Question:

Can anyone tell me about fishing oportunities on Whidbey Island in Washington state? My daughter is moving up there in September, and when I visit I’d like to do some fly fishing. I realize there are not any steams on the Island, but how about Sea run Cutts??

Response:

There is a group www.waflyfishers.com Get on the mailing list and they send fishing reports and you can ask questions etc. I am just guessing but I would say about 80% of the salmon that go into Puget Sound go past Whidby Island and the Salmon fishing is just heating up. September and October are good months also. HTH Dave —

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone tell me about fishing oportunities on Whidbey Island in Washington state? My daughter is moving up there in September, and when I visit I’d like to do some fly fishing. I realize there are not any steams on the Island, but how about Sea run Cutts??

Response:

Can anyone tell me about fishing oportunities on Whidbey Island in Washington state? My daughter is moving up there in September, and when I visit I’d like to do some fly fishing. I realize there are not any steams on the Island, but how about Sea run Cutts??

Sea-run cutts and steelhead usually can be found along the southern and eastern shore of the island.   If you are going to be a fairly frequent visitor, you should consider getting a float tube and leaving it there.  Pass Lake, just east of Deception Pass (up at the north end of the island) has excellent fishing, mainly by float tube or non-motorized boat. At certain times of year (mostly the Fall), it also would be well worth the drive to the Stilliguamish River (plenty of cutts in the Fall).  The Stilly is between Everett and Mt. Vernon on the mainland.  You can get there either by driving north across the Deception Pass bridge, and then into Mt. Vernon and south to the river or you can drive to the south end of the island (to Clinton), take the ferry, then drive north to the river (the former route takes less time).

Response:

The best place I found for Sea-Runs on the north end of the Island was by the old ice house on the NAS Whidbey Sea Plane base (Which is an open base so access is not a problem). Fish flashy flies on a falling tide on the gravel banks which can easily be done from shore. Pass lake is good and the best fishing is usually Damsels and Chironomids, although it’s tough to go wrong with the bugger family. On Anacortes as well is Whistle Lake up under Mt Erie. It’s an uphill walk in of about a mile but very remote feeling and a mixed fishery of warm and cold water species. Don’t leave anything in your car that you expect to be there when you get back. fair warning from experience. Not a whole lot on the south end of the isalnd that I was aware of but since I lived in Anacortes it wasn’t really worth the trip. If you head up Highway 20 towards Concrete there are numerous small streams but please treat the fish with care as many you catch will not be trout but immature Steelies. I do recommend the milkshakes at the place with the fiberglass cow out in front of it, particularly the Boysenberry. I of course, am deeply envious I would love to be back out there. Cheers, Allen Epps Catonsville MD – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone tell me about fishing oportunities on Whidbey Island in Washington state? My daughter is moving up there in September, and when I visit I’d like to do some fly fishing. I realize there are not any steams on the Island, but how about Sea run Cutts?? Sea-run cutts and steelhead usually can be found along the southern and eastern shore of the island. If you are going to be a fairly frequent visitor, you should consider getting a float tube and leaving it there.  Pass Lake, just east of Deception Pass (up at the north end of the island) has excellent fishing, mainly by float tube or non-motorized boat. At certain times of year (mostly the Fall), it also would be well worth the drive to the Stilliguamish River (plenty of cutts in the Fall).  The Stilly is between Everett and Mt. Vernon on the mainland.  You can get there either by driving north across the Deception Pass bridge, and then into Mt. Vernon and south to the river or you can drive to the south end of the island (to Clinton), take the ferry, then drive north to the river (the former route takes less time).

Response:

Question:

Opie writes: Ok, I concede redeye gravy an grits. Opie

Heeeehaaaaa.  A yankee teachin’ a pooh boy how to eat!  Heyyyahhh.  Georgia ice cream!!!!!!   Course, a good vodka to help it along is always welcome.  <g Dave LaCourse

Response:

Jeff,   Those southern guys put gravy on everything.

They just *told* you it was gravy<g. — Charlie…

Response:

Ernie Harrison writes: Jeff,   Those southern guys put gravy on everything. Ernie Hell, there are few things better than good old country ham, red eye gravy and grits (good grits — none of that instant stuff). Dave, whose marriage to two southern belles is obviously showing.

Huh?  I thought they only did that in Utah.  Hey Verrrrrnnnn!

Response:

Jeff, You obviously need a bit more Southern acculturation. Opie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you fellas can’t handle *Grits,* just leave them to us real southern folk. Being a northern guy, I didn’t understand the problem with grits.  Ya see, I thought they were Cream O Wheat, so I just put brown sugar and milk on em.  I always thought grits were fine until I heard about stuff like gravy and butter and salt on em!!! — Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

Response:

Jeff,    Those southern guys put gravy on everything. Ernie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Being a northern guy, I didn’t understand the problem with grits.  Ya see, I thought they were Cream O Wheat, so I just put brown sugar and milk on em.  I always thought grits were fine until I heard about stuff like gravy and butter and salt on em!!! Jeff

Response:

Ernie Harrison writes: Jeff,   Those southern guys put gravy on everything. Ernie

Hell, there are few things better than good old country ham, red eye gravy and grits (good grits — none of that instant stuff). Dave, whose marriage to two southern belles is obviously showing.

