Bitteroot Lake- – Fishing decent in the morning off south boat launch. 40-100ft of water with Hali’s and Swedish Pimples. Big Kamloop’s should be showing up more frequently.
Ashley Lake-– Good Kokanee fishing in 40-80ft of water with Hali’s and Swedish Pimples. Fish shallow for Cutbows and Perch.
Flathead River Sloughs- -Nice Pike fishing dead bait under tip ups and a few nice panfish. Pike should be feeding before ice off.
Smith Lake- – Big Perch should be starting to feed heavily before spawning. Leech and bug patterns on the south end in 3-9ft of water.
Lake Mary Ronan-– Good Perch fishing in 8-20ft of water, Kokanee will be around the Perch as well. Tungsten and wax worms should work.
Island Lake- Perch in numbers nothing too big. Some Pike here and there.
Thompson Chain-– Upper fishing better for big Pike and quite a few decent Perch. Middle fishing good for bigger Perch off Logan State Park and big Kokanee in deep water. Lower fishing well for lots of small Perch. No news on Pike.
Flathead River--Fishing good on warm days in deeper runs and slow riffles. Fire bead San Juan worms and Ray Charles are doing wonders. Stone fly patterns should work as well. Some fish feeding on top for midges. Water might muddy up after a week or so.
Ice conditions are getting worse. Check them for yourself before you go out.
Have any questions? Stop by Sportsmans & Ski Haus FishingDepartment and have a chat with Buck, Drew or Nate!
Tight Lines!
Come in today for the very best in lifestyle clothing!
Hard Tail is a Santa Monica based premium active and lifestyle clothing brand and the leader in evolution.
Hard Tail’s evolution as an apparel manufacturer is rooted in the Southern California lifestyle and it’s easy, relaxed and casual lineage. The brand embodies the lifestyle of an active woman, allowing her to not only feel confident, but to remain comfortable and sexy.
Thanks so much to Perrey Sobba, at Space Pilates for allowing us to visit her amazing new Pilates Studio, and shooting the new Hard Tail Forever line, which is currently at our Kalispell location. See you on Monday for your big studio Grand Opening!
Martino brings together Canadian genuine authenticity, Italian quality and great design with an extensive knowledge of winter boots. Martino boots are original, classic and all made in Quebec City. Come in today to shop these comfy classics.
Tanner Hall was here Sat. Oct. 22nd to sign posters, and talk about his upcoming film ‘Ring The Alarm.’ This two year project showcases the style, progression and amazing skiing (and snowboarding) by Tanner and an assortment of the industry’s best athletes. #Tannerhall420 #armadaskis#caseysbarwhitefish #skiadventure. Thanks so much for coming and spending time with the crew!!! Best of luck with the film!!
As a rule, for a technical garment to be comfortable and convenient, fit is all-important. Fit ensures that cuffs extend the right distance over the hand, depending on the activity; that the jacket doesn’t ride up when you raise your arms; and that pant knees accommodate the natural flex of the legs. We therefore design our product patterns so that when the pieces of fabric are assembled, they form an ergonomic build – matching users’ bodyshape and not restricting their movements.
But the curved shape of our neck is hard, and even impossible, to follow using conventional pattern-making techniques, due to the stiffness of the zippers we use. When the collar’s up, this rigidity causes rubbing on the chin (serious powder + hood = irritated skin!) and lots of air around the neck, which is bad news for keeping warmth in.
Faced with this obstacle, we held meetings then undertook a long-term project with YKK, our supplier (and world-leading zipper maker), to create a zipper that would put an end to the problem.
Whatever backpacking adventures you’re planning this year, Sportsman & Ski Haus can help you get there in comfort and safety. Not only do our hiking experts have the product knowledge to guide you to the right gear for your journey, they’re also experienced in the outdoors and understand the local terrain.
We’ve put together a list of resources to help get you started-off on the trail right.
1) Get a good pack. We carry packs and backpacking gear from Osprey, The North Face and Deuter as well as tents, sleeping bags, pads, hiking boots and all the camp essentials you’ll need out on your trek.
Here’s what you should look for in a durable, functional pack that will outlast your adventures:
2) Pack A Good First Aid Kit. Click Here for a great resource on how to put one together.
3) Pack A Map & Compass. Make sure you know how to use a compass and get familiar with the area you’ll be hiking into. GPS trackers are also nice on the trail, but not mandatory. If you do pack a GPS device of some kind, make sure you know how to use it.
4) Learn How To Pack Your Pack. Osprey Packs has a great guide to Packing Your Pack Here. Plus check out the video below for more info:
Osprey | Damn Good Packs from Osprey Packs on Vimeo.
