Changing of the Blog...

Monday the 23rd of November marked my last day of guiding (period). Over the past 8 years I have had some of the greatest experiences a person could asked for. I have seen incredible places, met amazing people and caught countless spectacular fish.

The one thing I will miss most about this job is the people that I have encountered. The wonderful people I have met have truly helped to shape me as I go through life's mold. Every single day and every single client had something to offer and learn from. I have become very close friends with many of you and hope that never changes.

Both Bill and Marilyn Kiene are some of my favorite people. They both have huge hearts and a desire to see other people succeed. Even though I only knew them for a few years they opened their doors to me and did everything they could to help me succeed. In addition to the two behind the scene was their incredible staff. I feel blessed to have met and fish with most of them. I have been in shops all over the place and this one is by far second to none. My hat is off to everyone under the Kiene's umbrella and I could not have done it without you.

Another huge thanks goes out to Keith Kaneko of Angling On The Fly who has his office in the back of Kiene's. Keith is one of the hardest working people I know. Whether guiding or making your travel dreams come true he does the best job humanly possible. Thanks for providing me the opportunities of a lifetime.

It has been my pleasure to guide you all on our local water and share with you some of the best fishing in the world. Every ounce my being loves being a fly fishing guide and watching people catch fish that make memories.

It makes me smile to know that many of you have photos on your desk, computer and at home of days spent on the water with me. I have over 7,000 pictures of fish from guided trips alone and I can remember each client and each fish like it was yesterday.

As for any other guides, outfitters, lodges and other industry folks out there it was a pleasure working with and for you. I worked with some of the best human beings on this planet and many of them helped me to get where I am today.

Being a fly fishing guide was always more to me than just showing people a good time on the river. Fly fishing is a way of life and all I can say is thank you for being part of my life.

As long as I live I will charrish the memories we created.

As for this blog I will continue to post past fishing pictures and hopefully some new ones. I will be peeking into the world of bass, carp, gar and redfishing in Texas and the neighboring states. Sadly, fly fishing will no longer be my occupation.

What's next? I am moving to Dallas, Texas to be with Amanda and start a new life. We are now engaged (as of yesterday) and will be driving to TX on the 29th of this month. We are both very excited to be together and stomp out our footprint in the soil of the real world. I will be seeking employment in the private sector and hope to explore the world of marketing.

Thanks again for everything and I will continue to read and contribute to the fine community of anglers.

Sincerely,
Ryan H. Miller

__________________
When in doubt, fish.

Spey Casting Class: Great Day

November 8th marked a great day for the art and science of spey casting. Adrian Psuty and myself played teacher to 9 awesome students. About half of the students had never done any spey casting and by the end of the day they were booming loops. The other anglers had experience and graciously allowed Adrian and I to tweak their casts to increase proficiency.

We tackled just about every topic imaginable and dove head first into every question asked.

We took at look at many different styles of flies and how to fish them on the swing

Here is Adrian demonstrating how to rig a tandem tube fly

One more look at pure discovery

Great news: We are doing it again... Join Adrian Psuty, Keith Kaneko and myelf as we will be unveiling the spey world.

Novermber 22, 2009
9am-5pm
Cost: $75
5 spots currently open
Contact Ryan Miller:
530-913-8312
email: rhmiller@gmail.com

Yuba River Fishing Reports

I have been on the Yuba almost exclusively the last few weeks and am having a ball. The fishing thus far has been good to very good. There were a couple of those unreal days with over 35 fish hooked and a few with less than 10 hooked. Overall the egg bit has been very strong with the occasional nymph being swiped.

Over the last few days the fish have been picking up almost as many nymphs as eggs. Nymphs that have been getting it done include, small PT's, micro mays and the Red Headed Step Child from Hogan, today, that fly rocked it! I will say that the fishing has slowed down, but with some clouds and rain it should pick up.

Swinging flies has proven to be aweseome over that past few trips. I have a few days where 5-8 big fish were hooked in just a few runs. Most clients swinging are throwing switch rods with either Scandi and Skagit heads.

