When he’s not writing, you can find Doug Geiling in the backcountry, casting a fly rod in a mountain stream in the hopes of catching one of the river’s wiliest fish: trout. 

A lifelong outdoorsman, Doug has channeled his passion and fondness for trout into a new book, titled Crack for Trout Bums. Behind a charming cover designed by his 9th-grade daughter, Addi, readers can expect to find a story that combines elements of travel writing, science, and nature, with a careful re-telling of the history of trout fish. Intermixed with personal anecdotes from Doug’s travels across the American West in search of these picky critters of the creek, the book pays homage to both the fish and the beautiful places they live. 

The book isn’t a how-to guide or an excuse for him to boast about his greatest catches.

Doug Geiling on one of his many fishing trips.

Doug admitted, “I’m a hack, who doesn’t know the fly names. I fish to be out there”. He’s a man who has visited nearly two dozen countries, been to nearly every state in America, and has racked up enough experiences to write about anything. So why focus on Trout?

When I asked him, he summed it up simply, “They live in the most beautiful places. You can’t catch a trout without going somewhere beautiful.” 

He’s not wrong. As a fly fisherman myself, my fishing excursions have taken me to many stunning places that I’d likely never have seen if I were not chasing these elusive fish.

 I’ve caught sharks in Florida, hunted bears in Washington, and grew up gigging frogs in Missouri, yet catching brook trout in Clear Creek or cutthroats in the Flat Tops, out of a stream with no name, are experiences that are in a category of their own.

When you dedicate so much time to chasing beautiful fish in beautiful places and decide to write about it, anything other than a beautiful by-product is hard to imagine. If Doug’s passion for trout is any indication, the book is exactly what it sets out to be: a love letter to one of the world’s most commonly sought-after fish, and the beautiful places they inhabit.

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The post You Can’t Catch a Trout Without Going Somewhere Beautiful appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

We chatted with Karin Miller, owner of Zen Tenkara Fly Fishing in Loveland, on the expo’s bustling opening day. Karin was 110% smiles, passion, and know-how. She designs, manufactures, and sells Tenkara rods, lines, and accessories, and is working on manufacturing her own line of fully American-made Tenkara rods.

But let’s start with some history. Tenkara is the ancient Japanese method of fly-fishing, which uses only a rod, line and fly, according to TenkaraUSA.com. Tenkara has a very long, but undocumented, history. Originally the domain of commercial anglers in the mountain streams of Japan, the “first [Western] reference to Tenkara fly-fishing was made in 1878” as the observation of a British diplomat, TenkaraUSA says.

First of all, what is Tenkara? Were you already a fly fisher before Tenkara? It’s a fixed line method of fishing; it’s been around 1000 years. It came over to the states around 2009 and I had exposure to it early on. I [had exposure early on], but I was ‘eh, meh’ about it. You know, I would fly fish but I was not passionate about it. Partly because it felt a little overwhelming. It wasn’t very friendly for females back then. And I didn’t do it enough to keep all the knots and the setup and flies in long term memory, so I felt like every time I did it I was relearning it.

Tenkara is super quick. It’s just a few moments to set up. It’s really transportable. And it was really just such a great, effective method that I started fishing more. It’s not easier, but it’s more simple. It was more user friendly. I felt like I was able to fish more and improve my skills. I just fell in love with fishing, through the Tenkara method.

When you say it wasn’t friendly for females, what do you mean? I think the fly fishing industry has changed. Recently, there’s been recent articles about women being the largest growing demographic in the fly fishing industry. And it used to be, when you walked into a fly shop, you weren’t received very well, or were treated in a way that felt a little condescending. It was tough. There were only a few shops out there that made you feel welcome and were willing to help you learn. It was hard to get into fly fishing if you didn’t grow up with a dad or grandfather that passed that skill down to you. But it is changing. The industry is changing. There are a lot of women of all ages that are finding it’s a great sport.

A lot of guides and instructors are often better casters because they listen, they’re more accurate. You have a lot more female guides than ever before. There’s another female-owned rod company here in Colorado, SaraBella (helmed by CEO April Archer), and she was just recognized for her accomplishments. Besides her, I’m the only female-owned rod company out there.

So why Loveland? That’s where I live. I’m originally a Miami girl. I’m a saltwater, Bahamas girl. My father lived on a boat. When I moved to Colorado I had to find water, so that’s also why I picked up fly fishing. I’ve been here since ’99.