Additional Resources:
We’re super excited to find out that we’re listed in Gear Patrol’s “25 Best Outdoor Stores in America!” Checkout the entire article here.
Buying outdoor gear in person, in a brick-and-mortar store, is a less frequent occurrence than it was 10 years ago. Sites like Backcountry, Moosejaw and Sierra Trading Post put every piece of gear that you could ever want right at your fingertips. No longer are you limited to the brands that your local shop carries, or what it happens to have in stock. But those who advocate for this type of shopping experience (yes, oftentimes you can save money, and that’s cool) are missing the point. 90 percent of the outdoor-gear-shop experience is person-to-person interaction. The folks at your local gear haven have unique local knowledge that gear sites don’t. Looking to take on an overnight hike close to your house? No problem. Not only do they have the gear you need, they can help to recommend a route as well. If you’re looking to stock up your outdoor kit with a side of local knowledge, try one of these stellar outdoor stores across the country.
Kalispell, MT: Since Sportsman & Ski Haus is flanked by Montana’s two biggest national forests, the shop also acts as a fantastically located rental shop. And, being surrounded by some of the county’s most serious wildlife, Sportsman & Ski Haus also has must-attend events like the Glacier Challenge & Whitefish Lake Run and Counter Assault Bear Spray Demo.
We’re excited to welcome Brian Grosswiler, PGA Golf Professional, to our Golf Department!
Brian was born and raised in Kalispell, a graduate of Flathead High School and a U.S. Navy veteran. In 1984, he was selected to attend the San Diego Golf Academy, CA, for a career as a PGA Golf Professional. He graduated from the Academy in 1986 and immediately started his golf career working in mostly private Clubs, such as Tucson Country Club in Tucson, AZ and Apache Wells Country Club in Mesa, AZ. In 2000 he and his wife chose to return to their home state of Montana and raise their sons in the environment only the Big Sky country can offer.
Before joining the Sportsman team, Brian was the GM/Head Golf Professional at the golf Course in Ronan, MT providing the highest quality service for the golfer’s experience. At Sportsman & Ski Haus that quality of service is only elevated with our state-of-the-art teaching center utilizing the most advanced technologies, including the Trackman simulator and video. Sportsman’s club fitting system allows Brian to properly fit any golfer from a beginner to seasoned.
While out competing Brian has had the opportunity to use a variety of different products. His personal favorites include Taylor Made, Titlist, Odyssey and Callaway, which all offer exceptional playability and can be found at the Sportsman.
The aspects that Brian likes most about golf start with the competition of the game, the serenity of the golf course, and there is no greater satisfaction as a PGA professional then seeing a student that has just taken a lesson leave with the confidence to go out and play a better game!
Come see Brian at our Kalispell store for any golf related questions or call 406-755-6484 ext -275.
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Did you know we offer Gift Registry at our Kalispell store? Just head on back to the customer service desk to sign up or to pick out that perfect gift for the outdoor lovers on your list. What better gift is there than an amazing outdoor experience that you helped make happen?
NEW at Sportsman & Ski Haus! The Arc’teryx Atom SL weighs in at only 285/250 g (Men’s/Women’s Medium) and fits in the smallest corner of a backpack. It offers all necessary features like: two zippered pockets, adjustable hood with laminated brim, and adjustable waist cord.
arcteryx
The Atom SL Hoody is the perfect ‘always with me’ jacket for summer outdoor activities. From climbing to camping, the lightest hoody of the Atom family offers quick warmth and protection on chilly evenings or shady walls. Come check it out at Sportsman & Ski Haus in Kalispell.
By John Robertson.
Glock. A name you know well. 50,000 round torture tests in mud, water, ice and heat. Legendary reliability, tremendous popularity with law enforcement and now… the highest tech and performance modifications.
If you’re looking for the Ultimate Glock, look no further. Announcing the ZEV Dragonfly G17, available now at the Sportsman. ZEV Technologies is a US company that uses only 100% US made aftermarket parts and assemblies. They offer nothing but the finest upgrades for your handgun. They also sell completed handguns, of which we have one example here.
There is nothing “normal” about this Glock. A summary list of the endless modifications include lightened slide, re-contoured and stippled grip, completely upgraded trigger assembly, massive aluminum magwell and a match barrel.
If “Glock on Steroids” is what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place.
From the latest in “Race Gun” technology to tried and true hunting rifles, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Gun Department at Sportsman & Ski Haus.
While you’re here, make sure and check out the fabled Sako TRG-42, chambered in 338LM.
Now’s a great time to try out our TrackMan Golf simulators! All this month we’ll be running specials on some of the greatest golf courses in the world! Through December 14th you can play 18 holes in Hawaii for only $15 per person!
