Free Flowing Lies, Rhyme & Reprise
Photography by Benjamin Rioux
Early to bed and early to rise
Sipping hot coffee and making up lies
Writing raw feelings, rhyme and reprise
I’ll paint glowing pictures like rich autumn skies.
Unwind and unravel that picturesque dream
A thousand small wishes that glimmer and gleam
Outstretched like a swift flowing freshwater stream
The simplistic chaos of a more complex scheme.
Swift and unchallenged yet brazen and bold
Each jagged bend a new story is told
Rushing so freely, a sight to behold
Staying on course but still breaking the mold
A timely new lesson to learn from the wise
An irony born right in front of your eyes
It may seem to some, such a pleasant surprise
That such beauty can come, from making up lies.
A poetic mess full of rhyme and reprise,
With a stream and a dream under colorful skies
From an author, who wrote this, I’ll have you realize
After one cup of coffee, and a handful of tries.
The Chase
Can’t you see the sky is falling
Breezy bitter Winter’s calling
Early darkness quiet appalling
Reds and yellows drifting, stalling.
Grounded graceful calming hues
Crunching underneath my shoes
What a pleasant path to choose
Autumn colors, absent blues
Perfect painted fading sun
Light escaping, on the run
Soon the friendly chase is done
Day defeated, night has won.
Rematch sees the morning break
Frozen fingers, shiver, shake
Remaining leaves begin to quake
Flurries near, make no mistake.
Swaying Silhouettes
Pressed against a fading sky,
A darkened day,
Light won’t comply
Trees cast shadows, outstretched high
Black branch swaying lullaby.
Burn a Candle
There are only a few remaining sporting camps in the North Maine Woods that can trace their true roots back to the 1950s. These extremely remote, remarkably eloquent Historical landmarks are truly frozen in time, rarely disturbed time capsules preserving a piece of Maine’s culture that so few are fortunate enough to recall, let alone experience firsthand.
Well, count me among the lucky ones. Full story coming soon, consider this photo a teaser!
Watch us like a hawk, big things dropping in the coming days.
-Ben
When Old means New
- The last time I could call Fort Kent home and actually mean it was early September, 2006. That was the year I left the Saint John Valley for the first time in my life, before this website was ever a thought. 5 years, 3 cities, dozens of fly rods, and 2 Bachelor Degrees later, it seems this lost dog has finally found his way home.
More than half of Fort Kent still thinks i’m only home for an extended vacation, which I can certainly understand. Moving from Portland to northern Maine on just two days notice hasn’t left a ton of time for reflection or questions. Two weeks into my first full-time teaching job, I still can’t believe how quickly my life has changed. A few key, calculated decisions have planted my feet firmly in native soil, and with a little luck my time as a County boy “transplant” in various parts of Maine has finally come to an end. New memories, new career, and a new chapter. It’s hard to believe that all of my hard work has finally paid off, and I can say with confidence that even in the utter chaos and confusion that comes with being a first year teacher, it was worth every headache and hardship. The late night study sessions, missed fishing trips, and time away from home were all necessary sacrifices, and those sacrifices are without a doubt what having me sitting here today.
As I continue to make adjustments and get comfortable, things will gradually pick up around these parts and the content will start to flow at a more regular pace. Some extremely exciting times are ahead, including a foliage and fly fishing filled September, and my first full hunting season in nearly five years. More photos, new gear reviews (its a big list), trip reports, the return of the “Fly Box” page, and so much more!
So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. This is a new beginning, and things can only get better from here!
Tight Lines,
-Ben
“Simple” B&W
A little photographic love to show that I’m still alive and very much kickin’. It’s been a slow process changing gears back here in the County. Hold tight for some big news, exciting new ventures, and a few fancy changes.
These Boots
Big announcements coming in the next few days…..involving new stomping grounds…..or old stomping grounds. Lets just say that our upcoming content has some seriously rich and exciting potential. More fish, more photos, more of everything that helps to put the “Up’North” in Up’North Maine Fly Castings. Check back soon for all the details!