How long has Zen Tenkara been in operation? We’ve been around since 2012. I believe we’re the second Tenkara company in the states. It’s been run, run, run. Even in the short time that Zen has been around, there has been an evolution, so to speak, in people’s perceptions of Tenkara and what the method can do, and I really hope that Zen and I have played a role in that change.

What is the manufacturing process? Right now, everything except our rods are manufactured locally. We’ve spent two years designing a fully American-made rod. We own the only set of Tenkara mandrels on US soil. We’ve been rolling blanks for two years now but about eight months ago we switched from carbon fiber to a special kind of fiberglass, so we just did tests on our fiberglass rod blank this fall. We dialed in the flex and the strength; now we’re reducing weight; it’s been a huge undertaking.

When do you anticipate your rods being manufactured locally? We spent a whole year failing and realizing that it’s a completely different animal. Tenkara rods are the gumby rods of the world. We literally had to stop the process and say, these are the specs of the rod we want to produce. Now we have to reverse-engineer mandrels to create it. Nobody had made a Tenkara rod in the states. We’re working with an [unnamed] rod manufacturing company who were curious and willing to take the plunge.

It sounds like you’re on the cutting edge of an ancient sport. That’s a great way of putting it.

How has that been received in the broader community? The broader community loves it. They’re really curious. The Tenkara community? Ehh. There’s a lot of traditionalists who really don’t like the fact that I’m attaching a regular fly line to a Tenkara rod, or that I’m targeting shark or chum salmon. They want to be able to draw a line and say, ‘That’s not Tenkara. That’s a fixed line fly fishing.” I say, tomato, you say tomahto.

If someone wanted to get into Tenkara, what should they do? There’s tons of resources on the internet but it’s always good to get hands-on experience, so if you can work with a shop or specialized or certified Tenkara guides, or instructors, that helps. It’s pretty intrinsic. It doesn’t take a lot to learn. The cast is pretty easy. You can go to a park and play. The more you get into pushing the size of the species and adding longer lines, the more finesse and skill management it takes. You can contact us directly. We love meeting up with people. We do presentations at different organizations. I’m a real person and I love answering questions.

Which is the best lake or stream to start in? I live in Loveland, so Big Thompson, RMNP, those are my home waters. The Poudre River is kind of my home. St. Vrain and Indian Peaks are beautiful places to fish. Boulder Creek. All of those places are great. But you know, going to Alaska and catching a chum salmon on a Tenkara rod is an adrenaline rush that’s hard to beat. Or bonefish down in Mexico, in Ascension Bay, is a good way to spend a weekend, too. I’m hoping to target Golden Dorado, in the Amazon, next winter. I’m hoping to work with a lodge down there to see if we can land pacu, peacock bass, and my bucket list fish, the golden dorado.

Your heaviest catch? The heaviest [fish landed] was up at Rapids Camp Lodge, Alaska. I was up there this July and we were doing salmon, sockeyes, silvers, big rainbows that were coming up the Naknek [River]. I landed a 20 lb chum. I was invited up for eight days of fishing and training them on Tenkara. The guide said it totally blew their mind, landing these huge fish without a reel. These are guys that fish in Patagonia in the winter and Alaska in the summer. That’s their life. They kinda took me with a grain of salt when I showed up there with no reel. But at the end of eight days, they said it was the most fun they had ever had fishing or guiding anybody before, and that the cast was easier but that the fish management and landing skills involved actually took more finesse. So it’s not just fly fishing for dummies.

So you’re pushing the sport. I am pushing.

The post Zen Tenkara: Karin Miller’s Calling appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Stellar Skis

The number of Colorado ski manufacturers that have popped up over the years nearly rivals the number of fledgling breweries. Come winter, you can’t throw a snowball without hitting a pair of locally made skis. But the folks at Fortitude Skis set out to create a better pair of skis. These guys are super legit, and their skis are illin’ (that’s right, we said illin’). With custom skis and graphics, Fortitude Skis are built for durability and reliability. Prices vary.

Fortitude Skis: fortitudeskis.com

Where to buy: Fortitude Skis, 5553 Gray St., Arvada

Jackets for Adventure

Everyone has the big, puffy winter coat for shoveling the driveway and the lightweight fleece for holiday shopping. But for any adventurous Coloradan, it’s tough to find middle-weight jackets for days of winter backpacking or snowshoeing through glistening trails. The GoLite Cady Jacket, with retro design, is made of recycled, synthetic fabrics and has pit zips, reflective logos and piping, zippered hand warmer pockets and thumbhole cuffs. $160

GoLite: golite.com

Where to buy: Boulder Running Co., 2775 Pearl St., Boulder

A Map for Beer Snobs

Those who work hard must play hard: Is there really anything better than an icy IPA after you spend a weekend traversing the Rocky Mountain slopes? The correct answer is no. The fifth edition of the Beer Drinker’s Guide to Colorado beer map is packed full of useful information—yes, there are charts—and coupons. And the map gives users a handy perspective on the state’s breath-taking beer industry.