Play as a single, pair, threesome or foursome on either one of our bays. Call ahead to reserve a tee time at 406-755-6484 ext- 275 or reserve online here.
The K2 Men’s Pinnacle ski is a light weight, all-mountain machine, stock with new technology and engineering straight from the brilliant mind of Spock at K2. These babies feature All-Terrain Rocker, an elevated tip for variable and soft snow performance, as well as camber underfoot for power, energy, and edge-hold in firmer conditions. Simply put, All-Terrain Rocker offers versatility and ease in all snow conditions.
Having won several industry awards this season, this one-ski quiver performs like the humvee of skis, looks awesome, and is available in these waist widths: 95, 105, or 118. The Pinnacle 118, Seth Morrison’s pro model, has been updated with K2 Konic Technology and is suited to slay soft, deep snow. Take your pick. Any way you choose you’re going to love them.
The Pinnacle is available to demo this season at either Sportsman & Ski Haus location. Stop and find out for yourself what makes these sticks so rad.
This Free 2-part Clinic includes 3 hours of professional golf instruction led by Host Teaching Professional, Rick Donahue, and Sportsman’s own John Cole in the golf department at the Kalispell store.
Part one: Driving – October 27th, 7:00 – 8:30pm – Each student will receive a video analysis of their swing.
Part two: Putting – October 29th, 7:00 – 8:30pm
No “Dough” is required to join these clinics but they are limited to the first six people to sign up using the contact form below. “Show” your interest and register now!
The Clinics are full. We hope to see you at our next one.
Fishing journalist Jeff Samsel accidentally stumbled onto a method that trout fishermen around the world have been using effectively for years. You, too, can enjoy success combining a spin reel with flies if you use the right equipment and technique.
To take advantage of a trout’s selective feeding tendency, fishermen use a tactic called “matching the hatch.” This involves simulating the appearance of a hatch by selecting the right type of fly and presenting it in a manner which looks to trout like aquatic insects in motion. Martin Joergensen of Global FlyFisher says that coastal fishermen in Europe have found that the best way to catch sea trout is by combining a spinning rod and fly with a bubble float, a method which can also be adapted to fishing in streams and other bodies of water.
To use this method for catching trout or other fish with a spinning reel, you first need the right type of fly. Experienced fishermen study riverbed rocks and bushes beside streams in order to identify which local insects are most prevalent, which stage they’re currently in, and which corresponding types of flies are called for. In general, the chief insects in a trout’s diet are mayflies, caddisflies, midges and stoneflies.
To control light flies such as nymphs and dry flies, you will need a casting bubble or float to add weight to your fly. Bubble floats can be filled with water for additional weight to control distance, direction and depth, while casting floats come in different densities with guiding pins for refined control. Colored floats are better for nymphs, which lie farther below the surface and are harder to see.
A bobber stop and bead will help you control the depth of your fly. Some stops are designed to snap onto your line without the need for a bead, tying or threading. You will also want a small ring or swivel for the end of your line along with some extra-light two- to four-pound test line to use as leader line. This will be easier to tie to your fly than your heavier main line.
Trout can live in an area only a few feet long if it’s at least two feet deep or if one end has a log or rock they can hide under. Most medium-sized and large-sized trout streams are well-publicized, the trick is finding a small stream. These can be found by investigating branches of larger streams that look too small and brush-filled to attract most fishermen. Following such tributaries and wading upstream can often reveal great fishing spots. Try to find a spot where you can cast at least 30 feet of line. Outdoor writer, Patrick Meitin, offers some great tips on the best places to find trout in his article Dry-fly Nirvana.
After you find a promising spot, Reddington offers some tips for scoping the area out. Although dawn and dusk are the best times to fish, mid-day is the best time for actually spotting fish. Wearing polarized sunglasses will aid your ability to see into the water. Look for places where the current slows down with features that can conceal trout, such as undercut stream banks, boulders, fallen trees, heads of pools at the ends of rapids and shallow-rapid riffles. Take a position where the sun is behind you but your shadow isn’t blocking your view. Approach slowly and quietly, keeping low and being careful not to stomp or splash. Look through the water column for fish shadows on the waterbed, reflections off scales or fins. Realize that you’re more likely to spot these hints of a fish than a full fish.
If you’re using a bubble float that doesn’t snap on, you’ll need to thread it first. Campfire Companion’s video below demonstrates how to thread a bubble. Your stopper or stop-knot goes on your line first, along with a bead. Then after filling your bubble with as much water as you want, insert your line through the smaller end of the bubble first so that the larger end will be on the bottom. To tie a snap swivel on, use a simple overhand knot to create a loop at the end of your line, thread the loop through the eye of your swivel, and bring your swivel through the loop. You can use another overhand loop to attach your snap swivel to your leader.