Poetic Justice: “Home”
I find myself compelled to tell
A tale of weather, fish, and flies
Of orange autumns and painted skies
The place my memories dwell
Now far removed but close at heart
I sift through dreams that draw me near
To spawning trout and ghostly deer
A past, a present, worlds apart
Where life has grace and time stands still
And simple pleasures foster smiles
Dirt roads and hardwoods stretch for miles
Leaves fall in silence, icy chill
A single breath soon shows its path
Floats like clouds so brisk and bold
Unforgiving frigid cold
Fall retreats from winter’s wrath
I close my eyes and let thoughts roam
To all I’ve loved and left behind
A peace of mind I’ll never find
Return to all I’ve known,
a place that I call home
County List
It’s been a solid six months since the last time I’ve assembled any sort of list on Up’North. Over the course of two years you’ve seen fly rod lists, shotgun lists, various holiday lists, streamer lists, and even the occasional beer list. Seeing as how my recent ventures only put me in the County on a limited basis, I thought it only fitting that I piece together a list of ten random luxuries I miss from the northern reaches of our great State.
The Original Up'North Banner
- Fireside Chats- Random shenanigans and various follies around a real northern campfire. No silly rings, pits, or city ordinances. Using hardwood and cedar you cut during the day from the back of the house. Adirondack chairs, fresh cut steak, homemade wine, and beer that isn’t “brewed” in Germany or Ireland.
- 15-Minute Fishing Trips - Random, unplanned, unprepared fishing trips for no rhyme or reason. Chasing trout and making the most of remaining daylight as the sun fades behind backwoods ridges. Forgetting fly boxes, making the best of knotted and worn leaders, and still feeling completely satisfied when the fish don’t cooperate.
- Porch Sitting- No interstate traffic. Scratch that, no traffic on any kind. Watching the grass grow around my black lab while she sleeps. Tying flies on the picnic table. Old school country, old and new friends. Sleeping where you sit.
- Cruising the River- Stand up carving in an Old Town Canoe. Johnson 8 runs perfect, Johnson 8 wont start. Bringing more fly rods than any three people could ever need. Forgetting food, coolers, but never beer or whiskey.
- Family- Gramp’s stories, Gram’s cooking, hockey with dad, coffee with mom, piecing together the night’s events with my younger brother.
- Ghosts- Not Caspers; Grey Ghosts, Green Ghosts, White and Marabou Ghosts. Size 2-6. Salmon candy. Spring runs, chilly evenings, flannel shirts and tandem streamers. Knowing that your fly is money in all conditions.
- Dirt Roads- Dodging logging trucks, Marine and Murs antennas on the roof of the pickup. 10 ply tires, Katahdin truck racks, rusty ratchet straps, Cooler parties on the tailgate. Endless miles to nowhere.
- Hunting Beard- Sporting the classic Fall scruff. Itchy face for the first few weeks. Not shaving because “it helps keep you warm” on the trail. “Picky” on the ladies’ cheek. The first clean shave after you hang the gun up for the season.
- Fall- The season that sets the standard for all others. Late nights and early mornings at hunting camp. Not too warm, not too cold. Crackling leaves, Autumn colors, camo and fluorescent orange. Trout and Salmon moving back into the rivers. Cast and blast. Seeing your breath on a crisp October morning, lighting the first fire in the wood stove that same night.
- Less is More- Best friends, fishing, hunting, food, family, and everything else is well within reach. It takes 2 minutes instead of 20 to drive 4 miles. No malls, no crowds, no need to lock your truck or house. Everything you need, less of what you don’t. Money in the bank.
The list goes on, and on, and on, but then it wouldn’t be a top ten….with more than ten.
See ya!
~DayDreams~
This little number has been in the works for nearly two weeks, which says a ton about my attention span. I finally managed to piece together something worth reading (I hope) in the wee hours of yesterday morning. I hope you enjoy it!
Photo by Alex Mitchell-Up'North Maine Fly Castings 2011
Let’s pretend for a moment, that this world disappears.
No more fun, no more fish, no more beers, not more cheers.
Wouldn’t that serve as the sum of all fears?
Maybe then we’d step back, reassess, and change gears.
What if one morning, maybe even today,
Birds didn’t sing, and the sky remained grey.
The sun never rose,
And the wind had no say,
In the way the trees swayed, or the leaves fell away.
And in that still moment,
When we’re searching for truth,
Would we look to our neighbors to help us get through?
Would we look to our families, our friends from the past?
Or just stand there and wonder how long it might last.
