Question:

Hi Gene, I have fished several lakes and streams in that area for I have many relatives that live within a few miles from Bend.  I would reccomend the Upper Dechutes River if you like small creek fishing.  I know of a few very nice places that wouldnt be on maps and if youre interested let me know I can forward details . RW Oregon

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am headed up to the Bend area of Oregon for some business the end of August. I will have time to wet a line and am interested in catch and releasing a few trout in creeks, streams, or rivers. I have an RV so I will need to stay at a campground to keep the wife happy. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, what is a nonresident license going for up there? Thanks, Gene B.

Response:

I am headed up to the Bend area of Oregon for some business the end of August. I will have time to wet a line and am interested in catch and releasing a few trout in creeks, streams, or rivers. I have an RV so I will need to stay at a campground to keep the wife happy. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, what is a nonresident license going for up there? Thanks, Gene B.

Response:

I am headed up to the Bend area of Oregon for some business the end of August. I will have time to wet a line and am interested in catch and releasing a few trout in creeks, streams, or rivers. I have an RV so I will need to stay at a campground to keep the wife happy. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, what is a nonresident license going for up there? Thanks, Gene B.

Lots of opportunities in the Bend area – almost too numerous to list.   It would help if you would indicate whether you prefer mountain streams for their scenic surroundings or semi-desert streams for their larger fish, also if you are interested in pursuing steelhead – which will be spread through the middle & lower Deschutes at that time. Partial list: Upper Deschutes – Scenic moderately difficult fishing for small to medium sized fish – Numerous USFS Campgrounds Middle Deschutes – semi desert good sized trout & Steelhead , BLM mouth, nice Wash. State  campgrnd across Columbia abt 3 mi fm Deschutes. Crooked River – Semi- desert, good fishing for medium sized trout, not familiar with campground situation but sure there are several. Metolious – scenic to semi-desert depending on reach, tough technical fishing for medium to very large trout,  "       "       "       " Fall River – Very scenic, good fishing for small to medium sized trout, "       "       "       " There are also many mountain lakes that can be driven to and camped by that have good fishing. Out-of-state season license  - $48.50    Steelhead tag  -  $16.50 1-Day License  - $8.00   2-Day License  -  $14.50    3-Day License  - $21.00    4-Day License –  $27.50   7-Day License  $34.75 The steelhead tag is included in all daily licenses. Bob Weinberger

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Question:

Try Paint Creek in Oakland County.  The stream has both natural reproduction & plantings of brown trout.  The stream is also maintained by the Clinton Valley chapter of Trout Unlimited.  The browns can push 20".  The rainbows are actually steelhead smolts and should be quickly released as they are fully native, and the steelhead fishing in the Clinton River system depends on them.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for a location(s) to fly fish in southern L.P. Michigan. Regards, M.

Response:

No trout streams according to the L&N book. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for all the quick responses; however, are there any locations on the middle to southest corner of the state? Regards, M. I am looking for a location(s) to fly fish in southern L.P. Michigan. Regards, M.

Response:

Thanks for all the quick responses; however, are there any locations on the middle to southest corner of the state? Regards, M.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for a location(s) to fly fish in southern L.P. Michigan. Regards, M.

Response:

A good little book that I have is called "Michigan Trout Streams" by Linsenman & Nevala. Try Augusta Creek just north of Augusta, northeast of Kalamazoo (I’ve had some decent luck there) or farther southwest, Dowigiac Creek & River are listed  near Sumnerville, but I’ve never fished it myself. Good Luck.

If memory serves, Linsenman & Nevala report that there are landlocked salmon in one of the lakes in SW Michigan; I believe it may be Gull Lake.

Response:

I am looking for a location(s) to fly fish in southern L.P. Michigan. Regards, M.

Response:

I am looking for a location(s) to fly fish in southern L.P. Michigan.

There’s salmon fishing between Croton and Newaygo on the Muskegon River and a lot more info at  http://www.steelheadsite.com — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

A good little book that I have is called "Michigan Trout Streams" by Linsenman & Nevala. Try Augusta Creek just north of Augusta, northeast of Kalamazoo (I’ve had some decent luck there) or farther southwest, Dowigiac Creek & River are listed  near Sumnerville, but I’ve never fished it myself. Good Luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for a location(s) to fly fish in southern L.P. Michigan. There’s salmon fishing between Croton and Newaygo on the Muskegon River and a lot more info at  http://www.steelheadsite.com — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Question:

Shad (serious snip)

Hi, The Annapolis River up here just got through it’s shad run which is still very good. had a lient down from ontario, he ot 3 fish in a couple of hours using clouser minnows. We like the chartruese ones, but others would probably work…. Bill — Bill Curry Tight Lines Guide Service Lockeport, Nova Scotia, Canada Phone or Fax :  902-656-3329 http://www.tightlines.ns.ca

Response:

Shad (serious snip)

Hi, The Annapolis River up here just got through it’s shad run which is still very good. Had a client down from Ontario, he got 3 fish in a couple of hours using clouser minnows. We like the chartruese ones, but others would probably work…. Bill — Bill Curry Tight Lines Guide Service Lockeport, Nova Scotia, Canada Phone or Fax :  902-656-3329 http://www.tightlines.ns.ca

