca

Thinking about a Montana Fishing Trip?

The just out Aug/Sept. issue of Fly Fisherman Magazine has a feature story from Barry & Cathy on their favorite western river, the Bighorn for full or partial stay. And, the best part? We still have space on the August departure to the 'Horn with the Becks. Get the details in our Hosted Trips

We'll have a recap on Iceland for you next week. Barry is still editing photos — and I'm seeing some great shots.

Guiding

Our guiding season will soon be winding down for the summer.  We've had a great season here on Fishing Creek and lots of nice fish have been caught.  We'll be back in full swing in the fall so feel free to call our office anytime to schedule a day or two of guided fishing or instruction.  Here are some photos our guides shared with us from their days on the stream. 

RIO Blog

Also, Cathy was featured on RIO's blog a few weeks ago and I missed sharing it with you.  Here is the link- We hope you'll like her story about the baby Tarpon in Campeche, Mexico.  Enjoy!

http://www.rioproducts.com/blog/babies-of-campeche-by-cathy-beck/