Question:

My new next door neighbor has been talking about the Magalloway river since he moved in. He grew up in Bethel and also lived in Errol, NH for a couple of years and knows the area well so we headed up this afternoon. Seems to me that the tripper had tried to get me up there 10-12 years ago but I never made the trip. It’s about 100 mile trip from my house, we did it in about 1.5 hours, a nice scenic drive up through Grafton Notch. The Magalloway is a short river, running betweem Aziscohos Lake and Umbagog Lake. Umbagog is the same lake that the Rapid runs into. The Magalloway is a bit north of the Rapid. First we fished one of his favorite spots, right off Rt16 out of Errol (but back in Maine) a bend pool near a large field. Mitch didn’t get anything there but I unfortunately caught a smallie, about 12" and it had to be the healthiest smallie I’ve caught this year. So sadly, the smallies are running up the Magalloway as well as the Rapid. We moved to a pool upstream he called trout pool, where he guaranteed there were some good fish. On the short walk in we ran into a woman who was down with her dog to watch the kayakers. We got to the pool and Mitch told me to fish the head of the pool and he moved down the bank to the middle. After 10-15 mins 3 kayaks came down the river and immediately cut accross the pool in front of us. Then they started to play in the sluce where it dumped into the pool. They would go accross the main pool, sit on the other side, giggle, then one of them would come out and shoot through the pool again. It was deliberate and quite annoying. Things had gotten to where I was beginning to consider throwing rocks or whacking them on the helmut with my rod when they finally drifted downstream. I realize that rafters and kayakers are our allies in keeping the rivers clean and wild but these people needed to learn to give some consideration. After the twits left I decided to try a dry fly as I’d seen a couple fish hitting the top, so I tied on one of Vern’s reddish brown things and after a few casts decided to move to the tail of the pool so I could get a decent drift. About 3 casts later I saw a very subtle hit, setup and got the surprise of the day when the biggest salmon I’ve seen on the end of my line in about 3 or 4 years launched itself into the air and came off. I thought I’d broken him off, but I still had the fly. The fish was an easy 19-20" and very very fat. It also had the "river" salmon yellow belly. Mitch told me he’d had several hits before the kayaks came through on a streamer but that he hadn’t had any since. I gave Mitch one of Vern’s flies and he immediately caught a nice salmon, and several brook trout. In the meantime I lost another nice salmon, smaller than the first but still a nice fish. There were some little tiny green bodied bugs starting to swarm, they had little white wings and were small, if I had to tie one up I’d look for a #30 hook. They were flying up my nose, into my ears and were all over my arms when I realized that they were also biting. I rolled down my sleeves and went back to work as dark was coming on. I managed to miss a few and then a very fat 15-16" brookie as it got almost completly dark. The fish gave me a very strong run into the pool before coming to hand. Mitch and I decided that neither one of us could see good enough to fish so we headed back to the car. Not a bad afternoon’s trip. Flyfish

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My new next door neighbor has been talking about the Magalloway river since he moved in. He grew up in Bethel and also lived in Errol, NH for a couple of years and knows the area well so we headed up this afternoon. Seems to me that the tripper had tried to get me up there 10-12 years ago but I never made the trip. It’s about 100 mile trip from my house, we did it in about 1.5 hours, a nice scenic drive up through Grafton Notch. The Magalloway is a short river, running betweem Aziscohos Lake and Umbagog Lake. Umbagog is the same lake that the Rapid runs into. The Magalloway is a bit north of the Rapid. First we fished one of his favorite spots, right off Rt16 out of Errol (but back in Maine) a bend pool near a large field. Mitch didn’t get anything there but I unfortunately caught a smallie, about 12" and it had to be the healthiest smallie I’ve caught this year. So sadly, the smallies are running up the Magalloway as well as the Rapid. We moved to a pool upstream he called trout pool, where he guaranteed there were some good fish. On the short walk in we ran into a woman who was down with her dog to watch the kayakers. We got to the pool and Mitch told me to fish the head of the pool and he moved down the bank to the middle. After 10-15 mins 3 kayaks came down the river and immediately cut accross the pool in front of us. Then they started to play in the sluce where it dumped into the pool. They would go accross the main pool, sit on the other side, giggle, then one of them would come out and shoot through the pool again. It was deliberate and quite annoying. Things had gotten to where I was beginning to consider throwing rocks or whacking them on the helmut with my rod when they finally drifted downstream. I realize that rafters and kayakers are our allies in keeping the rivers clean and wild but these people needed to learn to give some consideration. After the twits left I decided to try a dry fly as I’d seen a couple fish hitting the top, so I tied on one of Vern’s reddish brown things and after a few casts decided to move to the tail of the pool so I could get a decent drift. About 3 casts later I saw a very subtle hit, setup and got the surprise of the day when the biggest salmon I’ve seen on the end of my line in about 3 or 4 years launched itself into the air and came off. I thought I’d broken him off, but I still had the fly. The fish was an easy 19-20" and very very fat. It also had the "river" salmon yellow belly. Mitch told me he’d had several hits before the kayaks came through on a streamer but that he hadn’t had any since. I gave Mitch one of Vern’s flies and he immediately caught a nice salmon, and several brook trout. In the meantime I lost another nice salmon, smaller than the first but still a nice fish. There were some little tiny green bodied bugs starting to swarm, they had little white wings and were small, if I had to tie one up I’d look for a #30 hook. They were flying up my nose, into my ears and were all over my arms when I realized that they were also biting. I rolled down my sleeves and went back to work as dark was coming on. I managed to miss a few and then a very fat 15-16" brookie as it got almost completly dark. The fish gave me a very strong run into the pool before coming to hand. Mitch and I decided that neither one of us could see good enough to fish so we headed back to the car. Not a bad afternoon’s trip. Flyfish

Good for you, Dave. Glad you got out and finally hit one of my favorite small streams up there, even if I couldn’t be there to enjoy it with you. Rapid next weekend! /daytripper (having another working weekend 8-(

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We moved to a pool upstream he called trout pool, where he guaranteed there were some good fish. On the short walk in we ran into a woman who was down with her dog to watch the kayakers. We got to the pool and Mitch told me to fish the head of the pool and he moved down the bank to the middle. After 10-15 mins 3 kayaks came down the river and immediately cut accross the pool in front of us. Then they started to play in the sluce where it dumped into the pool. They would go accross the main pool, sit on the other side, giggle, then one of them would come out and shoot through the pool again. It was deliberate and quite annoying. Things had gotten to where I was beginning to consider throwing rocks or whacking them on the helmut with my rod when they finally drifted downstream. I realize that rafters and kayakers are our allies in keeping the rivers clean and wild but these people needed to learn to give some consideration.

