Summer 2011 Was Full of Events

It's hard to believe the summer has already come and gone.  Although it seemed short, this has been one of the best summers at UCO. 

We had a slow start due to an abnormally rainy spring that kept the river high, fast, and murky until mid-July.  Once the river cleared up, though, the fishing was never better.  I can't remember catching so many fish!  With such great fishing, we held a fly fishing clinic.  Most of the fly fishing guides from last year here were here again;  Rocco, Dusty, Val, and Lance.  We also welcomed two new guides, Mitch and Bill, who fit right in with the crew.  As we approach September, we are looking forward to good water, hungry fish, and more great dry fly fishing.  

 Although the fishing was slow this spring, we still stayed plenty busy until the river cleared.  We kicked off the season with our week-long cattle drive that allows a glimpse of the everyday life of the Montana cowboy.  Without missing a beat, we jumped right into a fun-filled and educational horse clinic with Chris Bohenek "Horsemanship instructor" and Amy Grice "Equine Veterinarian".  We then hosted the U.S. Junior Fly Fishing Team in preparation to their trip to Italy for the World Championship's.  There was also a fundraiser for the Virginia City library held at the ranch.

As we moved into August, an event that was particularly special to me was right around the corner, my daughter's wedding.  After a beautiful ceremony and a few days of recuperation, we had a very special young lady, Megan Harmon, and family join us for a week with the Catch-A-Dream Foundation through The Big Hearts Under The Big Sky.  

We feel a change in the air temperatures as we start our fall season.  September offers some remarkable fishing along with our archery season.  We will start September hosting two weeks of fly fishing trips with Delamere and Hopkins a sporting good store in Cincinnati, OH.  Than a remarkable week with Jim Downes and Jeff Wagner hosting a Bamboo Concave at the ranch.   And mixed in with all this will be the thrill of hearing bull elk bugling, leaves changing colors and the excitement of our archery hunters sharing their stories of the day.