Response:

I used to religously fish the American River (Sailor Bar/Nimbus) area in mid to late June for shad (pre-kids). Now that the kids are getting older I’m hoping to get back into it again. We used to use a fly similar to the Crazy Charlie Bonefish Fly – bead eyes, chartruese tail and silver/pearl foil bodies. Anyone out there using the latest and greatest that would be willing to share trade secrets? and/or any recommendations for guides in the same area? Thanks

Response:

Michael: I like to fish for shad along the Sacramento River at Willows and in Chico. There a fly shop in Chico, the Powell Fly shop I believe, that has good information on how the run is progressing.     The flys are fairly simple, chartruese, pink, red, white and silver are good colors and use either bead heads or bead eyes.  Mix and match the tail and body colors. The reports this year have been dissapointing, too much water that is too cold and off color for any good fishing.  If you want more info re flys feel free to e-mail me. Chis Brown – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I used to religously fish the American River (Sailor Bar/Nimbus) area in mid to late June for shad (pre-kids). Now that the kids are getting older I’m hoping to get back into it again. We used to use a fly similar to the Crazy Charlie Bonefish Fly – bead eyes, chartruese tail and silver/pearl foil bodies. Anyone out there using the latest and greatest that would be willing to share trade secrets? and/or any recommendations for guides in the same area? Thanks

Response:

: I used to religously fish the American River (Sailor Bar/Nimbus) area in : mid to late June for shad (pre-kids). Now that the kids are getting : older I’m hoping to get back into it again. We used to use a fly similar : to the Crazy Charlie Bonefish Fly – bead eyes, chartruese tail and : silver/pearl foil bodies. Anyone out there using the latest and greatest : that would be willing to share trade secrets? and/or any recommendations : for guides in the same area? I have caught them on small chartreuse and white clousers in the Merrimack River in Massachusettes.

Response:

Hello TMR, I went out to Upper Sunrise (just below Sailor Bar) a couple of nights ago: the water is still cold and I did not see any fish working.  Sahd fishing is one of the great early summer fishing opportunities along the American.  The fish fight well and they CAN be caught in numbers if conditions are right.  A Crazy Charlie will work, but there are some standard pink, green, and white shad flies that seem to be regularly used on the Sac.  Most fly shops have a good selection , but if you tie your own they are very easy.  I have heard the fish are in the river, but conditions may have to warm before they start taking flys. Good luck JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I used to religously fish the American River (Sailor Bar/Nimbus) area in mid to late June for shad (pre-kids). Now that the kids are getting older I’m hoping to get back into it again. We used to use a fly similar to the Crazy Charlie Bonefish Fly – bead eyes, chartruese tail and silver/pearl foil bodies. Anyone out there using the latest and greatest that would be willing to share trade secrets? and/or any recommendations for guides in the same area? Thanks

Response:

Sure wish I could give you updated info….however, I have fond memories of my younger days when I would flyfish for Shad with my dad and brother.  At that time, the Eel River had good Shad runs and we lived just fifteen minutes from the river (if you drove quickly).  We caught lots of Shad in those days.  Today, the Eel River (like many) are mere shadows of their former selves.  I suppose there are Shad runs….but I have yet to see one myself during the last several years.  The Sacramento River is still a bright spot for Shad, I’m told.  As to flies…we used sizes from tens to fours…usually with silver bead eyes and white, pink or red hackle, silver body, red tail.  We’d tie variations, but the size seemed to be the most important and the depth at which you fished. Barry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I used to religously fish the American River (Sailor Bar/Nimbus) area in mid to late June for shad (pre-kids). Now that the kids are getting older I’m hoping to get back into it again. We used to use a fly similar to the Crazy Charlie Bonefish Fly – bead eyes, chartruese tail and silver/pearl foil bodies. Anyone out there using the latest and greatest that would be willing to share trade secrets? and/or any recommendations for guides in the same area? Thanks

Response:

Tue, 26 May 1998 in rec.outdoors.fishing.fly, T.Michael Reinhart I used to religously fish the American River (Sailor Bar/Nimbus) area in mid to late June for shad (pre-kids). Now that the kids are getting older I’m hoping to get back into it again. We used to use a fly similar to the Crazy Charlie Bonefish Fly – bead eyes, chartruese tail and silver/pearl foil bodies. Anyone out there using the latest and greatest that would be willing to share trade secrets? and/or any recommendations for guides in the same area?