Dontcha just love ‘em.  My favourite is the asshole with a 100′ or more of river to work with, goes right through the run your fishing, then his 15 or so asshole friends follow him.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -After the twits left I decided to try a dry fly as I’d seen a couple fish hitting the top, so I tied on one of Vern’s reddish brown things and after a few casts decided to move to the tail of the pool so I could get a decent drift. About 3 casts later I saw a very subtle hit, setup and got the surprise of the day when the biggest salmon I’ve seen on the end of my line in about 3 or 4 years launched itself into the air and came off. I thought I’d broken him off, but I still had the fly. The fish was an easy 19-20" and very very fat. It also had the "river" salmon yellow belly. Mitch told me he’d had several hits before the kayaks came through on a streamer but that he hadn’t had any since. I gave Mitch one of Vern’s flies and he immediately caught a nice salmon, and several brook trout. In the meantime I lost another nice salmon, smaller than the first but still a nice fish. There were some little tiny green bodied bugs starting to swarm, they had little white wings and were small, if I had to tie one up I’d look for a #30 hook. They were flying up my nose, into my ears and were all over my arms when I realized that they were also biting. I rolled down my sleeves and went back to work as dark was coming on. I managed to miss a few and then a very fat 15-16" brookie as it got almost completly dark. The fish gave me a very strong run into the pool before coming to hand. Mitch and I decided that neither one of us could see good enough to fish so we headed back to the car. Not a bad afternoon’s trip. Flyfish

Sounds like a fun day despite the fiberglass hatch and the bitty bugs – that’s a nice brookie, btw. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

sniped, because of length… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We moved to a pool upstream he called trout pool, where he guaranteed there were some good fish. On the short walk in we ran into a woman who was down with her dog to watch the kayakers. We got to the pool and Mitch told me to fish the head of the pool and he moved down the bank to the middle. After 10-15 mins 3 kayaks came down the river and immediately cut accross the pool in front of us. Then they started to play in the sluce where it dumped into the pool. They would go accross the main pool, sit on the other side, giggle, then one of them would come out and shoot through the pool again. It was deliberate and quite annoying. Things had gotten to where I was beginning to consider throwing rocks or whacking them on the helmut with my rod when they finally drifted downstream. I realize that rafters and kayakers are our allies in keeping the rivers clean and wild but these people needed to learn to give some consideration.

Oh my God, I know that problem, on my club waters, there are days you can

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There are some excellent suggestions here-thanks everyone. I was looking at the hodgeman nylon waders this weekend, might go with those in conjunction with my teva-type sandals, which are usually my camp shoe also. My main priority is to learn to fly cast by the time spring comes. sometimes i do backpack to flyfish.. hodgeman supplex waders orvis "pack and travel" boots they are both lightweight and pack small however i pack neither if i go very far..

 If you use sandals for a wading shoe make sure that you wear a pair of socks (neoprenes work well) over your wader’s feet. Otherwise sand and grit will get caught between your sandal and your foot and wear out your waders fast. Been there, done that. G.Cleveland

Response:

sometimes i do backpack to flyfish.. hodgeman supplex waders orvis "pack and travel" boots they are both lightweight and pack small however i pack neither if i go very far..

Response:

There are some excellent suggestions here-thanks everyone. I was looking at the hodgeman nylon waders this weekend, might go with those in conjunction with my teva-type sandals, which are usually my camp shoe also. My main priority is to learn to fly cast by the time spring comes.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – sometimes i do backpack to flyfish.. hodgeman supplex waders orvis "pack and travel" boots they are both lightweight and pack small however i pack neither if i go very far..

Response:

This question is for the anglers in this group. What waders and/or wading shoes do you take  backpacking?

I mostly fly fish streams in the Sierra. For this I take stocking foot hippers. Over these, I wear a pair of thin neoprene socks I got from Cabelas. I have reinforced the toes of the socks with Aqua Seal. For shoes with this combination, I wear a pair of Tevas, the kind that have Fastex buckle rather than Velcro fasteners, because the Velcro doesn’t hold reliably when it’s wet.  The Tevas dry quickly and are usable as a camp shoe. For the inevitable repairs, their is a product from Loon called Sun Patch. It’s like Aqua Seal except that it cures in seconds in strong sunlight rather than overnight. Mike — Michael McGuire                     Hewlett Packard Laboratories Phone: (650)-857-5491               Palo Alto, CA 94303-0971          

Response:

This question is for the anglers in this group. What waders and/or wading shoes do you take  backpacking?

Response:

When backpacking, the only waders I take are my bare legs with an old pair of Converse Chuck Taylor’s on my feet.  If I had to take waders, I’d bring the LL Bean Fly Weight waders. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This question is for the anglers in this group. What waders and/or wading shoes do you take  backpacking?

Response:

You can carry whatever you want and have the strength to do so. Many fishermen do limited packing in the Eastern sierras. There are nice lakes a few miles off the nearest road and the only way to get there is to walk.  Its not like you have to walk a marathon. Just get away from the cars a few days.

Response:

I too have struggled for a good answer to your question. I have decided that taking hip waders backpacking is more weight and bulk than I can stand.  I’m a backpacker that fishes occasionally rather than primarily a fisherman that backpacks mainly to get good fishing water. At one point, I simply used lightweight water shoes and braved the cold.  I often ended up walking on top of the rocks in the streams to keep from having cold numb feet.  This approach resulted in a slip and fall and a dislocated finger three days from the trailhead. Currently I use neoprene wet wading socks such as those that can be viewed at this link:  http://www.3riversresort.com/product.cfm?productID=187 paired with Merrell Shoreline Stretch Shoes which can be viewed at this link: http://www.altrec.com/shop/detail/12506/11.  These shoes are stretchy enough and adjustable enough that they can be worn without socks or with thick neoprene wading socks.  They work well as wading shoes.  They slip on and off quickly and work well for crossing water.  I use them for in-camp shoes and occasionally for short hikes (e.g. from camp to the fishing spot).  For me, they are the solution to question of what other shoe to bring backpacking other than my hiking boots. Bob Taylor

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This question is for the anglers in this group. What waders and/or wading shoes do you take  backpacking?