Beer Drinker’s Guide to Colorado: beerdrinkersguidetocolorado.com

Where to buy: Do Your Brew, 9050 W. 88th Ave., Westminster; Bald Brewer Home Brewing Supplies, 651 8th Ave., Longmont; Twisted Pine Brewing, 3201 Walnut St., Boulder

Grown-Up Posters

You can only decorate your home with posters of your favorite athletes and local beer paraphernalia for so long. At some point, you need to throw away your futon and get a real couch. That’s not to say you must rid your home of its Colorado pride. January Jones Prints are super cool and totally bring a sense of personality and place into your Front Range abode. They have a style that says, “I’m an adult but I’m still awesome.” White Christmas print is 14×11 and $18.

January Jones Prints: januaryjonesprints.etsy.com

Where to buy: Art Source International, 237 Pearl St. Boulder; BMoCA; Mod Livin, 5327 E. Colfax Ave., Denver; and I Heart Denver, 500 16th St., Denver

Carry-On Overnighter

Based in Dillon, Fishpond specializes in fly fishing accessories and other outdoorsy accoutrement. But we especially love this slick Sporting Club Collection Carry-On Overnighter. The bag is ideal for two- to three-day trips with a main compartment that opens flat for easy packing and it easily converts into a backpack with padded shoulder straps. $189

Fishpond: fishpondusa.com

Where to buy: Front Range Anglers, 629B S. Broadway, Boulder; McGuckin Hardware, 6859 N. Foothills Hwy., Building A, Boulder; and Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop, 10675 Ute Highway 66, Longmont

Dog Snacks

And don’t forget the pups! Zukes is Colorado born and bred, grown from the pet obsessees who want all-natural, human-grade snacks for dogs and cats who need nourishment on long hikes. Zukes offers a variety of cat and dog treats, all free of wheat, corn and soy.

Zukes: zukes.com

Where to buy: Struttin Pup, 1385 Forest Park Cir., Lafayette

The post For the Outdoorsy Subaru Set appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Set out early, at least before noon, and prepare for a five-hour drive. It’s pretty though, for the most part, but beware of cops around the Fairplay area (I speak from experience).

If it were winter, you’d stop off in Monarch for a day of skiing. But because it’s spring, your first stop will be Salida, an artsy, outdoorsy Western Slope town with tons of personality.

We suggest you take some time to peruse the galleries, as the city has been named one of the best small art towns in the country. You’ll love Culture Clash for its jewelry and the funky Art Matters Gallery. Grab a cup of coffee and a pastry at the Salida Café and get back on the road. You’ll pass through Gunnison, in which you’ll likely want to pit stop for groceries and drinks. Where the East and Taylor rivers meet to form the Gunnison, you’ll find Almont Resort, where you have reservations for a cabin on one of the rivers. Check in, unpack and make dinner. Just steps from your cabin, there’s an anglers shop; here you’ll find a guide and any last-minute flies or tackle. Rise and shine early, and head out to explore the Upper Gunnison River for the day.

Once you are back, clean up and head back to Gunnison for dinner at Garlic Mike’s. The next morning, have a cup of coffee on the porch of your cabin and enjoy the riverfront view. Plan on spending the day in Crested Butte: The town goes a little quiet when ski season ends, but you can spend time in the downtown false-front shops or head up the Crested Butte Summit Trail for an often challenging hike with stunning views of the valley. The Crested Butte area is also known for its mountain biking; you’ll want to check out the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and Big Al’s Bicycle Heaven for maps and guidebooks, and then head out. Be sure to grab a casual lunch or dinner at the Last Steep or, for something more upscale, try out the tapas at Django’s Restaurant and Wine Bar.

Head back to the cabin and enjoy your last night with hot chocolate by the campfire.

Road Trips – And Countless Adventures on the Open Road

• In Search of Rapids
• Southern Exposure
• A Grand Journey
• Jack Dempsey’s Knock-Out Tour
• Into the West
• Northern Lights
• Utah Bound
• Middle America History Tour

The post Into the West appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.