Question:

  I think that a sense of being crowded has much to do with the size of the stream. On many small streams it is futile to fish behind another angler without a significant wait and there is no way that two people could share even the largest pool. Larger streams and rivers can accommodate many more anglers per mile without the sense of crowding. As the streams and rivers have become more crowded over the years, especially on the more famous waters, many anglers have accepted this over crowding as part of angling.

I consider a river to be crowded when you can’t rest a pool or a run after someone has fished it because someone else will jump in there. Unfortunately you have to get used to it on most of the rivers around here. I don’t fish too much smaller water, but I probably should.  I like fishing the big water and can usually drive to a spot that isn’t as crowded.  Even on the big rivers, people seldom venture to areas that require hiking to get at or that will require a longer drive down a dirt road. One of the best things about fishing smaller water is that you can often have them to yourself. The drawback is that even one other angler can spoil things.

Fishing smaller water to me means smaller fish, but possibly more of them so what they lack in size you make up for in numbers.  They can be a great source of enjoyment, but I fear I am getting lazy with so much water in easy walking/driving distance.  The last 2 years has not seen me doing much hiking to get at fish.  I get enough hiking in during hunting season. Besides, if things are good on a big river you can still get plenty of fish and bigger ones too.  I do miss the innocence displayed by fish in the smaller water that doesn’t get pounded. — Warren Findley Shut up and fish! For Yellowstone Clave info: http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt/YNP.html

Response:

If anyone is fishin’ the sections of Upper Creek that I fish, I consider the stream to be crowded!

I think that a sense of being crowded has much to do with the size of the stream. On many small streams it is futile to fish behind another angler without a significant wait and there is no way that two people could share even the largest pool. Larger streams and rivers can accommodate many more anglers per mile without the sense of crowding. As the streams and rivers have become more crowded over the years, especially on the more famous waters, many anglers have accepted this over crowding as part of angling. One of the best things about fishing smaller water is that you can often have them to yourself. The drawback is that even one other angler can spoil things. Willi

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If anyone is fishin’ the sections of Upper Creek that I fish, I consider the stream to be crowded!

Opie, if you are fishing within 2 states of me I considered things getting too crowded Warren

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If anyone is fishin’ the sections of Upper Creek that I fish, I consider the stream to be crowded! Opie, if you are fishing within 2 states of me I considered things getting too crowded

Hell, I’ve fished AND hiked with the boy.  He is a crowd unto himself, whether or not anyone else is in the crick!  About the only thing about him that ain’t crowded is the top of his head!!      :) Wolfgang amazed at what he can remember about a person in light of a promised absence at an upcoming event

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If anyone is fishin’ the sections of Upper Creek that I fish, I consider the stream to be crowded! Op

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   You guys should be glad to have so many wusses around.  Every November and December I go off for some late season steelheading on the Deschutes, in windy freezing rain, only to find it hard to lock into one of my favorite runs.  Often, once I get onto one, I look upstream: a fishermen. Downstream:  a fisherman.  "What the hell are these people doing out in weather like this?" I ask myself. Oh believe me, I am thankful.  I have started to notice more people going out in the winter time though.  I fear that the waters I like to fish will be crowded year around before too long.  Of course what I consider to be crowded during the winter is about 10 people on the mile stretch I fish <g — Warren Findley Yellowstone Clave info at: www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I can’t believe what a bunch of wusses Colorado fishermen are. I had to run down to Mike Clark’s shop today to pick up a set of ferrules for a Leonard restoration. I drove the scenic route, which followed most of the Big Thompson and St. Vrain drainages. On a normal Saturday morning I’d have seen at least a hundred guys in the water, but today it was snowing, and I didn’t count a dozen fishermen out. I got home, bundled up in wool and goretex, and went back up to slaughter them. The fish were feeding like they were expecting something bad was about to happen, and I think they were right. It looks like runoff could get started any day now.

I notice much the same thing here too.  As soon as the weather is nice, the place I normally fish has a dozen people in it.  If it is crowded, I go to my alternate spot which is actually better, but a longer drive and more hiking. I did notice today that the river was a little darker than normal.  It was kind of funny though because you could see how the water level had dropped since the rain and warm weather we have been having.  Now that it is cold and snowing again, the water levels dropped but there is still some sediment in the water giving it a murky tinge.  I fear runoff is just around the corner for us too. Glad to hear you slayed them.  The fish up here seem to know that tomorrow is another day and are in no hurry to chow down just yet.  It is kind of funny, I think they are tired of midges after having fed on them all winter.  Now that they have tasted other flies, they have become really picky and mostly ignore the midges.  Thank God there are always some dumb ones <g — Warren Findley Yellowstone Clave info at: www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

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I can’t believe what a bunch of wusses Colorado fishermen are. ….snipped I notice much the same thing here too.  As soon as the weather is nice, the place I normally fish has a dozen people in it….

You guys should be glad to have so many wusses around.  Every November and December I go off for some late season steelheading on the Deschutes, in windy freezing rain, only to find it hard to lock into one of my favorite runs.  Often, once I get onto one, I look upstream: a fishermen. Downstream:  a fisherman.  "What the hell are these people doing out in weather like this?" I ask myself. JR

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  You guys should be glad to have so many wusses around.  Every November and December I go off for some late season steelheading on the Deschutes, in windy freezing rain, only to find it hard to lock into one of my favorite runs.  Often, once I get onto one, I look upstream: a fishermen. Downstream:  a fisherman.  "What the hell are these people doing out in weather like this?" I ask myself.

Oh believe me, I am thankful.  I have started to notice more people going out in the winter time though.  I fear that the waters I like to fish will be crowded year around before too long.  Of course what I consider to be crowded during the winter is about 10 people on the mile stretch I fish <g — Warren Findley Yellowstone Clave info at: www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

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……. I headed back upstream to check some productive dry fly water.  When I got there I didn’t see any fish rising so I sat on the bank and watched for a few minutes to see if anything was going to happen….