Response:

Question:

I wanted some information on the Calvan 2.75 reel.  What do you all think?  Are they any good? That should be Galvan Real not Calvan. So, what do you think of them? I’ve seen them in a couple of fly shops. From what I can tell, they’re creat

I think mine is very gool. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

That should be Galvan Real not Calvan. So, what do you think of them? De Loy

I’ve got two Calvans.  They’re not as nice as the Galvans but the name tag is spiffy and goes with my wading jeans.  The advantage of the Calvan is it holds 300 yards of backing with a WF12F Hilfiger line.  If you get the drag model it comes with a wig and a pair of high heels along with an Elton John CD. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

Hilfiger?  Isn’t he the guy that was talking to Opra and said, . . . ? Before you buy.

Response:

I’m new here so please help me out. I wanted some information on the Calvan 2.75 reel.  What do you all think?  Are they any good? Thanks, De Loy Before you buy.

Response:

I’m new here so please help me out. I wanted some information on the Calvan 2.75 reel.  What do you all think?  Are they any good? Thanks, De Loy Before you buy.

That should be Galvan Real not Calvan. So, what do you think of them? De Loy Before you buy.

Response:

I wanted some information on the Calvan 2.75 reel.  What do you all think?  Are they any good? That should be Galvan Real not Calvan. So, what do you think of them?

I’ve seen them in a couple of fly shops. From what I can tell, they’re creat –Steve

Response:

Question:

On the way back, we cut through Deckers, and along the South Platte. We saw all of the no-trespassing signs. I even saw some barbed wire fences ACROSS the water. The sad thing is that here in Colorado, we don’t have a stream-access law like they do in Montana, hence the fence. IOW, no access to the really good-looking stretches. It hurt seeing some beautiful water on the wrong side of the fences. The river was talking to me, saying "Come on, Mike, there are 20" rainbows and browns the size of your leg in here. Come on and fish me."

There was a petition out to put stream access on the ballot before the last election.  It was started too late and it didn’t get enough signatures last time.  It is being tried again.  At this point, it is only in the planning stages. However, from reading a discussion in another angler’s group and talking to other anglers, it doesn’t seem that even a large majority of anglers here in CO favor it. I plan on signing the petition, but I don’t think it stands a chance of being passed. If those fences were down and access was allowed, that area would be beaten to death like the rest of the Platte around Deckers. The water is just too accessible to Colorado’s two largest cities. I felt the area was over used and too crowded 25 years ago. Maybe this is the type of area where closing off part of the river or at least restricting access is a good thing? Willi

Response:

Mike –         I know exactly how you felt.   I used to live in Woodland Park, and Deckers was 20 minutes from my front door.  Between the Wigwam club and the private waters downstream from there, not much of the water is really accessible any more.   I got so disgusted with it that I pretty much gave up on Deckers and refocused on the Eleven Mile Canyon area instead.  It was about the same distance, but only got a fraction of the pressure.  It was all public water, too. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Michelle and I decided to cruise up to the Pike NF for some shooting today. All cool, nothing doing but a few ORVers (who annoy the crap out of me, but the season on them is closed) and a few illegal firewood cutters (don’t bug me so much). On the way back, we cut through Deckers, and along the South Platte. We saw all of the no-trespassing signs. I even saw some barbed wire fences ACROSS the water. The sad thing is that here in Colorado, we don’t have a stream-access law like they do in Montana, hence the fence. IOW, no access to the really good-looking stretches. It hurt seeing some beautiful water on the wrong side of the fences. The river was talking to me, saying "Come on, Mike, there are 20" rainbows and browns the size of your leg in here. Come on and fish me." Opt out == cop-out. What’s so hard to understand?

Response:

Michelle and I decided to cruise up to the Pike NF for some shooting today. All cool, nothing doing but a few ORVers (who annoy the crap out of me, but the season on them is closed) and a few illegal firewood cutters (don’t bug me so much). On the way back, we cut through Deckers, and along the South Platte. We saw all of the no-trespassing signs. I even saw some barbed wire fences ACROSS the water. The sad thing is that here in Colorado, we don’t have a stream-access law like they do in Montana, hence the fence. IOW, no access to the really good-looking stretches. It hurt seeing some beautiful water on the wrong side of the fences. The river was talking to me, saying "Come on, Mike, there are 20" rainbows and browns the size of your leg in here. Come on and fish me." Opt out == cop-out. What’s so hard to understand?

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – On the way back, we cut through Deckers, and along the South Platte. We saw all of the no-trespassing signs. I even saw some barbed wire fences ACROSS the water. The sad thing is that here in Colorado, we don’t have a stream-access law like they do in Montana, hence the fence. IOW, no access to the really good-looking stretches. It hurt seeing some beautiful water on the wrong side of the fences. The river was talking to me, saying "Come on, Mike, there are 20" rainbows and browns the size of your leg in here. Come on and fish me." There was a petition out to put stream access on the ballot before the last election.  It was started too late and it didn’t get enough signatures last time.  It is being tried again.  At this point, it is only in the planning stages. However, from reading a discussion in another angler’s group and talking to other anglers, it doesn’t seem that even a large majority of anglers here in CO favor it. I plan on signing the petition, but I don’t think it stands a chance of being passed. If those fences were down and access was allowed, that area would be beaten to death like the rest of the Platte around Deckers. The water is just too accessible to Colorado’s two largest cities. I felt the area was over used and too crowded 25 years ago. Maybe this is the type of area where closing off part of the river or at least restricting access is a good thing? Willi