The following are a few shots from the past few weeks... enjoy!

Spey Casting Class: Updates

We are set for tomorrow's first class with 9 students ready to tackle spey casting with spey and switch rods.

There are currently 5 spots left for another class on November 22nd.

If you are ready to get into the spey world or elevate your game this is the class you can't miss.

$75 per student, all day, plus tons of gear to try out.

Contact:
Ryan Miller
530-913-8312
rhmiller@gmail.com

Spey Casting Class: More cool news

I am happy to announce that Adrian Psuty will be joining me as an additional instructor for the spey class offered on November 8th. Adrian brings with him an arsenal of rods for us to try and more importantly a wealth of knowledge in the spey world. He has the an incredible technical comprehension for spey applications and is eager to share it with you. With this addition I have opened up more spaces.

Currently there are 3 spots left for this class.
The November 22nd class has 6 spots left.

Cameron Miller Photo

Contact me for more information.
Ryan Miller
Cell: 530-913-8312
Email: Rhmiller@gmail.com

Updates: Switch and Spey Rod Classes

This could be you...

• November 8th NEW OPENINGS!
  
• November 22nd class has 8 spots left

Come join Keith Kaneko, Adrian Psuty and myself as we share our combined knowledge and experiences with you. We will host this day of discovery on the Yuba River.

We will cover everything including:

• Casting on both sides of the river and off both shoulders
• Line selection (scandi vs. skagit and long belly)
• Tip selection
• Reading swing water
• How to step
• When to carry loops
• Fly selection and water temps

Craig Dinsdale setting up

I give you my word that no matter your skill level you will come away with a wealth of knowledge and concrete confidence when swinging flies.

Contact Ryan for details and/or to secure your spot.
Phone: 530-913-8312
Email: rhmiller@gmail.com

Presentation to Davis Fly Fishers

Tomorrow, October 27, I will be giving a detailed presentation on fishing with "indicators." This class will explore many of the environmental indicators that may yield secrets to catching more fish.

Here is a little peak at what I will be talking about: How to approach new situations with a methodical G.R.I.D. The GRID is looking at Geographical significance, River structure, Insect populations and Desired casts. This approach might help you break down variables.

In addition I have broken down strike indicators to a mad science and will show how to properly rig and use them. You might be thinking that there isn't much to using one of these fancy bobbers, me too. However, somehow I ended up with a 10 page manual on the how to's... crazy. All who join me will get the manual plus other goodies.

Any Granite Bay folks out there have seen this presentation and let me live, so you might like it

Here in the info link: http://ffd.x10hosting.com/pdf/FFD0910.pdf

It would be great to see you there.

Thanks,
Ryan

Yuba and Feather Fishing Reports

I have been guiding like a mad man again and have been having a ball. Overall fishing has been good. So far the Yuba has been pretty consistent with some spectacular days. Fish are still looking for round things bouncing on the bottom and they will occasionally nab a nymph or two. There are a decent number of salmon in the river giving us some hope that they might return again next year.

While out there you might notice brightly covered rocks (orange and green) in the river. They are marking the redds. I am sure this is some wort of DFG or DWR study. One of the cool things about this is that if you are not sure what a salmon nest (redd) looks like just find the radioactive rock and study what is around it.

Evening Cast with Mark

Kent with a slab

I have been on the Feather too and have not been doing that well out there. I am sure there are a decent number of fish there, but with temperatures in the 80's and full sun... Yeah, not the best conditions to fool chrome. The other day with clients we did managed to hook a few including this hot hen. This girl really ripped it up.

Detailed Spey and Switch Classes on the Yuba

Spey and Switch Rods on the Yuba
With Ryan Miller

This class will be held on the Yuba River and will be dedicated to exploring the world of spey casting and utilizing spey techniques. Learn everything from how to hold the rod to properly working a run. I will show you how to select rods, reels, lines, tips, flies, spey casts and water. We will dive into Skagit, Scandinavian and long belly line applications. If you do not own a two-handed rod, no problem, I will show you how to do everything on a single-handed rod. This is the most complete spey class out there.