It took me a very long time, at the beginning of my fishing life, to figure out that a day ends up being a lot more enjoyable the more I take time for these 5-10 minute sit-downs just to watch what is happening.  Sounds like you had a real pleasant day, despite the weather. JR

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Nice report, jarhead. I can’t believe what a bunch of wusses Colorado fishermen are. I had to run down to Mike Clark’s shop today to pick up a set of ferrules for a Leonard restoration. I drove the scenic route, which followed most of the Big Thompson and St. Vrain drainages. On a normal Saturday morning I’d have seen at least a hundred guys in the water, but today it was snowing, and I didn’t count a dozen fishermen out. I got home, bundled up in wool and goretex, and went back up to slaughter them. The fish were feeding like they were expecting something bad was about to happen, and I think they were right. It looks like runoff could get started any day now.

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Well, I was sitting around the house wishing I could be out fishing and decided I wasn’t going to let the weather stop me.  It has been snowing off and on since yesterday but it isn’t too cold out.  The wind has been pretty bad and was the real reason why I had not ventured out.  After milling around the house and constantly staring out the window, I decided to make a go of it anyway.  The urge to fish far outweighed any weather considerations so I grabbed my gear, loaded up my fly boxes, grabbed the six weight and hit the door. I haven’t been able to fish in a couple of weeks and the lack of fishing has really taken its toll on me.  Despite the crappy weather I was really jazzed about getting out on the water.  I arrived at the access on the Gallatin and scanned the surface while I was getting ready.  I did not see any fish rising, but I did see quite a few midges out and about.  When I finally reached the water I couldn’t believe how many midges there were.  All the little pockets and back eddies were just filled with midges. I fished my way downstream and came to a spot that I wasn’t able to wade so I climbed up along the bank.  I was kind of walking a little too close to the private property so I dipped down a little lower so as to not piss the land owner off.  The bank is really steep with several logs, trees and log jams along the bank.  The water is really deep too. I came up to a spot that had a little log jam with a couple of trees hanging over the bank.  I saw several piles of midges gathered in this little sheltered position.  A really nice sized fish was working this area and was coming up quite often.  He was in a position that I could not cast to however.  I tried doing some commando fishing and dapping a griffith’s gnat in the area but I put the fish down. I headed back upstream to check some productive dry fly water.  When I got there I didn’t see any fish rising so I sat on the bank and watched for a few minutes to see if anything was going to happen. Several minutes went by and not one rise.  I just couldn’t resist making a few casts to a little pocket that I can usually pull a fish out of.  Second cast and I was able to get the fly in there despite the wind.  A short drift and a silver bullet darted up from the bottom and slammed the fly.  I set the hook and the fight was on.  It felt so great to have a fish on after such a long period without being able to fish.  I landed a nice little rainbow of about 10-11" after he made several jumps and runs.  After releasing him, I sat on the bank to kind of soak in the feeling of being out on the water again and catching fish. I moved up to the next big section of dry fly water and saw a few rises while I was there but was unable to get the fish interested in what I was offering.  After about an hour of fishing/observing and only seeing 7 rises I decided to move back downstream.  The snow started coming in a lot harder and the wind picked up.  The snow was falling almost horizontally because of the wind and began picking up in intensity.  It was enough to finally drive me off the water and back to the truck. Even though I only caught one fish, it was great to be back out.  I wish the weather would have cooperated a little more, but perhaps tomorrow will hold better weather and the fish will be a little more eager.  Until then, I guess I will just have to tie up some more flies that I will be using in the not so distant future. — Warren Findley Yellowstone Clave info at: www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

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Question:

Fish report from Lake Isabella, California The bass bite is wide open on waterdogs and crawdads. A few fish on the big trout plugs and big plastics. Anglers are reporting catches of 15 to 20 fish per day, mostly in shallow water. Quite a few fish to 10-0 reported. The LakeIsabella Trout Derby will be April 15-17. There continues to be a fair trout bite at the dam. There is also a good catfish bite at Engineer’s Point and dam on shad and clams. Eric Cherry, Bakersfield, caught a stringer of cats from 2-0 to 3-0 on chicken liver and shrimp. Crappie and bluegill still slow. The trout bite remains good at Democrat Dam, Hobo and Richbar areas of the Kern River. DFG plants this week, two weeks ago, and four weeks ago. Salmon eggs, crickets, and nightcrawlers still the best baits, and a variety of lures are working. Also a few cats showing. Nicholas Whitesell, Bakersfield, landed a 5-12 catfish on anchovies. The bass action is also improving in the river with some quality fish showing from the bigger pools. Flows have been 585 to 72Ocfs. Aqueduct: Just fair striper action with a few bigger fish showing on Big Macs or other big plugs and minnows. Some smaller fish on bloodworms. A few cats starting  to show on shad, minnows, and anchovies. Michael Mays, Bakersfield, landed a 16-0 cat on minnows. Carlos Luna, Bakersfield, landed a 16-0 striper on a Castaic Soft Bait bluegill. Posted by: Rex http://www.lakeisabella.net

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Netminder wrote Fish report from Lake Isabella, California

[snip] I tried flyfishing there a week ago (never done that before) and got skunked.  I fished the stickups at the east end of Stine cove. Any recommendations on fly fishing the lake in a float tube?  (besides making sure I’m out of the water before 1 <g): patterns?  … areas? —                                                       -dnc-

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Question:

 Sounds perfectly doable to me, and in fact ,easier than say kip or calf body. The bulk thing can be a problem with hair fibers and on small bugs the poly post is preferred. I use flats  only because of habit and the "natural" look.  I like the poly or  antron post because of the various colors one can use . Try a black post some time in  a white  foam line and you will literally_ see_ what I mean That’s what interesting about tying, not much is chiseled or even written in stone , you can do pretty much as you please. There are techniques that should be learned and practiced only because trial and error over time has shown them to be the "best" way.Once you master those, you can sub this for that and create things that work for _you_ …that’s the fun part.    Have at it ..;-)

