Doc Thompson Newsletter

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DOC’S NEWSLETTER MARCH 2019

NEWS
I don’t know about you, but I am about ready for warmer days and trout on a dry fly!  Here in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains we are about 25% above average snow, a blessing compared to last winter.  Things are shaping up to have good water conditions and happy trout.  Recently returned from the annual hosted saltwater trip to Playa and Casa Blanca.  Another fun trip was had by all.  Paul landing his first of 4 permit at Playa.  Multiple 20+ pound permit were landed.  Wonderful snook action at Casa and Diane landed a triple tail.  A few pictures from the trip are below.  Here in NM the Lower Red is fishing and should continue until about mid April about the time the Cimarron starts fishing good.  Things are shaping up for a good season at Trinchera Ranch. The Rio Grande was up and pretty murky last couple days from recent rain and lower elevation snow melt.  The Cimarron is still winter time low right now, however, expectt to see it starting to fish later in March as the days warm up.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
March 30, 2019
Mountain Hideway in Lubbock, TX.  At 10:30AM I will be presenting a a program on fly fishing in Northern New Mexico.  At 1:30PM I will be presenting a program on fly selection.  Mountain Hideaway is a wonderful family owned outdoor store and Orvis dealer fly shop.  Stop in for the day or for part of it. There will be beverages and snacks.  For store info click here.
April 4, 2019: Gordy and Sons in Houston, TX. I will be on scene from about Noon until 7PM with a program on fly fishing Northern New Mexico starting about 5PM or so.  Gordon and Son’s is a fine fly shop and hunting outfitter with a fabulous grand showroom and casting pond.  Come by to visit and see the program.  For store info click here.
April 6, 2019:  Orvis Southlake in Southlake, TX (DFW area). At 10:20AM I will be presenting a program on fly fishing in Northern New Mexico.  At 1:30PM I will be presenting a program on fly selection. Brett is the fishing manager at Orvis Southlake, a great guy that knows Northern NM.  I think there will be beverage and food there. For store info click here.
May 4, 2019: Enchanted Circle Trout Unlimited Annual Banquet and Fundraiser in Taos, NM.  Guest speaker is Peter Kutzer, Orvis Fly Casting Video Guy as seen on the Orvis Blog.  Before the banquet he will be doing a casting demo and seminar then will be guest speaker for the banquet.  Details soon.

Is your local fly shop or fly fishing club interested in an educational program?  If so please pass along my contact information or contact me.

January 18-25, 2020: Hosted trip Playa Blanca 4 spots available
Jan 25-Feb 1, 2020: Hosted trip Casa Blanca 6 spots available
We do a week at each lodge because we just can’t decide which is better.  Join us for one week or both. These small sister lodges are located on a secluded Southern Yucatan island surrounded by the finest flats, lagoons and mangrove waters. This is the destination for real chances at permit, tarpon, snook and bonefish. Perhaps one of the best destinations in the world for a grand slam or super slam.  The lodging is top notch with an elegantly simple Caribbean style. Inviting hospitality and fresh delicious Yucatan cuisine. The guides are knowledgable, friendly, work with all skill levels an can speak english. Contact me for details.  Can’t join us on these dates, don’t worry I can still set up the trip for you. You don’t want to miss out on fishing Playa or Casa. Contact me for more trip information.

TIPS, TIDBITS AND RAMBLINGS
Winter is still here and spring is fast approaching.  This is a good time of year to do some spring cleaning.  This is a good time of year to start going through gear, fly boxes, fishing packs and so forth getting things ready.  You know that cantankerous reel, pull it out and clean it out maybe its time to replace it.  Now is a good time to attempt to organize fly boxes. I say attempt because it seems like when my boxes get organized they quickly become scrambled like a fly box demon was let loose.  Don’t forget to clean out fishing packs and vests.  Throw out the old leaders/tippet and replace with new to avoid losing a fish to old tippet.  At the same time keep an eye out for old treasures like the hand full of pistachios I found and the wad of leader from a nasty bird’s nest wind knot even though the wind really wasn’t the cause but thats my excuse.  The good news is after some spring cleaning your gear will be ready for the season.

Bueno Rises!
Doc Thompson
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700 Springs Tour Date Set
700 Springs Tour 2019 Date Set – Saturday morning, April 27,
At 10:00 o’clock, a motorcade is scheduled to leave the Courthouse in Junction for the 20-mile drive to the site known as Seven Hundred Springs (Highway 377, S).  There is no admission charge; however, donations to benefit the local historical museum are appreciated.   You may need a light wrap or sweater, as the Springs’ area can be a bit chilly.  Bring a sack lunch and bottled water.  We do have a few rules – no swimming or fishing.  Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.  We discourage bringing pets, but if that is necessary, they must be on a leash.  Parking is in a designated area.  Cameras are allowed.  You must wait for the lead car before entering the Springs property.  We will be traversing a scenic route, so drive with care – river crossings, steep hills, winding road, etc.  Others may be joining the motorcade en-route.  It is sometimes not possible to get to the Springs in the event of rain, but the weather seems promising for the coming weekend.  The program will consist of a history of the Springs and its environs, and an insight into how the Springs began.  You will also learn of the outlaw era along the South Llano River and beyond.  If you have further questions, please feel free to call Frederica Wyatt @ 325-446-2477 or send an e-mail to fywatt30@cebridge.net .

March 12th Fly Tying Night

Just a reminder that we will be doing Fly tying at the American Legion Hall on 410 West Coll St., New Braunfels from 7-9 pm. next Tuesday March 12th.  Come in the front door and we are in the first door to the right.
Rumor has it that the White Bass are running so we are going to be tying a favorite fly of theirs.  The Clouser
You may bring your own equipment or the club has equipment you can use.
Hope to see you there.

CASTING WITH MIKE ON SATURDAY THE 2ND OF MARCH

It was a little chilly and the wind was blowing moderately, but 7 intrepid souls(Jeff O’Bara, Gary Nyland, Dewitt Bebout, Ron DeMeyer, Dick Holte, Pamela Jennings, Bill Baker and Brien John) showed up for the casting class.  We focused on basics to include grip, stance, constant acceleration to a stop and mastering the 4 part cast.  We also had a Skagit rig that we were introduced to and got to cast that too.  As the instructor, I felt there was a lot of improvement in the individual casters after we reviewed the basics and reinforced the muscle memory for the basic cast.  Hope to see you all and more on March the 23rd for the advanced casting class held at the same time and place.