Response:

Except *GRITS.* Opie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jeff,    Those southern guys put gravy on everything. Ernie Being a northern guy, I didn’t understand the problem with grits.  Ya see, I thought they were Cream O Wheat, so I just put brown sugar and milk on em.  I always thought grits were fine until I heard about stuff like gravy and butter and salt on em!!! Jeff

Response:

Ok, I concede redeye gravy an grits. Opie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ernie Harrison writes: Jeff,   Those southern guys put gravy on everything. Ernie Hell, there are few things better than good old country ham, red eye gravy and grits (good grits — none of that instant stuff). Dave, whose marriage to two southern belles is obviously showing.

Response:

If you fellas can’t handle *Grits,* just leave them to us real southern folk.

Being a northern guy, I didn’t understand the problem with grits.  Ya see, I thought they were Cream O Wheat, so I just put brown sugar and milk on em.  I always thought grits were fine until I heard about stuff like gravy and butter and salt on em!!! — Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I look forward to the Times on Wednesday morning, more so than any other morning of the week, because of the recipes in the Living Arts section. I was shocked, stunned and disgusted to find in today’s paper recipes for…I can barely bring myself to type it Ohmygawd. Grits … in the Times. Shoot me now, I’ve seen it all. Jeffie can have my Budweiser and Waldo my Django Rheinhart records. http://www.nytimes.com/library/dining/042600grits.html — Ken Fortenberry

The way you scoffed buscuits and gravy at Tootsie’s I’d always thought you to be a grits fan.  Thought you’d be pleased when the Times ran it. Don’t that beat all . . . Peter

Response:

If they called it polenta would you be so upset? It’s essentially the same thing. Peter G. Aitken

damn I thought grits was cream of wheat with sand in it…. Flyfish

Response:

If they called it polenta would you be so upset? It’s essentially the same thing. Peter G. Aitken damn I thought grits was cream of wheat with sand in it…. Flyfish

Nah – couldn’t be – cream of wheat and sand actually has FLAVOR!

Response:

Polenta is made from whole stone ground cornmeal. That would imply some flavor to be had. Grits are made from hominy. That’s what is left after soaking corn in a lye solution and removing the bran or kernel. The original "Better eating through chemistry!". I’m from down south and I never could get used them myself. MT

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If they called it polenta would you be so upset? It’s essentially the same thing. Peter G. Aitken

Response:

Buy a good set of gravel guards, keeps the grit out.

I got the neoprene ones with the velcro closures.  Real easy to put on and very effective for keeping grits out but they also make breathing somewhat problematic.

Response:

If you fellas can’t handle *Grits,* just leave them to us real southern folk.  Cream-O-Shit, some comparison! Opie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Buy a good set of gravel guards, keeps the grit out. I got the neoprene ones with the velcro closures.  Real easy to put on and very effective for keeping grits out but they also make breathing somewhat problematic.

Response:

If you fellas can’t handle *Grits,* just leave them to us real southern folk.  Cream-O-Shit, some comparison! Opie

you’re damn tootin! thank god i had me a plateful this morning, o/w i wouldn’t have been able to land that big ‘ole ‘bow from yer drift did you and jeffie (who despises grits, but loves marshmellows) get any more fish after i left? i caught a couple of small brookies twitchin’ the fly back downstream on the way out. waldo

Response:

damn I thought grits was cream of wheat with sand in it…. Flyfish

When I was stationed at Ft. Jackson SC back in the 60’s they would occasionally serve some white stuff for breakfast. If a northener asked what it was the cook would tell him cream of wheat and of course the reply to a southerner was grits. Half the mess hall would put milk & suger on it, the other half salt & pepper. Thank God I was cadre and didn’t have to eat anything I couldn’t identify.      Jim * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Walt, I can’t speak for Jeff, but my life has no meaning.  Does that answer your question? Opie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you fellas can’t handle *Grits,* just leave them to us real southern folk.  Cream-O-Shit, some comparison! Opie you’re damn tootin! thank god i had me a plateful this morning, o/w i wouldn’t have been able to land that big ‘ole ‘bow from yer drift did you and jeffie (who despises grits, but loves marshmellows) get any more fish after i left? i caught a couple of small brookies twitchin’ the fly back downstream on the way out. waldo

Response:

Buy a good set of gravel guards, keeps the grit out. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

Walt, I can’t speak for Jeff, but my life has no meaning.  Does that answer your question? Opie

yeah… it tells me ya got in the cooler waldo

Response:

I look forward to the Times on Wednesday morning, more so than any other morning of the week, because of the recipes in the Living Arts section. I was shocked, stunned and disgusted to find in today’s paper recipes for…I can barely bring myself to type it Ohmygawd. Grits … in the Times. Shoot me now, I’ve seen it all. Jeffie can have my Budweiser and Waldo my Django Rheinhart records. http://www.nytimes.com/library/dining/042600grits.html — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