Harry, that’s a great explanation on tying parachutes.  Your photographer should take a bow, too. BTW, I’ve always used an antron loop to form the post which I clip off the top when done, to form the wing.  Your method of tying off solved one of my problems; I’ll try it next time. Peter

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There is a very interesting material called spiderweb.  Salmon and steelheaders who tie their own roe sacks from nylon netting use it to tie off their spawn bags.  Basically you just wrap it around and around and it somehow sticks to itself (so it says on the packaging).  It looks as thin as 8/0.  It would make a good tie off thread for parachute hackle where you finish the hackle on the post not on the hook shank.  I believe this is the product that Hans van Klinken was talking about in his article www.algonet.se/~sjostran/English/10035.htm Inspired by van Klinken’s method but not wanting to rely on this very specialized spiderweb material, lately I’ve been tying off the head and leaving the hackle (already secured to the post at a much earlier step) for the last step.  I anchor my thread onto the post near the bottom. Then wind the hackle down.  Then tie of with a series of half-hitches – each one I can manipulate as it tightens down (with the hooked end of my whip finisher) so that it doesn’t trap any hackle. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Also BTW, is it better to tie the body first, or the parachute? If you tie the parachute first how do you keep the hackle out of the way when tieing the body?

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I use a slightly different technique, which results in a "flatter" hackle. I tie the post in as normal, tie the hackle in at the top of the thread on the post,  which is shorter than "normal", varnish the post with thin clear varnish, take three turns of hackle down the post, and then three turns back up through the hackle, I then wind the thread down through the hackle, binding the hackle down as I go, and just whip finish at the bottom of the post.  Using a needle from underneath, allow more thin varnish to soak into the windings. It also works with just four turns of hackle, two up, two down, and the hackle is then very flat with few stray fibres. ( I thought this might be what rw was referring to, when he said his hackles were too "bushy", meaning too spread out over the post length ). I have also done this around the base of normal split feather wings on dry flies without any problems.  I have not had one come undone while fishing yet. One must be careful here not to twist the wings too much when winding and finishing is all. I also often flatten the wings and hackle between my thumb and forefinger so that they are horizontal. This makes a great spinner pattern, with all the advantages of a parachute, and practically none of the disadvantages. This is especially good for larger flies where two turns of longish hackle are more than sufficient. The support given by a horizontal hackle is much greater than that given by a vertical hackle just sitting on its points. Works great. It is easier to do if you tilt the fly in the vice, as Hans suggests in his article about the Klinkhamer Special. But you can do it with the fly in the normal plane if you wish.  If your post is stiff enough, it is no trouble to wind through the hackle with ordinary 6/0 thread as you would on a normal fly. Makes a very robust fly, and there are more turns of hackle to support the fly where you need them, and not spread out over a longer length of the post. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://connor.via.t-online.de/

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I’ve had a demonstration by Hans van Klinken at the last Flyfair, tying the Klinkhammer in the fashion as on the mentioned webpage. It looks a bit awkward when you first see it, but try it! It’s a lot easier than it looks, sure made my parachutes a lot better. The key feature of spiderweb is it’s elasticity. Tie on as tight as you dare (its really, really thin) and it it will pull snug on itself, locking the hackle in the process. I think you can try thin nylon as an alternative.  Herman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There is a very interesting material called spiderweb.  Salmon and steelheaders who tie their own roe sacks from nylon netting use it to tie off their spawn bags.  Basically you just wrap it around and around and it somehow sticks to itself (so it says on the packaging).  It looks as thin as 8/0.  It would make a good tie off thread for parachute hackle where you finish the hackle on the post not on the hook shank.  I believe this is the product that Hans van Klinken was talking about in his article www.algonet.se/~sjostran/English/10035.htm Inspired by van Klinken’s method but not wanting to rely on this very specialized spiderweb material, lately I’ve been tying off the head and leaving the hackle (already secured to the post at a much earlier step) for the last step.  I anchor my thread onto the post near the bottom. Then wind the hackle down.  Then tie of with a series of half-hitches – each one I can manipulate as it tightens down (with the hooked end of my whip finisher) so that it doesn’t trap any hackle. Also BTW, is it better to tie the body first, or the parachute? If you tie the parachute first how do you keep the hackle out of the way when tieing the body?

–         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

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When I try the Parachute Adams I can’t get the hackle to look as nice as the store-bought ones. The professionally tied flies have nice "thin" parachutes, but mine are kind of bushy. Any suggestions, Harry? Are you referring to the post being bushy ? or  the hackle ?

I was referring to the hackle. Also BTW, is it better to tie the body first, or the parachute? If you tie the parachute first how do you keep the hackle out of the way when tieing the body? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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If I get a chance I’ll upload a pic of the tye in area a bit later today……

  Take a look  : http://www.troutflies.com/flies/Parachute_howtoo/5Aposthackle_tieinMA… Harry Mason www.Troutflies.com

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When I try the Parachute Adams I can’t get the hackle to look as nice as the store-bought ones. The professionally tied flies have nice "thin" parachutes, but mine are kind of bushy. Any suggestions, Harry? Are you referring to the post being bushy ? or  the hackle ? I was referring to the hackle. Also BTW, is it better to tie the body first, or the parachute? If you tie the parachute first how do you keep the hackle out of the way when tieing the body?

