Dont Flush it


Small, loud and proud....not sure where he got that from


Governor Hickenlooper,
My name is Bob Streb, my little family lives in Minturn, Colorado on the banks of the Eagle River, just one of the incredible places we enjoy in the mountains we call home. One of the other places is the Upper Colorado River. I am a fly fishing guide and I spend many days showing friends, both new and old, this very special place. The Upper Colorado River has become part of me and I often feel a deep need to be in a boat feeling her currents under me. The loss of this freedom is a very real possibility if any more of her water is diverted. I understand this situation has economic implications for everyone but, I hope you understand the spititual and emotional impact it will have also.
Four years ago my life changed forever with the birth of my son Sam. He now comes first in my life, without condition. We try and answer every question he ever asks and that can be challenging with a child who's main hobby is being curious. He is very aware of what his daddy does for a living and already knows how important water is. Sam has officially stopped flushing the toilet so he can "Help Save the Colorado". His prayers, which used to include his dog and spiderman, are now for our River. He has never asked to save Daddy's job, only the river. Sam has no perspective on the economic impact this has on everyone, only a simple love for one of nature's most incredible water sheds
We very rarely journey to Denver, we live in this state for it's natural beauty and the city just offers a view, not the feel we have grown to love. We felt a strong need to leave our mountains and come to one of the many rallies for the river on the steps of your office. I don't like cities, and I especially don't enjoy going there for a fight that seems has already been lost. Sam sat on my shoulders and screamed proudly as loud as all the adults. "Why are we yelling Dad?", "So a man up there in his office hears us and does something to help son". We painted our faces blue, like water. That was not an attempt to hide our identities. It was so we had no resemblence to the generations before us that contributed to so much destruction of nature all over the great American West. My family has no desire to be recognized as part of a generation that destroys the Colorado River. I hope you feel the same way. I hope you are not remembered as the Governor who sucked the Colorado River dry. I do not envy the position you are in and how hard it must be, but know there are choices and answers that will help. Little Sam has already figured one way out so if need be I am sure he is willing to sit with you and figure this whole mess out.
All of us who enjoy that River hope you will at least slow the process down some more, absorb all the data, explore every option and educate your fellow state officials on all the facts. Conservation of water is the way. Conservation will lead to preservation of this place. Our 4 year old already understands how to help do his part and now its your turn to lead by example. I am blown away at the realization of how many people in this state just believe that water comes from the tap. Knowledge is power and you currently sit in a seat fit to educate the growing front range on how valuable a resource water is and where it comes from. This river can not give anymore of her blood and continue to be the heart of this state's image. I know some look at the mountains when they think of this state but last I checked there isn't one named Colorado, there is a wonderful body of water with it's name though.
All things start at the top Sir, everything flows downstream or at least should.

Sincerly,
Bob Streb

Its in the mail Hick, lets go for a float this spring, I promise I wont wear the war paint.










KISS MY @#!%

In honor of St Valentines day....


Ballet dancers do it


Jmacs full of love


Big Lew isnt scared of showing his love


The "Premiere float guide" on the Colorado is no sucker.


Is Zim french?


One for the ladies

Dry fry



This one kind of freaks me out


Happy Valentines Day.That will teach all of you for posing Jimmy Houston style. 




Fork You, its Feburary

Just finished scrubbing things up for a float on the Fork tomorrow with a couple of my favorite clients, Alan and DJ. These guys only book trips in the winter.....for good reason, its crazy good. It's certainly no secret and it can be a trick to schedule if your weak when it comes to the weather, but if you take the risk, the rewards can be great on this world class fishery. No pressure, clear water, plenty of bug life and fish who love to eat the egg. Honest report to follow.


Alan with a fine Roaring Fork Bow from last February


I will never understand some fly fisherman's reluctance to fish egg patterns, it is certainly nothing that I suffer from. One day last year I was wade fishing a spot with a couple of clients and we were having quite a day. A local fishing the other side of the river finally broke down and asked what we were using, "eggs" I replied. He shook his head and said he didn't have any so I offered to walk a few over to him but he explained he never fishes them. 20 minutes later he disappeared leaving me to try and explain to my clients there wasn't any controversy or ethical boundary we had crossed. They must have been convinced because they stopped asking questions and went back to railing fish.

Small molting Golden Stones are a favorite winter snack and a good point fly for those not willing to toss Egg a Muffins.











Another bad choice.


 On a positive note our coldest months historically are past us. The most snow usually comes in March and April but the bitter cold should be about done. There are some killer deals on trips this time of year, mention this stupid blog and I will sweeten it some more.