I’d like to think that I’d wipe the slate clean
Step back to what matters,
Erase the obscene.
Look down at the water, as it glimmers and gleams
And slip into a world where fish fill the streams.
Maybe it’s not quite as hard as it seems,
To live your real life, based on scenes from your dreams
I.
- My mind has to be in the right place to write, whether its poetry, short stories, and even daily accounts on the water. I feel like this applies to all people, so I’ve never been one to immerse myself in guilt of grief over the fact that I can’t bang out gems on a daily basis. I started Up’North as a side project that would allow me to focus on my passion for fly fishing, photography, and of course-writing. It’s funny how one’s initial intentions always seem to take on a different shape over time. Graduation comes and goes, career opportunities present themselves, and that focus you were so sure about before becomes blurry and requires adjustments.
Consider this the first adjustment.
The fishing hasn’t changed in northern Maine, neither have the fishermen or the tall tales they always seem to tell. Early Spring is always money for salmon, brook trout always dive hard after the take, and the spots that don’t look at all productive are usually the ones that produce the best fish. My departure from northern Maine in May is one that I’ve taken unbelievably hard, even if I rarely show it. Beyond fly fishing, I long for the comforts of home just as much as the next guy. As a result, my time north is typically reserved for holidays and special occasions, most of which don’t leave much, if any room to wet a line.
Because of this, many have questioned my passion in recent months. I can’t say I blame them, people thrive on routine and grow stressed when popular trends are diminished. With so much going on, I simply have less to write about. I take less pictures, I test less products, and I have trouble finding time to take even day trips. But my first question for everyone remains consistent; how would you define passion? I get various answers, and nearly all of them are unique to the person depending on careers, families, and location. For me, passion means soaking up every special moment when I finally do find myself on the water. It means spending less time worrying about documenting every fishing hole, and more time basking in the simple elegance of a northern sunset, or the flowing conversation of a fireside chat. It means taking chances, making choices, and standing by them proudly even when others feel the need to criticize. I fish for myself, no one else.
I am extremely proud of my accomplishments, in fishing and beyond. I lifted Up’North from a cookie cutter template with recycled materials, and transformed it to something original and fun that people enjoy from Maine to Russia to New Zealand and back again. So what if I post less, fail to review your favorite insect-repellant t-shirt, or spend more time behind the camera than I do holding the fish. Up’North is me, and as long as I keep changing, you can rest assure that it will follow suit. Don’t like my perspective? Start you own blog, write your own materials, build your own networks, and find your own niche.
The next three months could go a number of different ways for me, and I couldn’t be more excited about how open ended everything is looking at the moment. I could stay in Portland, I could move to an even larger city, or I could find myself back in the familiar comforts of Fort Kent surrounded by family and friends. I might not update daily, but I’ll never let it die. So don’t form any expectations, just check back often and I’ll do my best to keep you entertained and informed with as much original content and nonsense as possible.
The only approval I need is my own, so that might explain why I don’t answer any hateful emails about “bad” reviews, or why I don’t cover bass fishing in southern Maine with the same level of “enthusiasm” as trout fishing in the North. My passion for fly fishing, like life, is real at an unimaginable level. Thanks for playing.
-Ben
Worth the Wait
I’ve been a busy man as of late, not that I’m making excuses for my absence. Recent weeks have been something of a Maine tour, moving from Orono to Fort Kent, then eventually down to Portland where I will remain until god knows when. Still, the northern rivers have allowed me a few solid days on the water, and I couldn’t be more happy with my fishing season thus far.
Last Friday evening I caught two decent fish, including a beautiful brook trout and a feisty landlocked salmon. I also managed to convince good ol’ Jon to leave his gear rod home and swing some streamers, and the river gods afforded him a great brookie for his efforts. A few good fish were also lost at the boat, and several were seen (yes, seen) cruising the more calm corners of the river. Getting out on the river with Jon is always a blast, and for some reason we always muster up what it takes to catch some decent fish.