Which species are these?  I caught a few Allis Shad (Alosa Alosa) in the River Wye, South Wales, last week (in from the Atlantic).  Very rare in the UK and therefore a protected species.  Caught them on all sorts of trout flies – nothing special.  What fighters!  Knowing that I had to release them I was worried about catching more – they just fought too hard… — Phil Jones

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Question:

According to the Whittakers site, the release from the Beacon Hill Dam has been cut back to 2 gates.  This is still more water than can really be fished effectively with a fly rod without using running line and a very big slinky.  This is still more water than can be waded safely. If you do plan to fish it, look for seams along the edge and work them very quietly.  Steelhead will often hold well out of the flow of the river during periods of high water. Bob Davis

Response:

Because of problems at the uppper reservoir, combined with the rainfall over the weekend, early on Tuesday morning, 11/4/97, Niagara Mohawk began releasing tremendous amounts of water into the lower Salmon River, rendering it currently unfishable.   For those of you who are familiar with the "gate system", the river is now running at 2 gates, plus an overflow spillway, plus the run-off from Trout and Orwell Brooks as the result of recent heavy rain.  Even with the heaviest slinky, it is almost impossible to get down to the fish, and the sudden change in water volume seems to have put them completely off of their feed. I drove up to the upper power plant and talked with some of the staff and found out that, due to repairs now underway, the water level will not be dropping before Friday 11/7/97.   Whittakers, probably the best of the fly fishing shops up there, has a web site at http://www.whitakers.com/, and they are the only one that seems to be giving the correct info about this problem.

Response:

There are a bunch of web sites which claim to cover the Salmon River, and this recent change in the water level gives us a good opportunity to test out their reliability.   The Oswego County Chamber of Commerce has not said anything about the abnormally high water releases, and is still talking about Salmon on their redds, and stating that the ebst fishing is around the 2-A Bridge. Well, the truth is that any salmon that is still on its redd is swimming very fast…and if they are around 2-A they have tied themselves to the bottom <g.  Bad info here… Salmon River Sportfishing Reports is a really well done site with all of the Java that anyone would want…but it was last updated on 10/31/97, well before the high water began. Bad info here too… Whittakers, at http://www.whitakers.com/ updated its report at 5:00AM this morning and says "Water is under two gates.  The level was supposed to be dropped at midnight tonight. Will update as soon as we know." Sounds like good info here….a page worth bookmarking, and a shop worth visiting.  Whittakers is heavily oriented toward flyfishing, Jim Rusher who owns the place is very knowledgeable and "user-friendly", and Duke and Dick also know their stuff. They are also telling us that "The North and South Sandys had a run of Rainbows and Cohoes the last two days."  I know fairly reliably that Sandy Creek had not yet gotten any significant run of fish this fall, and it was expected that the recent rains would have brought them in. they were not there on Tuesday – I fished Sandy Creek below the falls, an area that I know well, and saw no sign of fish. But I would expect them to be moving in. Lots of deer and game birds though… Let me put in a plug for my own site – if you invest in undervalued small-cap stocks, take a look at http://www.napeague.com Bob Davis

Response:

Question:

i am looking for a recommendation for a guide for steelhead fishing on the north oregon coast. i will be in portland around xmas and would be grateful for any help in this regard.       thanks         greg

Response:

i am looking for a recommendation for a guide for steelhead fishing on the north oregon coast. i will be in portland around xmas and would be grateful for any help in this regard.       thanks         greg

Check out TK Flysupply’s web page at: http://ourworld.compuserve.com:80/homepages/tk_flyshop/ I went fishing on one of the North Oregon coast streams with Kendall Lee a few weeks ago and caught a bright 20# Chinook. Kendall is a flyfishing pro and part time guide. He knows the rivers and can get you into fish. Your visit to Portland is timed right for early winter stealhead fishing. Should be a great time to fish. —        * * *  Some days I’d rather just give up and go fishing * * * Doug Freeman

Response:

i am looking for a recommendation for a guide for steelhead fishing on the north oregon coast. i will be in portland around xmas and would be grateful for any help in this regard.       thanks         greg

Hi Greg: You might try calling Glenn Young.  He may not be actively guiding anymore, but can probably recommend someone to you.  He used to specialize in northern Oregon coastal fly fishing.  His number is 503-642-4570.  Best of luck!!! Paul

Response:

Greg — Mark Bachmann at the Flyfishing Shop in Welches is one of the best, especially if you want to fish the Sandy in a drift boat.  The shop’s web page address is — http://www.teleport.com/~flyfish/index.html and the telephone number is — (503) 622-4607. Have fun. Rob – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i am looking for a recommendation for a guide for steelhead fishing on the north oregon coast. i will be in portland around xmas and would be grateful for any help in this regard.       thanks         greg Hi Greg: You might try calling Glenn Young.  He may not be actively guiding anymore, but can probably recommend someone to you.  He used to specialize in northern Oregon coastal fly fishing.  His number is 503-642-4570.  Best of luck!!! Paul

Response:

Question:

I am planning a trip to New England in April or May and would like to do some fly fishing. Can someone please answer the following: – how much does a non-resident license cost and can you get a short term one? – when does trout season open in Maine? – when does bass season open? – how about some good locations for bass and trout? I’ve never fished in New England before. I’d rather stay away from the famous rivers like the Battenkill, etc. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. Sandy

Response:

I am planning a trip to New England in April or May and would like to do some fly fishing. Can someone please answer the following: – how much does a non-resident license cost and can you get a short term one?

        This summer a 7-day out-of-state was $34+1 and could be picked up at many shops. – when does trout season open in Maine? – when does bass season open?

        Their regs are online.  Sorry I don’t have the URL handy.   _Rich_

Response:

Question:

Thanks to all for their input.   As for now…It’s practice, practice, practice

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am new to fly casting and looking for some comments.  I have heard that the "correct" cast has little  or no wrist action and the "correct" cast has plenty of quick wrist action.  Any opinions for a beginner?  btw- both methods seem to work with the wrist version feeling more natural.  No fighting now, just opinions.

