Yep, it is beginning to happen folks, so, as promised, here is your Extravaganza packing list:
In preface, June is the wettest month in Montana. The earlier in the month, the wetter it typically is--most often laden with afternoon thunder storms but sometimes the beneficiary of all-day rain. So the earlier in the month you are (and that's you, One-Of-A Kind Group One, which arrives on June 16th) the greater the probability of temperatures in the 50's to 70's with afternoon showers; and the later in the Extravaganza you are (and that's you, Group Three, which arrives on July 1st) the greater the probability of no rain and temperatures in the mid 70's to 90's--yes, folks the change is that dramatic in just the few weeks that we fish together. For each group, however, your packing list is the same--plan on coolish mornings transitioning into mid-day warmth, that will then be subject to afternoon cooling off and rain (when cells pass through the temperature often drops over 20 degrees is fewer than that in minutes), followed by coolish evenings as we sip (guzzle, in the case of Group One) wine, throw horseshoes in the back yard and exchange our tales of the daily blessings that have been bestowed upon us.
The list below is broken into "MUST HAVE" and "CAN HAVE" sections. Regarding the latter first, through our outfitter extraordinaire, Double-Up Outfitters, rods and reels are available to our groups, gratis. Feel free to bring your own gear if you have it [see below in that regard]. Regarding the need for waders and wading boots, if you have them, bring them, but (particularly in as much as we most likely have low(er)/warmer water conditions this year) we most often fish in shorts and sandals (with fleeces and rain jackets aboard in all cases).
So, here it is, your Official Extravaganza Camp List: (NOTE: MOST ALL ITEMS LISTED BELOW CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE ROCK CREEK MERCANTILE [WITH YOUR 10% STORE-WIDE DISCOUNT] ON YOUR ARRIVAL IN MT., IF YOU WISH)
MUST HAVE:
1. Polarized sunglasses (these are an absolute must); mine are prescription (because I am nearly blind without glasses) and the Merc has not only a great selection of regular polarized sun wear but also very comfortable sets that can overlay your prescription glasses--just like skiing goggles, but a little more chic/stylish.
2. A rain jacket (not a water resistant jacket [which really just absorbs water at a slower pace], but a poncho or truly water resistant lightweight/medium weight rain repellant--we have had the weather change from warm blue skies to cold (as in really cold) torrential rain and then back again all within an hour--if you get wet on the river it is not a pleasant experience--See 3, infra).
3. A dry bag/boat bag for a complete change of clothes for the river.
4. Fast drying fishing shirts and pants. (In the past, the former has been a staple of what we hand out to you as you arrive--history will repeat itself, by the way. As to pants, I highly recommend the fast drying, zip off pants which serve as long pants in the morning hours and shorts in the afternoon.)
5. Brimmed fishing hats. (Yes, history might just repeat itself here again regarding a baseball type hat; for those of you who are sunlight sensitive, I recommend a fully brimmed hat with a tie-string [so that the famous and inevitable MT wind will not decrown you].)
6. Layered clothing. (Imagine that you are going to a Niners game in September--you never know what you are going to get at The Stick, so you wear a short sleeved shirt with a long sleeve shirt over it, carrying with you a fleece and a warm jacket/raincoat--voila!!) We have washers and dryers available to you if needed, so don't bring the whole wardrobe but certainly pack an extra day's supply (remember that boat bag and its contents-to-be in 3, supra?!?)
7. Waterproof sandals/fishing shoes. (90% of our fishing will be in the boats, but you will be getting in and out for entry, potty breaks, lunch and return, and will get wet to your knees as you embark/debark. Tennis shoes are an alternative if you don't mind changing their color [permanently] Yes, fishing sandals are an excellent Merc purchase upon arrival--they have multi-uses and will last forever.)
8. Sunscreen and Bug-spray. (Bring sunscreen rated 15 and higher even if you think you don't need it, as you will be on the water, unprotected, for up to 10 hours each day--enough to challenge even the crustiest lawyer's skin! The bugs are nothing like Minnesota and usually are not a problem at all, but have some on hand and that normally makes the experience totally uneventful.)
9. Fleeces (long and/or short sleeved). (These are going to be your best friend, both early in the morning and late in the evening after a fully sating day. Temperatures during your stay see average highs in the 70's to 80's and evening lows in the 40's and 50's.)
10. Casual wear. This is not a black tie event, folks; shorts and levis are standard fare [even in Missoula's finest restaurants, I might add] both on the boat and at the house. Our fishing focus is exclusively on the brightness of the color bands in your rainbow trout, the brownness of your brown trout and on the scarletness of your cutthroat's gill plates.
CAN HAVE:
A. Fly rods and reels (5 and 6 weight rods are the order of the day--again, these are included in the Extravaganza package so only bring yours if you have them and want to fish them).
B. Waders (more so in Group One; less so in Groups Two and Three).
C. Expensive digital camera gear that you would like to get wet and destroy (Yes, folks, as in the past, we are going to have 5.0 megapixel digital cameras for your usage in each of your boats (which don't get ruined even even if you drop them in the water) . As in the past, we will assemble all pictures taken by group onto a CD and mail it to each of you, post E-10.
D. Booze (We have it all folks, so make your request in advance so e can have a supply on hand and leave it at home--only water and soft drinks on the boats, by the way.)
* * * * * *
There it is folks, your Official Extravaganza Camp List. Take notes, however, from Group Three's veteran Mark Grassi, who (even though this year he is going to driving up from his new Sun Valley digs) typically alights from the plane with his one carry on bag and fishing rod in hand--yes, as with all that we do, "less is more".
May the blessings of May be upon each of your as we stretch out towards the glories of Montana, shortly ahead for each of us in just a few weeks!!
Call me directly if you have any questions or concerns.
Best to all in preparation for it all,
Rock Creek Ron----<'///><