Saturday afternoon I was able to reunite with Lucas for another river trip chasing trout and salmon. While Lucas and I also have our fair share of success on the river, putting us in a boat together has proven outright dangerous. After a brief wrestling match in a tree just above some rapids, and a heroic rod-saving reach at full speed by yours truly, I managed to ice my motor troubles early enough that our trip wasn’t a total loss. The river dropped noticeably from the night before, and the usual streamers failed to produce the usual results for the most part. Lucas hooked up to a hefty salmon early-on who rocked his world, and nearly broke himself off on the prop before we got it safely aboard. He opted to keep his first fish of the season, and having seen him throw back dozens of trout and salmon over the years, I say this was a meal well deserved. His fish would be the only one of the outing, but it was a great one.
This weekend I get to enjoy some family time before making my final retreat to Portland and a new job. I’ll be sure to squeeze at least a few hours on the river for one last Spring fling before the Summer sets in. Rumor has it that the Stripers are starting to move on the coast, and I can’t wait to go play in the salt with some long lost friends.
See you on the river, see you on the road!
-Ben
S.I.D. 7
-If you haven’t already noticed, Sleeping in the Dirt: Issue 7 dropped on Thursday. As is to be expected, Aaron Otto and the gang bring us great photography, intriguing articles, and an all around polished digital magazine that lingers around the status of This Is Fly and Catch. SID7 is automatically my favorite issue of the bunch, but that probably has something to do with Up’North being featured in it (Pg. 44-45) for the first time ever. I consider this a huge honor, and on behalf of myself and the rest of the Up’North clan, I would like to thank Mr. Aaron Otto for including this humble northern Maine blog in his spectacular magazine.
Click to View
Something special sets SID apart from every other magazine out there today, digital, print, or otherwise. No, it isn’t the fact that it’s the only legitimate mag. to ever feature Up’North, although that argument could be made. Instead, something real, relatable, and almost comforting can be found in reading stories and looking at photos from locations people fish on a daily basis. Great moments in time forged right in the backyards of average Joes, weekend warriors, fathers, brothers, and sons. THIS is what Fly Fishing means to me, and so many others like me who don’t have the luxury of mixing work with pleasure, or traveling to Chile for a weekend getaway. The type of dedication SID represents to me comes in the form of men and women who have careers in everything other than fly fishing, or a family life that simply makes it impossible to spend every free moment on the water. Men and women who take advantage of every chance they get on the water, laying it all on the line for that fish of a lifetime, that moment of truth where every second counts and nothing else matters. Men and women who cast a fly to blow off steam, while making lasting memories in locations that don’t leave them with lasting debt.
At the end of SID: 7, AO writes, “You know SID, because you’re one of us too.”
Touche’ AO, Touche’
-Ben
While you were out…!
- Howdy,
Lots of exciting things happening recently in the fly fishing circuit, yet somehow I still feel like I’m on the outside looking in. While I prepare to re-enter the scene this weekend, swinging streamers on my home stretches, feast on this random assortment of thoughts, stories, and otherwise useful/enjoyable/better than work links.
First up, big shout-out to Up’North’s newest friend and colleague Rhon Bell of Caribou, Maine. Rhon runs the extremely enjoyable and appropriately titled blog Backwoods Plaid, and reading through his adventures recently consumed a good portion of my afternoon. A self-proclaimed L.L.Bean addict, he also dabbles in cooking, hiking, consuming various choice adult beverages, and casting a fly to unsuspecting brook trout. In short-Backwoods Plaid is a nice addition to your daily reads if you enjoy Up’North even a little (and you better). Head on over to www.backwoodsplaid.blogspot.com to get yourself caught up at once!
Click to Visit!
Moving on, I’ve been receiving a healthy amount of emails lately asking me what I recommend for streamers during early Spring salmon outings. Without being overly complicated, I have a few rules of thumb that might bode well on your next adventure. First, if the streamer has the word Ghost in it’s name, chances are it will catch fish in the fast Spring waters of Maine. Green, Grey, Black, Marabou, etc. etc., they all work. For whatever reason, my go-to streamers usually have a small red or yellow tail, and EVERY one of them utilizes jungle cock eyes. My streamer box doesn’t bulge with a large variety of meat, just Ghosts in various large sizes, a few Magogs in various colors, and the occasional Allagash Al.
Finally, sinking or sink-tip lines are NOT always necessary. In my neck of the woods I’ve hooked up to salmon in early May swinging a floating line and between 12-16 feet of leader. The cold water typically has these fish on the move at nearly every depth, so don’t be afraid to fish those large streamers right below the surface. Few things are more exciting than watching a 20+ inch landlocked salmon absolutely freight-train a streamer on the upper-deck.