I was shocked, stunned and disgusted to find in today’s paper recipes for…I can barely bring myself to type it Ohmygawd. Grits … in the Times. Ken Fortenberry

GRITS!  Wonderful!  Why Ken; don’t you know grits are the closest thing you can have to nothing and still have something??!!  They are the base requirement to serving red-eye gravey! They are also not off-topic to fly fishing.  A good breakfast of grits fortifies the intrepid fly fisher-person for the day with an extra fast energy supply from the starches, sticks with you to aswage hunger, and passes along slowly enough to keep you from having to peel out of your waders around 10:30. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I look forward to the Times on Wednesday morning, more so than any other morning of the week, because of the recipes in the Living Arts section. I was shocked, stunned and disgusted to find in today’s paper recipes for…I can barely bring myself to type it Ohmygawd. Grits … in the Times. Shoot me now, I’ve seen it all. Jeffie can have my Budweiser and Waldo my Django Rheinhart records. http://www.nytimes.com/library/dining/042600grits.html — Ken Fortenberry

um…ken, i think you transposed…no way i’m takin the budweiser.  give it to waldo, he’ll drink anything.  but the records might work. jeff

Response:

If they called it polenta would you be so upset? It’s essentially the same thing. Peter G. Aitken

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I look forward to the Times on Wednesday morning, more so than any other morning of the week, because of the recipes in the Living Arts section. I was shocked, stunned and disgusted to find in today’s paper recipes for…I can barely bring myself to type it Ohmygawd. Grits … in the Times. Shoot me now, I’ve seen it all. Jeffie can have my Budweiser and Waldo my Django Rheinhart records. http://www.nytimes.com/library/dining/042600grits.html — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

If they called it polenta would you be so upset? It’s essentially the same thing.

Right, and a lump of coal and a diamond are essentially the same thing. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Question:

Hi All, I compiled the following URL’s over the last week or so since I have seen so many requests for locations on the web.  I just posted it on rec.outdoors.fishing.fly.tying and thought you guys would enjoy them also. Pete Tampone Fresno, CA Fly Fishing URL’s http://flyfishing.about.com/sports/fishhunt/flyfishing/ http://www.fishhoo.com/ http://www.anglersworkshop.com/ http://www.bobmarriotts.com/ http://www.btsflyfishing.com/ http://www.buckeyeflyfishers.com/education_frame.htm http://www.cabelas.com/ http://www.masterfx.com/Flysnest/Generalfly.htm http://listings.ebay.com/aw/glistings/list/category1492/index.html http://www.fishticker.com/ http://www.flyanglersonline.com/ http://www.davisbrown.com/alpha.htm http://www.yong-special.com/ http://www.kman.com/ http://www.flyshop.com/bench/index-flies.cfm?ID=1727&flyname=McVay%27s%2 http://www.flyfish.com/cgibin/bin/ldisplay.cgi?forsale http://members.aol.com/azflytyer/ http://globalflyfisher.com/ http://www.agt.net/public/flytying/index.html http://www.mailordercentral.com/hookhack/departments.asp http://www.killroys.com/ http://www.motherlodefly.com/index.html http://www.angelfire.com/wa/salmonid/ http://www.flyshop.com/centers/midwest/09-99carp/ http://www.mwflytyer.com/ http://www.flyshop.com/index.cfm http://members.mint.net/raske/swaps/bucktail/lil_bucktails.html http://www.flyshop.com/Marketplace/index.cfm?content=auction&page=ind… 6854&action=details&fullblown=true http://www.virtualflybox.com/

Response:

Hi Pete, thanks for the URL

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been fishing streams recently and noticing that the last 2-3 feet of my line is sinking.  It is a Cortland 444 WF-5-F line and is about a year old and hasn’t been heavily fished.  Besides cleaning the line, is there anything else I can do to prevent this?….it makes it hard to keep the fly up! Also, what is the best product out there for making the line slide through the guides better? Thanks Dustin Let the line dry out for a good period, and then ensure that the end is sealed with a good waterproof glue or similar, water may be seeping into the core. Otherwise use the cortland line cleaner and dressing. TL MC

Yes, I agree. Check the line to make sure, let it dry and use some line cleaner/dressing. If that doesn’t work, make sure you are mending your line so that that current isn’t pulling it under. DAYGLOW York Team DBE

Response:

I get the same problem with my Airflo 7000, I tried cleaning it and that helped, but I will try sealing it now!