Angler Jim Bedford provides some experienced tips for catching trout with light tackle. While bait fisherman traditionally wade downstream, for light tackle, Bedford instead recommends wading upstream using a low profile and slow strides and placing your fly upstream.
Accurate placement is essential. Trout usually hide under cover, and the closer you can get your fly to their hiding spot, the better your odds of luring them out. Aim upstream of where you suspect fish are hiding. An underhand pendulum motion will enable you to keep your lure in sight until it reaches your target, while allowing you to make in-flight adjustments and avoid overhanging branches.
As your lure drifts toward you from upstream, reel in the slack. Keep your rod tip relatively high, which will keep some line out of the water and make it easier to detect bites and set the hook. Trout sometimes suck flies into their mouths and spit them out without taking a hard bite, so even if you only notice a tiny movement, set the hook!
From GPS technology to smartphones, technology has followed many hunters into the field, especially those that go with their hunting dogs. You can use technology to keep your dog safe, monitor his or her health and keep tabs on his or her whereabouts. With the latest Hunting technology you won’t have to worry about bulk. It’s designed to be lightweight and durable — two things you really want when running your dogs.
There are numerous apps designed to help you improve the hunt time you spend with your dogs, many of which focus on keeping your dog healthy. Here are a few apps to download:
There is a lot of gear out there aimed at hunters and their dogs. Below are a few of our picks:
GoPro Fetch is a fun product that lets you see what your dog sees in the field. The fully adjustable harness allows you to mount the GoPro on your dog’s chest or back. GoPro cameras and accessories are available at both of our locations. Currently the “Fetch” harness is available by special order.
For Walter Kenyon, winning this year’s “My Dog and the Great Outdoors” contest meant more than just scoring his dog some awesome gear from Ruffwear. It was a way to commemorate a bond with his four-legged friend, Pippi, after having a near-death experience on the highway with her last spring.
It was May 23rd, 2015 when Walter and Pippi took a trip along highway 83 towards Seeley Lake that would change both of their lives. After passing another vehicle, Walter’s truck hit the berm on the on the edge of the highway and as he attempted to steer to the left, he lost control. The truck rolled six times down an embankment, ejecting both Walter and Pippi from the vehicle.
When a first responder found him lying face down on the edge of a swamp, the first thing on Walter’s mind was Pippi. Totally unaware and unconcerned with his own state of being, he told the responder that he needed to find his dog. After many unsuccessful attempts to locate her, emergency personal gave up and Walter was taken to the hospital without knowing the fate of his best friend.
As an MSU nursing student, Walter wasn’t used to having others care for him. He admits it was a difficult pill to swallow when he found himself in a hospital bed with multiple injuries, including 19 broken bones, some of which required surgery to mend, not to mention a few pins and rods. Worst of all was having lost Pippi. Walter’s devastation prompted some of his close friends to return to the scene of the accident and look for his lost dog. Pippi was not one to come to strangers, but as the fates would allow, Pippi responded to the calling of her name and was miraculously found with only a scratch on her body.
It’s been a long journey to recovery for Walter, having to rely on the help of his nursing friends just so that he could walk again. One thing is for sure; his recovery would not have been complete without his special companion, Pippi.
For all you Ski Cruncher Die-hards out there planning to camp out in line for our biggest Snowsports sale of the year, this contest is for you!
Here’s how it works:
Prizes: A swag bag of goodies from Sportsman & Ski Haus, GoPro, and Burton Snowboards. One grand prize winner from each store will win a Base Camp Duffel from The North Face.
By entering and submitting a photo, you grant Crown Enterprises Inc. permission to use and display your photo for marketing, advertising and promotional purposes including, but not limited to, online promotions such as Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, sportsmanskihaus.com, tristateoutfitters.com, and Instagram, as well as in-store promotions, print media and broadcast without any obligation to pay compensation or any right of approval. Crown Enterprises Inc. reserves the right to end the promotional contest at any time, for any reason.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram. We reserve the right to remove any photos or comments that we deem inappropriate.
• Must tag photo #crunchercampout to be eligible to win.
* Prizes are As-Is & cannot be exchanged or returned for cash value.
* Winners must be present in line for our Ski Cruncher Sale to win.
* Employees of Crown Enterprises Inc. and their immediate family are ineligible to enter or win.