Response:

IMHO flycasting is really counter intuitive.  Everything your body tells you is right, isn’t.  What starts out feeling awkward – works.  Once you understand how a fly rod works, then how you need to move it makes sense.

My observation is that this is especially true if you start thinking about it too much… If you simply focus on the fish and the objective at hand, the fly simply ends up right…. …in the top of a tree… TimW

Response:

IMHO flycasting is really counter intuitive.  Everything your body tells you is right, isn’t.  What starts out feeling awkward – works.  Once you understand how a fly rod works, then how you need to move it makes sense.

Dan,         I started to take exception to your statement, thought about it a moment, and realized…. I was lousy at sports my whole life.  It’s a wonder I can even throw a ball, and don’t expect me to throw it accurately. And, I’m left-handed.  My whole life is about awkward!  So, what do I know about how normal motion should feel? Tight lines, and keep your line off the handle, Charley

Response:

I frimly beleive thta Lefty Kreh’s methods work the best. Find a book or video that he has done and try to employ his methods. A lot of what he taught me was employed fishing in harsh weather and in tournaments. Lefty uses his arms and shoulders more than wrist. Tight lines!! Ron

Response:

I am new to fly casting and looking for some comments.  I have heard that the "correct" cast has little  or no wrist action and the "correct" cast has plenty of quick wrist action.  Any opinions for a beginner?  btw- both methods seem to work with the wrist version feeling more natural.  No fighting now, just opinions.

In actuality Baglock, how you move the rod doesn’t matter to the rod as long as you move the right distance for the appropriate amount of line with the right acceleration.  Doesn’t care what muscles you use either. If you move the rod in the correct manner you will get a good cast. Then the trick is to be able to repeat it over and over and be accurate and be comfortable all day when doing it.  To meet those criteria I recommend you try to use your forearm as an entire unit and try not to use your wrist at all.  Now the cast can’t actually be done well or easily without a final touch of wrist in each direction, but it is a VERY SMALL movement of the wrist.  If you try not to move your wrist you will probably move it about right, if you try to use your wrist you will move it too much. If you use your forearm as the main lever, you are using a big lever with strong muscles and only one real moving part – the elbow. Fewer variables, more reliable predictions and results.  If you use your wrist to make the cast you are using your hand – a tiny lever, your forearm muscles – which are much weaker than your biceps and triceps, and you have about 12? points of movement in your wrist making it much more difficult to reliably repeat the needed movements.  IMHO flycasting is really counter intuitive.  Everything your body tells you is right, isn’t.  What starts out feeling awkward – works.  Once you understand how a fly rod works, then how you need to move it makes sense. If you have trouble picking it up then here are some options: 1) take a casting lesson (best and fastest way to learn either small group or private) 2) join a local fly fishing club (great for all facets of FF and many offer lessons though quality of instructionmay vary from outstanding to barely OK . 3) get a copy of Mel Krieger’s "Essence of Flycasting (vol.1)"                           Hope this helps,                                   Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

Response:

I am new to fly casting and looking for some comments.  I have heard that the "correct" cast has little  or no wrist action and the "correct" cast

Try the no wrist movement. It provides a tigher cast. Make sure your thumb is on the top of the handle and you should see it at 12 oclock when you stop on the back cast.

Response:

I am new to fly casting and looking for some comments.  I have heard that the "correct" cast has little  or no wrist action and the "correct" cast has plenty of quick wrist action.  Any opinions for a beginner?  btw- both methods seem to work with the wrist version feeling more natural.  No fighting now, just opinions. Any good fly shop should be able to provide you with a good book and video on fly casting.  In the meantime, if you tie the end of the butt

section of your rod to your forearm and cast it, you’ll get the idea of how the cast should feel when properly done.  If you break your wrist on the back cast, you’ll likely increase your chances of bringing the tip back too far and slapping your line on the water behind you.  The same is true for the forward cast.  Good luck. Stan

Response:

I am new to fly casting and looking for some comments.  I have heard that the "correct" cast has little  or no wrist action and the "correct" cast has plenty of quick wrist action.  Any opinions for a beginner?  btw- both methods seem to work with the wrist version feeling more natural.  No fighting now, just opinions.

I found the recent article in the September 96 issue of Fly Fisherman (Correcting 5 Casting Mistakes) to be very helpful.  Check it out. Team OS/2                  847.808.3913

Response:

I am new to fly casting and looking for some comments.  I have heard that the "correct" cast has little  or no wrist action and the "correct" cast has plenty of quick wrist action.  Any opinions for a beginner?  btw- both methods seem to work with the wrist version feeling more natural.  No fighting now, just opinions.

