Our first week was a success!

Thirteen men from Appleton Alliance Church in Appleton, WI drove their way out to Colorado last week in search for a true adventure. I was blessed to have them here with us for the week and we truly shared together within God's creation. Matt took the men on a two day backpacking trip into the wilderness where they learned how to cook meals, make coffee and slide down huge glaciers! This experience was challenging and I'm so pleased that each guy were challenged physically and spiritually. Ryan and I were able to get clients on fish and Its such a joy to see individuals catch and release their first trout on a fly rod. The waters in RMNP fished well and the Big Thompson finally dropped it's flow. Ryan did a great job and it was a pleasure working with him. My climbing guides, Shannon and Joseph also were successfully on their trips despite various weather issues. Rock climbing can be quite intimidating for flatlanders and they were able to get each guy up a route without a problem. The Lord kept us safe and we at First Adventure couldn't of asked for a better group of guys. Enjoy the photos from the week and be looking for updated info on the trip.

Thanks, A.J.

First Adventure guide bio's!

A.J. Dudek

Estes Park, CO

Fly-Fishing Guide

A.J. Dudek grew up in N.E. Wisconsin where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time in Creation. Originally learning how to fish with worms and spinners, A.J. moved out to Colorado where he started learning the art of fly angling. Fly-fishing became a true passion and the next few years were spent teaching and guiding in Durango, CO and Estes Park, CO. Working in fly shops all over the country has allowed A.J. to become an accomplished guide, fly tier, and educator. His first love is trout, but A.J. enjoys fishing for river small mouth, carp, steelhead, and is hoping to get into some saltwater angling. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute, and a newly wed, A.J. and his wife Jen and pup Stryder now reside in Estes Park, CO. Being the founder/director of First Adventure, A.J. is hoping to see the business grow and expand nationally at some point.

Matt Gaither

Moscow, ID

Backpacking

A recent graduate of the University of Idaho's English program, Matt Gaither has been guiding backpacking trips in the Weminuche Wilderness of Colorado for the past four summers for Kanakuk Kamps and The Expedition. Between school and jobs as a farmer, projectionist, and carpenter he has enjoyed opportunities to explore the Northwest that he has called home for the past six years, as well as two trips to southern Utah's canyon country. Most recently, Matt has visited the Eagle Cap Wilderness in Oregon, the North Cascades, the Oregon Coast, and Mount Rainier. Matt currently resides in Moscow, ID.

Shannon Benton

Estes Park,CO

Climbing

A true Colorado native, Shannon Benton has been climbing and in search of some of the best bouldering, and top roping routes in the country. Having climbed with some great professionals, Shannon has established himself as one of the top bouldering athletes in the country. Having traveled from Kentucky to Texas to climb, Shannon has experienced a lot of the best climbing this country has to offer. Currently Shannon is sponsored by Mad Rock and was invited to be a judge at one of the largest climbing competitions in the country. His experience as a climber, teacher, and trainer makes Shannon a great asset to First Adventure. His love for Christ and sense of humor can make for a great day on the rock. Shannon will be joined by our youngest guide Joseph Weissmen who has become a great climber and has experienced climbing and bouldering in New Zealand, Australia, and of course the mountains of Colorado.

RMNP yields some great fish this week.

From guide trips to fishing with buddies, this week has been great fishing and it seems that the summer season is under way in the park. Purple San Juan worms under a hopper or smaller dry fly is the hot set up. The waters are still high in the park and I'm guessing that it will continue for the next two weeks or so. Enjoy the new pics and get outside!

Thanks,

A.J.

Moody and I on the river!

This morning I took a good buddy out fishing. Christopher Moody is a first time fly-fisherman and caught his first trout today on Glacier Creek. He landed three fish! Christopher caught two brook trout and one brown. We fished for about three hours and had a blast. Way to go bro!

Thanks for the good morning,

A.J.

Fathers Day Message

Most of us who are passionate about the outdoors have been introduced to them by our fathers. On this father's day, I would truly encourage you to think about your father (or others) who have taken the time to be patient and teach you the ways of the river, the deer stand, or the bird dog. Without my father's hand in my life, I would not be involved in what I do on a daily basis. Growing up, my dad took me fishing and hunting. These times were cornerstones and I'm grateful to have a father who was dedicated to taking me out into Creation. This summer my father will come out and fish with me and I'm pumped to enjoy our Father's Creation with my earthly father. Thanks dad for all you do and I look forward to our time together in the mountains!