Last, but certainly not least, head on over to the Fontinalis Rising blog to check out the lastest post: Floating Away. Jason Tucker has a way with words that can be captivating, and his love for fly fishing and everything that relates makes for a stellar blog to waste some time when you should be working. Check it out at www.fontinalisrising.blogspot.com, and try to hide your anger when you peep his “Jealousy Counter.” Jealous indeed Mr. Tucker, Jealous indeed.
Click to Visit!
Tight lines and best of luck in your early Spring adventures. Remember to always wear a lifejacket and use caution when fishing the frigid early season waters of Maine or anywhere else. A few simple precautions can make all the difference, and not taking them could have dire consequences!
Happy Castings,
-Ben
Happy Mother’s Day!
Doesn’t it seem unfair that mother’s only get one day? For as long as I can remember, my mother has worked tirelessly so my life could be just a little less stressful. The time, money, and stress that she has lost and endured on my account makes her saint-worthy, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her help.
So take this one day to show your mother just how lucky you feel to have her support. Use today to show her how much you care, just like she does the other 364.
Happy Mother’s Day!
-Ben
Inspired.
Let us write.
I’ll be the first to admit that lately I haven’t been in the writing mood. While I would hardly call myself a professional, I know how it feels to be at a loss for words. Writing typically draws on some level of inspiration, and lately I’ve been a little uninspired. School and work severely limit my opportunities to fish, and the grim reality that the real world is quickly winding up to sock me in the face has quickly become more evident.
I enjoyed a conversation recently with a valued friend and local guide in the Downeast region of Maine. While catching up on our favorite microbrews, my prospective career choices, and Spring fishing, he brought up an interesting point about the current state of fly fishing in Maine. Last year at a Fly Fishing Film Tour event in southern Maine, he told me that he spoke with a big name in the industry regarding the turnout at the show. The topic? A generation gap that desperately needs to be filled.
Mid-April Muskie Fishing on the St. John
I would hate to turn this into an East VS. West ordeal, but what has the West Coast discovered about attracting younger generations to fly fishing that the East Coast simply can’t seem to grasp? Shouldn’t I have 20 friends as excited as I am about the latest offerings from Sage, or the most recent film from Felt Soul Media? Shouldn’t the Fly Fishing Film Tour be filled with Maine’s next generation of fly fishermen, shouting to the rafters when the lights go dim and Frank Smethhurst appears on screen in a Big Foot costume? Am I missing something here?
I want to sit down on any given Saturday night in the local pub and talk to no less than ten people my age who are just getting off the river. I long for the day when Maine fly fisherman step out of 1950 and start driving the sport forward. The day when fly fishing ceases to be the pastime of their grandfathers, or the secret shame they enjoy somewhere between football and computer games. When Simms and Scientific Anglers are household names, and Patagonia isn’t automatically associated with the skiing. I need to see the change, we need to be the change.
I would never take away from the generations before me and the history they represent in the sport I love, but when does history begin to evolve into the future? Fly Fishing is cool in Montana and Idaho, why not Maine? We have some of the greatest fly fishing waters in the country, rivers and ponds filled with brook trout the size of footballs, and salmon that gorge on dry flies in mid-July. What part of the equation did we get wrong? If we don’t figure it out soon, fly fishing in Maine will fade away before we can even acknowledge its in trouble.
So take a friend fly fishing, even if you need to drag him/her to the water. Super glue a fly rod in their hand, and hold them at gunpoint on the river bank until they feel that mighty tug that so few of us know well enough to actually appreciate. And when they finally ask you to put down the gun in favor of a net, teach them how to smile at the sight of a cleanly released fish, and the possibility of catching it another day. Tweet about it, blog about it, post the pictures on Facebook and “Like” the SHIT out of them. Generate more excitement, and get more youth involved in the sport that you’ve grown to love. Make the men and women on the West Coast wish they could have what we have here; leave your mark on something special. Teach your kids, teach their kids, and encourage them to teach their friends. Who knows, maybe next Christmas instead of a Playstation they might ask for a fly tying kit.
God Willing.
-Ben
Photo Contest Update!
- Well, the dirty work is done.