Three thoughts come to mind: 1)      Devote some time to practice in your yard or at the park.  It’ll be easier         to focus on the casting when there is no chance of catching fish 2)      When my casting seems a little difficult, I focus on my backcast.  I try to         visualize abruptly opening a freezer door (like the ones on fridges where the freezer         section is on top).  While this may sound whacky, it usually serves to elevate and tighten         my backcast.  For me, casting troubles are usually rooted in a faulty backcast. 3)      Practice enough to feel the fod flex under the weight of the line. When you can feel         the rod at work, you will quickly be able to cast well.  You’ll also be able to adjust         to different rod actions because it will seem natural to adjust your stroke to maintain         the feeling of the rod at work. There are lots of helpful books on the subject.  Different conditions, rods, and target situations will have you using lots of wrist sometimes and little or no wrist other times. Hope this helps, August Kristoferson http://www.eskimo.com/~augustk

Response:

I am new to fly casting and looking for some comments.  I have heard that the "correct" cast has little  or no wrist action and the "correct" cast has plenty of quick wrist action.  Any opinions for a beginner?  btw- both methods seem to work with the wrist version feeling more natural.  No fighting now, just opinions.

Response:

I am new to fly casting and looking for some comments.  I have heard that the "correct" cast has little  or no wrist action and the "correct" cast has plenty of quick wrist action.  Any opinions for a beginner?  btw- both methods seem to work with the wrist version feeling more natural.  No fighting now, just opinions.

Definitely no wrist action, use your arm.  Rod tip should be traveling in a straight line. — The views expressed are my own and does not represent those of my employer.

Response:

Question:

Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing? Do you wear socks inside your waders (full size, and/or stocking)?  When you wet wade, do you wear socks?  What kind?  When you go steelheading, do you wear several pairs? I have NOT been wearing socks, and my wife complains that my feet smell worse than any fish would…so I might as well bring some bodies home.  It smells like there are dead bodies in my waders. Incidentally, suppose your waders leak (like mine).  Do you still wear socks? What color? — Laboratory for Applied Logic    Dept. of Computer Science University of Idaho             www: http://www.cs.uidaho.edu/~foster —–BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—– Version: 2.6.2 mQCNAzDtvLEAAAEEAKAC21G2Be0K0DMgjLpxrwLmsYfCz8rWcfgyABjr3Ryfk1dO nV7fFFpUF3xohR7die+/B2V9oqRQzTLeSF2ECKlsTY/yUyw2kn+P2ju1umh4Fwzd cVTvc+H69q1+Ft3kmw/PE0Pan+g0PUGGJ43stw3q4OgBHdixbRd/f9giJFDxAAUR tCZKYW1lcyBBLiBGb3N0ZXIgPGZvc3RlckBjcy51aWRhaG8uZWR1PokAlQMFEDD8 ReEXf3/YIiRQ8QEBFrAD/2AFuRWcD/3MENC3qJMC/Or1qxknjkK7Uv+TDf2LHPOY GHBbG9PyWuXQ8of0Dd+JYwf/tzlO9Yk1s1zTdikfriak21FW0bCokxDIhA3myppZ IZDWVA9CyvDYHuP5Ii1NkBvocab813JzDLZA+0iVN5sebGb9zSXR4Za47hlriHeP =RDHK —–END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—–

Response:

Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing? Do you wear socks inside your waders (full size, and/or stocking)?  When you wet wade, do you wear socks?  What kind?  When you go steelheading, do you wear several pairs?

Of course, how else do you keep your pants from riding up when you put your waders on?

Response:

Polar Fleece type socks in stockingfoot waders are the best I have found so far. Ken..

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing?

Response:

James Foster writes: Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing?

..Yes, Do you wear socks inside your waders (full size, and/or stocking)?

…Yes When you wet wade, do you wear socks?

..Starting to sound like you have a sock fetish..  When you go steelheading, do you wear several pairs?

..No, just one THICK pair..I only wear several pairs of socks, when I play "strip poker".. I have NOT been wearing socks, and my wife complains that my feet

smell worse than any fish would…so I might as well bring some bodies home.  It smells like there are dead bodies in my waders. …[CENSORED!!!] Incidentally, suppose your waders leak (like mine).  Do you still wear socks?

..No, I usually get off my lazy ass and patch my waders…and keep my feet dry!!! What color?

…Black fish net…the real fine mesh..for catch and release only!

Response:

Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing?

You’re absolutely correct: that is a *really* stupid question! ;^) Do you wear socks inside your waders (full size, and/or stocking)?

Of course – if for no other reason that getting my feet into neoprene waders would be even tougher without socks… When you  wet wade, do you wear socks?  What kind?  

Depends on where I’m wet wading: if I’m rock hopping I’ll wear felt-soled boots with socks. If I’m wading off a beach, sneakers and no socks… When you go steelheading, do you wear several pairs?

Well, it’s been about 23 years since I did any serious steelheading (I moved away from the Olympic Penninsula and we don’t have steel head in New England) but if you’re referring to cold water fishing, you bet I wear socks in my neoprene waders! I have NOT been wearing socks, and my wife complains that my feet smell worse than any fish would…so I might as well bring some bodies home.  It smells like there are dead bodies in my waders.

Ugh! Sounds disgustin’ to me! Your wife has my deepest pity! Incidentally, suppose your waders leak (like mine).  Do you still wear socks?

I fix the leaks, of course! What color?

Moving from *really* stupid to sublime, eh? <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.     Alpha Server Engineering < < Parker Street Campus          Maynard, Massachusetts   < <       Charter Member of Curmudgeons Unlimited        < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Response:

Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing?