During Hurricane Sandy, New Yorkers could be seen in Washington Square Park recharging their cellphones with electricity generated by portable camping stoves, which also provided warm coffee. The stoves were supplied by BioLite, a Brooklyn-based business pioneering innovative ways to generate off-grid heat and power. The New York Business Journal recently reported that this smart startup raised $5 million in capital to promote its mission of bringing clean energy solutions to developing countries and outdoor enthusiasts. Company founders Jonathan Cedar and Alec Drummond see BioLite technology as a potential solution to a range of global problems associated with third-world use of wooden cooking stoves. Outdoor campers can also benefit from BioLite’s innovative products, which provide energy-efficient cooking, recharging and lighting solutions.
BioLite’s breakthrough product was the HomeStove, unveiled in 2009 at the ETHOS Combustion Conference, where it won the top prize for lowest emissions. The stove applied a thermoelectric phenomenon which enables temperature differences to be converted into electrical voltage and vice versa. By applying this principle, Cedar and Drummond designed a small stove that converts heat from burning wood into electricity to power a fan. The stove generates heat and electricity at the same time. It requires only half the fuel of other wood-burning stoves, while producing 95 percent less toxic smoke.
For people in developing nations, this is a breakthrough. According to WorldChanging.com, about three billion people in the world use wooden cooking stoves that give off excessive fumes, causing 1.5 million deaths annually from smoke inhalation. By reducing smoke, BioLite stoves can save lives. The stoves can also make life easier by requiring less work spent gathering wood. Additionally, BioLite’s stoves produce 91 percent less CO2 than traditional stoves, equivalent to 1.5 fewer tons per year, or the amount saved by using a hybrid car.
Since introducing the HomeStove, BioLite has used the same principle to develop several other cooking products suitable for both third-world use and camping outdoors. The CampStove is smaller than the HomeStove and can be powered by sources such as sticks and pinecones, making it well-suited to portable outdoor use. The BioLite BaseCamp is a larger version of the CampStove with a grill top built in.
In addition to supplying heat, BioLite stoves also produce power. The stoves come with an attached USB port that is powered when you burn a fire, which can be used to recharge your smartphone. The stove burns wood fast, so you should gather a couple shopping bags of twigs if you intend to fully recharge a battery. Clean accumulated ashes out periodically to keep the flame hot enough for optimal charging.
Portable LightingBioLite has also developed a line of portable USB-powered lighting products. As the Dish Insider’s Guide explains, the BioLite NanoGrid combines charging and lighting features into a grid network you can hold in your hand or hang from a tree. The grid includes a standable PowerLight, which can be charged via USB from either a BioLite stove or an electrical outlet, and two overhead SightLights, powered by the PowerLight and connected by 20 feet of cord. The grid can illuminate a campsite area for up to 22 hours.
With portability in mind, BioLite also produces a number of carrying cases for its products, available on the company’s website. The BioLite Carry Pack comes with a two-way adjustable strap and is designed to carry the BaseCamp unit, with room for other items such as wood. The BioLite Kettle Pot can also serve as a carrying case for the CampStove.
You can checkout all of the BioLite products in this article at any Sportsman & Ski Haus location.
The SCOTT Spark 750 has a super light Alloy frame, a FOX CTD fork and a FOX Float CTD shock, in combination with our TwinLoc technology to always allow you to optimize your ride. It’s lightweight, durable, affordable and retains all the great geometry and ride of its Carbon cousins. – See more at scott-sports.com.
It’s no wonder our Action Sports expert Jared Lynch picked the Scott 2015 Spark 750 Mountain Bike to feature. If you’re looking for a great entry-level Full-Suspension mountain bike at an affordable price that comes stock with quality components, you can’t beat the Spark 750 when it comes to value. This bike is ON SALE right now at both our locations! Call 406-755-6484 X – 240 for pricing.
Jared Lynch
Here’s a list of its key features:
HERO4 Session packs the power of GoPro into our smallest, lightest, most convenient camera yet, featuring a rugged and waterproof design, easy one-button control, 1080p60 video and 8MP photos. – See more at: GoPro.com
According to GoPro, the Session is “50% smaller and 40% lighter than other HERO4 cameras.” Which makes it’s easier to mount, and GoPro doesn’t skimp on the mounts and accessories. The sky’s the limit when it comes to mounting options.
But just because it’s little doesn’t mean it’s not powerful. On the contrary. Here’s some of it’s best features:
La Sportiva Women’s Core High GTX
Recently our Ski Haus Manager and avid hiker, Kirsten Topel, tried a pair of La Sportiva Women’s Core High GTX hiking boots out on a hike in Glacier National Park. When she came back she couldn’t stop raving about them!
What she liked:
Come check them out in the footwear department at our Kalispell store.
Thanks to everyone who participated in our Inaugural Golf Tournament at Northern Pines on Sunday, June 28th, 2015! Competitors took on the course even amidst sizzling temps.
