Photo: Charlie King

When the Fly-Fishing Film Tour (F3T) rolled into Boulder last Thursday, about 40 sportsmen were preparing to head to Washington D.C. to speak with the White House, Senators, and other agency officials on the possible threats associated with creating one of the largest gold/copper mines above the most prolific salmons runs in the world. As they gathered, I was asked to head-up the show in Boulder and inform everyone of the possible significance of the year ahead.

Thanks to the fine folks from F3T, I spoke in front of a packed house of eager fish-porn enthusiasts. Most applauded the efforts, and even more had questions. “Are we going to win this?” or “People in Alaska are worried – should they be?”. While I could answer these as best as possible, my expression said, “Absolutely – we’re going to pull through this.” After all, if we lose this battle, anything is on the table.

It was a great night, but more news is coming out of D.C. today, including a new article by former Republican Representative Robin Hayes of North Carolina. He’s quoted as saying:

“We live in a time where jobs don’t exactly grow on trees, but in Alaska, it is fair to say that jobs grow on rivers.”

Please visit his article posted here, and please leave a comment with your support. This is a critical time on a critical issue. We can’t leave it alone now.

Photo: Ben Knight

Here’s the back cover synopsis:

“In the Land of the Cutthroats tells the story of three native trout species that evolved along the Continental Divide in Colorado. From ancient beginnings to tepid coastal waters, the wayfaring cutthroats found their way to the loftiest slopes of the Rocky Mountains and into the hears of modern fly fishers. After a medley of outstanding mountain scenery, cutthroat trout, mayflies, and cutting-edge time-lapse photography, the film takes views to a high-mountain lake for action packed angling for greenback cutthroat trout.”

As you all know, I like edgy, dangerous films that push the limit. And even though this film didn’t hit me in that way, it’s an extremely beautiful look into high-alpine cutthroat trout. From the amazing close shots of an adult mayfly, to the trout constantly feeding on them, this film has some of the best shots I’ve seen – both under the water and above the water.

What you’re looking at while watching this movie is the beauty of the Colorado’s high-alpine, the aquatic species that live there, the trout that feed on them, and just shear genuine filming technique at it’s best. I haven’t seen so many feeding trout shots in 20 minutes that I have in this film. A lot of time and patience must have been spent in this production. There no question in my mind that this should be considered for the Cinematography award in this year’s Drake Awards.

The DVD includes the Theatrical Cut, Full Trailer, a Time-Lapse Reel (awesome), a Hungry Fish Reel, the Fly-Fishing Film Tour Trailer, as well as the the Film Tour Cut.

For a copy, you can Contact Nick Clement at Reel Escape Films- the store on the site will be up soon!

I must say, it was a good weekend. From hanging out with Klymit and Outside Media at the SIA show, to the Fly Fishing Film Tour with Thad and Rowdy, it was great to see those I haven’t seen in a while, and meeting more faces.

It started with messages from the OM girls that they were coming to Denver and had a pass for me at the snow show. I showed up Friday and had a great time mingling around to different booths. The SIA show was a retail show that I haven’t experienced before. Trust me, with DJs and Pam Anderson running around, it wasn’t for the faint of heart. And after the show was supposed to be over, the party started. Keg’s, even full bars were rumbling the convention center. I think I saw Fat Boy Slim!

The next day had more good times and kick-ass surprises. My buddy Tim, and soon to be fishing filmmaker, showed up early at Billy’s Inn and brought me a ‘Master Baiter’ shirt. I wore it proudly all night.

The Fly Fishing Film Tour was a great success – even selling out the 8pm show! I hung in there and watched the films during the first showing, but after that, the crowd piled in and things started getting crazy. I’m trading shots with Thad, Rowdy, among others – yumm, that whiskey hurts so good. To say the least, twas a good night.

Don’t forget to check the link above for the upcoming schedule for Film Tour – and if you make it to one, tell the guys ‘kyleindenver’ said hello.