I always take a single rogue sock along in my vest and put it on my hand as a puppet when I have a flyfishing dillema or need someone too talk to. "Hi Mr. Hand, What should I tie on…?" "Put me back in your pocket you idiot". TimW

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -(James Foster) writes: Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing? Do you wear socks inside your waders (full size, and/or stocking)?  When you wet wade, do you wear socks?  What kind?  When you go steelheading, do you wear several pairs? I have NOT been wearing socks, and my wife complains that my feet smell worse than any fish would…so I might as well bring some bodies home.  It smells like there are dead bodies in my waders. Incidentally, suppose your waders leak (like mine).  Do you still wear socks? What color?

It’s a good idea to wear socks inside of waders to keep comfortable.  I usually use either wool or wool/polypro blend.  The wool keeps the sock from compacting and give a bit of cushioning, plus it still keeps your feet warm when it gets wet.  Even if your waders don’t leak, any water you get it your waders will end up in your feet. For instance from a slip or poor depth perception.  The only other socks I know of that will perform similarly are made from polartech.  Stay away from cotton socks as they will hold the water and get clammy and cold. Be careful not to put so much bulk around your feet that they constrict the blood flow, or your feet will freeze.   You should always be able to move your toes a little inside of your socks, waders, and boots.  Get larger boots if needed. I also use socks when wet wading mostly because my wading boots would fall off my feet if I didn’t. Also it’s a lot easier to wash the socks than it is to wash the waders and with the socks you shouldn’t get that ugly smell in your waders.                                  Good fishing,                                       Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

Response:

I think it was Haig-Brown in "A River Never Sleeps" that gave some sage advice for socks and wading when you have hiked to your fishing. 1) wear wool socks and take a dry pair 2) if you fall in and ship water, wring out the socks and dump the water out of your boots, but put the wet socks back on 3) at the end of the day, put the dry socks on and hike out reasoning being that it is impossible to get all the water out of the boots and you’d only end up getting your spare socks wet. And of course, you have those puppets. TimW

Response:

Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing? I always take a single rogue sock along in my vest and put it on my hand as a puppet when I have a flyfishing dillema or need someone too talk to. "Hi Mr. Hand, What should I tie on…?" "Put me back in your pocket you idiot".

Last summer I went out fishing on one of the hottest days of the year.  I was heading over to another section of the stream when I saw steam coming from under the hood of my car.  I had blown a radiator hose.  I coasted down the hill to the stream.  I didn’t have and duct tape in the car so I removed one of my socks and wrapped up the hose with it then filled the radiator from the stream.  I was able to limp about five miles to the nearest gas station where I bought some radiator hose tape.   — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

Response:

Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing? I always take a single rogue sock along in my vest and put it on my hand as a puppet when I have a flyfishing dillema or need someone too talk to. "Hi Mr. Hand, What should I tie on…?" "Put me back in your pocket you idiot". Tim

Of all the entries I’ve read from you, this is the one I believe most…

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing? I always take a single rogue sock along in my vest and put it on my hand as a puppet when I have a flyfishing dillema or need someone too talk to. "Hi Mr. Hand, What should I tie on…?" "Put me back in your pocket you idiot". Tim Of all the entries I’ve read from you, this is the one I believe most…

Thanks, but I didn’t post it. Mr. Hand did.   TimW

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing? I always take a single rogue sock along in my vest and put it on my hand as a puppet when I have a flyfishing dillema or need someone too talk to. "Hi Mr. Hand, What should I tie on…?" "Put me back in your pocket you idiot". Last summer I went out fishing on one of the hottest days of the year.  I was heading over to another section of the stream when I saw steam coming from under the hood of my car.  I had blown a radiator hose.  I coasted down the hill to the stream.  I didn’t have and duct tape in the car so I removed one of my socks and wrapped up the hose with it then filled the radiator from the stream.  I was able to limp about five miles to the nearest gas station where I bought some radiator hose tape.

,and put the sock back on. ouch. TimW

Response:

My Simms KBS waders kept migrating into my boots, pulling the crotch to my knees and stretching the suspenders to the breaking point.   Watching me step over logs in this configuration left fishing partners incapacitated with laughter.  I switched from wool socks to polyester fleece (Polartech, Polar Fleece, etc.) because they wash and dry easier, and doggoned if those waders didn’t stay put!  Apparently the wool offers a lot more friction when walking than the fleece.   Whatever the reason I don’t do much knee-walking anymore… –Buddy

Response:

Do they stink so bad that, on a slow day, you could dip your feet directly in the water to stun a few fish to the surface (assuming you’re a meat fisherman). This could be as effective as explosives and not nearly as noisy! Tom BTW, if this was a serious inquiry seeking a serious answer: I always wear two pairs of socks. A thin inner liner to draw moisture away from the skin (like Capilene from Patagoina) and then an insulating sock whose thickness is determined by water temperature. To get rid of the stink in your waders, turn them inside out and brush on a diluted bleach/water solution. This should kill whatever has taken up residence there (provided they aren’t so old as to be dissolved by the bleach!) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing? Do you wear socks inside your waders (full size, and/or stocking)?  When you wet wade, do you wear socks?  What kind?  When you go steelheading, do you wear several pairs? I have NOT been wearing socks, and my wife complains that my feet smell worse than any fish would…so I might as well bring some bodies home.  It smells like there are dead bodies in my waders. Incidentally, suppose your waders leak (like mine).  Do you still wear socks? What color?

