Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When using large plugs for pike, or any other spinning gear, single barbless hooks Large single hooks have a larger gape than trebles and are more likely to hook the fish.  Large single hooks however typically are made of thicker wire than trebles so they might have a tougher time penetrating the fish’s *lips*.  If you replace the trebles with singles they must be appropriately sized so as not to turn the plug out of balance.  I saw a good tip in a fishing newspaper once.  In order not to alter the balance of a plug but also to minimize damage to fish and angler, one fisherman bent two out of the three hooks on all his trebles inwards so that they looked like extreme circle hooks.  Those two would not be able to hook fish nor human. Mu

I use single, fine wire, straight eyed  hooks, on double split rings ( so that they hang right! ), and I crimp a piece of lead to the shank, so that they weigh the same as the trebles.  It is sometimes a good idea to experiment with weight on various plugs and spinners, one may improve the action on some, quite considerably. TL MC

Response:

<SNIP Here’s one maybe you have thought about. If you are standing in fast water and you do not want to let the slack line float below, why is that when you hold the loops in your hand they always tangle up? You would think you are holding the loops in an organized way, yet they end up as a spaghetti when you go to cast. What do you do? — Gary M

You must hold the loops in a specific way.  Use wide loops and ensure that they are  placed in order in your hand and held lightly, to prevent one loop going over another. Do not twist the loops when retrieving. ( This is quite difficult to do). If your line suffers much from memory, this will not work anyway, as the loops will tend to form figure eights, and this will cause a tangle when the line is shot, or released. In this case, you should use "figure of eight" storage to start with. This may sound silly, but if you hold the line in your left hand in loose SMALL! figure of eights, in a bunch, it will not tangle when shot. This technique is common among English reservoir anglers. You can shoot line from your hand, if you observe the above. It is best to practice a bit before you do it. The amount of line you can hold in this way is also limited. It is more difficult to do with backing, but not impossible, it depends to a large extent on the backing. In such situations, it is invariably much easier to use a line tray. TL MC

Response:

When using large plugs for pike, or any other spinning gear, single barbless hooks

Large single hooks have a larger gape than trebles and are more likely to hook the fish.  Large single hooks however typically are made of thicker wire than trebles so they might have a tougher time penetrating the fish’s *lips*.  If you replace the trebles with singles they must be appropriately sized so as not to turn the plug out of balance.  I saw a good tip in a fishing newspaper once.  In order not to alter the balance of a plug but also to minimize damage to fish and angler, one fisherman bent two out of the three hooks on all his trebles inwards so that they looked like extreme circle hooks.  Those two would not be able to hook fish nor human. Mu

Response:

Since you effectively twist the line 180 degrees for each loop that you make, small loops would make the problem worse. I

Question:

I showed up at the Quaboag at 1:15, about 4 hours later than the main group, and just a few minutes later than Paul Goodwin, who was just tying his boots as I pulled in.  Got to meet Frank Reid, Daytripper, Gary McMeekin (who has the strangest Boston accent I ever heard), and Bob Rose, and got to see Dave Lacourse, Paul Goodwin and George Adams again.  Nice bunch of folks!  Yes, ROFFians do exist in real life (if you can take my word for it…). I had just gotten suited up and was raring to get into the water, and LaCourse stuck one of those Sleeman’s Ales into my hands.  I made the sacrifice – gave up fishing to drink another beer. Unfortunately, half of the group left not long after I arrived, but I got to spend some quality time with Tripper, Paul and George.  The weather was great – mid sixties, partly cloudy, slight breeze, like a day in heaven after three days in a row if blazing 90+ degree weather.  The water was really warm – at noon they measured it at about 65, but by 5, it was almost 70.  The hatches are all screwed up, we didn’t see anything coming off in the afternoon. I heard tell that several people had found a few fish earlier in the day dredging nymphs (including a brookie and a few smallies taken by Tripper, and a few rainbows by the Pirate, one of which was possibly 17", and Frank Reid got something).  Paul (I don’t care if there’s no fish on top, I’m fishing a dry fly) Goodwin said he had a rise to his fly.  I managed to land an enormous 4" chub (first of the season, on a green rock worm, got me into my backing<g, on my first cast – is that a bad omen?).  Aside from that I was fishless – no detectable hits on any of the nymphs and emergers I cycled through. All in all, a great afternoon.  Great company, great weather, nice stream, not a lot of fish.  Looking forward to maxi-claving next week at Penns Creek!  They do have fish in Penns, right? –StanGula

Response:

My first fish of the day was on an elk hair caddis. After a few minutes of fishing tripper comes walks over. While we were talking something took the fly I had let drift downstream. A few casts later I brought to hand a large scale silver trout about the same size as Stan’s. I did see one rise out in front of me but couldn’t coax it back up. I worked my way down stream and tried streamers, conbinations of dries with droppers and still no luck. I heard some noise back up stream and figured that Louie had fallen in again. It turns out It was Frank with a fish on. About 1/2 hour after I should have been home we moved to a spot down stream. I managed a 12" rainbow on a caddis emerger. I left to go home about 15 min later. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I showed up at the Quaboag at 1:15, about 4 hours later than the main group, and just a few minutes later than Paul Goodwin, who was just tying his boots as I pulled in.  Got to meet Frank Reid, Daytripper, Gary McMeekin (who has the strangest Boston accent I ever heard), and Bob Rose, and got to see Dave Lacourse, Paul Goodwin and George Adams again.  Nice bunch of folks!  Yes, ROFFians do exist in real life (if you can take my word for it…). I had just gotten suited up and was raring to get into the water, and LaCourse stuck one of those Sleeman’s Ales into my hands.  I made the sacrifice – gave up fishing to drink another beer. Unfortunately, half of the group left not long after I arrived, but I got to spend some quality time with Tripper, Paul and George.  The weather was great – mid sixties, partly cloudy, slight breeze, like a day in heaven after three days in a row if blazing 90+ degree weather.  The water was really warm – at noon they measured it at about 65, but by 5, it was almost 70.  The hatches are all screwed up, we didn’t see anything coming off in the afternoon. I heard tell that several people had found a few fish earlier in the day dredging nymphs (including a brookie and a few smallies taken by Tripper, and a few rainbows by the Pirate, one of which was possibly 17", and Frank Reid got something).  Paul (I don’t care if there’s no fish on top, I’m fishing a dry fly) Goodwin said he had a rise to his fly.  I managed to land an enormous 4" chub (first of the season, on a green rock worm, got me into my backing<g, on my first cast – is that a bad omen?).  Aside from that I was fishless – no detectable hits on any of the nymphs and emergers I cycled through. All in all, a great afternoon.  Great company, great weather, nice stream, not a lot of fish.  Looking forward to maxi-claving next week at Penns Creek!  They do have fish in Penns, right? –StanGula

Response:

Was glad to finally meet so many of the ROFFians previously known to me only in cyberspace. Good group of guys, all of whom come across in person the same as they do here. I was happy to see that our guest, frank, did well. He landed a few really nice rainbows, and lost a real good one which precipitated a lot of whooping and hollering. Cap’n Louie also did well, but that was to be expected as he had been "pre-soaked" so to speak. I only managed one small rainbow and a couple of "silver trout", but this still ranks as one of my best fishing days. Good luck to all of you attending the Penn’s Clave. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

Question:

I have some scans of pictures taken of the Elk River in BC that I obtained from the local fly shop.  If you wish, I could email them to you. Peter

Response:

I have some scans of pictures taken of the Elk River in BC that I obtained from the local fly shop.  If you wish, I could email them to you. Peter

Sure Peter, thanks.  Have you ever fished there or know folks who do/have?  I have been to Canada a few times on hunting trips (going again next November to Anticosti) but never to BC and it does sound and look like it would be a wonderful trip. Before you buy.

Response:

I regularly fish the Elk River and tribs in BC, as well as the Crowsnest and other rivers in SW Alberta. I live in Lethbridge, Alberta, just a short hop from the area. I also run a web page about fishing in the area. It is at: www.telusplanet.net/public/cnangler/html Feel free to contact me by private e-mail to discuss this area, if you like. It is a wonderful place to fish. Tim Lysyk

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m contemplating a 3 day guided FF’ing trip in the spring.  I’ve wanted to do a pack trip to West Virginia to fish the Elk River and some of the surrounding streams for a few years, just have never gotten the time.  But recently I’ve received information on two other spots, one in particular, that sound enticing…one in North Carolina and one in eastern British Columbia. BC:  The Elk River and its tributaries that run through eastern BC and the East Kootenay valleys.  Trip would most likely be two days of walk and wade and one day of driftboat fishing.  According to my literature, native cuts are the standard catch.  Some of the other rivers mentioned are the Oldman River and the Crowsnest. It sounds like a spectactularly beautiful area. WV: Have been thinking about WV for some time now.  Namely the Elk River but other smaller streams/rivers in the area too.  Some mentioned are the Cheat, Dry Fork, Glady Fork.  I don’t know what it is but I just can’t get WV out of my mind when I think of destinations.  Big plus…it’s probably just a days drive. NC:  Again, the Elk, Linville, North and South Toe.  Don’t really know much about the area except that it’s ont too far a drive and I’ve been told the areas mentioned are beautiful spots and the fishing is very good. So if anyone out there has first hand knowledge of these areas I’d love to here your opinions and comments on them.  Especially the BC trip….maybe some of the ROFF Canuck contingency can help out here. Also, if anyone knows of a good guide or two for these areas I’d appreciate the info.  I have names of guide services for these areas but other than looking for the "O" seal of approval, I’m picking blindly. Any help/comments are appreciated.  If anyone wants to discuss in Thanks in advance. Natty Before you buy.