_______  Well Willi, if I had Howard Hugh’s money, I’d buy the entire drainage system of the Platte River at Deckers. I would then close it all down and rest the river for a period of ten years and I would also own the Decker Dam so I could control a more constant water level year around. Then I would open it to a commercial operation for exclusive fly fishing using only the Gink’s Rules of Fair Chase.   It would be a pay as you go operation with just 5 or 10 fly rods allowed a day.  Entry fee would be a minimum of $400 per fly rod and $1,000 for each trout caught and kept that was over 8 pounds. All anglers to bring their own lunch. Mr. G. The Platte River at Deckers, when it was not accessible because of the Denver Water Department shutting it down as their own private fishing hole, and because of the severe fines and patrolling done in the early years, THIS FISHERY as like a mansion among all the River Castles in the country.  The fish were Big.  The fish were many in numbers, and the aquatic life on the bottom of the river was rated in tonnage per acre bottom. Then the public was turned loose onto it and at first is was not known by many just HOW great a trout river the Platte River at Deckers really was.  I had this palace of pleasure all to myself and the scores of hummungus Rainbows, muscular, deep and wide across the shoulders was like trying to calm down a lightening bolt!  It was here I learned to simply lift the fish up a little upon the palm of my hand that they would calm down so as I could slide the hook out of the lower mandible to release them.  Frankly, it was unheard of to catch Rainbows anywhere in Colorado that weighted constantly in excess of eight to 12 pounds, and it was unheard of to know of bruiser browns that pushed nearly 16 – 20 pounds in size. Then the public was allowed in and the result was like letting loose a mob of convicts into a Mansion or Grand Museum.  They have trashed it to a shameful and pathetic slum. Mr. G.   — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

Mike –         On the South Platte, that would most likely be futile. It has been so well known as a blue-ribbon fishery, and for so long, that the river and access to it is a jealously guarded commodity.  Quite a lot of it has been purposely closed to public access by rod & gun clubs or landowners who sell access through "rod fees".   You can still get onto some of the waters by paying a daily fee, or you can buy a membership in one of the clubs, but I’m afraid that you won’t find too many opportunities to get to that particular stretch of water simply by asking.             While this sounds bad (and it is), it isn’t hopeless – there’s plenty of lesser-known but quite good, water in that general area. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While completely nekkid, William Loehman/Susan Schwarz <snip me bitching about fences and Willi giving some historical context Maybe this is the type of area where closing off part of the river or at least restricting access is a good thing? Maybe. Probably. The trout are no doubt happy, in the limited sense that fish brains can manage happiness. But that doesn’t mean that I have to like it. I demand the right to be slightly selfish and very inconsistent when it comes to fishing. Why not ask the landowner’s permission to fish? The worst that could happen is he’ll say no.

Response:

While completely nekkid, William Loehman/Susan Schwarz

<snip me bitching about fences and Willi giving some historical context Maybe this is the type of area where closing off part of the river or at least restricting access is a good thing?

Maybe. Probably. The trout are no doubt happy, in the limited sense that fish brains can manage happiness. But that doesn’t mean that I have to like it. I demand the right to be slightly selfish and very inconsistent when it comes to fishing. Oh, well, I guess this means that I’ll just have to check out the tailwater of <CENSORED Lake instead. When do the BWO’s come out at 9,000 feet? Opt out == cop-out. What’s so hard to understand?

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While completely nekkid, William Loehman/Susan Schwarz <snip me bitching about fences and Willi giving some historical context Maybe this is the type of area where closing off part of the river or at least restricting access is a good thing? Maybe. Probably. The trout are no doubt happy, in the limited sense that fish brains can manage happiness. But that doesn’t mean that I have to like it. I demand the right to be slightly selfish and very inconsistent when it comes to fishing.

Why not ask the landowner’s permission to fish? The worst that could happen is he’ll say no. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Why not ask the landowner’s permission to fish? The worst that could happen is he’ll say no.

A lot of the land is explicitly posted "Don’t Even Ask." Many of the signs still looked new enough that I suspect those to be the current wishes of the current owner. And then several stretches are owned by various fishing clubs. Asking them is wasted breath. At any rate, one would have to question the capacity for reason of someone who would run four-wire fence _across_ a river. Keeping fishermen out is one thing, but that also gets in the way of the wildlife. And this is the west, where you hear lots of stories about irate landowners with guns and are well-advised to believe at least two out of every seven of them. Opt out == cop-out. What’s so hard to understand?

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why not ask the landowner’s permission to fish? The worst that could happen is he’ll say no. A lot of the land is explicitly posted "Don’t Even Ask." Many of the signs still looked new enough that I suspect those to be the current wishes of the current owner. And then several stretches are owned by various fishing clubs. Asking them is wasted breath. At any rate, one would have to question the capacity for reason of someone who would run four-wire fence _across_ a river. Keeping fishermen out is one thing, but that also gets in the way of the wildlife. And this is the west, where you hear lots of stories about irate landowners with guns and are well-advised to believe at least two out of every seven of them. Opt out == cop-out. What’s so hard to understand?

_______  I have land on the Platte River Mr. Medintz and you would be one of the first I would be on guard about. In fact, if the truth be known, I don’t like you one bit. Mr. G. — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

_______  I have land on the Platte River Mr. Medintz and you would be one of the first I would be on guard about. In fact, if the truth be known, I don’t like you one bit. Mr. G.

I can see why not, what with him pissing down on your chat site from way up there and all. If I were you Mike, I would consider this a great compliment. — Levi Life is anything that dies when you stomp on it.                                                         — Dave Barry

Response:

_______  I have land on the Platte River Mr. Medintz and you would be one of the first I would be on guard about.

Oh, yeah. You know how I am with flying my jet boat over the Kremlin and leaving snakes in people’s shoes and shipping the same fly rod to half of the United States. Gotta watch out for me. In fact, if the truth be known, I don’t like you one bit.

I never would have guessed. Mike, proud bottom-dweller. Opt out == cop-out. What’s so hard to understand?