  Some undersize the hackle by a hook size or so. I like that as well IMO, I think neck hackles are a better feather for a parachute because the barbs are stiffer, again IMO.  Being stiffer, they stay perpendicular to the post and do not "mesh"  with each other.A clean crisp look ,if you will. With this method you can tye in the hackle and the just leave it. After you apply the tail and dub the body including the head, you can then wrap the hackle and tye it off at the eye as a last step. What is clean about this is the fly is in essence done when you begin to wrap the hackle, you do not have to come back and dub the hackle tye down area after the hackle wraps. The last wraps are for the hackle .  The hackle will stand straight up alongside  the post and be out of the way more or less as you build the rest of the fly. Harry Mason www.Troutflies.com

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  I tried to  clarify the steps for the Parachute tye down. Comments welcome  http://www.troutflies.com/flies/Parachute_howtoo/10A_finished.htm Harry Mason www.troutflies.com

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 I tried to  clarify the steps for the Parachute tye down. Comments welcome

The only comment I can think of is great job, very helpful instructions. — Charlie…

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Harry,  I tried to  clarify the steps for the Parachute tye down. Comments welcome http://www.troutflies.com/flies/Parachute_howtoo/10A_finished.htm

I’m mightily impressed with that how-to!  This is how God intended fly patterns to be presented when He invented the Web. Anybody else putting patterns on the web:  Note that Harry’s raised the bar. Bravo. Wes Peterson Who would call himself "liberal," let him love justice. Let him love equality. Let him love compassion and charity. But let him love first, and above all the rest, Liberty.

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  I tried to  clarify the steps for the Parachute tye down. Comments welcome  http://www.troutflies.com/flies/Parachute_howtoo/10A_finished.htm

Very nice job Harry. Quality pictures well explained. TL MC

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http://www.troutflies.com/flies/Parachute_howtoo/10A_finished.htm

Nice shots Harry. Who did your camera work? Someone with a lot of pateince? Do you usually hackle your flies before putting on the tail & dubbing. Seems to me I would have to move the hackle around too much & would have to be carefull not to bind the fibers down. Sol

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http://www.troutflies.com/flies/Parachute_howtoo/10A_finished.htm Nice shots Harry. Who did your camera work? Someone with a lot of pateince? Do you usually hackle your flies before putting on the tail & dubbing. Seems to me I would have to move the hackle around too much & would have to be carefull not to bind the fibers down. Sol

  Thanks , Sol.  It’s just about the hackling method, not a pattern. For those that are just starting, seeing how can be much better than reading. Now if I can just find a way to show a blind pinch through my thumb I can tye a no hackle for the camera Harry Mason www.Troutflies.com

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Thanks Harry….that’s a fine piece of work. I have alot of novice tiers in my wintercourse who will be very gladto get the URL from me. This indeed wil make things clear for them and give ‘m the oppotunity to take a good look when they’re back home again! Very nice photographic work too! — Hans van der Stroom http://www.casema.net/~stroomh ICQ # 20196762 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   I tried to  clarify the steps for the Parachute tye down. Comments welcome  http://www.troutflies.com/flies/Parachute_howtoo/10A_finished.htm Harry Mason www.troutflies.com

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 I tried to  clarify the steps for the Parachute tye down. Comments welcome Harry Mason www.troutflies.com

Those are magnificent pictures, Harry, and very lucid text.  But let me desecribe an alternative method and ask you what you think of it. I learned this from Doug Wennick of Flyfisher’s Paradise, State College, PA. 1.  Select a length of post material (I like antron yarn) that is twice as long as necessary but only half as thick. 2.  Tie it across the BOTTOM of the hook shank with two figure-8 wraps, at right angles, like a "low-wing" airplane (or Trico spinner). 3.  Pull both "wings" upright, straight up, to make a post, and wrap the tying thread around it to hold it there,  just as in your picture. I have found this to work better, for me, than starting with the post material parallel to the hook shank and then propping it up and cutting off the tag ends. A lot less bulk. I would appreciate hearing your comments, pro or con,  about this method.  Thanks. vince norris

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When I try the Parachute Adams I can’t get the hackle to look as nice as the store-bought ones. The professionally tied flies have nice "thin" parachutes, but mine are kind of bushy. Any suggestions, Harry? BTW, is it better to wind the grizzly hackle and the brown hackle at the same time or separately? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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When I try the Parachute Adams I can’t get the hackle to look as nice as the store-bought ones. The professionally tied flies have nice "thin" parachutes, but mine are kind of bushy. Any suggestions, Harry?

Are you referring to the post being bushy ? or  the hackle ? BTW, is it better to wind the grizzly hackle and the brown hackle at the same time or separately?

 I like separate wraps.I find that if you turn both at the same time they do not "seat" well , one turns or spins and the thing turns into a hay seed.    Bind in last of  the two hackles a bit above the prior one on the post . Turn ( wrap) the lower one first.  You do not need to tye it off per say just half hitch the first one at the eye. Wrap the second one down to the eye and tye off both of them . This is the same method you can use for multiple hackle drys like Sofa pillows  or  the like . The only difference is the hackle collar is on the hook, not a post. Harry Mason www.troutflies.com

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Hi RW, I also like the antron or poly yarn tied as per the last message. The professionally tied flies having the "nice thin" parachutes are probably the cause of the tier starting the wraps of hackle lower and giving you fewer wraps. I tend to tie still water flies sparsely and the rougher the water the fuller the hackling and tailing. I wrap both hackles at the same time. This works best if you don’t use hackle pliers and if you use maximum tension on the hackle. You will find the maximum but trial and error When I try the Parachute Adams I can’t get the hackle to look as nice as the store-bought ones. The professionally tied flies have nice "thin" parachutes, but mine are kind of bushy. Any suggestions, Harry? BTW, is it better to wind the grizzly hackle and the brown hackle at the same time or separately? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

– Vic Brockett http://home.earthlink.net/~vicbrockett

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If I get a chance I’ll upload a pic of the tye in area a bit later today…… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When I try the Parachute Adams I can’t get the hackle to look as nice as the store-bought ones. The professionally tied flies have nice "thin" parachutes, but mine are kind of bushy. Any suggestions, Harry? Are you referring to the post being bushy ? or  the hackle ? BTW, is it better to wind the grizzly hackle and the brown hackle at the same time or separately? I like separate wraps.I find that if you turn both at the same time they do not "seat" well , one turns or spins and the thing turns into a hay seed.   Bind in last of  the two hackles a bit above the prior one on the post . Turn ( wrap) the lower one first.  You do not need to tye it off per say just half hitch the first one at the eye. Wrap the second one down to the eye and tye off both of them . This is the same method you can use for multiple hackle drys like Sofa pillows  or  the like . The only difference is the hackle collar is on the hook, not a post. Harry Mason www.troutflies.com