Response:

I have been fishing streams recently and noticing that the last 2-3 feet of my line is sinking.  It is a Cortland 444 WF-5-F line and is about a year old and hasn’t been heavily fished.  Besides cleaning the line, is there anything else I can do to prevent this?….it makes it hard to keep the fly up! Also, what is the best product out there for making the line slide through the guides better? Thanks Dustin

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been fishing streams recently and noticing that the last 2-3 feet of my line is sinking.  It is a Cortland 444 WF-5-F line and is about a year old and hasn’t been heavily fished.  Besides cleaning the line, is there anything else I can do to prevent this?….it makes it hard to keep the fly up! Also, what is the best product out there for making the line slide through the guides better? Thanks Dustin

Let the line dry out for a good period, and then ensure that the end is sealed with a good waterproof glue or similar, water may be seeping into the core. Otherwise use the cortland line cleaner and dressing. TL MC

Response:

Question:

Ernie, I think you forgot the most important thing! The FLIES!! Or do you plan on catching your own while fishing? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Over the years I have learned there are several things in addition to flies I want in my vest .  If you are new to fly-fishing you can look them over for suggestions, or you may want to suggest things you don’t find on mine. 1.      Crusher type water resistant hat. 2.      Duct tape for patching waders 3.      Fly Floatant. 4.      Fly line cleaner 5.      Forceps. 6.      Hook sharpener. 7.      Knot tier (Blood Knot Machine). 8.      Leader straightener. 9.      Leaders. 10.     Mosquito repellant 11.     Polarized glasses 12.     Sinkers (wrap on) 13.     Small 110 camera. 14.     Small first aid kit. (with aspirin) 15.     Small flashlight. 16.     Spool of tippet material. 17.     Stream thermometer 18.     Strike indicators 19.     Swiss pocket knife with scissors. 20.     Tippet cutter with hook eye cleaner. 21.     Toilet paper. 22.     Waterproof pancho (lightweight).

– Doug Knight                                     metalfab<atpacbell.net Junk e-mail, solicitation, sales, products and services gladly accepted at $500.00 per mailing and billed directly to your ISP.

Response:

Over the years I have learned there are several things in addition to flies I want in my vest .  If you are new to fly-fishing you can look them over for suggestions, or you may want to suggest things you don’t find on mine.

                        EDITED VEST ITEMS BY A PRO! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 1.      Crusher type water resistant hat. (Wide Brimmed Western Hat) 3.      Fly Floatant.    Gehrke’s Gink 4.      Fly line cleaner    Gehrke’s PZ Fly Line Cleaner 5.      Forceps.    Not needed with Barbless Hooks 6.      Hook sharpener. 8.      Leader straightener.  (PULL HARD then relax slowly) 9.      Leaders.    Hand tied of course. 10.     Mosquito repellant  (Famous Grouse) 11.     Polarized glasses    (Blue and Yellow) 12.     Sinkers (wrap on)    Gehrke’s XINK Wet Fly Dressing 13.     Small 110 camera.    Water Proof 14.     Small first aid kit. (with aspirin)  and a flask of booze 15.     Small flashlight.    (Water Proof) 16.     Spool of tippet material.  (Make this plural) 17.     Stream thermometer    (Only if you have a diary) 18.     Strike indicators    argggggggggggggggggggggggggh! 19.     Swiss pocket knife with scissors. 20.     Tippet cutter with hook eye cleaner. 21.     Toilet paper.        (Inside a Zip Lock Bag) 22.     Waterproof pancho (lightweight).

    23  A Box of Dry Flies     24  A box of Wet Flies     25  A box of Nymphs     26  A box of Streamers     27  A bottle of KNOT-PERFECT — Doug Knight                                     metalfab<atpacbell.net Junk e-mail, solicitation, sales, products and services gladly accepted at $500.00 per mailing and billed directly to your ISP.

– George Gehrke All Writings

Question:

I flew to Wyoming a couple of years ago and the ticketing agent told me I could not take my rod tube on board, You were flying to Wyoming…?  Why didn’t you just put it in the gun rack ?

Because the sheep were in the way. — -Wayne Trzyna                           Fight spam! Join CAUCE (Coalition  http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~trzyna    See http://www.cauce.org/

Response:

I flew to Wyoming a couple of years ago and the ticketing agent told me I could not take my rod tube on board,

You were flying to Wyoming…?  Why didn’t you just put it in the gun rack ? — TimW – Halfordian Golfer Guilt replaced the creel…

Response:

I’m using a free ticket with Delta to go fishing and want to take two rods with me.  They sent a notice about restrictions for carry on luggage beginning last April 15 that will appear to prohibit fly rod tubes based on their size.  Has anyone had any recent experience, good or bad, with Delta?  Thanks much.

        nope; the last experience i had with delta was about thirty years ago at the sigma chi house at unc chapel hill.  never will forget the way she looked the day she left me.         a. wayne harrison

Response:

writes: I flew to Montana on Delta last year. They let me put my rod in the closet. (Just don;t forget it when you get off!) Maybe it would be best to clear it with them ahead of time, but I really doubt that you’ll have a problem.    Steve Barnard

I flew to Wyoming a couple of years ago and the ticketing agent told me I could not take my rod tube on board, while my buddy at the next window down was told that it would be OK for him to take his tube as a carry on.  Both tubes were the same size, by the way. Brent

Response:

I’m using a free ticket with Delta to go fishing and want to take two rods with me.  They sent a notice about restrictions for carry on luggage beginning last April 15 that will appear to prohibit fly rod tubes based on their size.  Has anyone had any recent experience, good or bad, with Delta?  Thanks much.