Response:

I regularly fish the Elk River and tribs in BC, as well as the Crowsnest and other rivers in SW Alberta. I live in Lethbridge, Alberta, just a short hop from the area. I also run a web page about fishing in the area. It is at: www.telusplanet.net/public/cnangler/html Feel free to contact me by private e-mail to discuss this area, if you like. It is a wonderful place to fish. Tim Lysyk

Tim, I notice you have a picture of the Frank Slide on the front of your page.  Probably anyone who fishes the Crow has one, (mine was taken a lttle further downstream.) Peter

Response:

Actually, that is picture of very nice (and small in the picture) woman fly fishing in front of Turtle Mountain <G. By the way, I don’t take the pictures, my web page partner does (credit where credit is due). How often do you get this way?? Tim Lysyk

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I regularly fish the Elk River and tribs in BC, as well as the Crowsnest and other rivers in SW Alberta. I live in Lethbridge, Alberta, just a short hop from the area. I also run a web page about fishing in the area. It is at: www.telusplanet.net/public/cnangler/html Feel free to contact me by private e-mail to discuss this area, if you like. It is a wonderful place to fish. Tim Lysyk Tim, I notice you have a picture of the Frank Slide on the front of your page.  Probably anyone who fishes the Crow has one, (mine was taken a lttle further downstream.) Peter

Response:

I’m contemplating a 3 day guided FF’ing trip in the spring.  I’ve wanted to do a pack trip to West Virginia to fish the Elk River and some of the surrounding streams for a few years, just have never gotten the time.  But recently I’ve received information on two other spots, one in particular, that sound enticing…one in North Carolina and one in eastern British Columbia. BC:  The Elk River and its tributaries that run through eastern BC and the East Kootenay valleys.  Trip would most likely be two days of walk and wade and one day of driftboat fishing.  According to my literature, native cuts are the standard catch.  Some of the other rivers mentioned are the Oldman River and the Crowsnest. It sounds like a spectactularly beautiful area. WV: Have been thinking about WV for some time now.  Namely the Elk River but other smaller streams/rivers in the area too.  Some mentioned are the Cheat, Dry Fork, Glady Fork.  I don’t know what it is but I just can’t get WV out of my mind when I think of destinations.  Big plus…it’s probably just a days drive. NC:  Again, the Elk, Linville, North and South Toe.  Don’t really know much about the area except that it’s ont too far a drive and I’ve been told the areas mentioned are beautiful spots and the fishing is very good. So if anyone out there has first hand knowledge of these areas I’d love to here your opinions and comments on them.  Especially the BC trip….maybe some of the ROFF Canuck contingency can help out here. Also, if anyone knows of a good guide or two for these areas I’d appreciate the info.  I have names of guide services for these areas but other than looking for the "O" seal of approval, I’m picking blindly. Any help/comments are appreciated.  If anyone wants to discuss in Thanks in advance. Natty Before you buy.

Response:

I’ve always thought it’s kind of bad form to just come right out and ask a question like, "Where are the best places to fish." I don’t really intend to criticise the original poster (was it Hawkeye?) about asking such a question, but it seems to me that you get better results from coming at the question in a little more roundabout way. It also helps to spend lots of money in local flyshops, and to leave the impression that you’re prepared to spend a lot more. Short of that, developing some kind of relationship with the people whose honey holes you want to discover is a good investment. It’s especially touchy when hot fishing spots are discussed openly in a public forum like ROFF. A little research about just who in the newsgroup is likely to be knowledgeable about a particular spot, and then some discrete private emails, would probably pay off better. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Actually, that is picture of very nice (and small in the picture) woman fly fishing in front of Turtle Mountain <G. By the way, I don’t take the pictures, my web page partner does (credit where credit is due). How often do you get this way?? Tim Lysyk

The mountain in my picture looks like the mountain in your picture, (I took it from Hwy 3) and the local brochures refered to the light gray part as the Frank Slide.  I never did get to know the name of the mountain. I’ve only been able to fish Alberta once (Little Staufer, the Bow and the Crow) but I’ve been out three times on business.  I’d love to get back to fish the Crow again, plus the Elk and the Livingston. BTW, loved that little white and red pizza restaurant in Fort MacLeod.  I thought Rocky Mountain House was quite the place.   Head-smashed-in was cool too.  I sat on the prairie and just drank in the smells. Fabulous place – I’d move in a twinkle if I could. (should I be saying this on the Usenet?  <g) Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