Harry Mason www.troutflies.com

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One of those, *hey why didn’t I think of it before* ideas. There are some instances where the thick part on the back of the post is actually useful to build up bulk for a nice tapered body but I can definitely think of situations where I had wished it wasn’t there.  Thanks. Mu Young Lee Ann Arbor, MI USA – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I learned this from Doug Wennick of Flyfisher’s Paradise, State College, PA. 1.  Select a length of post material (I like antron yarn) that is twice as long as necessary but only half as thick. 2.  Tie it across the BOTTOM of the hook shank with two figure-8 wraps, at right angles, like a "low-wing" airplane (or Trico spinner). 3.  Pull both "wings" upright, straight up, to make a post, and wrap the tying thread around it to hold it there,  just as in your picture. I have found this to work better, for me, than starting with the post material parallel to the hook shank and then propping it up and cutting off the tag ends. A lot less bulk. I would appreciate hearing your comments, pro or con,  about this method.  Thanks. vince norris

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  Sounds perfectly doable to me, and in fact ,easier than say kip or calf body. The bulk thing can be a problem with hair fibers and on small bugs the poly post is preferred. I use flats  only because of habit and the "natural" look.  I like the poly or  antron post because of the various colors one can use . Try a black post some time in  a white  foam line and you will literally_ see_ what I mean  That’s what interesting about tying, not much is chiseled or even written in stone , you can do pretty much as you please. There are techniques that should be learned and practiced only because trial and error over time has shown them to be the "best" way.Once you master those, you can sub this for that and create things that work for _you_ …that’s the fun part.    Have at it ..;-) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  I tried to  clarify the steps for the Parachute tye down. Comments welcome Harry Mason www.troutflies.com Those are magnificent pictures, Harry, and very lucid text.  But let me desecribe an alternative method and ask you what you think of it. I learned this from Doug Wennick of Flyfisher’s Paradise, State College, PA. 1.  Select a length of post material (I like antron yarn) that is twice as long as necessary but only half as thick. 2.  Tie it across the BOTTOM of the hook shank with two figure-8 wraps, at right angles, like a "low-wing" airplane (or Trico spinner). 3.  Pull both "wings" upright, straight up, to make a post, and wrap the tying thread around it to hold it there,  just as in your picture. I have found this to work better, for me, than starting with the post material parallel to the hook shank and then propping it up and cutting off the tag ends. A lot less bulk. I would appreciate hearing your comments, pro or con,  about this method.  Thanks. vince norris

Harry Mason www.Troutflies.com

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Question:

In article <Pine.GSO.3.96.980414223331.5121C- writes The cost is $36 bucks

A simple but effective, and adjustable, strap can be made from a strip of suitable material and some Velcro.  This will cost a lot less that $36. Just a few pence in our money (U.K.)  The strap is not vital for novice casters, who should learn the basics of casting without a strap. However some older, arthritic, or otherwise weak-wristed person will gain some benefit from the use of a strap. I apologise for entering the thread so late in the day, because some of the above has already been suggested. Regards from Wales — Bill

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Has anyone one used a product called ‘Easy Cast’? It’s a type of wrist band that wraps around the base of the fly rod and your wrist. The add claims "Casts will feel 50% lighter and 100% more comfortable and be more effective." The cost is $36 bucks (at least in the catalog I’ve seen them in). If anything, it looks like it’s make an expensive ’sissy strap’, but then again, if it does what it claims… Thanks in advanced!

Hi Robert, This sounds al lot like the "Wrist Lock" that Joan and Lee Wulff sold for years.  From time to time I use one in my schools for people who have extreme problems with their wrist.  They usually have no idea how much wrist movement they’re using. You can also wear a long sleeve shirt and tuck the butt of the rod into your sleeve to accomplish the same thing.  This limits the amount of movement your wrist can make and brings it to your attention.   It is a poor substitute for good technique and not a permanent or a good solution.   After a student sees how much he was using his wrist and and feels how much easier it is to cast by limiting their wrist movement, they can take it off and do as well without it.   If you rely on it to make your casting better, it will help in the short term, but you’ll soon compensate for it and your wrist problems will get worse instead of better.   The only way it can make the rod feel lighter is by making you use your forearm instead of so much wrist.  Less pressure on your wrist would make the rod feel lighter.  Better technique accomplishes the same thing.  If you leave your crutch behind, your fishing is ruined.  If you learn how to cast efficiently you don’t need it, plus you always know where your arm is (hard to lose).                        Hope this helps,                                Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

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These wrist bands have been around for years. I first saw one in 1968. All they do is prevent you from moving your wrist while casting. This is an absolute necessity for the beginning caster. When you bend your wrist the rod tip goes in a circle. the line follows creating a wide loop or even hitting the ground in back and in front of you. Preventing the circular wrist motion avoids these beginners problems. Any strap that holds the rod butt against your forearm will provide the benefits claimed by the product. However,  36 bucks seems a little high when a piece of tape will accomplish the same thing. Two Points: 1) It would be better to learn how to cast correctly without the use of a crutch. Try strapping the rod butt to your forearm just to see how it improves your casting and then produce the same results without the crutch. 2) One advanced distance casting technique is to apply a greater amount of line speed by bending the wrist at the appropriate time late in the cast. This cannot be accomplished if you are dependent on a strap to keep you from bending the wrist at the wrong time. There really is only one way to learn how to cast well. It’s called Practice, Practice, and more Practice. Good Luck, — William Endicott – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone one used a product called ‘Easy Cast’? It’s a type of wrist band that wraps around the base of the fly rod and your wrist. The add claims "Casts will feel 50% lighter and 100% more comfortable and be more effective." The cost is $36 bucks (at least in the catalog I’ve seen them in). If anything, it looks like it’s make an expensive ’sissy strap’, but then again, if it does what it claims… Thanks in advanced! -Robert | Robert Cid | | Department of Applied Science | University of California, Davis | -!Andale Aggies!- |