Response:

Question:

We are planning on a trip – Montreal to Vancouver would appreciate comments regarding best road route to use. CGs also please. Trip about May / June this year. Is this too early, don’t want snow. Thanks and greetings to all Aubrey

Response:

Shouldn’t have many concerns about snow in May, June. I’ll bet you would enjoy the Trans Canada Highway. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We are planning on a trip – Montreal to Vancouver would appreciate comments regarding best road route to use. CGs also please. Trip about May / June this year. Is this too early, don’t want snow. Thanks and greetings to all Aubrey

Response:

Having done the trip I would suggest Hwy 17 from Montreal to Winnipeg then the Yellowhead Hwy from Winnipeg to BC via Regina and Edmonton then back down to Hwy 1 for the trip to Banff and down into Vancouver.  When travelling in Northern Ontario you should focus on the Provincial Park system around the top of Lake Superior, the campgrounds are beautiful and serviced.  Early May could be a problem for open campgrounds but the end of May and June will be fine except for BLACK FLIES which MAY – MAY be bad from time to time. Its beautiful countryside, enjoy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -We are planning on a trip – Montreal to Vancouver would appreciate comments regarding best road route to use.

Response:

We are planning on a trip – Montreal to Vancouver would appreciate comments regarding best road route to use. CGs also please. Trip about May / June this year. Is this too early, don’t want snow. Thanks and greetings to all Aubrey

    Well there was the time,west of Calgaryt in mid May 1985, that we got caught in an unexpected Spring snowstorm that reduce highway #1 down to one lane through really wet ,heavy stuff.  We arrived in Calgary and headed North where there had been no snow at all.    Last year we visited Jasper in mid May and everything was extremely dry.   This year Edmonton has had tons of snow but it’s so dry South of Red Deer that some areas have had grass fires.    Go for it but be prepared for anything, at least an RV will give you the option of getting off the road if the weather gets bad.    I concur with Bill on not missing the Jasper -Banff highway. Most people here say that the North to South route is easier for heavy vehicles and most of the best view points are on that side of the road.   Happy camping. Roy Schmaus http://www.ee.ualberta.ca/~schmaus/

Response:

Having done the trip I would suggest Hwy 17 from Montreal to Winnipeg then the Yellowhead Hwy from Winnipeg to BC via Regina and Edmonton then back

This is good advice, however the Yellowhead will miss Regina.  Missing Regina is a good thing.   (Prepare yourself – sales pitch for Saskatchewan approaching) The Yellowhead will take you through Yorkton, Saskatoon & North Battleford.  Within three hours to the north of any of these cities are some beautiful parks that could be destinations for your trip.  I realize you want to "see Canada" but you really should take the time to travel to Waskesiu.  If you like golfing (which I don’t) it has a course that ranks with any in Canada.  It is a national park so you get the wildlife thing (elk, deer, bear).  We don’t consider it good fishing (because it is so much better if you go a little further north) but most north americans would.  There is a good full service campground as well as a large area with electric only sites or unserviced sites.  I believe they have something over 300 sites in total.  Just outside the park at Elk Ridge is a brand new full service RV park attached to an 18 hole golf course. If you get past Waskesiu into northern Saskatchewan you can find everything from fully serviced to fully primitive camping.  You can fly into some of the best freshwater fishing in the world.  If you know where to go you can drive to some pretty damn good fishing.  Just drop me even the slightest hint that you are interested and I will deluge you with information. Once you get past Saskatchewan it is all downhill but there are some sort of pretty spots.   :-} There’s the obvious stuff that everyone goes to – Banff, L.Louise, Jasper, Columbia Icefields.  Off the beaten path a bit there are some really nice spots.  We like the Kootenay Valley – there is a park on the east shore of Kootenay Lake that we like – I think it is Whispering Cedars or something like that.  On the other side of Kootenay lake don’t miss the historic town of Kaslo and the ghost town of Sandon.  There are natural hot springs at Nakusp and at Ainsworth. Another lovely area is the Sicamous lakes around Salmon Arm, BC.   Just make sure not to miss Saskatchewan.

Response:

That time of the year should be fine.  Canada is no colder than the upper U.S. and we did away with our igloos some time ago.  You only have one direct route here if you want to come right across and that is Hwy #1 the Trans Canada Highway.  Very pretty drive once you enter Alberta and British Columbia.  This route takes you through Banff and the interior of British columbia which at that time of the year gets into the high 80s.  Have a nice trip and enjoy Canada. Rick – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We are planning on a trip – Montreal to Vancouver would appreciate comments regarding best road route to use. CGs also please. Trip about May / June this year. Is this too early, don’t want snow. Thanks and greetings to all Aubrey

Response:

That time of the year should be fine.  Canada is no colder than the upper U.S. We are planning on a trip – Montreal to Vancouver would appreciate comments regarding best road route to use. CGs also please. Trip about May / June this year. Is this too early, don’t want snow.

You shouldn’t have any trouble. I took the train across Canada one year from Cape Breton Island, NS to Hazelton, BC and back, in March, and saw little snow. Today I drove halfway up the west coast of Newfoundland and there was no snow on the highway. Bet you’ll have a great trip in May/June. But just the same, keep an eye on the weather. Here’s one of my favourite weather websites:                 http://icons.wunderground.com/global/CN_ST_Index.html Doug

Response:

And mighty fine ones at that!  Born and raised there myself.  What more need be said. : ) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Someone once said that the best way to see Saskatchewan is in your rear view mirror! I can’t let that pass but I don’t know what else to say except that our biggest export is people.

Response:

Someone once said that the best way to see Saskatchewan is in your rear view mirror!

I can’t let that pass but I don’t know what else to say except that our biggest export is people.