Tell ‘em they’re bombs….folkes seem to have no trouble getting them aboard. — TimW – Halfordian Golfer Guilt replaced the creel…

Response:

I’m using a free ticket with Delta to go fishing and want to take two rods with me.  They sent a notice about restrictions for carry on luggage beginning last April 15 that will appear to prohibit fly rod tubes based on their size.  Has anyone had any recent experience, good or bad, with Delta?  Thanks much.

I flew Delta last July.  They said I had to check my rod case because the aircraft was a small commuter type.  However, they did allow me to "wing check" it.  I carried it as far as the steps leading into the aircraft and an attendent took the rod case and put it in baggage area. When I got off the aircraft, the reverse took place.   Air Canada did not afford me the same courtesy on a connecting flight.   Dave LaCourse

Response:

I’m using a free ticket with Delta to go fishing and want to take two rods with me.  They sent a notice about restrictions for carry on luggage beginning last April 15 that will appear to prohibit fly rod tubes based on their size.  Has anyone had any recent experience, good or bad, with Delta?  Thanks much.

Delta’s been getting beat up on timely departures and arrivals so expect them to be less sympathetic than in the past. Pack your bags as if they will be checked. — Charlie…

Response:

I’m using a free ticket with Delta to go fishing and want to take two rods with me.  They sent a notice about restrictions for carry on luggage beginning last April 15 that will appear to prohibit fly rod tubes based on their size.  Has anyone had any recent experience, good or bad, with Delta?  Thanks much.

I flew to Montana on Delta last year. They let me put my rod in the closet. (Just don;t forget it when you get off!) Maybe it would be best to clear it with them ahead of time, but I really doubt that you’ll have a problem.         Steve Barnard

Response:

I’m using a free ticket with Delta to go fishing and want to take two rods with me.  They sent a notice about restrictions for carry on luggage beginning last April 15 that will appear to prohibit fly rod tubes based on their size.  Has anyone had any recent experience, good or bad, with Delta?  Thanks much.

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s a funny thing about fly patterns, the interest in them seem cyclic. The picket pin was a popular pattern when I was just getting started as a fly fisherman back the early 50s. Then interest faded, you didn’t see on many fly lists or in many catalogs. Now its becoming more prominent again. I had an interesting experience with an other old attractor pattern a few years back. I started tying a pattern know as the house & lot variant. I first used it as a kid, It was Ike’s favorite fly, and as such was fairly well known at the time. I started tying it just as an exercise, not expecting to use it much. Well you know the rest of the story it turned out to a deadly pattern for larger brown trout, particularly at dusk. My fishing buddy and I were having a great time with this fly and to keep it secret we only referred to it as the "Ike fly" around other anglers. Well after awhile someone figured it out and for a couple of years it had a small following in this area. for what ever reason after awhile it quit producing like it did at first and interest wane. You don’t see it in many fly boxes anymore. Last year I dusted off an other old forgotten fly and it looks like its going to be another winner, at least for a while. Which leads me to ask this question: by practicing catch and release are we educating the trout? God I hope so! Here to the tough ones, the one that teach us something! I was wondering why some fly patterns seem to only have a following in specific areas of the country.  Obviously some patterns imitate forage specific to certain geographic areas, however some patterns seemingly utilized almost exclusively in the Northeast (VT, NE, Northern NY) seem impressionistic enough to work nearly anywhere.  For example the Picket Pin and ‘88′ streamer.  I haven’t had the opportunity to travel extensively to fish destinations far removed from my native central New York, however I have had good success with these patterns as far south as the Savage and Gunpowder rivers in Maryland. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the subject. Furthermore am I missing out on any interesting local patterns from other areas of the country. Any info and/or recipes appreciated. Thanks in advance and good fishing C. Segina

   Its funny that you talk about the h & l variant as i call it because out here in Colorado it’s a very popular fly.  in fact it’s one of my favorite to tie and fish.  I didn’t know the history behind it and that’s very interesting. fly patterns are very interesting and sometimes entertaining to hear the stories behing them and the way their popularity changes over time.

