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The Eddy Line: Angling through the masses
Published
11 years agoon
Summertime means sharing our waters
By Patrick Straub Explore Big Sky Fishing Columnist
Cut to the scene: local fly shops. It’s early morning, barely room to move on the sales floor; guides’ rigs with boats trailered fill the parking lot; eager anglers finger the hot flies stuffing their goodie cups; and all the while, phones are ringing constantly with inquiries from incoming fishermen and women.
One thing is certain: Summertime is here and our mountain town is humming with activity. Because we’ve got it pretty darn good here in Big Sky, our home waters are filled with locals and visiting anglers who are most likely fishing in all the best spots. For the next several weeks, enjoying the sport might take a little extra effort in the etiquette department. Here are a few tips:
Practice what you preach. If you’re concerned with being crowded or feel others might be in your favorite hole already, find another place to fish. If you start fishing near someone else, you’re probably encroaching on them. Do unto others…
Respect landowners and private property. Know the law: It’s public property BELOW the MEAN high-water mark. If you are uncertain, move on or find other place to fish or wade. If you’re fishing with your dog, leash it or keep it under control. Always, always, always obtain permission before crossing private property. Your actions can affect future opportunities for other anglers.
When floating, be very conscious of wading anglers. Give wading anglers a wide berth, and do not float through their fishing zones. As our rivers continue to drop, and low water becomes a forthcoming reality, common courtesy goes a long way. A polite “hello” helps all parties enjoy the encounter.
Be boat ramp ready. If you’re at the boat launch putting in or taking out, be ready to get in and get out. Have rods rigged, coolers loaded, and backing skills honed. Inflate rafts away from the ramp. When taking out, pull your boat then unpack the gear once out of the ramp area.
Share the love. This may sound crazy coming from a fly shop owner, but if you’re in the best hole in the river, feel good about sharing it. We’re lucky to live in Big Sky where we’re great at welcoming folks from all over the country – and the world – into our hamlet for the few months of our short summer. Get your fish on then head to your next favorite hole. Remember, those fish will still be there when the summer crowds leave.
Leave it better than you found it. Pretty simple here. Don’t leave trash. Pick up after others. Yada, yada, yada … all the things you learned in kindergarten.
I tell the clients in my boat and in our shop that Montana is the land of 10 months of winter and two months of friends and relatives. This sentiment is amplified by the presence of our many summer visitors. Fortunately there are dedicated people who work tirelessly to preserve and protect the resources that brought us here or continue to keep us here.
Our summer season is upon us, and that means we have to share the love.
Pat Straub is the author of six books, including The Frugal Fly Fisher, Montana On The Fly, and the forthcoming Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Fly Fishing* *but were afraid to ask. He and his wife own Gallatin River Guides in Big Sky.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
Upcoming Events
april, 2024
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Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
Time
14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
The Waypoint
50 Ousel Falls Rd