Thanks,

A.J.

Present home of First Adventure

Over this past year I have been in discussion with Ravencrest Chalet (Bible training school and retreat center, part of Torchbearers International in Estes Park, CO). First Adventure and Ravencrest will be doing business together and we both hope that this marriage will be a good one for years to come. During the summer months, the school holds week-long camps for youth groups from all over the country. The space is available for First Adventure to house and feed their clients and provide them with their own curriculum. It has been a blessing to find a home for First Adventure in Colorado and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the school.

A.J.

First climbing of the season!

Last weekend, friends of First Adventure did some climbing together. With the guidance of quality friend, and guide; Shannon Benton (sponsored by Mad Rock), we climbed some great landscapes and experienced some fun spring weather. Jen and I had the chance to learn some new things and meet some new people. Climbing is a new aspect of the outdoors for me, and I can see how it keeps you coming back again and again. First Adventure is hoping to do some great climbing this summer and through our teachers and guides, we hope to plan some neat destination trips as well. Enjoy the photos and thanks Shannon!

Appleton Alliance is coming out in four weeks! The excitement grows and we are so thankful for what God is doing in our neck of the woods.

Thanks,

A.J.

Pro Staff Companies

Over the past five years, I have had the great opportunity to build relationships with some truly great outdoor companies. By selling and using equipment produced by these companies I've established a pro staff relationship with them for First Adventure. One of our main goals is to provide our clients with quality gear so that they are comfortable and successful on our outings. I look forward to the future relationships I will be able to build within the industry. These companies are excited about First Adventures future and I'm dedicated to pushing their various products that we use. Off to the right are the companies logos who we have had the pleasure working with over this past year.

On another note, it's snowing in Estes and the rivers are as high as I've ever scene them, but we fish on and enjoy the days that God provides.

Thanks, Aj

Summer is here !

As the days grow longer and the rivers rise, my excitement grows for spending more and more time outside. Today a client and I headed up into RMNP to fish for the native Greenback Cutthroat. We had huge success and it was great to see how these trout have populated and regained resident status in our local waters. I have yet to post some pictures of our new puppy, so enjoy both and I'm looking forward to First Adventures first official trip this July! God is good and get outside and stretch a line or take a hike. Thanks, Aj

There and back again!

Over the past five days, Matt and I got to fish some great trout water. Even though the fishing was tough we did manage to raise a few fish and see the sites. Sleeping on the river was awesome and it was great to be back in Durango. My wife and I made a decision to adopt a new member into the Dudek family. Our new puppy Stryder is doing well, and likes to get up before sunrise, but I guess that comes with the territory. Enjoy some of the new photos from our trip and recent shots of Stryder. On another note, First Adventure might form a relationship with March Brown Rod Co. out of Massachusetts. Connecting with other companies will be a great adventure and God will provide as the business continues to form its base. I will keep you guys updated and enjoy the weekend!

Cheers,
A.J.

D-Town

Currently my friend Matt and I are in the Durango area fishing, camping, and eating good mexican food.  This morning we fished the Los Pinos tail water and struggled to get fish to rise. From streamers to double nymph rigs, we only managed to hook a few fish.  The forest fires that came around five years ago has truly effected this fishery.  We hope that the next few days will bring more trout and better caddis hatches.  I'm not complaining because we get to fall asleep every night to the sound of the Los Pinos.  Matt and I hope to fish the Animas and the San Juan before we head north next week.  The waters and our hopes are high for the nice fish to come.  I will post some photos soon!  Oh, Jen and I just got our first dog today.  We've added a german shepherd pup to the Dudek clan and I'm excited to have a fishing companion!  God is good and may you continue to see his glory in all things.  

