Blog

Brodin Ghost nets have been out on the market for a bit but I feel as though it is time to explain why they are so great to have. The Brodin Ghost net as you can see in the picture above has a clear rubber mesh netting that looks really cool. However, looks aren't everything. The clear rubber mesh is is the best possible piece of fishing equipment for the fish you catch. Have you ever tried to net fish with a black net? It isn't easy! As soon as the fish sees black in the water they swim as fast as they can. Once you get them into the black net they never stop trying to escape, they tangle themselves up in you line while also catching your flies on the net. You then spend the next ten minutes trying to unhook your flies from the net while also trying to untangle the fish. This happened to me multiple times when I owned a black mesh net and it isn't good for the fish. Trout are a delicate fish that can be severely injured if out of the water too long and tangled up too tight. With a Ghost net I have had some fish run from my ghost net however on many occasions the fish swim into the net not realizing what they have done. Once they are netted they don't struggle as much, most of the time the are relaxed which allows you to safely remove your flies. One of my favorite qualities of the Ghost net is how easy it is to remove your flies from it. The rubber that is used is very easy to deal with. Your flies never get caught and only take a moment to remove. The rubber mesh is also easy on a fish rarely scratching the them and returning them to the water as safely as possible. Check the nets out yourself at Brodin Landing Nets and see how great they truly are.

The Salmon Flies have infested the Black Canyon again. Throughout June the Giant Stoneflys hatch in unbelievable numbers to create one of the most impressive bug hatches around. The Gunnison River started a little murky in the beginning of June and has continually cleared throughout the month. With the clearer water the fish have been targeting the Salmon Flies on the surface. The shop has sent multiple trips into the canyon to fish this hatch. For current updates on the hatch give the shop a call at (970) 349 1228.

Latitude has introduced the new edition of the Crested Butte, Aspen, and Gunnison Area Map. The large scale map of the area is the best you are going to find out there. It has a scale of 1:125,000 or 1"=2 miles. There are detailed descriptions of 79 trails on the back of the map. Those trails include hundreds of miles that were previously unmapped. There are highlighted public access trails, roads, mountain biking trails, Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) roads, and trails for equestrians. Check out a larger picture in either our Online Store or our Hot New Gear page for larger pictures.

I thought the boat was supposed to go in the water first?

Here at Dragonfly we carry mainly Simms waders and wading boots. Although we do have some Patagonia waders and boots as well as some Korkers boots but it is Simms that is making the most radical changes wading boots today.

Simms no longer makes or sells felt soled wading boots. They made the change this year. In 2009 Simms introduced their StreamTread boots which are the first wading boots with vibram soles. Now, why did Simms do this? What can they gain by making only rubber soled boots? Simms doesn't really benefit from this change. It actually closes part of the market off to them (those people who only want to use felt soled boots). They did it because it sets a standard that all other companies should strive to do. They are making the change to try and help save our rivers. One of the most dangerous things for any river today is Aquatic Nuisance Species or ANS. These include Didymo, New Zealand Mud Snails, and Whirling Disease as well as others. Felt soled boots can easily carry any of these. Felt absorbs a lot of water and without proper cleaning you boots can carry invasive species from river to river. With Simms new boots not only can you get great grip on any river with 360 degrees of traction through their StreamTread Technology but you also get CleanStream. CleanStream is a design feature that Simms has put into their boots to stop aquatic hitchhikers. They have attempted to eliminate any place for stowaways by using less exposed stiching, ridges, or other potential hiding spots. Even with rubber soles and CleanStream Simms boots should still be cleaned but the idea is to make it easier on the Angler and to help stop any ANS from hitchhiking.

So why should you change to rubber soles? First off, the safety of rivers should be important to you. By switching you can help eliminate any chance of spreading an ANS. If you spend anytime out on the rivers this should be your first reason and most important reason for switching. Second, rubber soles are very durable, they can extend the life of your wading boots. Rubber is great for hiking around in and out of the water. And finally, if you are worried about traction it is understandable. Felt does have a great ability to stick to slippery rocks. However, with Simms HardBite studs and star cleats you won't need to worry about slipping again. The cleats and studs can be put into the rubber soles in any pattern that you choose simply by screwing them in.

Consider switching today! Check out our Online Store if you are interested in purchasing a pair or check out the SIMMS website for more information about their products and their quest to stop ANS!

Join veteran guide Kristi Miller the weekend of June 12th and 13th to learn all the essentials of Fly Fishing. Kristi specializes in teaching the fundamentals of fly fishing to beginner anglers. Her classes cover everything from casting to what bugs to look for on the water. One of her favorite classes to teach is for women only. Check out more about Kristi in our guide bio's. If you are interested in taking the class call our shop at (970) 349 1228 to get on the list. If the weekend of the 12th and 13th does not work for you gives us a call and we can arrange another date that may work.

Come into Dragonfly for all you fishing needs. But while you are here check out our deals on clothing as well. The new 2010 gear and clothes are in. Be the first person out on the river with the new Simms, Patagonia, or Ex Officio setup.

Friday-Monday we will have items out on the sidewalk 20-50%. Also, come into our shop for the biggest fly selection in Gunnison County. We have a fly for every situation. Buy a dozen flies and get one free.

Check out our new look here at Dragonfly. Pedro is still working hard to make our shop snazzier! Not only are we making the inside of our store look great but we are updating our online store as well. Check out the online store here for all the latest gear.

Well we are at it again, yup, time to do a little remodeling. We have Peter working hard again to make Dragonfly the best looking shop in all of Crested Butte. Not only are we making the shop more attractive but we will be adding another shelf to hold flies. This will allow us to have the best selection of flies in Gunnison County. Also, we are bringing in some new patterns that are guaranteed to make the trout drool! If you are in town please stop by for all your fishing needs, even while we are doing the remodel we are still open for business.

We have a top of the line Abel Super 5N reel for ridiculously cheap. We are looking to sell it for $499 while the list price is $775. This reel comes with a rainbow trout paint job. With this reel you will have the perfect tool to bring in those big fish and you will look good doing it! Click on link to be taken to our Online Store.

New look, and new features soon available on DragonflyAnglers.com, check back soon for all the updates!