Exactly one month after being announced, Up’North’s first ever photography contest wrapped up when the clock struck midnight on April Fools Day. As expected, the submissions were top notch and I really enjoyed checking my email throughout the last month. Sadly, only one photographer will take home all the goods!
Jared Boucher and Derick Plourde on the Little Black River. Photo by Benjamin Rioux
The photos have been distributed to the judges and I am awaiting their replies. Each judge is voting for three photos; a winner, second, and third place. While the winner will still take all, I thought it would be nice to reward second and third place with an Up’North Graphic Decal as well.
The following contest judges are a good mix of industry insiders and otherwise well known fly-fishy people. Each was chosen based on their involvement with the contest, their keen eye for photography, or both.
- Ms. Camille Egdorf of www.riplps.wordpress.com and Egdorf’s Nushagak Camps in Alaska.
- Mr. Aaron Otto of www.sleepinginthedirt.com and photographically genius SID eMag.
- Mr. Jean-Paul Lipton aka The Roughfisher aka Gun Toting Carp Slayer of www.roughfisher.com
- Mr. Ben Paul from Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters, www.flyfishingoutfitters.com
- Mr. Mac McKeever, PR and Striper extraordinaire from L.L.Bean.
- Mr. Michael Davis, “Man on the Fly” behind Life on the Fly Outfitters, LTD.
- Mr. Matt Cassel of Cliff Outdoors, www.cliffoutdoors.com
- Mr. Reno Rioux of the Support Ben Rioux’s Fly Fishing Fund, aka my father.
- and last but not least, me!
Again, I would like to thank all judges and participants for making this photography contest a memorable one. Results of the contest will be posted as soon as the final judging wraps up, so check back often to see if you’re the winner! Best of luck!
One Final Round
- In the summer of 2009 I was given the rare opportunity to work with one of the most respected firearms companies in the world. Bushmaster Firearms was founded in 1973, and in its thirty-eight year history has grown into the leading AR-15 type rifle manufacturer in the United States. The history of Bushmaster is full of monumental achievements. From world-wide military connections all the way down to individual consumers, Bushmaster has earned the respect of millions with a reputation for quality and friendly customer service. Simply put, Bushmaster Firearms is the real deal.
The Windham, Maine Bushmaster AR-15 "The Last Real Bushmaster"
In early December 2010 it was announced that Bushmaster’s owner Freedom Group would be closing the Windham, Maine plant. The sad news was conveyed to me shortly after my 23rd birthday, and the moment it was spoken to me is one I will never forget. The plant that started it all, the people who formed the very heart of Bushmaster, all of it was soon to be lost due to a corporate decision that few saw coming.
Corporate decision? Bingo.
When the dust settles, Bushmaster will be just another gun company. The blood, sweat, and tears that made Bushmaster Quality Parts a household name will be removed from the equation, replaced instead by a corporate move that reeks of mediocrity and lacks true heart. What the people at Freedom Group fail to understand is that Bushmaster Firearms was much more than a simple gun company. Bushmaster is nothing without the people who invest their lives into making it such a standout product, and a Bushmaster Rifle is nothing without ” Windham Maine” stamped into the lower receiver. The last real Bushmaster rifles will forever stand alone, models of perfection in an industry where quality is quickly becoming second to profits. Bushmaster was not the victim of a struggling economy, but the tragic results of a business move that failed to consider what made it such a successful company.
I for one will never fail to appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into making my rifle. The special attention to detail, and the strong sense of pride that went into assembling a Windham, ME Bushmaster AR-15 can never be recreated using machines, no matter the circumstances. Bushmaster will continue as a brand for years to come, but those who are lucky enough to know better will tell you that Bushmaster Firearms ceases to exist on March 31, 2011. The legacy remains alive in the eyes of those who dedicated their lives to quality for nearly four decades, and those who are truly blessed to own a Windham, Maine rifle.
I would like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, each and every employee who made Bushmaster the standout company that I will always remember. For four short months you took me in as family, allowing me the chance to be a part of something so incredibly rare and unforgettable. The experience changed my life, and I am truly grateful for being allowed to play my small role in such a special piece of history. With every round that passes through my rifle’s chrome-lined barrel, know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Know that your efforts and hard work at not lost on my ears, and that the impact of your lasting legacy will echo through the hills of northern Maine every time I pull the trigger.