Cheers, 

AJ

My office

Tuesdays normally mean that I'm inside working all day at the shop. From doing inventory to the after school kids climbing program, my day is packed full of tasks. Yesterday was a great exception to normal procedures. Two clients and I spent about eight hours fishing the Big T, Glacier Creek, and the Upper Big T. An eight hour guide trip can get a little long, but we had a blast. Starting at about 9:30 a.m., we headed down the canyon in pursuit of browns and rainbows. About six fish later we had covered about 100 yards of river in about two hours. The weather shifted and we headed up to the park for lunch, and casting instruction. It's quite rewarding when you have beginners learning to cast and catch fish on their own. Although I do help with a lot of the technical aspects of casting, both clients did a great job! The afternoon was then spent back on the Big T, where we experienced some rising trout to midges and B.W.O's. This is always a great time because we get to fish the dry fly! A few more fish and some more casting instruction and our day was done. I feel privileged to say that my "office" is on the river for the next four months. Enjoy the pics from the day.

Cheers, AJ

Durango is coming!

In a few short weeks, a friend and I will head south to Durango,CO. There we will spend four days fishing three quality fisheries. The San Juan, Animas, and Pine rivers all hold quality trout water and big fish. Over the past few years, I've had the opportunity to fish these waters and it seems that this spring will bring high/clear water. Big streamers is the name of the game and Matt and I will be fishing just that. Matt is a beginner angler with hopes of being educated in the art of tying and fishing big streamers. The boys at Tight Lines Fly Fishing Co., in DePere, WI taught me a lot about chasing big fish with big flies. The excitement grows as I anticipate catching a 20" plus fish. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I reside in Estes Park, CO. The summers here are very busy and to sneak out of town for a few days is always refreshing. Thanks Jen!!!!! Over this past week I starting moving forward with getting First Adventure registered as a business in Colorado. This is excited news for Jen and I as we hope to pursue this full-time in the next few years. Starting and operating my own business will be challenging, but I truly feel it will be the most fulfilling pursuit I've ever embarked on. I will keep you guys up to date as things progress. It's my Monday today and in a few weeks I will be in the drivers seat on my way to big fish and another amazing landscape!

Cheers, AJ

Early Morning

I truly enjoy days off. This morning I decided to get up at around 5:30 a.m. to explore some new fishing water. According to a good source (Jim Othrow, 74 year old fishing ninja!) there is some good fishing water to be had on Cub Creek in RMNP. The park purchased this property from a private rancher about fifteen years ago. The creek is full of undercuts and nice beaver ponds where brookies and browns like to feed and hide during the summer months. This morning did not bring much fish because of low water level and top ice, but I'm sure in the next few weeks we will see Cub Creek at its finest! I met up with Mr. Othrow to fish the Big T. We headed down about four miles and had a very successful morning, full of nice browns and rainbows. Sow bugs were the ticket this morning, with the occasional strike on a surf ice B.W.O.. The Big T is starting to experience it's annual spring runoff. With higher water levels and more traffic, the Thompson is a river that needs to be fished early and aggressively. It's always nice fishing with another individual. My times on the water with other friends and fellow anglers is much more gratifying than a day on my own. At times we all need "our" time, but the building of relationships is much more important in this life. I was talking with Jen (my wife) the other day about how I hope I never become a selfish angler. We all know of these individuals. Individuals who hold their hobbies above other priorities. These individuals have placed so much weight on their hobby experience and hardly none on who it affects and for what reasons it might affect them. Fishing for me is my hobby, and as long as I can tie my knots and cast upstream I hope to be angling for many years to come. The Divine gives us a responsibility to maintain quality relationships with those around us. I encourage you to share your hobbies, talents, and abilities with those who can benefit from you.

Cheers,
A.J.

RMNP Snowshoeing trips

Over the past four years, I've guided clients in Rocky Mountain National Park. The winter season in Estes Park, CO is slow, but the park yields some great opportunities to get out and have some adventures. From winter camping to backcountry snowboarding, I've enjoyed this time of year a lot. Check out some of the photos from last weeks guide trip.

Guiding has arrived!

That is right! The guide season is up and running here in the Rocky Mountains. We have had a lot of great fishing this whole winter and I do believe that things are going to continue moving forward. I have had about five trips this spring and it has been a great experience for not only the clients, but for the guide. Guiding stretches you as an individual. From 6x tippet knots, to clients who can't seem to put one foot in front of the other, my experience as a guide has been very challenging and very rewarding at the same time. May you find these blogs to be good reads and if you have any thoughts, please let me know. Cheers, AJ