Response:

Question:

Path: (trim) If you are looking for an inexpensive fly foatant go to any drug store and buy a product called Aboline. Get the unscented. For about $5.00 you’ll get a many year supply.

Al: you are right about Albolene. The stuff works exactly like Gink.   But…once you’ve got that $5 lifetime supply, have you been able to figure out how to put into a usable container? I tried melting the stuff once, then pouring it into an old Gink tube. When it set, it was too thick to squeeze out, and I’m not so sure melting doesn’t cause it to lose some of its floating quality.  Would appreciate any suggestions. John

Response:

That powder in the tub stuff is dessicant! It absorbs the water on the fly so you can use more flotant. My favorite flotant is the Orvis stuff which is a liquid. You dump your dry fly in ther, give it a few false casts and away you go. Don’t know what it is or why it works, just that it works better for me than the silicon pastes.      Speaking about the paste types flotants, I have heard two ways of using them. One is to apply the paste sparingly to the feather barbules, the other to coat the body of the fly with it. Which way do you other flyfishers use it?      Trey Monroe

Response:

    Speaking about the paste types flotants, I have heard two ways of using them. One is to apply the paste sparingly to the feather barbules, the other to coat the body of the fly with it. Which way do you other flyfishers use it?     Trey Monroe

With Gink, I usually take a microscopic amount and rub into both the body and the hackle.  It seems to work pretty well…I notice my dries definitely don’t get waterlogged as quickly when I use it. Scott W.

Response:

That powder in the tub stuff is dessicant! It absorbs the water on the fly so you can use more flotant. My favorite flotant is the Orvis stuff which is a liquid. You dump your dry fly in ther, give it a few false casts and away you go. Don’t know what it is or why it works, just that it works better for me than the silicon pastes.     Speaking about the paste types flotants, I have heard two ways of using them. One is to apply the paste sparingly to the feather barbules, the other to coat the body of the fly with it. Which way do you other flyfishers use it?     Trey Monroe

Hi Trey I apply it sparingly to the complete fly. All the paste does is provide a water barrier to keep the fly from soaking up water. Even at that after catching several fish a fly can be come water logged. The fly floatant my company manufacturers also helps keep hands soft. For me the constant wetting and drying of my hands makes them real dry after a few days fishing. I use the dessicant powder to quickly dry a watter logged fly and the Orvis liquid I believe is a sylicone based floatant. If you are looking for an inexpensive fly foatant go to any drug store and buy a product called Aboline. Get the unscented. For about $5.00 you’ll get a many year supply. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

Here are some questions for the experts in this group: Should flotant be applied only to a completely dry fly?  If not, what degree of dampness is ok (real easy to describe, I know!)? What type and brand is best liked, and why?  Do the flys so treated need to be kept separate from the rest (are they messy)? Thanks for the advice!

Check "Tips and Techniques" at    http://www.flyline.com   there is a whole thing about treating wet dry and soggy flies!    -Ralph —

Response:

: : Here are some questions for the experts in this group: : Should flotant be applied only to a completely dry fly?   : Yes it should, if it is a dryfly you are using and not a : nymph or wet fly. : If not, : what degree of dampness is ok (real easy to describe, I know!)? : What type and brand is best liked, and why?   : I use dessicant crytals to completely dry the fly before reapplying : floatant if my fly gets soggy. Most of the floatants are pretty much : the same thing, so brand doesn’t matter much. : Do the flys so : treated need to be kept separate from the rest (are they messy)? : Not if it is stored with other dryflies. : Darryl Hayashida : This is a good thread…because I’ve always wondered about floatants. : There are obviously many kinds on the market, from the spray-can : variety to Gerkhe’s Gink.  I’ve used the Gink alot and I honestly : think it makes a difference.  What do others think? : Also…what about these dessicants as mentioned above?  How is this : accomplished?  And what about this powder-in-a-tub stuff that you roll : your fly around in? : Curious Scott Most of the "crystals" are silica gel which is a hygroscopic (water loving) material.  I like to keep mine in an empty film case.  I put the fly in, lid on, give it a shake and if time permits, leave it inside for a few minutes.  I don’t even bother to clip off the tippet, as the plastic case doesn’t hurt it.  After a few minutes, remove the fly, blow off any clinging particles and you’re ready to go.  If you can, get "indicating" desicants that change color when wet.  Mine change from dark blue (dry) to pink (wet).    After a few trips (maybe 20 flies) the gel is starting to turn pink, so I throw it in a dry frying pan and cook the gel on medium heat for a few minutes until it turns dark blue again. Pour it onto some foil and let it cool for a minute before sealing back in the film case.  (Wash the frying pan well after use!).   Remember, these are powerful drying agents that can suck the moisture out of the air, so if they aren’t kept sealed, they’ll turn pink overnight. Pete

Response:

Here are some questions for the experts in this group: Should flotant be applied only to a completely dry fly?  If not, what degree of dampness is ok (real easy to describe, I know!)? What type and brand is best liked, and why?  Do the flys so treated need to be kept separate from the rest (are they messy)? Thanks for the advice! —   David B. Perry   P.O. Box 808 L-419              phone:  (510) 423-7034

Response:

Here are some questions for the experts in this group: Should flotant be applied only to a completely dry fly?  If not, what degree of dampness is ok (real easy to describe, I know!)? What type and brand is best liked, and why?  Do the flys so treated need to be kept separate from the rest (are they messy)? Thanks for the advice!

use so much that a little oil slick forms around the bug in the water. the theory here is that the fish think the Exxon Valdez captain is on the bottle again and they come looking around for dead seagulls. thus, you’ll want to tie on a #2 adams, and twitch it. TimW

Response:

Here are some questions for the experts in this group: Should flotant be applied only to a completely dry fly?  

Yes it should, if it is a dryfly you are using and not a nymph or wet fly. If not, what degree of dampness is ok (real easy to describe, I know!)? What type and brand is best liked, and why?  

I use dessicant crytals to completely dry the fly before reapplying floatant if my fly gets soggy. Most of the floatants are pretty much the same thing, so brand doesn’t matter much. Do the flys so treated need to be kept separate from the rest (are they messy)?

Not if it is stored with other dryflies. Darryl Hayashida

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here are some questions for the experts in this group: Should flotant be applied only to a completely dry fly?   Yes it should, if it is a dryfly you are using and not a nymph or wet fly. If not, what degree of dampness is ok (real easy to describe, I know!)? What type and brand is best liked, and why?   I use dessicant crytals to completely dry the fly before reapplying floatant if my fly gets soggy. Most of the floatants are pretty much the same thing, so brand doesn’t matter much. Do the flys so treated need to be kept separate from the rest (are they messy)? Not if it is stored with other dryflies. Darryl Hayashida

This is a good thread…because I’ve always wondered about floatants. There are obviously many kinds on the market, from the spray-can variety to Gerkhe’s Gink.  I’ve used the Gink alot and I honestly think it makes a difference.  What do others think? Also…what about these dessicants as mentioned above?  How is this accomplished?  And what about this powder-in-a-tub stuff that you roll your fly around in? Curious Scott

Response:

Question:

Hey.  Lately I have been fishing a small stream which contains a good population of wild brookies.  Have had great success in getting them to rise to my dry flies, but have had little or no success hooking them.  I fear a deficiency in my dry fly technique; any hints regarding hook setting would be greatly appreciated.  The fish average about 5 inches long, and are hitting various parachute-style dries (Royal Wulffs, Adams, Hare’s Ears, etc.) in mostly sizes 12 and 14.  I am sure I am doing something wrong, I just don’t know what. Thanks, Tom.

Response:

 Hey.  Lately I have been fishing a small stream which contains a good  population of wild brookies.  Have had great success in getting them to  rise to my dry flies, but have had little or no success hooking them.

Little brookies like that will turn on the dry fly in an attempt to drown it first.  Don’t pick up the line — they will likely take it after it’s under the water.

Response:

Hey.  Lately I have been fishing a small stream which contains a good population of wild brookies.  Have had great success in getting them to rise to my dry flies, but have had little or no success hooking them.  I fear a deficiency in my dry fly technique; any hints regarding hook setting would be greatly appreciated.  The fish average about 5 inches long, and are hitting various parachute-style dries (Royal Wulffs, Adams, Hare’s Ears, etc.) in mostly sizes 12 and 14.  I am sure I am doing something wrong, I just don’t know what. Thanks, Tom.

You may be attempting to set the fly. Let the trout take the fly and hook himself. If you do this you will most always find the fly hooked in the corner of his mouth this also make it harder for the trout to unhook himself. I have yanked many a dry fly out of the mouth of an interested trout. Norm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  Hey.  Lately I have been fishing a small stream which contains a good  population of wild brookies.  Have had great success in getting them to  rise to my dry flies, but have had little or no success hooking them. Little brookies like that will turn on the dry fly in an attempt to drown it first.  Don’t pick up the line — they will likely take it after it’s under the water.

Also, the fly might be too large, try some #16 – # 20 next time out.

Response:

Hey.  Lately I have been fishing a small stream which contains a good population of wild brookies.  Have had great success in getting them to rise to my dry flies, but have had little or no success hooking them.  I fear a deficiency in my dry fly technique; any hints regarding hook setting would be greatly appreciated.  The fish average about 5 inches long, and are hitting various parachute-style dries (Royal Wulffs, Adams, Hare’s Ears, etc.) in mostly sizes 12 and 14.  I am sure I am doing something wrong, I just don’t know what. Thanks, Tom.

Trout this small have VERY soft mouths which tear very easily.  You are most likely literally ripping their mouth apart with the fly.   Why even fish for 5" trout?  They don’t behave like their bigger brothers and sisters (they’ll hit just about anything) and they don’t fight worth a darn.  I guess I don’t see the sport here. — Richard Nelson Spokane, Wa. "Its not that life is so short, its that death is sooo long."