Trips

Fall Blitz, New York

For the past few years the CCF trip season has ended with the "Fall Blitz" outing in Montauk, New York. Montauk is at the easternmost end of Long Island, and each autumn every false albacore, striped bass, and bluefish making its way south from New England must round the point. The fish feed greedily as they go, and every tide brings with it fresh opportunities and new fish. The species in question, in particular the false albacore, embody what the term "ocean vigor" was coined to describe. From a trout angler's relatively contemplative perspective, the combination of wind and tide, moving baitfish and diving gulls, tossing boats, and aggressive, remarkably fast predatory fish is a heady experience.

The CCF Fall Blitz is guided by the best captains in the business. The 2011 trip took place in the last week of September, and the guides efficiently and consistently got our CCF members into good, and sometimes spectacular, numbers of fish under a range of conditions. At least one boat returned to Montauk harbor with running lights lit, and more than one skeptic was cured of the notion that sore arms from fishing are an imaginary affliction.

The 2012 slate of CCF trips is being made final, and will be sent to all members as soon as possible. Please join us on one (or more) of these outings. In addition to fishing on some of the great trout waters of the world (not to mention a saltwater destination or two), trip participants get to see incredible places and meet their fellow coldwater fishery conservationists. We look forward to seeing you next year!

Stephen D. Trafton
Managing Director of the CCF

Healing Water Lodge, Montana

Last month, TU's CCF Women's trip spent 4 nights and 3 glorious days fishing at the Healing Waters Lodge (www.hwlodge.com [1]) in southwestern Montana. To say that we experienced some of southwestern Montana's finest fall terrestrial fishing is an understatement. Nine women enjoyed great fishing against a breathtaking backdrop. The nights were filled with soaking in the experience over bottles of wine and fabulous dinners next to a crackling fire place.

Healing Waters Lodge offers some of the most amazing fishing on private waters anywhere in Montana, or perhaps the West. Participants also fished the Jefferson, Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers. Lodge owners, Greg and Janet Lily and Bill and Mary Kemp, create a home away from home. The food the, accommodations, and fishing are extraordinary.

2012 Trips

The trip planning for 2012 is nearly complete and will be posted in the winter-edition of the Complete Angler. Such trips as Idaho’s Henry’s Fork and Montana’s Smith River will without a doubt make for another memorable year. If you have any questions about upcoming trips please contact Anderson Smith at asmith@tu.org [2], or (703) 284-9421.