The November 22 date will feature local guide, travel agent and my good friend Keith Kaneko of Angling On The Fly. He and I will spill the beans about one of our passions. *class must have 6 anglers for both instructors to be there.

Two Dates:
November 8: 5 anglers max cost is $100 per person
November 22: 10 anglers max, cost is $75 per person

Students will be taken on a first come, first serve basis and ability does not matter.

Both classes will start at 10am and end at 5pm.

Contact Ryan Miller at rhmiller@gmail.com, Phone: 530-913-8312 with questions or to sign up.
For more information on Ryan Miller visit:

The Web Page

Photo by Andy Guibord
Let's swing some flies

Nicholas Dean Lodge October 4 - 10, 2009

This trip to Skeena country marked my second venture to chrome-land. I was joined by my good friends, Steve Pereira, Rob Elam and Joe Carlig. In addition to this was the welcomed company of Steve Jones, Dan Brosier and Kevin Mather. As guests of Nicholas Dean Lodge in Terrace, BC we were there to tangle with the infamous grey ghost. We were there to see chrome, but knew too well that tangling with a sea-going Walter was not a given. For the most part we knew how to appease the steelhead gods. After many in depth meetings about how to keep them happy we agreed that we will not expect it to happen, let the fish come to you and embrace the Grand Unified Wou (GUW) (thanks to Dan and Kevin). The GUW is an all encompassing way of life that when followed will be unquestionably rewarded with your desired outcome.

The flights were cake, Chad and Noel were there to greet us and take us to the Yellow Cedar Lodge. The lodge is incredible. It is near the Skeena and surrounded by mountains. On site was a hot tub, weight room, lounge and spacious rooms. The food, service and accommodations were excellent. The picture to the left is the view from the lodge deck.





Blue skies in British Columbia during October, that is GUW!

Day 1: Steve Pereira and I had a chance to fish the Upper Copper. He took us to a remote part of the river that was worth every ounce of energy expended. The hike itself was unreal with a bounty of nature eye candy. When we got there we were met with clean water with a tint of steelhead green plus great pools and runs. We were successful. Steve and I started out with dry flies (yes, big steelhead on dies in October) and both drew blanks on the first run. I went back through with a pink Jumbo Critter and a little T-14 and found a nice buck!

Upper Copper Hoglet

The next pool we went to was one of the most incredible pieces of water I have seen. Its speed was mild, bottom strewn with boulders and multiple seam lines. There was also a few mayflies hatching... Back to the dries we go, Steve was working through the run very well while I watched him. Out of the corner of my eye I happened to see a 10-15 pound steelhead eat a mayfly. I took the liberty of positioning myself to make the presentation. I was casting a size 4 dry on a 14' spey rod... I barely got the floating head out when I get a looker out of the rocks. I goofed and mended right when she came up to look,... DOH! As soon as the fly gained dead drift status it was annihilated by this:

She ATE IT!

Dry Fly Steelhead

While I was fighting this beauty the big boy I had seen earlier ate a dry right in front of me. So I landed this one and had Steve come up and give it a go. He starts bombing casts and getting great drifts to this fish... no dice. I followed and skated/grease lined the dry in a last attempt to get this fish and just as I was going to call it, BAM. The big guy eats... bing, bang, boom big head shakes and then it was over. Hook bent out... So it goes.

The other anglers will have to tell you their own stories, but here is the summary. Kevin and Dan floated the Copper and crushed. Several grabs, several landed and a full acceptance of the Gran Unified Wou. Here is the pudding:

Copper Choker

Same fish, different pose

Copper Rocket

Steve Jones, went in pursuit of chrome Coho and was rewarded. No pictures of this, but the quote of the day came from me asking him how his day was. "It went well, I lost count."

Joe Carlig and Rob Elam fished the Kalum hard and really enjoyed the river. The Kalum is known for its large fish and spectacular water. It is a casters delight with high risk and high payouts. This river eventually gave us the love.