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This is one of those things that has been around for years.  It falls in the category with all of the other little gadgets that people buy.  If you buy one I have some swamp land I would like to talk to you about buying. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail GO TO http://users.ccnet.com/~emh FOR TRAVEL TIE BOX PLANS – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone one used a product called ‘Easy Cast’? It’s a type of wrist band that wraps around the base of the fly rod and your wrist. The add claims "Casts will feel 50% lighter and 100% more comfortable and be more effective." The cost is $36 bucks (at least in the catalog I’ve seen them in). If anything, it looks like it’s make an expensive ’sissy strap’, but then again, if it does what it claims… Thanks in advanced! -Robert | Robert Cid | | Department of Applied Science | University of California, Davis | -!Andale Aggies!- |

Response:

Has anyone one used a product called ‘Easy Cast’? It’s a type of wrist band that wraps around the base of the fly rod and your wrist. The add claims "Casts will feel 50% lighter and 100% more comfortable and be more effective." The cost is $36 bucks (at least in the catalog I’ve seen them in). If anything, it looks like it’s make an expensive ’sissy strap’, but then again, if it does what it claims… Thanks in advanced! -Robert | Robert Cid | | Department of Applied Science | University of California, Davis | -!Andale Aggies!- |

Response:

You can get much the same effect by wearing an elasticated wrist band and hooking it over the end of the rod handle. If nothing else, it’s worth trying first as it is MUCH cheaper! — Regards Peter Kay (Remove "nospam" to email)

: :Has anyone one used a product called ‘Easy Cast’? It’s a type of wrist :band that wraps around the base of the fly rod and your wrist. The add :claims "Casts will feel 50% lighter and 100% more comfortable and be more :effective." The cost is $36 bucks (at least in the catalog I’ve seen them :in). If anything, it looks like it’s make an expensive ’sissy strap’, but :then again, if it does what it claims… : :Thanks in advanced! : :-Robert : Robert Cid Department of Applied Science University of California, Davis -!Andale Aggies!- : :

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Question:

THIS IS MARK GIBSON FROM COQUITLAM. I HAVE LIVED IN THE LOWER MAINLAND OF B.C. FOR 20 YEARS AND FISHED LOTS OF PLACES. THE END OF JULY IS THE BEST TIME TO FISH IN THE LOWER MAINLAND. I READ THE MESSAGE THAT THE OTHER GUY SENT (DIDN’T GET THE NAME) BUT HE DID NOT TELL YOU THE HOT SPOTS. THE FRASER RIVER IS TEEMING WITH SALMON. THERE ARE 50 POUND CHINOOK AND 20 POUND COHO BUT THE BIG ATTRACTION IS THE HUGE RUN OF SOCKEY. THESE FISH CAN GET TO BE 10 POUNDS AND PUT UP A GREAT SCRAP. THE RUN THIS YEAR WILL BE BIGGER THAN EVER. 20 MILLION ARE EXPECTED. LAST YEAR WE HAD 4 MILLION AND I CAUGHT FISH EVERY OUTTING. USE A PEACE OF LIGHT GREEN WOOL IN THE LOOP OF A BAIT KNOT, 3 FOOT LEADER, SWIVEL, AND SOME PENCIL LEAD. AN 8 FOOT ROD AND A LEVEL WIND REAL, (I USE A DIAWA MILLIONAIRE) IS THE BEST EQUIPMENT TO USE. THIS YEAR I AM GOING TO USE A WET LINE, FEW SPLITSHOTS AND A GREEN FLY. A SOCKEY ON A FLY ROD WILL BE WICKED. OH, AND WHAT THE OTHER GUY SAID IS TRUE BUT THE BEST FISHING IS NOT IN THE CAPILANO; THE VEDDER (CHILLIWACK), CHEHALIS, AND BEST OF ALL THE FRASER. IF YOU COULD, WRITE BACK AND TELL ME ABOUT THE FISHING WHERE YOU ARE. PS      CHECK THE REGS BEFORE YOU GO OUT AND USE A BARBLESS HOOK; CATCH AND RELEASE IS THE BEST WAY TO FISH. TIGHT LINES MARK GIBSON

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – THIS IS MARK GIBSON FROM COQUITLAM. I HAVE LIVED IN THE LOWER MAINLAND OF B.C. FOR 20 YEARS AND FISHED LOTS OF PLACES. THE END OF JULY IS THE BEST TIME TO FISH IN THE LOWER MAINLAND. I READ THE MESSAGE THAT THE OTHER GUY SENT (DIDN’T GET THE NAME) BUT HE DID NOT TELL YOU THE HOT SPOTS. THE FRASER RIVER IS TEEMING WITH SALMON. THERE ARE 50 POUND CHINOOK AND 20 POUND COHO BUT THE BIG ATTRACTION IS THE HUGE RUN OF SOCKEY. THESE FISH CAN GET TO BE 10 POUNDS AND PUT UP A GREAT SCRAP. THE RUN THIS YEAR WILL BE BIGGER THAN EVER. 20 MILLION ARE EXPECTED. LAST YEAR WE HAD 4 MILLION AND I CAUGHT FISH EVERY OUTTING. USE A PEACE OF LIGHT GREEN WOOL IN THE LOOP OF A BAIT KNOT, 3 FOOT LEADER, SWIVEL, AND SOME PENCIL LEAD. AN 8 FOOT ROD AND A LEVEL WIND REAL, (I USE A DIAWA MILLIONAIRE) IS THE BEST EQUIPMENT TO USE. THIS YEAR I AM GOING TO USE A WET LINE, FEW SPLITSHOTS AND A GREEN FLY. A SOCKEY ON A FLY ROD WILL BE WICKED. OH, AND WHAT THE OTHER GUY SAID IS TRUE BUT THE BEST FISHING IS NOT IN THE CAPILANO; THE VEDDER (CHILLIWACK), CHEHALIS, AND BEST OF ALL THE FRASER. IF YOU COULD, WRITE BACK AND TELL ME ABOUT THE FISHING WHERE YOU ARE. PS      CHECK THE REGS BEFORE YOU GO OUT AND USE A BARBLESS HOOK; CATCH AND RELEASE IS THE BEST WAY TO FISH. TIGHT LINES MARK GIBSON