Response:

It’s a funny thing about fly patterns, the interest in them seem cyclic. The picket pin was a popular pattern when I was just getting started as a fly fisherman back the early 50s. Then interest faded, you didn’t see on many fly lists or in many catalogs. Now its becoming more prominent again. I had an interesting experience with an other old attractor pattern a few years back. I started tying a pattern know as the house & lot variant. I first used it as a kid, It was Ike’s favorite fly, and as such was fairly well known at the time. I started tying it just as an exercise, not expecting to use it much. Well you know the rest of the story it turned out to a deadly pattern for larger brown trout, particularly at dusk. My fishing buddy and I were having a great time with this fly and to keep it secret we only referred to it as the "Ike fly" around other anglers. Well after awhile someone figured it out and for a couple of years it had a small following in this area. for what ever reason after awhile it quit producing like it did at first and interest wane. You don’t see it in many fly boxes anymore. Last year I dusted off an other old forgotten fly and it looks like its going to be another winner, at least for a while. Which leads me to ask this question: by practicing catch and release are we educating the trout? God I hope so! Here to the tough ones, the one that teach us something! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering why some fly patterns seem to only have a following in specific areas of the country.  Obviously some patterns imitate forage specific to certain geographic areas, however some patterns seemingly utilized almost exclusively in the Northeast (VT, NE, Northern NY) seem impressionistic enough to work nearly anywhere.  For example the Picket Pin and ‘88′ streamer.  I haven’t had the opportunity to travel extensively to fish destinations far removed from my native central New York, however I have had good success with these patterns as far south as the Savage and Gunpowder rivers in Maryland. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the subject.  Furthermore am I missing out on any interesting local patterns from other areas of the country. Any info and/or recipes appreciated. Thanks in advance and good fishing C. Segina

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I was wondering why some fly patterns seem to only have a following in specific areas of the country.  Obviously some patterns imitate forage specific to certain geographic areas, however some patterns seemingly utilized almost exclusively in the Northeast (VT, NE, Northern NY) seem impressionistic enough to work nearly anywhere.  For example the Picket Pin and ‘88′ streamer.  I haven’t had the opportunity to travel extensively to fish destinations far removed from my native central New York, however I have had good success with these patterns as far south as the Savage and Gunpowder rivers in Maryland. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the subject.  Furthermore am I missing out on any interesting local patterns from other areas of the country. Any info and/or recipes appreciated. Thanks in advance and good fishing C. Segina

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I was wondering why some fly patterns seem to only have a following in specific areas of the country.  Obviously some patterns imitate forage specific to certain geographic areas, however some patterns seemingly utilized almost exclusively in the Northeast (VT, NE, Northern NY) seem impressionistic enough to work nearly anywhere.  For example the Picket Pin and ‘88′ streamer.  I

Quite possibly every new pattern that aims at exact imitation starts as a "regional" pattern, so far as what it imitates lives in some places and not others.  E.g. cress bugs were invented by Pennsylvania tyers for Pennsylvania streams, even though you can find crustacea everywhere that look like them. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Question:

 A friend told me of a camera he saw on In-Fisherman over the weekend. It was a unit that went into the water and the person wore "goggles" that let him see what was coming from the camera. Anyone know any specifics on this unit? — Rick Todd                     Milwaukee, Wisconsin http://www.execpc.com/~rtodd/rlthome.htm Just another speck in the dustpile of the Internet.

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A friend told me of a camera he saw on In-Fisherman over the weekend. It was a unit that went into the water and the person wore "goggles" that let him see what was coming from the camera. Anyone know any specifics on this unit?

Why not contact In-Fisherman directly? Regards, — Rick Todd                     Milwaukee, Wisconsin http://www.execpc.com/~rtodd/rlthome.htm Just another speck in the dustpile of the Internet.

         Trent Roberson            Rx F Fish  For Your Good Health, Fly Fish URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish

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:  A friend told me of a camera he saw on In-Fisherman over the weekend. It : was a unit that went into the water and the person wore "goggles" that let : him see what was coming from the camera. Anyone know any specifics on this : unit? Hmmm, sounds nice if your in clear blue water, but not sure how well that would work in the Midwestern waters. I have a scuba enclosure on my camcorder, and i once dropped it into Lake Calumet. Nothing but brown water on that tape (couldn’t see a thing). I think in most places around here (I noticed your ISP is from Milwaukee) you’d be better off with a fish finder type unit.       Chicago Area Paddling/Fishing Page:  http://www.ripco.com/~jwn/

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A friend told me of a camera he saw on In-Fisherman over the weekend. It was a unit that went into the water and the person wore "goggles" that let him see what was coming from the camera. Anyone know any specifics on this unit?

It is being developed by Ron Lindner and, I think, Tony Capra.  The camera is lowered on a tether/video cable arrangement.  As far as viewing what the camera is focused on you can use either a small monitor, video recorder, or virtual reality glasses (which is what they were using=goggles). Could only be used on about a quarter of the lakes I fish … Jay — Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.                                             – Henry David Thoreau

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I don’t know if this is the same setup, but a company called "Fisheye" makes an underwater camera. You can reach them at: Fisheye PO Box 3311 Everett, WA  98203 (206) 339-1352 (800) Fish-969 http://www.fisheyeinc.com Their units start at $1445.00. If you want to go cheaper, I know where you can purchase solid state, near .1 lux cameras that are small (2" X 2") that create there own IR light source.  Just the thing for our murky waters up here in Milwaukee.  They go for around $150, but you would need to make a waterproof case for it.   I’ve heard of these being attached to the weight of a downrigger, to watch the fish coming up to the lure. I have explored all avenues of this, had have everything figured out, except the waterproof case. The goggles are simply VR goggles setup to display video images.  A friend told me of a camera he saw on In-Fisherman over the weekend. It was a unit that went into the water and the person wore "goggles" that let him see what was coming from the camera. Anyone know any specifics on this unit?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Rick Todd                     Milwaukee, Wisconsin http://www.execpc.com/~rtodd/rlthome.htm Just another speck in the dustpile of the Internet.