Results:
A Flight
1st Gross: 57 Pro Clean 2 1st Net: 55.9 The Manly Merkins
2nd Gross: 58 Dang It Earl 2nd Net 56.93 Off Constantly
B Flight
1st Gross: 60 Worm Burners 1st Net: 54.44 Augare Team
2nd Gross: 68 Tinseth and Associates 2nd Net: 67.48 Pro Clean 1
By John Robertson
Finland. Not always the first country people think of when discussing the highest quality rifles in the world.
But it turns out that the Finns are obsessed with making not just the best rifles, but ammunition and reloading components as well. VihtaVouri, Lapua, Tikka and of course, Sako are brands you may have heard of that come out of Finland and are all at the top of their categories in quality and performance.
We in the Gun Department at the Sportsman are very proud to present the legendary TRG 42, chambered, appropriately enough, in Lapua’s own 338LM.
If you are not familiar with the 338 Lapua Magnum round, it currently holds the world record of 2,707 yds. (over 1.5 miles) for the longest sniper kill ever by Corporal Rob Furlong in Afghanistan.
The TRG was designed by Sako to provide the ultimate extreme long range precision platform. It has a fully adjustable length of pull and cheekrest. It also offers a short, smooth 60 degree bolt lift for super fast cycling. A muzzle brake keeps things reasonable in the recoil department and proprietary metal TRG mags insure trouble-free feeding.
Stop by the Gun Dept. at the Kalispell store and see the best offering to date from Sako for LE and Military long range engagements available to the civilian market.
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The Sportsman & Ski Haus is proud to welcome Golf Pro and Instructor, Rick Donahue, to our team! He now offers lessons, small groups and clinics for juniors, adults and seniors at our Golf Dept. in Kalispell.
Rick has been serving the golf industry since 1978 as a teaching and playing professional. Here’s a few of Rick’s achievements:
Contact Rick at 406-260-3043 to make an appointment.
Checkout his website at www.rickdonahue.com
Name: Drew Mumford
Position: Fishing Department
Favorite Outdoor Activities: Fishing.
Photo Above: Brown Trout caught in Eastern Montana on a fly rod
When Drew isn’t talking about fish at Sportsman, he can be found slaying fish all around the state. Drew grew up in the Flathead Valley and has been fishing ever since he could walk. His strategies for Fall fishing are fishing big streamers for large predacious trout. Drew’s favorite time to fish is Fall.
It’s not to late to get out and go fishing before the snow flies.
Part I in our Winter Sport Series
By Patrick Meitin
When I lived in the Southwest I loved winter (namely its bird hunting) and hated summer (more pointedly, its consistent triple-digit temperatures). After a decade in the Inland Northwest those sentiments have essentially reversed, at least in terms of true winter, which for me is January and February. Admittedly this has a lot to do with a three-mile-long driveway that must be plowed after frequent winter snows, and the ice-slick hour commute into work that follows on such days. Such is the price of living in forested, game-rich mountains situated well above town… Today the best things in life occur June through August (dry-fly fishing for trout), September (archery elk season) and October (fly fishing for steelhead). These are the very reasons I left territory I’d spent an entire life becoming intimately familiar with to come north and start a new life.
But I digress. So true winter – aside from plowing snow in the dark of morning, the daily anxiety of sliding into an icy ditch and banging up a vehicle, 7:30 a.m. sunrises, 4 p.m. sunsets, occasional frozen water pipes and muddy dog tracks through the house – isn’t something I truly hate, hate. I mean not in the sense of, say, the federal government’s intrusion into my private life. But unlike summer, when every day away from work offers a cornucopia of outdoor possibilities, I sometimes feel a bit hemmed in by winter, its sometimes oppressive weather and too-short days.
But let’s not dwell on negatives. S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder) well aside, it’s difficult enough to get motivated for outdoor activities when the mercury plummets. But there are things, fun things, to get you out from behind the boob tube and share quality time with loved ones, or simply engage in some healthy outdoor activity.
Ice Fishing
I’ve learned to embrace ice fishing, my motto being ice fishing is better than no fishing at all. Besides, bluegill, crappie, trout, bass or pike caught from clean, nearly-freezing water are the best fillets you’ll ever taste. There’s also something truly adventurous in braving the elements out on the ice and returning home rosy-cheeked and toe-tingly to enjoy nutritious food you’ve wrestled from a frozen land.
Of course you can use the standard-issue tackle of summer (and a digging bar to spud holes through ice), but ice fishing is really a lot more fun – and productive – while using the proper tools for the job. Instead of a digging bar (which can easily end up on the bottom of the lake after slipping through ice-slick gloves) a hand auger is preferred, creating fishing ports much more efficiently and cleanly. It’s $55 well spent.