Day 2:

Steve P. and Joe Carlig did the float on the Copper while Rob Elam and I were on the Upper Copper. Each Copper team drew a tough card that day. Local mountains shed recent snow fall and we watched the river rise and blow out! DOH - Rob and I worked very hard and fished only one pool due to water conditions. Rob got it done, first fish came on the 5th pass while the second came on the 9th pass. Down river the boys were sadly shut out. Not even a peck, we were all very surprised and a bit disappointed the lower Copper did not put out. Here are a few of Rob:

Hmmm, which one? Funny, it doesn't really matter.

Artsy, yours truly working the run

Nice hen, had the hops

Rob, meet steelhead, steelhead, Rob

Day 2 continued: Dan and Kevin were on the Kalum and had a few big steelhead close to the net, however did not make it all the way. They had a ball casting on the Kalum. Steve Jones was also on the Kalum and did his best to hog tie a mega.

Day 3: Joe and I were on a mission to get Joe his first BC steelhead. We were paired up with Jeff for a hike on a tributary to the Skeena. This place was once again spectacular with pools and runs designed by steelhead gods. It was not long before Joe had done it... He hit two awesome fish that day. We had a ball trudging through the forest, crossing huge log jams and fishing great water. We saw wolf, bear and moose tracks everywhere.




While chanting the versus the GUW I received a little tug. A dandy in my book.




Steve Jones fished a different trib to the Skeena and he too popped his BC cherry. He had a great day wresting with some true steel.

Steve Jones... enough said

Hard work and GUW

Brute

Rob and Steve P. had an awesome day on the Kalum. They were swinging for steelhead and found their counterpart... COHO. They got into some massive silvers on the swing. Steve had never really used a spey rod before and not only did he stick fish with it, it also landed some by himself.

Steve P with CHROMO

The Dynamic Duo, Dan and and Kevin were on the Kalum and had one of those days. These two "fisherman" skewed the law of averages by managing to go 0 for 12 on fish. We are not sure how many were steelhead versus coho, but that has to be some kind of record. We made sure to bring this up whenever appropriate, so always. Nice job boys.

Click here for images and stories from day four. Here is one the highlights from day 5. Steve Jones with a spectacular specimen. I was very happy for him, he nabbed this with a single hand on the Kalum, very impressive.

Day 5 for Steve P. and I was truly something we will both never forget. The fishing was good, but the scenery was choice while we rafted down one of the coolest rivers I have ever seen. Images are on the next post. I cannot share too many details with you on this for Sky will surly hunt me down. Also, that is just bad for GUW.

The week in British Columbia was spectacular. It was filled with great people, great fishing, perfect accommodations, a great booking agent, hard working lodge staff and guides. If this trip is something you are interested in contact Keith Kaneko. He does a great job of making dreams come true and taking the hassle out of booking trips.

Thank you to everyone, especially the Grand Unified Wou

Fishing on the Trinity

I have continued to ride the steelhead train a bit more. I got home around midnight last night from BC and left this morning with Andy Guibord to fish the Trinity with Jason Hartwick. So far so good, we managed to swing up a few dimes today. A few pictures will follow soon.

It is amazing the places we go and the people we meet in the hopes to catch a steelhead...

Kalum River - Spey Casting Video

Lower Stumble on the Kalum river in search of steelhead. Just about all the running line goes for a swim. Gotta love it!

Nicholas Dean Lodge

Today was the last call for BC chrome. We are sad that the trip has ended, however we leave knowing we had a great trip. This posse of anglers was diverse in character and ability. We were able to fish several different rivers and I am happy to report that everyone found there fish. I will do my best to bring you a detailed report with a ton more pictures.

Steve with his first swung-caught steelhead on a very cool, secret river. This fish tore it up

I managed to find this guy it a very small slot in a great piece of water on another super - secret river.

Silver taken on a 100+ foot cast... it was awesome

Yours truly with a lucky cast. Rob Elam put his life in danger to get this shot

Rob Elam with a sweet Silver

Rob Elam with a trophy steelhead on the Kalum

Dan with a white steelhead on the Kalum

Yet another Kalum chromer


Rob Elam, Kalum,... DANG