I think Ralph’s answer was based on the the original post requesting for fishing spots within mountain biking distance from Vancouver.  I agree Chehalis and Vedder are hot spots but they are a little far for biking.  Good post though. — The views expressed are my own and does not represent those of my employer.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – THIS IS MARK GIBSON FROM COQUITLAM. I HAVE LIVED IN THE LOWER MAINLAND OF B.C. FOR 20 YEARS AND FISHED LOTS OF PLACES. THE END OF JULY IS THE BEST TIME TO FISH IN THE LOWER MAINLAND. I READ THE MESSAGE THAT THE OTHER GUY SENT (DIDN’T GET THE NAME) BUT HE DID NOT TELL YOU THE HOT SPOTS. THE FRASER RIVER IS TEEMING WITH SALMON. THERE ARE 50 POUND CHINOOK AND 20 POUND COHO BUT THE BIG ATTRACTION IS THE HUGE RUN OF SOCKEY. THESE FISH CAN GET TO BE 10 POUNDS AND PUT UP A GREAT SCRAP. THE RUN THIS YEAR WILL BE BIGGER THAN EVER. 20 MILLION ARE EXPECTED. LAST YEAR WE HAD 4 MILLION AND I CAUGHT FISH EVERY OUTTING. USE A PEACE OF LIGHT GREEN WOOL IN THE LOOP OF A BAIT KNOT, 3 FOOT LEADER, SWIVEL, AND SOME PENCIL LEAD. AN 8 FOOT ROD AND A LEVEL WIND REAL, (I USE A DIAWA MILLIONAIRE) IS THE BEST EQUIPMENT TO USE. THIS YEAR I AM GOING TO USE A WET LINE, FEW SPLITSHOTS AND A GREEN FLY. A SOCKEY ON A FLY ROD WILL BE WICKED. OH, AND WHAT THE OTHER GUY SAID IS TRUE BUT THE BEST FISHING IS NOT IN THE CAPILANO; THE VEDDER (CHILLIWACK), CHEHALIS, AND BEST OF ALL THE FRASER. IF YOU COULD, WRITE BACK AND TELL ME ABOUT THE FISHING WHERE YOU ARE. PS      CHECK THE REGS BEFORE YOU GO OUT AND USE A BARBLESS HOOK; CATCH AND RELEASE IS THE BEST WAY TO FISH. TIGHT LINES MARK GIBSON I think Ralph’s answer was based on the the original post requesting for fishing spots within mountain biking distance from Vancouver.  I agree Chehalis and Vedder are hot spots but they are a little far for biking.  Good post though. — The views expressed are my own and does not represent those of my employer.

I believe I’ve blabbed excessively about the "50 million" salmon returning to the Fraser previously. This years sockeye run is hoped to be 500% bigger than last year. Unfortunately if it proves true it virtually guarentees 10 times the number of anglers will go after them. While large numbers of salmon return to the Chehalis and Vedder rivers each summer and fall so do equally large numbers of fishermen (and women). Anyone who is travelling to this area and hopes to sample those fisheries while here, I strongly urge that you arrange your fishing time to fall during the week days to avoid the worst of the crowds Ralph H replace "spamsucks" with direct for email reply.

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Question:

This is a multi-part message in MIME format. Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii I am an M.D., but I doubt that the Rx that you request would carry much organization tha will arrange fly fishing trips that WILL satisfy all parties involved..It’s called CLASSIC SPORTS INTERNATIONAL at 1 800 375-5692…I’ve used them and they do what they claim. Moe Skeeter Hi All… I am in need of a physician willing to prescribe a lifetime of flyfishing to cure my illness(es)…if you can make it believable and FAX it to me on your letterhead, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks ! — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Best wishes. Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type:

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        I am an M.D., but I doubt that the Rx that you request would carry much weight with your spouse, boss or IRS….HOWEVER there is a small organization called CLASSIC SPORTS INTERNATIONAL at 1-800-375-5692 that can help you. I’ve tried them and they really do what they promise. Best wishes.

Response:

This is a multi-part message in MIME format. Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii    I am an M.D., but I doubt that the Rx that you request would carry much weight with your spouse, boss or IRS….HOWEVER there is a small organization called CLASSIC SPORTS INTERNATIONAL at 1-800-375-5692 that can help you. I’ve tried them and they really do what they promise. Best wishes.

Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type:

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What’s your fax number?

I wonder if I can have the flyshop bill the insurance company directly ? — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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Hi All… I am in need of a physician willing to prescribe a lifetime of flyfishing to cure my illness(es)…if you can make it believable and FAX it to me on your letterhead, I’d really appreciate it.

Actually, you need a psychiatrist for that.   John Fereira

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Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I am in need of a physician willing to prescribe a lifetime of flyfishing Actually, you need a psychiatrist for that.

You mean. . . proctologist. anglerboy — Trout fear me, Women want me. Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit <HTML<BODY

<BR<I</I <BR<I&gt;I am in need of a physician willing to prescribe a lifetime</I <BR<I&gt;of flyfishing</I <BR <BRActually, you need a psychiatrist for that. </BLOCKQUOTE You mean. . . proctologist. <BR <BRanglerboy <BR&nbsp;&nbsp; <BR <BR– <BRTrout fear me, <BRWomen want me. </BODY </HTML

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Is this covered by an HMO ?