Stubby but sensitive ice-fishing rods or tip-ups (allowing you to operate through several holes simultaneously) are another welcomed piece of gear, making it easier to maneuver fish through small holes and detect the most subtle nibbles (which is par while ice fishing). Special-formula ice-fishing lines (Trilene Micro Ice or Cold Weather, for instance) also remain suppler in cold temperatures and is extra sensitive for those easy-to-miss panfish taps. An inexpensive rod holder poses the works above your hole (allowing you to sit comfortably in your folding chair with hands in warm pockets).
The most serious sports invest in an ice shelter, to cut wind and hold the heat from something like a portable Mr. Heater. There are also extraneous gear to consider, like ice cleats to strap on your winter boots to assure a sure grip on slippery ice, bait buckets or tubs and ice skimmers. At some point you’ll need an ice-fishing sled to schlep all this gear (and hopefully some dead fish) to and from your vehicle. This is all gear you’ll find at our employee-owned Tri-State Outfitters and Sportsman & Ski Haus locations.
Late Steelhead Fishing
In light of freezing line and iced guides, as a hard-core fly fisherman I sometimes neglect winter steelhead fishing. Many anglers are of the same mind, considering steelhead fishing a mild-weather pursuit reserved for September and October. Of course steelhead are in Idaho’s Salmon, Snake and Clearwater systems throughout the winter and into early spring and fishing remains good throughout. You just need to be tough enough, to want it enough, to bundle up and fight Mother Nature for that bounty.
Various studies I’ve read reveal steelhead are individualists, some camping out in lower stretches until the last possible moment before moving to spawning waters, some moving around frequently, others making the entire trip up front before hanging up. What this means is steelhead are distributed throughout Idaho’s river systems any time from early August through May. Your favorite October pool can still produce in February, even it’s on the outskirts of Lewiston on the lower Clearwater River. Though, most serious steelheaders follow migrations upstream, fishing farther up the Snake and into the Grand Rhonde or past Orofino and into the Middle and South Forks of the Clearwater system as the season progresses.
Steelhead are spring spawners, while salmon have been in the system since August. Area rivers during this season are essentially full of eggs. This makes beads (on spinning or fly-fishing gear) deadly effective. This consists of threading a bead (like Blood Dot Eggs) through the terminal line end, securing a size 6 or 4 red octopus hook, and anchoring the bead about an 1 ½ above the hook by wedging it with a toothpick. A steelhead takes the bead thinking its eating an egg, hook sets planting the hook on the outside of the jaw where it not only holds better but inflicts less damage on the fish. This is sent down with a split shot or sliding weight and suspended beneath a slip bobber (spinning gear) or strike indicator (fly fishing). Aero Jig, Over The Edge Roe-Bots or Beau Mac’s SMJ-Pro jigs (spinning), egg patterns and articulated flies (fly fishing) are also effective during late seasons, providing delicious fodder for the smoker.
All Tri-State Outfitters and Sportsman & Ski Haus locations offer ample supplies of steelhead-related gear, but you’ll have to travel to the Lewiston, Idaho area to find these most noble of all fishes.
Join us next time when we’ll talk about other fun area activities to help pass the winter months.
By John Robertson
Last month we featured a new product in the ZEV Technologies line, the ZEV Dragonfly G17 9mm. Well, we’ve received it’s bigger brother, the Dragonfly G22, chambered in .40S&W. For those of you shooting IPSC or USPSA major power factor, or if you just want the latest in cutting edge handgun technology, this is the gun for you.
ZEV Technologies is a US company that uses only 100% US made aftermarket parts and assemblies. They offer nothing but the finest upgrades for your handgun. They also sell completed handguns, of which we have one example here.
There is nothing “normal” about this Glock. A summary list of the endless modifications include lightened slide, re-contoured and stippled grip, completely upgraded trigger assembly, massive aluminum magwell and a match barrel.
If “Glock on Steroids” is what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place.
From the latest in “Race Gun” technology to tried and true hunting rifles, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Gun Department at Sportsman & Ski Haus.
If your looking for the Rolls-Royce of Ski Jackets, the Pinnacle Jacket by Spyder is it. Besides being the most technical jacket on the market, this coat will stand up to not only the most brutal conditions, but pretty much anything you can throw at it. And to top it off, the Pinnacle has your back in the backcountry with the RECCO® avalanche system. This two-part system consists of a detector used by organized rescue groups and reflectors that are integrated into the jacket. Together they enable rapid pinpointing using harmonic radar. Although it should not a substitute for transceiver use, the RECCO® system is complementary in function, and facilitates a faster organized search and increases the chance of being found in time.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes the Pinnacle Jacket so amazing:
• Waterproof and ultra breathable OSMO® technology that moves moisture away from your body
• Sretch interior and stretch exterior; 4-way stretch fabric = super comfortable
• 30K rating on breathability; highest rating in the biz!