I’ve always thought it’s kind of bad form to just come right out and ask a question like, "Where are the best places to fish

rw, I dont mind that type of question.  If the asker is naive enough  to ask I am experienced enough to lie. Old Fart

Response:

kind of relationship with the people whose honey holes you want to discover is a good investment. It’s especially touchy when hot fishing spots are discussed openly in a public forum like ROFF. A little research about just who in the newsgroup is likely to be knowledgeable about a particular spot, and then some discrete private emails, would probably pay off better. (snipped)

Your point is well taken RW.  I’m not looking to invade anyones spot as whichever route I take will certainly be booked through a guide/outfitter.  I’m totally unfamiliar with those areas and without a guide would most likely be discovered months later fishing gear strapped to my back, rotting away in some wooded area, topo map and compass still in hand. I am merely seeking input from those who may have fished the streams and areas I mentioned, no particular part of the stream…that’s the guides job.  As for the private email, that is why I left my email in case someone didn’t want to get into the discussion in the open forum.  Maybe I’m wrong but I didn’t think it was proper Usenet protocol to contact people from the group via private email without an invitation to do so. I certainly understand folks not wanting to get into detailed location pointing here…I have my spots that I wouldn’t want to blab aloud too.  Sorry if it came out that way…if anyone wants to offer info I Natty (I promise I won’t bring hordes of NJ bred "cousin Vinnys" to your spot…:-) Before you buy.

Response:

The grey part is where the slide started. I always feel a sense of awe driving through the slide. I can’t remember the name of the pizza place in Fort Macleod, but will be driving through there tomorrow so will try to remember to get it. I can see the building in my mind. I love this area too. I used to work in Lethbridge during the summers when I was in university (78-80), and always dreamed of coming back to stay. I did in 1989. If you are ever come out this way again…..gimme a call. Tim Lysyk

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Actually, that is picture of very nice (and small in the picture) woman fly fishing in front of Turtle Mountain <G. By the way, I don’t take the pictures, my web page partner does (credit where credit is due). How often do you get this way?? Tim Lysyk The mountain in my picture looks like the mountain in your picture, (I took it from Hwy 3) and the local brochures refered to the light gray part as the Frank Slide.  I never did get to know the name of the mountain. I’ve only been able to fish Alberta once (Little Staufer, the Bow and the Crow) but I’ve been out three times on business.  I’d love to get back to fish the Crow again, plus the Elk and the Livingston. BTW, loved that little white and red pizza restaurant in Fort MacLeod.  I thought Rocky Mountain House was quite the place.   Head-smashed-in was cool too.  I sat on the prairie and just drank in the smells. Fabulous place – I’d move in a twinkle if I could. (should I be saying this on the Usenet?  <g) Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at

http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

I used your deja address for the photos – should I have used the other? Peter

Response:

I used your deja address for the photos – should I have used the other?

That’s fine Peter.  Truth is I only created a Deja address to keep from getting spammed on the other and actually have never checked it.  I can pick them up from deja mail.  Thanks very much! Natty Before you buy.

Response:

Your point is well taken RW.  I’m not looking to invade anyones spot as whichever route I take will certainly be booked through a guide/outfitter.  

Don’t worry about it. Like I said, I wasn’t criticising you. Natty (I promise I won’t bring hordes of NJ bred "cousin Vinnys" to your spot…:-)

— visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

I did in 1989. If you are ever come out this way again…..gimme a call.

Count on it Peter

Response:

Question:

I ran across some sinking tips which you attach to the end of your fly line with a loop connection.  They had 3 different sink rates (3"/second, 6"/second, 9"/second) in 12 foot lengths.  I purchased the slower two sink rates.  When I got home and unpacked these sink tips I was surprised to find that they are not tapered.  With the addition of a hinge in the line and the fact that they are not tapered, won’t this make casting them difficult.  I am going to try them tomorrow but would like to hear if anyone has some advice on how to properly use these add on sink tips.  After a day of messing with them I would like to read some advice from someone who has used these things. Thanks in advance David

Response:

I make them myself by chopping up a fast sinking flyline and threading the sinking line into a short piece of braided mono line.  I use them for salmon fishing with a 9wt rod.  You need a rod with a bit of punch and cast with a more open loop than you would normally.  I put a coat of flexament on my braids and that stiffens the hinge somewhat.  I do use a WF line with my setup and the rod will load up with alot less line out.  Just make a couple of practise casts and you will find the sweet spot.  I mark my floating line with a sharpie pen.  Check the loop connections regularly, I did have one fail on me while fighting a big fish.  Sounded like a firecracker.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I ran across some sinking tips which you attach to the end of your fly line with a loop connection.  They had 3 different sink rates (3"/second, 6"/second, 9"/second) in 12 foot lengths.  I purchased the slower two sink rates. When I got home and unpacked these sink tips I was surprised to find that they are not tapered.  With the addition of a hinge in the line and the fact that they are not tapered, won’t this make casting them difficult.  I am going to try them tomorrow but would like to hear if anyone has some advice on how to properly use these add on sink tips.  After a day of messing with them I would like to read some advice from someone who has used these things. Thanks in advance David

Response:

You can get tapered sink tips (not exactly tips per se) from Airflo.  They are called Polyleaders and come in 5′ and 10′ length in all sink rates from floating to type 4(?) sinking and in two weight ranges ("trout" for line weights up to 5 and "salmon/bass" for 6-9 weights). In spite of some other people’s complaints about Airflo products I have found these to be very good (as well as a 4 wt Hi Sense long belly fly line I use).  I made some level sink tips from a discarded full sinking line and defineitely found the Polyleaders to be superior. You can get these from ezflyfish.com.  I haven’t found another place that sells these (except Feathercraft in St. Louis, but they don’t have as broad a selection as Mr. Winter does). Mu

Response:

says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I ran across some sinking tips which you attach to the end of your fly line with a loop connection.  They had 3 different sink rates (3"/second, 6"/second, 9"/second) in 12 foot lengths.  I purchased the slower two sink rates.  When I got home and unpacked these sink tips I was surprised to find that they are not tapered.  With the addition of a hinge in the line and the fact that they are not tapered, won’t this make casting them difficult.  I am going to try them tomorrow but would like to hear if anyone has some advice on how to properly use these add on sink tips.  After a day of messing with them I would like to read some advice from someone who has used these things. Thanks in advance David

I fished the Orvis Sink Tips with my WF line yesterday and they worked quite well. They DO load the rod MUCH more rapidly at shorter distances though! Forget about using these things with light patters though. I fought more tailing loops and windknots with an 18 BeadHead than I did fishing it! If found that heavier patterns work well. — Michael Era

Question:

I have heard that the fishing for stripers can be good right through November. Can anyone point me to a source of information about this.  It would be helpful to know: How late the fish are generally around. Where you can launch a boat from and safely leave your truck and trailer. What tides and locations are best. Thanks for info. JK

Response:

Http://www.reel-time.com  Check the FishWire Reports.  Weekly NY saltwater fly fishing reports. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have heard that the fishing for stripers can be good right through November. Can anyone point me to a source of information about this.  It would be helpful to know: How late the fish are generally around. Where you can launch a boat from and safely leave your truck and trailer. What tides and locations are best. Thanks for info. JK

Response:

Question:

On casting in the surf.. A long rod helps (I use a 9 1/2 foot 7 weight, a 10 footer would be better) and a stripping basket is a necessity.  I also tend towards pretty stout weighted eyes on streamers an lead-head charlies (Texas coast selection here) to keep the surf from knocking them around too much.  Be sure you hang around cuts through the bars even if you’re in the wash.. Good luck, Andy Schreckenghost

Response:

Anybody fly fish from the beach?  

There are two magazines, "Fly Fishing in Saltwater" and "Saltwater Fly Fishing", both have had articles on flyfishing from the beach.  There have also been articles detailing fly fishing from the California coast.  Fly Fishing in Saltwater also has a web site at: www.flyfishinsalt.com. While the site does not give all the information I would like about saltwater flyfishing, it is a good start.  Another web site is www.reel-time.com.  This is the Reel-Time, The Journal of Saltwater Fly fishing.  This is a pretty good site.  They have some good articles and an archive of articles that may just answer your fishing from the beach questions

Question:

I recently began tying dry fly wings with antron yarn. Antron is a very easy material to work with. It provides a good silhouette and rigid post for parachute patterns. Divided and down wings are easy to tie with little bulk making the tying of smaller flies simpler with better proportion as well. Comparaduns are a breeze. Antron wings look aesthetically pleasing and appear to be somewhat translucent and light reflective at the same time. In short, antron seems too good to be true. Being that it’s -30  C outside as I write this, it is unlikely I will be able to test these flies for a few months yet. In the meantime, I’d like to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look. Thanks Guy