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Question:

Last night I caught a catfish on a plastic crawdad!  It was one of those Berkeley micros and the catfish was about a foot long.  It sure caught me by surprise when I saw what I had caught.  This isn’t the first time I caught a catfish on artificial baits, either.  Has anyone else had this happen very often? Eric Johnson

Caught a catfish on a deep diving plug while trolling.

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Last night I caught a catfish on a plastic crawdad!  It was one of those Berkeley micros and the catfish was about a foot long.  It sure caught me by surprise when I saw what I had caught.  This isn’t the first time I caught a catfish on artificial baits, either.  Has anyone else had this happen very often? Eric Johnson Caught a catfish on a deep diving plug while trolling.

 I’ve had a number of customers write me about catching catfish on my M-Baits, seems they aren’t as ‘finicky’ as their feline counterparts!!        **** Mike Muncy’s ****                     "M-Baits" Handcrafted Cedar Crankbaits        http://www.fishingworld.com/M-Baits/    http://www.open.org/gary/fishinhole.htm

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Once anglers understand the concept that catfish are opportunistic predators, they will begin to understand better how to fish for them and the underestimated sport they represent.

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Last night I caught a catfish on a plastic crawdad!  It was one of those Berkeley micros and the catfish was about a foot long.  It sure caught me by surprise when I saw what I had caught.  This isn’t the first time I caught a catfish on artificial baits, either.  Has anyone else had this happen very often? Eric Johnson Caught a catfish on a deep diving plug while trolling.

Eric…         I have caught a catfish on a rubber worm(14-15" in length),  and have seen them caught on a jig and pig (7lb channel cat) and a tail spinner (12-13" in length) — http://www.iquest.net/~kidd "Trust men, and they will be true to you; treat them greatly, and they will show themselves great."   Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82)

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Eric Johnson) writes: This isn’t the first time I caught a catfish on artificial baits, either.  Has anyone else had this happen very often?

I fish a tailwater on the Ohio River for sauger, smallmouth, etc. using 1/4-1/2 ounce ball head jigs and curly-tail plastic jigs in the 2-3" size. Several times a year I’ll catch catfish on the jigs in this very swift water. The cats are almost always flatheads, which  seem to prefer live bait (or an imitation, like my jigs). I also catch lots of carp, and they are caught in the mouth, not snagged or foul hooked. Years ago, I remember fishing for bluegill with flyrods and poppers when my fishing buddy caught a small channel cat on his popper. Not all that uncommon.

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Last night I caught a catfish on a plastic crawdad!  It was one of those Berkeley micros and the catfish was about a foot long.  It sure caught me by surprise when I saw what I had caught.  This isn’t the first time I caught a catfish on artificial baits, either.  Has anyone else had this happen very often?

Eric, Last year I caught two catfish in the 3 to 4 lb. range on Kastmasters while fishing for bass.  As you said it sure is a suprise, but a pleasant one, because, they were alfully good eating. Sue

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Last night I caught a catfish on a plastic crawdad!  It was one of those Berkeley micros and the catfish was about a foot long.  It sure caught me by surprise when I saw what I had caught.  This isn’t the first time I caught a catfish on artificial baits, either.  Has anyone else had this happen very often?

While trolling sparkletails in the Wolf River at Winneconne we often catch catfish (flatheads) from 5 to 18 lbs.  Occasionally, huge fish broke our lines. We assumed these, too, must be catfish. — Bob Mittelstadt Fox Lake, Wisconsin

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A couple of close friends and myself are planning a trip to the area near (50 miles or so) Lake Temagami this fall for some camping and Walleye/pike fishing. I am interested in any information on camping recommendations and locations in the Temagami area.  We are, as always, rather strapped for cash and looking for some fairly remote place where we can drive to and set up our tent for a week of fishing.  We are quiet, conscientious, and pack out everything we brought in.   I would also be interested in a reasonably priced cabin that would hold up to possibly six fishermen and is close to good fishing… Emile "Give a man a fish, and he’ll feed his family for a day. Teach him to fish, and he’s gone the whole damn weekend!"                                 — My Wife!

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -A couple of close friends and myself are planning a trip to the area near (50 miles or so) Lake Temagami this fall for some camping and Walleye/pike fishing. I am interested in any information on camping recommendations and locations in the Temagami area.  We are, as always, rather strapped for cash and looking for some fairly remote place where we can drive to and set up our tent for a week of fishing.  We are quiet, conscientious, and pack out everything we brought in.   I would also be interested in a reasonably priced cabin that would hold up to possibly six fishermen and is close to good fishing… Emile "Give a man a fish, and he’ll feed his family for a day. Teach him to fish, and he’s gone the whole damn weekend!"                                — My Wife!