• fully seam taped
• core ventilation system
• 60 grams prima loft insulation
• Anti-abrasion overlay film by Bernis. In other words, it can take a beating!
• Comes equipped with the Recco Avalanche Rescue System, a system utilized worldwide to facilitate the rapid location of burials.
Come check this bad boy out at our Kalispell store and see the Pinnacle Jacket’s amazingness for yourself .
There’s a lot of talk about avalanche safety these days, and if you’re an outdoor enthusiast planning on trekking into the back country, you need to be prepared.
There are 3 basic items recommended for back country avalanche safety:
We carry a wide variety of all three of these, plus an assortment of additional tools to get you prepared for back country safety.
Probably the most important of these three tools is the locator device. Often an Avalanche Beacon is confused with a GPS locator device called a PLB. It’s important to know which device to use because having the right transceiver could mean the difference between life or death in the event of an avalanche.
Avalanche Beacon: This device sends out a signal to a locator used by rescue teams in order to pin-point a buried victim’s location in the snow. Each person needs their own beacon in order to be found. An avalanche beacon is not considered a preventative measure for possible avalanche burial, but is a way to reduce the amount of time buried.
PLB (Personal Locator Beacon): This device sends a distress signal to a network of orbiting GPS satellites. These satellites relay your information to search-and-rescue teams anywhere in the world. This is helpful for stranded hikers, boaters, hunters & some back country situations, but won’t help rescue teams find your exact location if you’ve been buried in the snow.
For more information about avalanche safety checkout this avalanche safety tutorial or stop in and talk with a Ski Haus Associate to find out what you need to be safe in the back country.
Check the Flathead Avalanche Center for local avalanche advisories.
Avalanche Beacon brands we carry:
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PLB Brands we carry:
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Welcome to our “Employee Picks” blog series, where the experts at Sportsman & Ski Haus share their top gear picks.
First up is Alyssa, who’s worked in our footwear department since 2012. For several years she’s had a passion for city trail running and her training primarily takes place on the Rails to Trails paths in Kalispell. After participating in a number of local 5k races, her drive for running continues to grow and her new goal is to increase her distance. By amping up her training this fall, she’s set her sights on finishing a half marathon in the near future.
Her running shoe of choice for the past year has been the Brooks “Glycerin 12”. It’s the perfect shoe for her gait and keeps her going strong while she works on building to that goal of 13.1 miles. For those cold days, she’s a fan of the Salomon Equipe Softshell Jacket and Under Armour’s Fly-By Compression Capri to wick away moisture and keep her dray and warm.
With years of experience and a love for the sport, Alyssa is an expert in our newly expanded running/athletic footwear department. Come see her at our Kalispell store with any question about which running shoe is right for you.
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Ever wish you could map your adventure so that your friends and loved ones could track wherever you go? Delorme inReach Two-Way Satellite Communicator makes it easy to do just that.
Delorme inReach two-way satellite communicators enable you to send and receive text messages, trigger an SOS for help, and track your GPS coordinates wherever your trip takes you. It keeps you connected when you’re off the grid and outside of cell phone range.
You can follow our very own Sportsman employee Tanner Babcock on her rafting trip down the Rio Maranon in Peru via her DeLorme inReach SE.
TRACK TANNER HERE and see for yourself how the inReach SE works.
We carry the Delorme inReach SE and Explorer as well as the SPOT Satellite Messenger and the SPOT Connect in our Ski Haus dept.
For more information contact a Ski Haus sales associate at 755-6484 ext.240.
RÍO MARAÑON: The Grand Canyon of the Amazon
A little more about Tanner’s trip…
The Maranon River (Rio Maranon) is the mainstem source of the Amazon River and flows through a canyon comparable in many ways to the Grand Canyon of the Colorado in Arizona. It is also home to many of the Aguaruna nation (an Amazon tribe) and others living in ranches and villages along the upper canyons. Due to its unique status as the source of the largest river in the world and its other outstanding attributes, the Maranon merits protection from a series of 20 hydroelectric dams that are planned along the river.
The construction of these dams will disrupt the major hydro-logical source of the Amazon, alter normal silt deposition into the river, destroy habitat and migration patterns for fish and other aquatic life, displace thousands of residents along the river, and destroy a national treasure at least as nice as the Grand Canyon in the USA.
Find out more about the Rio Maranon by clicking the links below:
Stop by our Gun Dept or call 755-6484 X-258 to speak to an associate about Proof Research Hunting and Tactical Rifles.
Come checkout Volcom’s Award winning lines at our Kalispell store!