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently began tying dry fly wings with antron yarn. Antron is a very easy material to work with. It provides a good silhouette and rigid post for parachute patterns. Divided and down wings are easy to tie with little bulk making the tying of smaller flies simpler with better proportion as well. Comparaduns are a breeze. Antron wings look aesthetically pleasing and appear to be somewhat translucent and light reflective at the same time. In short, antron seems too good to be true. Being that it’s -30  C outside as I write this, it is unlikely I will be able to test these flies for a few months yet. In the meantime, I’d like to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look. Thanks Guy

Guy, I tried a similar tactic a couple of years ago using Orvis poly-wing material (usually used for spinner wings) which isn’t too different from antron.  Being a rather impatient and lazy tier I found this material easy and fast to use for tying upright wings. As a wing post for parachute patterns I found it worked well and fished as effectively as any other parachute patterns. I had the most hope for Comparaduns tied with this material because I fish them a lot, again partly because of the ease and speed of tying. However, these were not very effective at all.  During the summer of ‘95 I tried Comparaduns tied with this material alongside the standards and for some yet undetermined reason they just were not as effective.  This was not a very scientific experiment because of limited trips and I didn’t have any friends try them; so take my findings for whatever they are worth.  They were tried for the Hendrickson, Sulfur and various BWO hatches. I would encourage you to tie enough antron Comparaduns for an experiment and please let me know how they fish. Good luck, Steve

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently began tying dry fly wings with antron yarn. Antron is a very to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look. I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fish on them. -Burton

DEAR BURTON: Would you send me a small sample of this new material to look at? Gehrke’s Gink Snake River – Hell’s Canyon Asotin, WA 99402 Would appreciate it. George — MZ

Response:

I recently began tying dry fly wings with antron yarn. Antron is a very to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look.

I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fish on them. -Burton

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fish on them. -Burton DEAR BURTON: Would you send me a small sample of this new material to look at? Gehrke’s Gink Snake River – Hell’s Canyon Asotin, WA 99402 Would appreciate it. George

George: you can probably find a sample under your feet – it’s a pretty common synthetic carpet fibre that’s been used for flytying for at least 5 years or more. You’ll also find it sold as "sparkle yarn", etc… I’m actually surprised you never heard of this stuff (and that you didn’t invent it! ;^) Cheers! /dave

Response:

Went through an antron phase a couple of years ago. Overall the dries that I tied fished OK its hard to say whether or not they made a real difference. I think that the smaller flies that I tied worked well with antron wings. These were small gnats size 22 and 24. Antron wings are killer on wet flies though.

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I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fish on them.

Burton, Try a rib of pearlescent krystal flash on some of them, especially the darker olives.  I swing these at last light.  They seem to almost glow. I really love fishing soft hackles. Ross Wilson

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Went through an antron phase a couple of years ago. Overall the dries that I tied fished OK its hard to say whether or not they made a real difference. I think that the smaller flies that I tied worked well with antron wings. These were small gnats size 22 and 24. Antron wings are killer on wet flies though.

Dear Sir; I concurr.  I really think antron used for wings, caddis stuff, emergent mayflies, midges and trailing shucks is great.  For shucks, instead of the more coarse Z-lon for the small flies, I use regular fine antron yarn and then use a heated metal wire to cause there to be consistent convolutions in the peeling "shuck". JB

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I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies Burton, Try a rib of pearlescent krystal flash on some of them, especially the darker olives.  I swing these at last light.  They seem to almost glow. I really love fishing soft hackles. Ross Wilson

Ross, So do I!  I find myself doing it more and more these days, since it allows me to cast which I find relaxing.  As opposed to my chuck-and-duck nymphing with heavy weighted flies. Thanks for the tip, I’ll tie up a few and try them. -Burton

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Being that it’s -30  C outside as I write this, it is unlikely I will be able to test these flies for a few months yet. In the meantime, I’d like to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look.

See, that’s just the kind of Sunday fly-fishing mentality that’s getting the sport a bad name! Andrew (-: – I’ve been tying wings with antron for several years now, and the fish seem to think it’s OK.

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George, -Sure, glad to do it!  What color would you prefer?  I find it most useful= =20 for wet fly caddis imitations and to wit think I have lt. brown,=20 blue-grey, yellow, grey and lt. olive (maybe even dark olive). -Burton =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fi= sh on them. =20 DEAR BURTON: =20 Would you send me a small sample of this new material to look at? =20 Gehrke’s Gink Snake River – Hell’s Canyon Asotin, WA 99402 =20 Would appreciate it. =20 George –=20 MZ=90 =20 =20

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I chop up sections of this and mix it with other dubbing materials for wet flies. I used one like this at the end of the season and it was destroyed by several large fish. Needless to say my vise has been crankin these out ! — "The true Angler is content to fish alone" Brian Di Carlo – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently began tying dry fly wings with antron yarn. Antron is a very to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look. I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fish on them. -Burton

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Question:

Anyone have any info on how the fishing has been on the St. Mary’s Rapids in Sault Ste. Marie  as of late ?  Never been there before – any advice ?