Response:

Someone once said that the best way to see Saskatchewan is in your rear view mirror! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Having done the trip I would suggest Hwy 17 from Montreal to Winnipeg then the Yellowhead Hwy from Winnipeg to BC via Regina and Edmonton then back This is good advice, however the Yellowhead will miss Regina.  Missing Regina is a good thing. (Prepare yourself – sales pitch for Saskatchewan approaching) The Yellowhead will take you through Yorkton, Saskatoon & North Battleford.  Within three hours to the north of any of these cities are some beautiful parks that could be destinations for your trip.  I realize you want to "see Canada" but you really should take the time to travel to Waskesiu.  If you like golfing (which I don’t) it has a course that ranks with any in Canada.  It is a national park so you get the wildlife thing (elk, deer, bear).  We don’t consider it good fishing (because it is so much better if you go a little further north) but most north americans would.  There is a good full service campground as well as a large area with electric only sites or unserviced sites.  I believe they have something over 300 sites in total.  Just outside the park at Elk Ridge is a brand new full service RV park attached to an 18 hole golf course. If you get past Waskesiu into northern Saskatchewan you can find everything from fully serviced to fully primitive camping.  You can fly into some of the best freshwater fishing in the world.  If you know where to go you can drive to some pretty damn good fishing.  Just drop me even the slightest hint that you are interested and I will deluge you with information. Once you get past Saskatchewan it is all downhill but there are some sort of pretty spots.   :-} There’s the obvious stuff that everyone goes to – Banff, L.Louise, Jasper, Columbia Icefields.  Off the beaten path a bit there are some really nice spots.  We like the Kootenay Valley – there is a park on the east shore of Kootenay Lake that we like – I think it is Whispering Cedars or something like that.  On the other side of Kootenay lake don’t miss the historic town of Kaslo and the ghost town of Sandon.  There are natural hot springs at Nakusp and at Ainsworth. Another lovely area is the Sicamous lakes around Salmon Arm, BC. Just make sure not to miss Saskatchewan.

Response:

Question:

You don’t beat up on your own sport. Mr. G. —

Response:

You don’t beat up on your own sport.

A curious (if not bizarre) simile – which begs the question: just what do you do with your bar of bath soap, George? (Practise C&R in the tub? ;^) /dave

Response:

Well this was an eye opener here on this cool morning in northern Maine….I’m howling… dave — dave’s homepage madness – flyfishing in Maine and more http://www.midmaine.com/~dbottom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You don’t beat up on your own sport. A curious (if not bizarre) simile – which begs the question: just what do you do with your bar of bath soap, George? (Practise C&R in the tub? ;^) /dave

Response:

Interesting analogy.. but why the word "molest," which seem more in line with using them for your own purposes and then tossing them aside? You don’t beat up on your own sport. Mr. G.

-Mark/Particle Salad Particle Salad/Noom Room Studio http://home.earthlink.net/~psalad

Response:

Question:

The Irish National Tourist Board (in New York City–and I assume in their Australian offices as well) has some excellent–and free–materials regarding regulations, accommodations, fishing opportunities, etc., which are no substitute for what Tord Andreasson listed, but they are a worthwhile supplement. I am going to Ireland in September –anyone got any information re fly fishing in Ireland. Robin Widdowson Victoria Australia

Marv Slind Voice Phone:  Office:  (509) 335-7099   Fax:  (509) 335-4171        Home:  (208) 882-2426  Fax:  (208) 882-2118 Homepage URL:  http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~slind/

Response:

I am going to Ireland in September –anyone got any information re fly fishing in Ireland. Robin Widdowson Victoria Australia

Response:

I am going to Ireland in September –anyone got any information re fly fishing in Ireland. Robin Widdowson Victoria Australia

Robin, Here follows a reprint of articles I read some time ago. Hope this helps, Tord Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly Hi William, I am interested in any publications on ffishing in Ireland in order to prepare for a trip in several years.

This is a fairly easy one thankfully, just get the following two books:- "Trout and Salmon Loughs of Ireland" and "Trout and Salmon Rivers of Ireland" They are both written by Peter O’Reilly, the ISBN on the Loughs one is 0-00-218415-X These are very good books for the local and visiting angler and well worth a read, they cover all types of water in all areas of the country and have useful lists of contacts and the like. Needless to say they can’t cover every bit of water in the country but they cover a wide variaty of waters in each area, complete with maps. Regards, Philip Blair. *** Nation Shall Peak Six Unto Nation. *** Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly I am interested in any publications on ffishing in Ireland in order to prepare for a trip in several years.

Don’t miss C.C. O’Malley’s With a Fishing Rod In Ireland (Vantage Press, 1975.)  (This is the only "vanity press" publication I’ve ever seen that was worth 10 times the cover price.) — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

Question:

Yes, REAL hand-tied. Saw an article a few years back about a company in Scotland with a room of ladies tying without vises. Maybe traditional in the Islands? mayfly

Hand-tied flies, what about it? As far as I know Hardys famous flies were all hand-tied. Tying without a vise is going through some sort of renaissance.

Response:

(LinerLock) writes: My wife gave the video "Lee Wulff on the Beaverkill" to me for Christmas. Mr. Wulff was in his 80’s when the video was shot.  In it, he ties four flies, all without a vise.  I believe that one was a Royal Wulff in size 18.  My impression is that he tied all of his flies without a vise.  Of course, I don’t think that they were as pretty as the ones you reference on ESPN.

You can see a smple of how this is done in Darrell Martin’s book Fly Tying Methods on page 253, chapter 30 "Sans-Vise Tying". You can also see how to tie atlantic salmon flies without a vise in the book How To Dress Salmon Flies by T.E. Pryce-Tannat (originally published in 1914) or Salmon Flies by George Kelson (originally published in 1895). both are currently available in reprint.                                            Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

Response:

Lee tied all of his flies in his hands.  In the early 70’s, he and Joan gave a clinic for the old Garcia Company.  After dinner their 12-year old tied a #12 Royal Wulff in  his fingers. It can be done.  Grasp the hook between the thumb and third finger of the left hand.  Use the index and middle finger to position material.  Half hitch after tying each part of the fly.  It seems to be easier without a bobbin. A vise is faster, and mistakes are easier to correct.  I suspect Lee’s in-hand tied flies were all part of the mystique he created for himself.

Response:

My wife gave the video "Lee Wulff on the Beaverkill" to me for Christmas. Mr. Wulff was in his 80’s when the video was shot.  In it, he ties four flies, all without a vise.  I believe that one was a Royal Wulff in size 18.  My impression is that he tied all of his flies without a vise.  Of course, I don’t think that they were as pretty as the ones you reference on ESPN. Johnny Johnson

Perhaps the best tyer to eschew a vice was an Idahoan named Bing Lemke.  Mr. Lemke passed on a few years ago.  Mr. Lemke had hands that looked like he worked in a slaughter house, they were big and rough with deep wrinkles.  But Bing’s fame came from the extended body may flies he tied on size 28 and 32 hooks.  Yes sizes 28 and 32.   Yes he used no vice.  The hooks were specially provided to him by Mustad — I think they were model 540K, but I could be wrong.  The flies were beautiful and the photos I have seen show six or eight flies lined up on a match stick.  Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective) Bing never was featured on ESPN.