See you at the range, to fire one final round.
-Benjamin Rioux
Coming Soon
- A new beginning is right around the corner, the 2011 fly fishing season is knocking on northern Maine’s door. Are you ready? The countdown starts soon, so check back often! 2011′s List-O-Goals is coming your way in a matter of days!
See you on the river (o so soon)
-Ben
Terrible Twos
- Hardy Har Har, Up’North turns two on this glorious day!
From the northern reaches of Maine, to northern California, to Alaska, to Finland, and even mother Russia, Up’North continues to reach a broad audience on a daily basis. Completely blowing away my wildest expectations, Up’North crushed my 100,000 views (in 2 years) goal in December, and welcomed over 24,000 unique visitors in its second year alone. Nearly 700 people follow my tweets, hundreds of guides, company reps, and fly fishing enthusiasts follow via Facebook, not to mention a large local following that includes the most supportive and entertaining group of fellas a fly fisherman could ask for. In the words of Bud Soucy, “CHAOS, WHOOOOOT!”
I am sincerely humbled by the outpouring of support that Up’North has received during the past year alone. L.L.Bean continues to be extremely supportive and helpful, and I would be lost without their guidance and the friendship-Thanks Mac! In addition, Up’North has added some new supporters to the mix during the past year. Life On the Fly Outfitters picked me up as a Fly Fishing Ambassador in October 2010, and owner Michael Davis has been nothing short of inspirational. I look forward to working more closely with LOFTO in the near future, and hope that our continued cooperation will bring rewarding experiences to all involved. Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters has also added me to their affiliate program, giving me access to colorful ads and great deals on thousands of products. In a program that could be extremely impersonal and bland, Ben Paull of Leland has been extremely accommodating and helpful, arranging ads that work for my site, and pumping me full of press releases and the latest gear info. I would like to thank Mr. Paull and the rest of the fellas at Leland for their support, you guys truly are a step above the competition. Graphic artist Steve Daigle at Paper Signs Ink in Fort Kent, for making me a killer banner, business cards, and the decals that grace the back windows of countless trucks in northern Maine and beyond-Thanks for the help spreading the love Steve.
Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank the sites and individuals who have given me support, inspiration, and in many cases, friendship over the last few years. Mr. Jean-Paul Lipton aka The Roughfisher has been a great friend since day one, my brother from anotha motha! Cameron Mortenson of The Fiberglass Manifesto, Lucas Jarrett-my daily fishing buddy during the summer months, and the only guy I know who loves fly fishing in northern Maine as much as I do. Jacob McGlothlin and the fellas at Chi Wulff, Nick English, Mac Mckeever, Michael Gracie of michaelgracie.com, Simon Graham of Pike Fly Fishing Articles, Mr. Brad Bohen of Muskie Country Outfitters, and anyone else who has ever offered up information, sent me flies, gear, or simply tolerated my learning curve when it comes to all things fly fishing.
And who could forget the Up’North crew, Alex Mitchell for accompanying me on backcountry trout ponds when the weather is less than desirable, Derick, Alex and the rest of the Plourde brothers for making catching a Muskie on a fly rod become more of a reality, Jon “Jizzon” Morin for finding the humor in everything and giving me company during those weeknight canoe rides on Soldier Pond. Gary Perry and the Gardner crew for introducing me to the Big Black, in what turned out to be my favorite fishing trip of 2010. Josh Caron for putting my 10wt Silver Ghost to work against some large Atlantic Salmon on the Miramichi. And of course, my family. My father for showing increased interest in the sport I love, and being there every step of the way to support my obsession (thanks for the truck). My mother for having patience with me when I left my waders by the front door, fly tying materials on the kitchen table, and fly rods scattered around the living room. I love you Ma! My brother for proof-reading my work and offering constructive criticism along the way, and anyone else I may have forgotten who has been there since day one. For your support I am extremely grateful, Up’North would be nothing without your continued involvement and inspiration.