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Anyone have any info on how the fishing has been on the St. Mary’s

Rapids in Sault Ste. Marie as of late ?  Never been there before – any advice ? See the Linsenman/Nevala book Great Lakes Steelhead: a Guided Tour for Fly Anglers (Backcountry Pubs. 1995) which suggests SSM trout are practically a year-round fishery and mentions a local guide, Karl Vogel IIRR. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Question:

Any advice on the Provo River?  Going to Sundance in July for some R & R and some flyfishing.  Hear that nymphing is the best way to go.  What is the

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Any advice on the Provo River?  Going to Sundance in July for some R & R and some flyfishing.  Hear that nymphing is the best way to go.  What is the

If you go the "nymphing" route, you should do ok.  The weather is fairly warm, and the river usually gets crowded really fast.

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I try to fish it on a regular basis since I’m only 15 min. from it. We have had a late spring & the runoff is hitting it hard right now. There are still places to get on it but it’s tough fishing(fast, deep & a little dirty). If the water flow slows down it has good potential in July. I’d try; Chamois Caddis 14 – 18, Sow Bug 18 – 20, Brassies 16 – 18, Pheasant Tials 12 – 18. Fish it right on the bottom or on the edges. Towards evening there should be some surface activity. If it’s too high to get on take a ride up above Deer Creek to Charleston or Midway & fish that section, My brother in law loves it up there, he’s been doing well with a San Juan worm. It’s only another 20 min. from Sundance. Clint

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Any advice on the Provo River?  Going to Sundance in July for some R & R and some flyfishing.  Hear that nymphing is the best way to go.  What is the If you go the "nymphing" route, you should do ok.  The weather is fairly warm, and the river usually gets crowded really fast.

PMD emergers are hot right now.

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I try to fish it on a regular basis since I’m only 15 min. from it. We have had a late spring & the runoff is hitting it hard right now. There are still places to get on it but it’s tough fishing(fast, deep & a little dirty). If the water flow slows down it has good potential in July. I’d try; Chamois Caddis 14 – 18, Sow Bug 18 – 20, Brassies 16 – 18, Pheasant Tials 12 – 18. Fish it right on the bottom or on the edges. Towards evening there should be some surface activity. If it’s too high to get on take a ride up above Deer Creek to Charleston or Midway & fish that section, My brother in law loves it up there, he’s been doing well with a San Juan worm. It’s only another 20 min. from Sundance. Clint

Thankfully this high water misconception has curbed the number of ff’ers on the Provo lately.  This is nice as we’ve been catching anywhere from 5 to 10 fish an hour without too many neighbors.  The water is especially clear also, allowing you to see many of the fish.  This also makes for fish holding in very predictable places.  (ie slower deeper water)  The fly selection, now that’s the part that will make or break your day as well. Happy Trails and tattered flies. Curtis Fry FFFTWKISS!!!!

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Any advice on the Provo River?  Going to Sundance in July for some R & R and some flyfishing.  Hear that nymphing is the best way to go.  What is the If you go the "nymphing" route, you should do ok.  The weather is fairly warm, and the river usually gets crowded really fast. PMD emergers are hot right now.

Mike,         Can you give me a description on the PMD emerger.  I dont know if I have         ever seen one before.         Thanks

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I try to fish it on a regular basis since I’m only 15 min. from it. We have had a late spring & the runoff is hitting it hard right now. There are still places to get on it but it’s tough fishing(fast, deep & a little dirty).

I’m moving to Draper this month and have tried the Provo on several occasions.  The dirty water has perplexed me… I’m assuming it has to do with the releases from the dam upstream? With the road construction several years ago did the fishing change somewhat? If the water flow slows down it has good potential in July. I’d try; Chamois Caddis 14 – 18, Sow Bug 18 – 20, Brassies 16 – 18, Pheasant Tials 12 – 18. Fish it right on the bottom or on the edges. Towards evening there should be some surface activity. If it’s too high to get on take a ride up above Deer Creek to Charleston or Midway & fish that section, My brother in law loves it up there, he’s been doing well with a San Juan worm. It’s only another 20 min. from Sundance. Clint

I want to try the upper section myself. Any advice about access etc.? Coming from an area where my favorite waters are 4 to 5 hrs away, I am indeed excited about living close to the Provo (and Green) Trust I will bump into you on the river some day.         Wherever you go…. There you will be.

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Any advice on the Provo River?  Going to Sundance in July for some R & R and some flyfishing.  Hear that nymphing is the best way to go.  What is the If you go the "nymphing" route, you should do ok.  The weather is fairly warm, and the river usually gets crowded really fast.