Try the Montreal River.. anywhere; but why not go a few miles further and fish the Shining Tree Area which is not hit so hard in the summer. Or try Longpoint Lodge on Longoint Lk just outside Elk Lake(reasonable rates and good fishing), Or Bullocks Camp at Gowganda. ( Great Walleye and NP Lk). Any of those is better than anything around Temagami IMHO. Temagami area lakes just get pounded heavier each year.

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 Last night I caught a catfish on a plastic crawdad!  It was  one of those Berkeley micros and the catfish was about a foot  long.  It sure caught me by surprise when I saw what I had  caught.  This isn’t the first time I caught a catfish on  artificial baits, either.  Has anyone else had this happen  very often? If I remember correctly, the Illinois state record channel cat was caught by a bass angler using a plastic worm. I myself have caught a channel cat on a fly rod while using a popper for small bass/bluegill. Jay —      Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that      it is not fish they are after.                                           Henry David Thoreau

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: Last night I caught a catfish on a plastic crawdad!  It was : one of those Berkeley micros and the catfish was about a foot : long.  It sure caught me by surprise when I saw what I had : caught.  This isn’t the first time I caught a catfish on : artificial baits, either.  Has anyone else had this happen : very often? : Eric Johnson A guy I knew once caught a big catfish at night on a Hula Popper.

My boy caught two channel cats from a lake and a flathead from a river using a spinnerbait.  He was fishing for Bass.

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: Last night I caught a catfish on a plastic crawdad!  It was : one of those Berkeley micros and the catfish was about a foot : long.  It sure caught me by surprise when I saw what I had : caught.  This isn’t the first time I caught a catfish on : artificial baits, either.  Has anyone else had this happen : very often? : Eric Johnson

A guy I knew once caught a big catfish at night on a Hula Popper.

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essex.heartland.net writes Last night I caught a catfish on a plastic crawdad!  It was one of those Berkeley micros and the catfish was about a foot long.  It sure caught me by surprise when I saw what I had caught.  This isn’t the first time I caught a catfish on artificial baits, either.  Has anyone else had this happen very often? Eric Johnson

Having fished for MANY years, I thought I has seen everything… Pike on a crappie jig, Musky on a doughball (see the Md. State record!) and a huge channel cat on bass popper. Until the day my brother took me out to his favorite spot on Lake Arthur in Pa.  "The bass are tearing up Jitter-Bugs on the surface in the evening", He promised. He demonstrated by flipping out a huge jointed ‘Bug and promptly hooking a huge fish that took us 20 minutes to get to the boat!  Suspecting one of the huge Tiger Muskies that Arthur is famous for, I grabbed the net and braced myself.  Well, it wasn’t a Bass after all… It was a 31" CARP!!!   Emile Boulanger Hook, Line, & Sinker! inc.

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Last night I caught a catfish on a plastic crawdad!  It was one of those Berkeley micros and the catfish was about a foot long.  It sure caught me by surprise when I saw what I had caught.  This isn’t the first time I caught a catfish on artificial baits, either.  Has anyone else had this happen very often? Eric Johnson

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: Last night I caught a catfish on a plastic crawdad!  It was : one of those Berkeley micros and the catfish was about a foot : long.  It sure caught me by surprise when I saw what I had : caught.  This isn’t the first time I caught a catfish on : artificial baits, either.  Has anyone else had this happen : very often? : Eric Johnson

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Last night I caught a catfish on a plastic crawdad!  It was one of those Berkeley micros and the catfish was about a foot long.  It sure caught me by surprise when I saw what I had caught.  This isn’t the first time I caught a catfish on artificial baits, either.  Has anyone else had this happen very often? Eric Johnson

Eric,         Would you believe, just last weekend I caught a 14# channel cat on a spinner bait while fishing for bass in a small county park here in SW Iowa. You talk abbout a surprise when you set the hook thinking  a 2 or 3 lb. bass and all of a sudden you’re being towed all over the lake for 15 mins.         BTW that was the only fish boated all afternoon.                         GITABIGUN, E. Bruce Hullman IRC: BassBug   "There’s only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys."                         Red Green

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Question:

We are new to flyfishing in Colorado and are looking for a few suggestions as to what rivers or lakes are good and have public access.  Suggestions on patterns and sizes would also be helpful.   We are also looking into a trip to the Madison river in Montana later this summer and were wondering what other rivers we might try in Montana and Wyoming.  Again patterns and sizes would be helpful. We’ve just started reading this news group–sorry if these are redundant questions. Thanks in advance for the help, Greg Clemson Jennifer Marshall

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We are also looking into a trip to the Madison river in Montana later this summer and were wondering what other rivers we might try in Montana and Wyoming.

Don’t pass up the Green River in Utah, below the Flaming Gorge Dam!

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