Hey Chris, I always sorta assumed that the term “Blue Ribbon Water” was a subjective description given to pretty good fishing streams where the size and quantity were above average. I doubt if there is any Association or Society that could be considered offical involved in the description.
Of course, being “subjective” as opposed to “Objective” leaves the description open to endless debate.
I’d rate the San Juan as a Blue Ribbon.
What do the rest of y’all think?
Snow on the roof but with fire still in the hearth
I wrote a column back in April about the coldwater fishery designations in MO. They just went into effect on 4/1/05. The MO Dept of Conservation designates Blue Ribbon waters as those with quality habitat that can sustain wild trout populations and where no stocking is taking place. It doesn’t speak to the relative quality of the fishing at all. Then we have Red Ribbon, which means habitat is good enough to encourage some natural reproduction but limited stocking takes place in or near the zone. Then White Ribbon is basically put-and-take fisheries. So, in MO, there is an official designation and it is bestowed upon the fishery by MDC.
I used to show livestock in both countries
as a kid. Showed at the “Royal Winter Fair”
in Toranto, and in Calgary.
So you are correct that in equestrian
and cattle competitions red is “First Place” (in Canada).
Thanx, … I didn’t know that up here we had it backwards
I guess I’d look pretty weird if I had the River Association here market the river as Red Ribbon water !!, … 'specially if the marketing was geared towards our American cousins
Imagine that “Hey, … come up and visit the [noname] River, … Canada’s second best”
Just be glad you are not from South
America where they have to tie flys
backwards and upside down.
It has something to do with the equator.
If you flush the toilet down there, the
water spins in the opposite direction
than it does up here.
It is probably a popular, adopted, slang expression copped from some writer decades ago that used it and it stuck. Obviously “blue ribbon” has always meant a first place winner, and is used at dog shows, cat shows, art galleries, etc. etc. You name it…blue ribbon means “first place”. I think it is just an expression that everyone, most of all writers and advertisers, use to designate anything that is a “winner”.
Here’s an expression I use in my writing all the time…“top drawer”. Another expression that designates the best stuff.
P.S. Here’s Websters definition: “The ribbon worn by members of the Order of the Garter, the highest order of British Knighthood.” The second definition is: “The highest honor or award.”
Later, RW
“We fish for pleasure; I for mine, you for yours.” -James Leisenring on fishing the wet fly-
[This message has been edited by Royal Wulff (edited 22 July 2005).]
In Colorado, there are “blue ribbon” waters rated by the state and posted as such. They are waters with only wild trout and rated as prime fishing waters. At one time, they were catch and release only, but that doesn’t appear to be the case anymore. I’m also well-informed on “top-shelf” waters… .
[This message has been edited by BobcatSteve (edited 22 July 2005).]
Here in the great state of Pennsylvania we call them Class A Wild trout.
But basically all that means is that the trout population is such that based on the trout per hectare of water ratio that the state deems is acceptable; no stocking takes place.
It also means that fish can be anywhere from 2" to 20".
With my past, and your present, prediliction of “hoisting a cold one” now and then… and with Chris’s chinese ancestory… maybe we would have taken quicker notice of the post if he had spelled it “brew” ribbon. lol
Later, RW
“We fish for pleasure; I for mine, you for yours.” -James Leisenring on fishing the wet fly-
Blue Ribbon Water? I have come to understand that to mean that there will be lots of guides on the water, even more anglers on the banks, and more still in their own boats and pontoons in pursuit of the “blue ribbon trout”. I think the term can be seen a lot in advertising for different lodges and fishing destinations, and has since become very generic in its meaning. Anymore when I read “blue ribbon” in any description or write up on a river, I take it to mean that it is heavily fished. But that is just my interpretation, as I would rather fish a river with small fish all by myself than fish a popular river with bigger fish, and a waiting line at each hole.
Dont forget to read between the lines.
Have fun, Jeff
Tis my time on the water, in the mountains, and in my driftboat where I can see things as they really are.
And it says…Blue Ribbon FLYFISHING Guide…Does’nt mention Blue Ribbon WATER…That is a very common term used by alot of Flyfisher’s and Fishermen in general thoe…
“I’ve often wondered why it is that so many anglers spend so much money on,and pay so much attention to.the details on the wrong end of the fly line.If they took as much care in selecting or tying their flies as they did in the selection of the reel and rod,They might be able to gain the real extra edge that makes it possible to fool a fish that has,in fact,seen it all before” A.K.Best
“Wish ya great fishing”
Bill
[This message has been edited by billknepp (edited 25 July 2005).]
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