Deerfly Diaries

Colorado Hosts the First-Ever America Cup Fly Fishing Tournament

Twelve teams of anglers from six different countries are convening on Colorado waters to compete in what some consider the world championship of fly fishing.  The competition takes place Wednesday the 10th through Friday the 12th on the Blue, Colorado and Arkansas rivers and on Ten Mile Creek.  Check out the video, courtesy of the Aspen Times, for more details.

The Grouse Formerly Known as Blue

A couple years back the Colorado Division of Wildlife began referring to the Blue grouse as the Dusky grouse.  In fact, now they refer to it as the Dusky grouse (the bird formerly known as the Blue grouse).  I have to say, I almost fell over laughing when I first read that.  I think it's because it too closely reminded me of the Artist Formerly Known as Prince.

Call it Dusky or call it Blue.  I call hunting grouse in the mountains a good time.  Opening day of the season was today.  My husband, Glenn, our two German shorthairs, Porter and Elsie, and I all headed for the high country early this morning.  My close friends probably know where we went, but that is all that I am going to say.

The morning was cool, the grass was wet from dew, and a brisk wind blew up the mountain.  Perfect scenting conditions for the dogs.  I can now say with confidence that Porter is a seasoned grouse dog in the mountains.  In the back of my mind there is always a small worry that somehow the long off-season caused some memory lapse in my dog, but all worries were set aside as soon as Porter was on the ground.  I could elaborate, but let's just say a good time was had by all.