Response:

(Spin4trout) writes: The employees weren’t using a vise, just their hands while tying. Now

that’s a skill. My wife gave the video "Lee Wulff on the Beaverkill" to me for Christmas. Mr. Wulff was in his 80’s when the video was shot.  In it, he ties four flies, all without a vise.  I believe that one was a Royal Wulff in size 18.  My impression is that he tied all of his flies without a vise.  Of course, I don’t think that they were as pretty as the ones you reference on ESPN. Johnny Johnson

Response:

Did any of you catch the recent ESPN FF show about salmon fishing in Ireland. They showed a company making REAL hand-tied flies. The employees weren’t using a vise, just their hands while tying. Now that’s a skill. Don Burns

Yes, REAL hand-tied. Saw an article a few years back about a company in Scotland with a room of ladies tying without vises. Maybe traditional in the Islands? mayfly

Response:

Question:

  I NEED to take my wife to a place where she can catch some trout – or SOMETHING – before she decides that WE don’t like fishing any more.   She presents well, but never seems to catch a fish. I am very unfamiliar with Virginia streams, and don’t know enough to help her with selecting an appropriate fly,I often find the Va. streams, that are stocked, fished-out ( I really believe that people follow the stocking trucks. I have taken her to stocked streams in the Nat’l forest and NOONE caught a fish. The rainbows and browns up high are very timid and a wonderful challenge, but Lisa doesn’t need a challenge now – just a fish or two so she can remember what it is all about ( I like to catch fish now & then too and this plea is not really so selfless ) Any info that you might have on a reasonable beginner stream with stocked trout would be most appreciated. Thanks Scott

Response:

Scott , have you tried the Jackson River? Its North of Covington, in the Hot spring area, there you will find good,I mean great Catch and release waters full of nice trout and others to catch. Your wife could easily catch enough to make her want to stay there forever!

Response:

Scott,    Perhaps something from the bass family would do her nicely? My wife became interested when the Smallmouth started biting, she’s into trout now, but it was the bass that interested her first. It’s a tough time of year to start if she’s a beginner. The water’s low and the fish are skittish and spooky. You need a long leader and a delicate approach. I took my wife to the Jackson this past weekend, and shewent fishless. If you can, try the Potomac, the Shenandoah River or the James, tie a Yellow popper (not too big) onto a 3-4x tippet or a black Wolley Bugger #8 and let her at ‘em. She’ll catch a fish. Best time for beginners is March to July. Hope this helps! Keith in Waterford, VA

Response:

 I NEED to take my wife to a place where she can catch some trout – or SOMETHING – before she decides that WE don’t like fishing any more. <<

Try another kind of fish. I recommend the Shenandoah. Give Manny Sainz a call at ‘the Hatch’ a bed and breakfast in Edinburg. He and his wife Bobby will give you a room, nice meal. hospitality, and a bunch of (non-trout) fish! Simon Hallett

Response:

Question:

I’m thinking of buying a Winston 9′ 6 weight rod. I’m interested in hearing peoples’ opinions about Winston rods. Does anyone know what the company means when they refer to "Winston action"?

I have a 9′ 2-piece 7 weight that I used for a week in Alaska (Wood- Tikchik State Park) last summer for rainbows, sockeye salmon, and arctic char.  The rod is a little slower than, say, a Sage, but it it really a pleasure to cast and especially to play fish with. It might not be as great for casting heavy or bulky flies in the wind, but it really is fun for most fishing.  A very distinctive feel and definitely plenty of muscle for fighting big fish. I also use that one a lot for bass bug fishing here in Iowa and just love it. Bob

Response:

It might not be as great for casting heavy or bulky flies in the wind, but it really is fun for most fishing.  A very distinctive feel and definitely plenty of muscle for fighting big fish.

I love the Winston rods and use almost nothing else.  The one occasion to go to something stronger, however, is, as suggested, for bulky flies in the wind.  Other than that situation, however, the "Winston Action." is perfect for me. BTW, there has been thread on the Flyfish listserve that would indicate that Winston rods have a very broad and loyal following. Lyman Hughes                                               Dallas, TX                                               Ennis, MT

Response:

I have two Winston Rods—they are "sweet."  I have an 8′ 3wt made from 1st generation graphite and an 8 1/2" 3 pc. 5wt.  The 3wt is my small stream, light action tool. It excels at small flies, fine tippets in the close to medium ranges, is ultra lite in the hand and will lay up to 65′ with a little effort…still pinpoin acuracy. My 5wt is for bigger streams. I prefer the 8 1/2" legnth over the 9′ for personal reasons.  The im6 graphite is a little faster, but is "sweet" to cast.  It feels so light in my hand and smooth on the cast it is a joy to use. I’ve fly fished for 18 years and these rods are the ones I’ll use till my last fishing day.  The comsetics, the Winston action are as allthe other posts describe.  Winston is the epitome of what a quality production rod should be and expect to pay dearly for it…then enjoy!  

Response:

I’ve owned several winston rods, my 9′6" 6 wt.Graphite I, is my favorite. My idea of the "winston action" is a slower to moderate action rod, i.e. it bends deeply into the butt section. I find for me this action is the best. Your feeling on casting a rod is the most important element in buying any rod.

Response:

I’m thinking of buying a Winston 9′ 6 weight rod. I’m interested in hearing peoples’ opinions about Winston rods. Does anyone know what the company means when they refer to "Winston action"?

