Another year has come and gone. This year’s Lout Fest was our highest attended to date with an unprecedented 16 Louts including some newbies. Returning from a one-year hiatus were Simpson, Staid and Doherty. Lots of laughs were had by all and we actually finished the trip with some un-opened bottles (a topic of discussion for another day perhaps?).

Fishing, as it always is, was tough. Damned near impossible on float day. I was shown the skunk’s backside that day for my first ever zero on a float. Saturday, however, was my redemption. Wearing my finest new bowtie, I was able to stick and land some very nice fish. Perhaps the highlight for yours truly was a cold martini - shaken, not stirred - a few seconds after releasing a nice fish (caught on what else other than a rusty spinner) while standing waist deep in the big pool behind the cabins. Many thanks, Doc! You’re out of control with that 2 piece stemware!!!

Here’s the 2008 Louts (Simpson and Doherty represented with smiley plates)

Martini anyone?

Saturday’s payback

“nothing gets a fly out there like a Barbie high modulus graphite rod! These are not only fine performing rods capable of lifting heavy fish, but you look really cool on the water”.

Nicely worded, you forgot to add…catches fish greater than 1/2 her size.

After a humbling first year as a Trout Lout, Rich Thomas decides to upgrade his rod and reel and get some casting lessons.  Faced with the daunting task of presenting a size 14 Hendrickson dry fly to those finicky West Branch browns this May, Rich was overheard at Ramsey Outdoors while ordering his new gear as saying “nothing gets a fly out there like a Barbie high modulus graphite rod!  These are not only fine performing rods capable of lifting heavy fish, but you look really cool on the water”.

It’s President’s Day and the family is all stuck inside with all the rain and generally crappy weather holding us hostage.  The air here is palpable - you could almost cut it with a knife.  Everyone is walking on egg shells and attempting in vain to stay out of each other’s space.  I need to fish!!!  I also need the rivers to recede down to something approaching  flood stage and seeing the sunshine again would be nice…

I hope some of you are getting outside in your various pursuits instead of watching reruns of The Shining.  Remember, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Okay, you all have had enough time to post bail and clear your head of single malt and lungs of cigar smoke. Not one Lout has made a report on the good time they had at the annual poetry slam. Anybody?
Dick Roytos

It’s time to dust off your 5 weights and tie up some Hendricksons because the Louts are going a fishin’.  May 7 - 10 at the West Branch Angler where we’ll whip the water into a fine froth while cursing loudly and dreaming of the easy fish in Cairn’s Pool.  Pony up men, and confirm to Float King to reserve your space now.  Deposit requests will be forthcoming once I have a head count.  What to tie, you ask?  Hendricksons and more Hendricksons.  Sizes 14 and 16 mainly and in both light and dark (female and male) in CDC and parachute styles.  For nymphs (listen up Reverend), I like Pheasant Tails and Hare’s Ears with a dark turkey wingcase.  Same sizes as above.  There are also good caddis hatches, but you can buy them at the shop if you’d like.  We should be smack in the middle of the hatch and can expect some decent action in the afternoons.  Please also have Rusty Spinners in 12, 14 and 16 for evening and possibly morning action.

Here’s a big hint I’ve learned from my many trips to the D during this hatch.  Once you see duns on the water, tie one on and add a dropper like an unweighted pheasant tail nymph dangling off the back of the dun’s hook about a foot or so.  Deadly when fished just under or in the surface film!!!

Where are the Louts? The last post was in September. We can’t be all tying flies or hiding bottles of single malt. I’ll raise a glass to all the Louts this season-here’s to peace, goodwill and happiness.
Slainte. Oh, and lot’s of fish in 2008.

Fellow Lout Brian Cowden has recieved the TU National Youth award  at the national meeting last week in Boise ID. I know he is the first one to give credit to all the volunteers at the chapter levels helping him with TIC but he has done a great job and deserves the recognition. I personally thank him for encouraging me to be more involved and I have enjoyed learning and being involved in the TIC program. (Trout In the Classroom)

Way to go Brian keep up the great work!!! Great things will follow!

I will be heading back to the Caymans the beginning of August and was wondering if I should procure and stash an other bottle or two of the Glenfarclas 25yr. Scotch for the West Branch trip next year!! I have not been able to find it around here but know I can get it on the Island. My only concern is that it might not be safe in my house for another 9mos but I’ll try to forget it’s there!

Your suggestions are welcome

I thought that this should be preserved for future reference. We can have it notarized at a later date…

Being of ample body and questionable mind, I, Doc Hatton, do hereby bequeath my Dalmore Cigar Single Malt (oloroso cherry wood aged) Scotch to the surviving Louts provided same is consumed around the annual fire pit whilst enjoying cheroots and regaling the group with fond memories of me. In the absence of fond memories, embarrassing stories or sincere regrets suffice.

I believe this was written in response to learning that the dessert items to be served at the 8th annual Louts trip were to be baked by Rich Thomas’ ex-wife and terms of their divorce were not clear to all affected parties…