The Provo is a wonderful river, but nymphs are your only hope.  However, you won’t have to worry about crowds until the 9-5 crowd gets out from work.  You won’t have *much* problem mornings or early afternoons, except for us lousy college students The weather will be hot.  Be prepared for some heat; I’d leave my neoprenes at home.  The river is also higher this year than it has been in the past, but since you are just coming for a vacation, that won’t matter to you, will it? best o’ luck, Jeff Windsor

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here’s a hot one – As I was putting on my waders the other day, the guy parked next to me was putting on his vest and getting ready to head to the river.  I looked up and noticed he had EVERY gadget known to man on his vest.  His zingers looked like a general’s decorations.  Must have been at least 6 of them.  He even had his gooseneck mini-light (it was the middle of the afternoon).  I kinda rolled my eyes and went about my business.  An hour or so later I came upon him fishing upstream from where I was wading.  I just happened to look up to see him tie on a new fly, and damn if he didn’t take it up to his mouth and bite off the tag. Guess he forgot his nippers.  A sunny day,     a box of midges,        and a wandering stream…  Man, this MUST be heaven!  <    Steve Kulpa    <<

Hey !!! that was me !!!.  And no, I had everything, I just LUV the taste of tippet ! Hehehe just kidding I only have 5 zingers Tom

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Ah, an excellent organizational plan! I used to keep most of my flies, bugs, etc. in the car, but can’t afford a larger vehicle right now ;=). JL 8-Wt Editor

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So ugly flies is the answer to blues? I’ve been tying sand eels for the last two days, white and olive fishair with a few fibers of olive or blue sparkle and epoxy heads over stick-on eyes.  After Victorian mixed-wing salmon flies it’s a lark.  Going out tomorrow to Perkins Pier again with my new shooting head and see what that will do for me.  Have to figure out a whole new way of going at things, and this after fifty years of intuitive casting…it’s hell to writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I begin fishing in May, when the stripers show up. For that first month all I pack is one fly box containing size 1 Clousers and Surf Candies, two shooting heads – a floater and a sinker so I can fish through the tide, one spool of tippet material and pliers. In June, when the blues start showing up, I bring a spare reel and a tackle box (heathen!) where I keep poppers, wire shock tippets, and every fly I ever tied that was too ugly to show in public. If I’m going to sacrifice flies to blitzing blues they might as well be the ugly ones. I’ve never seen other flyfishers carrying a tackle box, but the things really work pretty well. Of course *my* tackle box is made of zebra wood and inlaid with mother of pearl…..

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When I briefly entertained the notion of buying an XXL vest to put over my existing one (needed somewhere to put that pair of Night Vision Binocs I was scrapin" up the money for…), I decided I might be a little out of control. Am now weaning myself off non-essentials, one for every trip, and will soon to be down to only 5 fly boxes… How Primitive!! Lon C. Diehl Michigan

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Re "too much junk": A few years ago, I decided to lose all the excess gadgetry in my vest. No more knot tying devices, bug capturing nets, stomach pumps, etc, etc, etc. I have only bought one gadget in the last couple years…Gus’ Montana Flot Pak. Its a hanger you clip to your vest that hold you fly flotant upside down on the front, where its easily accessible. It works great, and would have been especially useful when my vest was bulging with all that excess gear. I never seemed to put the floatant away in the same pocket twice, so whenever I needed it, I spent 5 minutes rummaging around trying to find it, cussing like a drunken sailor the whole time.  Seemed as though it was always in the last pocket.  Perhaps now that I have reduced my inventory to a bare minimum, I shouldn’t need it, but what the heck, the thing caught my eye and I couldn’t resist. I see Orvis and others have copied the concept, but I still think the Flot Pak is the best. Besides, the guy that invented it deserves credit, and business, for coming up with a nifty idea. Any moron can copy. Originality is rare and should be rewarded. Dale Owens

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Here’s a hot one – As I was putting on my waders the other day, the guy parked next to me was putting on his vest and getting ready to head to the river.  I looked up and noticed he had EVERY gadget known to man on his vest.  His zingers looked like a general’s decorations.  Must have been at least 6 of them.  He even had his gooseneck mini-light (it was the middle of the afternoon).  I kinda rolled my eyes and went about my business.  An hour or so later I came upon him fishing upstream from where I was wading.  I just happened to look up to see him tie on a new fly, and damn if he didn’t take it up to his mouth and bite off the tag. Guess he forgot his nippers.   A sunny day,      a box of midges,         and a wandering stream…   Man, this MUST be heaven!   <    Steve Kulpa    <<

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