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     I am in need of a physician willing to prescribe a lifetime      of flyfishing      Actually, you need a psychiatrist for that. You mean. . . proctologist.

…yes, there is a fine line between the fish and the asshole on the bank… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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What’s your fax number?

Steve’s one doc who understands the gravity of this ailment.

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I am in need of a physician willing to prescribe a lifetime of flyfishing Actually, you need a psychiatrist for that. You mean. . . proctologist.

When they told me that my new flyrod came with it own handy carrying case, that’s not quite what I had in mind. You wouldn’t be able to tell whether I was coming or going. John Fereira

Response:

Hi All… I am in need of a physician willing to prescribe a lifetime of flyfishing to cure my illness(es)…if you can make it believable and FAX it to me on your letterhead, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks ! — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

What’s your fax number?

Response:

Moe….Yeah…me too !!  I’d like mine to say that it’s specifically for "job stress".  All we need is an MD whose willing to cooperate. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All… I am in need of a physician willing to prescribe a lifetime of flyfishing to cure my illness(es)…if you can make it believable and FAX it to me on your letterhead, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks ! — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

I am in need of a physician willing to prescribe a lifetime of flyfishing to cure my illness(es)…if you can make it believable and FAX it to me on your letterhead, I’d really appreciate it.

…Go to your favorite stream; Catch and eat 2 Brookies, then call me in the morning…..No wait! Tommorow’s Saturday..I’ll be playing Golf…. Dr. K

Response:

I am an M.D., but I doubt that the Rx that you request would carry much organization tha will arrange fly fishing trips that WILL satisfy all parties involved..It’s called CLASSIC SPORTS INTERNATIONAL at 1 800 375-5692…I’ve used them and they do what they claim. Best wishes.

Response:

Question:

I,m looking to purchase property in NM,Colo.,Wy,Id, or Mont.. I need input as to the best areas for Elk and Deer(mule) hunting. Raw land is okay. I need water, access, seclusion,and prefer to border Forest Service lands. thanks, Keith

Response:

S I,m looking to purchase property in NM,Colo.,Wy,Id, or Mont.. I need input S as to the best areas for Elk and Deer(mule) hunting. Raw land is okay. I S need water, access, seclusion,and prefer to border Forest Service lands. S thanks, Keith The Bitterroot Valley of Montana is a top choice Keith. I live there and hunt elk, mule deer, and whitetails when I’m not flyfishing the Bitterroot river or selling real estate. Prices are rising there like everywhere, but great land for what you want is still available reasonably. Don’t wait long though as Montana has been re-discovered. If you’re into hunting and deciding which of those states to settle in, you might also wish to obtain the fish and game laws in those states. Montana is very liberal in seasons, etc. I begin bowhunting in August and can still bowhunt for whitetails until Jan 15! Dennis Vick … nfx v2.6 [C0000]  http://www.westonia.com/blueview/

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Question:

I am looking for royalty free clip-art of trout and flyfishing in general. I have some Corel 3.0 clip-art but it is pretty skimpy. I remember running across a site that had some free clip art by Dave Whitlock. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the address. <snip — K.G. (Kat) Cruickshank, ichthyophile. Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

K.G. Try – http://www.flyfield.com/clipart.htm Mike

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Try http://www.flyfield.com for royalty free clip art by Dave Whitlock.

Response:

I am looking for royalty free clip-art of trout and flyfishing in general. I have some Corel 3.0 clip-art but it is pretty skimpy. I would appreciate any information on sites where this clip-art can be downloaded from. Thanks for your help. Frank Wood.

There is some on http://www.elisis.demon.co.uk/ukflyw3/ mainly salmon related, mainly antique. Andrew

Response:

I am looking for royalty free clip-art of trout and flyfishing in general. I have some Corel 3.0 clip-art but it is pretty skimpy. I would appreciate any information on sites where this clip-art can be downloaded from. Thanks for your help. Frank Wood.

Response:

I am looking for royalty free clip-art of trout and flyfishing in general. I have some Corel 3.0 clip-art but it is pretty skimpy.

I remember running across a site that had some free clip art by Dave Whitlock. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the address. If you do an Alta Vista search on his name it’s sure to turn up though. (And yes, it was legitimate, no copyright violations. Mr. Whitlock himself had generously made this stuff available.) — K.G. (Kat) Cruickshank, ichthyophile. Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Response:

Question:

I am going on a fly in late June with a Co. Called North of Sixty. Aybody have anything to  report, good fishing?, good experience? etc? Jerry

Response:

I am going on a fly in late June with a Co. Called North of Sixty. Aybody have anything to  report, good fishing?, good experience? etc? Jerry

I have not fished with North of Sixty myself because I have run into dissatisfied fishermen in the airport returning from their trips. Check references and if you hear of a problem, discuss it with the guy from whom you booked the trip. Kasba Lake Lodge has a good reputation and is in the general area that North of Sixty fishes.  I have fished with Nueltin Lake Lodge and Outposts, Scott Lake Lodge and Athabasca Lake Lodge and Outposts in that area.  I’ll be fishing with Nueltin again in June. Good luck on your trip.  E-mail if you want to trade tips on fishing in the NWT. Bruce

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Question:

   Does anyone know Bill Hunter’s address or phone number. He no longer owns Hunter’s Angling but sells some stuff out of his house I need. Thanks in advance.    Ralph —

Response:

   Does anyone know Bill Hunter’s address or phone number. He no longer owns Hunter’s Angling but sells some stuff out of his house I need. Thanks in advance.    Ralph —

Last I heard he was in New Boston NH. There is a listing in the Select Phone CD. Bill Hunter, 223 S Hill Rd, New Boston NH 03070, 603-487-3844 Don’t know if that is the same Bill you’re looking for but it’s worth a shot. I haven’t been to his shop in years & wasn’t even aware he had sold it. Tight Lines. Byard

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