At the end of the day, it’s all about the experience. On and off the water, fly fishing has been as much a part of my life as my morning coffee or my last name. To say I love to fish would be the understatement of the century; the locations, the friends, and the memories it has given me help to form the foundation of my life, my moral code, my reason for breathing. It’s not about looking the part, or making money, or gaining any sort of special recognition. For me its about trying to fall asleep at night after a day filled with hungry trout and large landlocked salmon. It’s that feeling you get every Spring when you cast a streamer at the start of another season, or when that fish of a lifetime comes unbuttoned right at the side of the boat. It’s the air you breath on a backcountry pond that just seems more crisp than anywhere else. It’s life, and I’m living the dream.
Thank you all for helping to make even my most distant dreams a reality, I am truly humbled. Look for big things to come this season, and as always,
Tight Lines!
-Ben
Casting For Recovery
- L.L.Bean is a proud supporter of Casting For Recovery, and now you can be to! Casting For Recovery is a program for Breast Cancer survivors that combines fly fishing, counseling, and medical information. The culmination of the program is a 2.5 day retreat where survivors can share stories, make new friends, and do a little fly fishing in locations from Argentina to Alaska, chasing everything from Brook Trout to Grayling. Head on over to the Casting For Recovery website to learn more about how to be part of the experience!
This year L.L.Bean is offering a nice collection of products stitched with the CFR logo, and will donate $2 of every sale of such products directly to Casting For Recovery. So whether you are a Cancer Survivor, a relative of someone who is, or simply a concerned fly fisherman/woman who would like to support the cause, this is a great way to do your part.
Click on the images above to read more, and visit L.L.Bean.com to view more great Casting For Recovery products!
Tight Lines,
-Ben
Use It.
- Ahhhh yes! Another Valentine’s Day is upon us.
Clearly this day is one of the more controversial holidays we celebrate, but who doesn’t love a little bit of controversy? The fact is, as much as we try to hate it, Valentine’s day is loved by all-deep, deep down. Every year countless men venture out into the terrifying abyss we know as the jewelry store, to blow their hard earned money on something they should be spending on a new reel, or perhaps some cozy new waders. To the untrained eye, it may appear as if, for once all year, fly fishermen are actually placing their other interests ahead of a favorite trout pond, or a peaceful day on the river.
Keep thinking that, please.
No matter how angry this message makes you ladies, you can't get angry. Look, flowers!
Valentine’s day is as much a tool for fly fisherman as is a pair of forceps or some nippers. We don’t spend money on flowers and chocolates, we spend it on vouchers that allow us one extra day of fishing, free from honey-dos or forced conversation at family functions. We spend it on that excuse to miss dinner, or your grandmother’s 130th birthday. Even Hallmark is in on it, did you really think we were that smooth?
Let’s face the music, Valentine’s Day is a Fly Fishing Holiday ladies and gents. Think of it as such, and your money is never wasted.
Tight Lines,
-Ben
Im on a Boat
And I need a boat bag, badly. Luckily L.L.Bean has me covered.
My father in the driver's seat of my canoe on Eagle Lake, minutes before storm clouds rained on our evening fishing trip.
As seen in Fly Rod and Reel magazine, the Kennebec River Boat Bag is a favorite among guides and casual fishermen alike. Coming in large ($119) and small ($99) versions to best suite every angler’s needs, this is the boat bag dreams are made of. Waterproof top compartment keeps charts and maps visible in less than desirable conditions, reinforced plier pocket ensures that plier jaws won’t poke through the fabric. With over 20 pockets (small version), you can store reels, tippet, and other tools, all organized neatly and protected by foam dividers. Made of strong and durable 1000 denier nylon canvas fabric with a rugged waterproof bottom, this bag belongs on the bottom of a canoe. Flip out external work surface/foam fly patch eliminates the need for fly boxes. Simply put this bag is a great way to keep everything you need at your fingertips without littering the bottom of your boat or canoe. Perfect for day trips.
Large (Left) and Small (Opened and Right) Click for more details...
If you are like me, the bottom of your canoe or drift boat is rarely dry. Hunting for tools and fly boxes that are floating around at your feet is always inconvenient, and can be dangerous when you should be driving instead. Pack in and pack out, this bag serves its purpose and then some. It even comes with a rain fly for those less than sunny days on the water. Need I continue?
Get yours today, and you’ll wonder why you ever went without. I sure do. Visit L.L.Bean.com for more details, and to purchase yours today.
Tight Lines,
-Ben
(Descriptions and Image courtesy of L.L.Bean.com)
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