Hmmm…I’m an incredible Winston bigot (consider yourselves warned!) – I own three of their rods and am eyeing a fourth (all of them are for freshwater use) – and yet I’m not certain how to convey the feel of their rods…But I’ll give it a go… First of all, they’re incredibly smooth, from tip to butt – a true progressive taper using IM6 graphite with resultant progressive action (using the standard jargon, I guess most freshwater Winston rods would be "medium/fast" to "medium" – though some of their short rods might be considered "fast"). A Winston loads easily enough to make a short cast, but has enough backbone to support you on those wind-fighting long reaches. Such are the hallmarks of a well designed progressive action rod… Speaking of the tip: Winston is known for their tip designs, and I don’t believe you’ll find a rod made by anyone that will protect fine tippets better than a Winston. I have no fear in using 7x-8x tippets in low/clear water situations even when I know there’s a good chance that a 3 or 4 pound landlock salmon or wild brookie will latch on. I’ve landed large fish using fine tippets under tough conditions that I just *know* were kept on the line as much because of the rod as my abilities. (Hey – that’s the way it should be – we’re partners! ;^) Regarding more aesthetic qualities: I defy anyone to show me an off-the-shelf rod that is better appointed and finished than any model Winston you might look at. They’re simply beautiful. You won’t find a cheap plastic winding check on a Winston, or aluminum or steel reel seats with PhonyWood ™ inserts – they use German Silver and exotic wood components instead. They use high grade cork for their grips, and high quality strippers, snakes, and tiptops. First rate stuff…And you’ll never find a rod wrapped better than a Winston – a flawless emerald green jewel… Besides my Winston collection, I also own a couple of GLoomis IMX rods (for AtSal & striper/bluefish/false albacore use), a Sage RPL (bassin’ and schoolies), and a full custom built on a GLoomis IM6 blank (backup trout/landlock rod). All very fine rods, well designed/manufactured for the tasks I use them for. But they don’t give me the same sheer pleasure to hold and cast as the Winstons do… If you’re looking for blinding speed – pass on the Winstons and get a GLoomis IMX. Otherwise, spend some time at your local shop’s "casting pool" (be it grass, asphault, or *real water* ;^) with a Winston… /dave (geeze – he sure does get carried away, don’t he? ;^) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <           "Read this and nobody gets hurt"           < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Response:

I’m thinking of buying a Winston 9′ 6 weight rod. I’m interested in hearing peoples’ opinions about Winston rods. Does anyone know what the company means when they refer to "Winston action"?

I use the three-piece 9′ #6 model and like it better than any I have tried.  Three years ago it was the only three-piece model I could find and that is what I wanted so I cast it and it felt so nice that I saved my pennies and bought it.  Now there are other three-piece rods on the market.  In this price range you should try Scott too.  I could not tell the difference in action from the two-piece but if you hike or travel at all this is a real convenience. The Winston action is a soft tip with a medium, fully flexing butt, more reminiscent of classic cane than most of today’s fast stiff graphite. I mostly cast big loops because I use long leaders and often use two-fly rigs and big loops prevent tangling and this rod does that very well.  It also loads easily at short distances. If you fish a very tight crisp loop or need to cast for long distance as the primary consderation, you will like the stiffer rods better. Last year I hooked a steelhead over ten pounds unexpectedly on this rod, and had to try to horse the thing back up past a rock he had gone around and beyond.  I knew this was really abuse but held the reel tight and really put a bend in it, and found it had the power to do this (unfortunately later in the game the leader parted at the abrasion). I think the best word for Winston action is lively. Whether casting or playing fish, it feels springy and sensitive. I wholeheartedly recommend their rods. Mark Vinsel Visit my gallery: http://www.lanminds.com/local/vinnie/gallery.HTML

Response:

Have use Winstons for 15 years.  Fell they are the best rods onmarket.  Can handle a King Salmon on my 8 wgt.  Nice beause between a 4wgt and 10 wgt, they all cast the same. — Gene Dobrzynski, Eagle River, Alaska

Response:

I have two Winstons, one of which is a 9′0 for 6 wt. three pc. This is a great rod. Like most of the other people who have responded to your inquiry I have several other rods (including cane) which are used for various situations but for a production graphite rod I think the Winstons are in a class by themselves. Before I bought the 6 wt I tried a Sage SP+ in  a 5wt. with a Wulff 5/6 Triangle Taper line which was very nice. Ultimately the Winstons superior aesthetics and more subtle action (the Winston Action!) tipped the scales in favor of the Winston. If you have already bought the Winston (or whatever rod you selected) enjoy it. If not, good luck withyour decision Bill Sadataki

Response:

I’m thinking of buying a Winston 9′ 6 weight rod. I’m interested in hearing peoples’ opinions about Winston rods. Does anyone know what the company means when they refer to "Winston action"?

Response:

"I’m thinking of buying a Winston 9′ 6 weight rod. I’m interested in hearing peoples’ opinions about Winston rods. Does anyone know what the company means when they refer to "Winston action"?" I am familiar withthe Winston rods.  I own a couple (including the 9′ 6wt) and have made several rods from Winston blanks for others.  Here are my thoughts. I very much like the Winston  rods.  The "Winston action" is a slow action that is true for all IM6 graphite rods, but is particularly smooth in the Winstons.  My favorite rods are the Winstons in the lighter weights.  The ones that I have made have been three weights.  Perfect mid-range, spring creek, dry fly rods.  O secondary importance, but also nice, is the fact that the deep green rods are absolutely beautiful. Two words of caution.  The softer action carries into the heavier rods as well.  this makes a 6wt a very nice rod for longer distances or a little wind when a lighter rod just won’t cut it.  But if you have a heavy wind, the "Winston action" just isn’t strong enough.  If you need an IMX, the IM6 just won’t do the job.  So if you are planning on getting the 9′ 6wt for heavy wind conditions, I would caution against it. Second, Winston just switched to its own factory for the manufacture of its blanks.  Before now, the blanks came from Loomis to Winston specs.  I assume (and have been assured by people at the factory) that the action of the blanks made by Winston will be the same action as the ones from Loomis.  Time will tell, but I have already made one rod with the new blanks, and it was perfect. (BTW, if you are near or in Twin Bridges, MT, go by the Winston factory.  Thepeole are very friendly and wil be glad to show you around.) Finally, although I am a big fan of the Winstons, you should try out any rod that you are considering buying if you are not familiar with the action.  What is right for one person may not be right for another. Good luck,                                               Dallas, TX                                               Ennis, MT

Response: