Question:

I’m probably breaking some copywright law, but from the Lewiston ID Tribune but.. George Eugene (Billis) Gehrke, an avid fly fisherman, inventor and writer, passed away Sunday Dec. 8, 2002, at his Asotin home. He was 68. He was born July 28, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio. Graduating from Anthony Wayne High School in 1954, he was the first in his class to go directly into the Air Force Cadet Program. After his tour with the Air Force, he married the love of his life, Gladys Gray, Sept. 6, 1958, in Toledo. He often told others how lucky he was to have her in his life and how much he loved her. George owned a fly fishing company and manufactured its products since 1973. He is survived by his wife, Gladys, at the Asotin home; three sons, Robert of Panama City, Fla., Stuart of Trout Creek, Colo., and Gregory of Asotin; three daughters, Rosemary Tafoya of Asotin, Tracy Castaneda of Houston and Georgia Gehrke of Kapaa, Hawaii. He is also survived by a sister, Karol Ann of Archie, Mo.; brothers, Ernest Gehrke and John Billis of Ohio; uncle C.M. Kurczak of Baton Rouge, La.; several nieces and nephews; 11 grandchildren; and many, many friends. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at the family home at Asotin. Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home of Lewiston is in charge of arrangements.

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Thanks Wayne, for passing that along. Rest in Peace, George. bruce h

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Question:

Planning a trip to the DR. do not want to stay at all inclusive , desire beach bunglo or hotel with a no hassel policy on visitors in room, and most importantly great salt water flyfishing, Thankx in advance.

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Try  looking at hotels in Sosua.  Not sure about the fishing though.  Try debbiesdominicantravel.com.  Lots of info there. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Planning a trip to the DR. do not want to stay at all inclusive , desire beach bunglo or hotel with a no hassel policy on visitors in room, and most importantly great salt water flyfishing, Thankx in advance.

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Question:

    Earlier today I e-mailed Willi a picture of an attractive young lady in a library, wearing thick glasses and little else (see last weeks Boulder library thread). Willi hasn’t answered or posted anything to roff since then, so I can only assume Susan opened the e-mail and promptly killed the poor guy.              (snif)

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    Earlier today I e-mailed Willi a picture of an attractive young lady in a library, wearing thick glasses and little else (see last weeks Boulder library thread). Willi hasn’t answered or posted anything to roff since then, so I can only assume Susan opened the e-mail and promptly killed the poor guy.              (snif)

Not something that Susan would give a shit about, well maybe if she found us in bed together, but a picture? You mentioned fishing.  Think you could get us on one of those stretches you have "ins" on just outside of town?  When there’s water flowing, the lower Poudre has been very good.  Lots of midges out with the fish feeding all day. The trout in the canyon although catchable are icecubes already. Willi

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You mentioned fishing.  Think you could get us on one of those stretches you have "ins" on just outside of town?

Hah! Now she is after you Charlie.  You’re next on the endangered fly fisherman’s list! — Warren www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

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You mentioned fishing.  Think you could get us on one of those stretches you have "ins" on just outside of town? Hah! Now she is after you Charlie.  You’re next on the endangered fly fisherman’s list!

   Yup, I wasn’t fooled for a second. I wonder if Sue’s a very good fly fisher?

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Not something that Susan would give a shit about, well maybe if she found us in bed together, but a picture?

   Well I, for one, hope she never finds us in bed together.

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Not something that Susan would give a shit about, well maybe if she found us in bed together, but a picture?    Well I, for one, hope she never finds us in bed together.

ME too!!!! When I reread it after posting, I knew it didn’t sound right. Willi

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You mentioned fishing.  Think you could get us on one of those stretches you have "ins" on just outside of town? Willi

  Careful, Willi.  I had the pleasure of spending last Friday evening with Charlie & Pat for a visit and supper (and a fine cigar).  The next day, Charlie took me to one of his secret fishing holes.  I caught giant bluegill, crappie, a largemouth and a couple of different species of trout.  All on streamers.  What a beautiful day.  Must have caught 20 fish (to Charlie’s 40?).  But, my shoulder may never be the same.  Put a "hitch" in it setting the hook so many times.  I tried an ice pack but the only thing that seems to relieve the hurt is some ‘ol Mil. Snoop — —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

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Question:

I got to the show early, did a little bit of scouting around, then headed for the bar to meet Stan Gula.  Stan showed up on time with his non-fly fishing brother Jim.  We talked for awhile and Stan reminded us that Lefty Kreh was to be at the casting pool at noon. We had the best spot at the show, right up front next to Lefty.  The man is amazing — he makes casting look like child’s play, and we all know it isn’t. I have seen his program before, but this time I think I actually learned something.  His explanation on how to cast a weighted nymph with split shot and strike indicator attached really surprised me, because it is exactly how I cast such a set up.  It isn’t a normal cast, more like a circle cast.  I call it a "lob", but it works well. After Lefty’s show, we split up.  I had to pick up some things I bought earlier, and get home at a reasonable hour.  I spoke to someone at a lodge in south-eastern Labrador.  He could give us a deal on a clave there next year.   At one of the booths I was looking over the hook selection.  There, right in front, at eye level for the whole world to see was some Tiemco size #32 hooks. They also had #30 and #28, so anyone saying they do not "exist" is full of tie his "dandruff" on, I guarantee fish in Maine waters.   Overall, it was a pretty good show with far more tackle and fly rod booths than Marlboro offered, and more lodges represented (which allows me to pick up their brochure and dream). Stan Gula:  Typical roffian clavester.  He is gonna fit it well at the Penn Clave.  He’ll be tenting in the same area as Peter and me, so I invited him for Dave

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I got to the show early, did a little bit of scouting around, then headed for the bar to meet Stan Gula.  Stan showed up on time with his non-fly fishing brother Jim.

His name’s Mike, but he doesn’t talk much anyway, so it hardly matters<g. My brother liked Lefty, but was a bit put off by all the animal parts I spent the afternoon digging through.  Got a nice set of snowshoe rabbit feet (I offered to make him a keychain out of one of them but he declined).  He was most amazed at the price of chicken feathers. Nice to have met Dave – the fourth Roffian I’ve seen in person.  I was as surprised at his height (about 4" taller than he looks in pictures) as he was at my width (about 6" more than my doctor thinks I should be). –Stan

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Stan Gula writes:] His name’s Mike, but he doesn’t talk much anyway, so it hardly matters<g.

Hey, it was a senior moment, Fran.   <g Any way, we had a good time even though it was short.  Got home and I could actually see the black-top on the driveway.  It has been *months* since i’ve seen it.  Tomorrow is supposed to be Dave

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Maybe you should just bathe in your breakfast shorts? <g — Charlie…

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If you bought the hooks for me I’ll tie the flies. Once again I missed a show due to skiing. I think my wife has the show schedule in hand when she books weekends up north. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got to the show early, did a little bit of scouting around, then headed for the bar to meet Stan Gula.  Stan showed up on time with his non-fly fishing brother Jim.  We talked for awhile and Stan reminded us that Lefty Kreh was to be at the casting pool at noon. We had the best spot at the show, right up front next to Lefty.  The man is amazing — he makes casting look like child’s play, and we all know it isn’t. I have seen his program before, but this time I think I actually learned something.  His explanation on how to cast a weighted nymph with split shot and strike indicator attached really surprised me, because it is exactly how I cast such a set up.  It isn’t a normal cast, more like a circle cast.  I call it a "lob", but it works well. After Lefty’s show, we split up.  I had to pick up some things I bought earlier, and get home at a reasonable hour.  I spoke to someone at a lodge in south-eastern Labrador.  He could give us a deal on a clave there next year. At one of the booths I was looking over the hook selection.  There, right in front, at eye level for the whole world to see was some Tiemco size #32 hooks. They also had #30 and #28, so anyone saying they do not "exist" is full of and tie his "dandruff" on, I guarantee fish in Maine waters. Overall, it was a pretty good show with far more tackle and fly rod booths than Marlboro offered, and more lodges represented (which allows me to pick up their brochure and dream). Stan Gula:  Typical roffian clavester.  He is gonna fit it well at the Penn Clave.  He’ll be tenting in the same area as Peter and me, so I invited him for him Dave

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Question:

Hello All: I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been lurking thru all the posts for the last couple of months and you guys have some great info.  Thank you!  I’m relatively new to flyfishing and recently took guided "on river" lessons on the Deschutes (handy because I live in Portland).  Wow!  Great experience.  With the guides, it was like a fast forward course in nymphing.  A great start.  I’m now looking to upgrade my gear, and am looking at a Sage 590 DS2 or a St Croix Legend or Imperial.  Also looking to pick up a pair of Orvis Clearwater Breathables (I like the 4 year warranty).  Anyhow, I just wanted to let everyone know I appreciate your posts, and maybe as I get some more experience, I can add to the board.   Scott

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I’ve been lurking thru all the posts for the last couple of months

Congratulations on coming out of the shadows!  You have taken a big step and are now eligible to be Fortenberry fodder! Keep at the learning (it actually never stops).  At least you are into the fun part now.   Good luck and keep us posted. Warren X#-[

Trout Dwellers Unite! Western Conclave Guru For info: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/wclave/wclave.html

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Anyhow, I just wanted to let everyone know I appreciate your posts, and maybe as I get some more experience, I can add to the board. Scott

Welcome to the group.  It’s always nice to see a new nickname.  BTW, there’s no need to wait until you have experience to start adding to the board.  Most ROFFians aren’t the type to refrain from giving advice just because they don’t know what they’re talking about. — Levi "So long, and thanks for all the fish."

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Welcome Scott from another ROFF newcomer.  I still consider myself a flyfishing beginner and as such I find a lot of the info here invaluable.  I’ve never taken a guided flyfishing trip but I would like to try one soon (maybe Spring 2001). I’m sure you’ve already seen this here a hundred times but….be sure to cast any rod before you buy.  Some shops will let you take them out on the stream and fish them for a few days without having to commit. One thing that has been a great source for me is an annual Flyfishing and Outdoors show held in my state (usually in January).  Every manufacturer you can dream of attends with their full line of gear in tow.  They will gladly rig up any rod/reel combo you like for a test drive on the indoor casting pool.  If they have anything like that near you I highly recommend attending even if it means a days drive and a stay over at a local hotel…it’s that good. Next spring I’ll be in need of new waders too…the Orvis Breathables are appealing.  Keep us posted on the gear front. Regards and tight lines! Natty

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello All: I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been lurking thru all the posts for the last couple of months and you guys have some great info.  Thank you! I’m relatively new to flyfishing and recently took guided "on river" lessons on the Deschutes (handy because I live in Portland).  Wow!  Great experience.  With the guides, it was like a fast forward course in nymphing.  A great start.  I’m now looking to upgrade my gear, and am looking at a Sage 590 DS2 or a St Croix Legend or Imperial.  Also looking to pick up a pair of Orvis Clearwater Breathables (I like the 4 year warranty).  Anyhow, I just wanted to let everyone know I appreciate your posts, and maybe as I get some more experience, I can add to the board. Scott

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Jeezus H. Christ man, are you crazy!  Run far, run fast, before Wolfie and Forty get back. Best of luck and welcome to cyber hell! Opie  **Panhandling for a better tomorrow!**

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello All: I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been lurking thru all the posts for the last couple of months and you guys have some great info.  Thank you!  I’m relatively new to flyfishing and recently took guided "on river" lessons on the Deschutes (handy because I live in Portland).  Wow!  Great experience. With the guides, it was like a fast forward course in nymphing.  A great start. I’m now looking to upgrade my gear, and am looking at a Sage 590 DS2 or a St Croix Legend or Imperial.  Also looking to pick up a pair of Orvis Clearwater Breathables (I like the 4 year warranty).  Anyhow, I just wanted to let everyone know I appreciate your posts, and maybe as I get some more experience, I can add to the board. Scott

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Hello All: I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been lurking thru all the posts for the last couple of months and you guys have some great info.  Thank you!  I’m relatively new to flyfishing and recently took guided "on river" lessons on the Deschutes (handy because I live in Portland).  Wow!  Great experience.  

Lucky bastard. With the guides, it was like a fast forward course in nymphing.  A great start.  I’m now looking to upgrade my gear, and am looking at a Sage 590 DS2 or a St Croix Legend or Imperial.  

Don’t know the St. Croix rods. I’ve got a DS2 5wt, and love it. There is a membership fee, though…was Wolfgang managing that? Vegetables aren’t food. Vegetables are what the food eats.

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Question:

As the proud single parent of the Virtual Flybox I was so excited to learn that the very successful, publically traded corporation, About.Com thought highly enough of my humble web offering to write a feature article touting it’s accomplishments. If you have a spare minute or two please visit…  http://flyfishing.about.com/sports/fishhunt/flyfishing/mcurrent.htm …and ponder the praises…and you of course are always welcome to stop by the VFB. Thanks everyone…it wouldn’t have happened without you! keep tyin’…byard * * * * * * * * *   V I R T U A L    F L Y B O X    * * * * * * * * *    Fly Tyers Worldwide * Hundreds of Patterns * Tying Instructions                     http://www.VirtualFlybox.com * * * *   F E A T U R I N G   *  9 6 2  *   P A T T E R N S   * * * *

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Congratulations on your recent mention in About.com   I took a look at your link, are you on your way to commercial success? Making a web site is tough, even more so when you do it for fun… Have a great day!

Hi Adam… Thanks for the visit and the congrats! The Virtual Flybox was never or will ever be a commercial project. It was never my intent to profit from this venture. On the other hand, due to the mega-hours involved with the production of this website, some form of compensation had to be considered. So the institution of an advertising program was necessary as well as an appeal for financial support from the viewership. In the last year the VFB has served up over 1 million pages of information to flyfisherman worldwide. The hours involved in keeping abreast with this demand exceed 50 per week. My need for nutrition is the same as anyone elses…hence, what you may consider commercialism. BTW…you are doing a wonderful job with your Small Streams site…it has always been one of my favorites. keep tyin’…byard * * * * * * * * *   V I R T U A L    F L Y B O X    * * * * * * * * *    Fly Tyers Worldwide * Hundreds of Patterns * Tying Instructions                     http://www.VirtualFlybox.com * * * *   F E A T U R I N G   *  9 8 0  *   P A T T E R N S   * * * *

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Question:

 I am going to be on the East Coast in May, and am looking for information on where to fish in the Catskills ( or anything nearby).  Is it possible to avoid the crowds at that time of year. I will only  be able to fish for a couple of days. Any advice will be greatly  appreciated.

Catskills fly fishing for trout opens late April (Adirondacks late May) and there may be migratory shad in Delaware R. &c.  Some people like this season best (before mosquitoes appear) but popular locations can be crowded. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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where to fish in the Catskills ( or anything nearby). Any advice will be greatly  appreciated.

Chuck, the Catskills cover quite a sizeable chunk of Geography. Do you know where exactly you’ll be in that area? I have a cousin back there who guides on the Esopus, the Schoharie, Westkill, and some other small backcountry streams. He’s not a high-priced guide, in fact, he works for damn near nothing, but don’t  tell him I told you so. His greatest joy in showing off his streams to fly fishermen – and women. He lives in Catskill, but will be in Florida til early March I think. I can give you his number if you’re interested. Regards, Dennis

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 I am going to be on the East Coast in May, and am looking for information on where to fish in the Catskills ( or anything nearby).  Is it possible to avoid the crowds at that time of year. I will only  be able to fish for a couple of days. Any advice will be greatly  appreciated. Thanks, Chuck Remove nospam when replying by e-mail

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I am going to be on the East Coast in May, and am looking for information on where to fish in the Catskills ( or anything nearby). Is it possible to avoid the crowds at that time of year. I will only be able to fish for a couple of days. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Chuck Remove nospam when replying by e-mail

The Catskills will opkay in May but the fishing isn’t as good as it could be.  If youare coming east ou should come to NC where the weather in May is beautiful and we fish for striped bass and get around 100 or so gish per man per day on Deceivers and other types of streamers.  Check out my website for all the info. — Flyfish NC                                                   Gordon Churchill                                        http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Rapids/3853                                                                     Dragon’s Hope Publishing Heidi Dragon Churchill                                               Business cards, ad design, forms and all manner of desktop publishing.      

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Question:

I’ve heard a lot about Boca Grande of late and thought I might like to check it out.  I would appreciate any recommendations of, or warnings about, lodging and guides. Thanks WAL

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TRY Boca Grande Real Estate.They can be found on the iternet Keyword Boca Grande. I have used them for six years ,great service and rentals are great.You can also find there 800# in Florida Sportsman. Email GOOD Luck

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TRY Boca Grande Real Estate.They can be found on the iternet Keyword Boca Grande. I have used them for six years ,great service and rentals are great.You can also find there 800# in Florida Sportsman. Email GOOD Luck

_______BOCA GRANDE is very expensive.  Your money is taken from you by the pound.  If you can, use a camper-trailer or mobil home.  The camp sites are much more reasonable and you can move around better.   George — MZ

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I’ve heard a lot about Boca Grande of late and thought I might like to check it out.  I would appreciate any recommendations of, or warnings about, lodging and guides. Thanks WAL

I have fished Boca Grande and its surrounding waters for many years.  In general, the island of Gasparilla, where the city of Boca Grande (named for the adjoining pass) is located, can be on the expensive side.  You might want to check out this site for Pine Island and surrounding areas. The northern tip of Pine Island is located just a few miles east of Boca Grande pass.  This site gives a particularly good description of the history and attractions of this general area. http://www.pineislandfl.com/ If you like roughing it, you might want to consider Cayo Costa (a Florida State Park). Cayo Costa is the barrier island that makes up the southern shore of Boca Grande pass.  Access to this island is by boat only, although there are frequent passenger ferry trips (no cars) from Pine Island.  See these sites: http://www.atlantagames.com./south/getaway/cayo.htm http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/southwest/cayo.html Boca Grande, the pass, is a major inlet to Charlotte Harbor. The pass itself is noted mostly for its Tarpon fishing which is at its best starting in late April thought early June.  The waters inside (east) of the pass, i.e. Charlotte Harbor and its tributaries and adjoining bays, are noted for some of the best backcountry fishing for Snook, Redfish, and Spotted Sea Trout (Speckled Trout) in this country.  There are many good guides in the area.  However, I usually guide myself and, with one exception, am not able to help you there.  Several years ago, I did hire a guide, a Captain Bill Miller, to take a visiting family member and myself for a day of backcountry fly fishing.  It was an excellent trip with many redfish and trout being caught (that’s what we were looking for) and we were impressed with the knowledge and skills of the guide. I don’t know if Bill is still guiding in the area or not, but he specializes in fly fishing for everything from tarpon to trout.  He even released a video tape several years ago that might still be avaliable. Its title is "The Complete Guide to Tarpon Fishing With Artificials". A good site for Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island can be found here: http://www.cyberstreet.com/ccfsbo/bocagran.htm Hope this helps…

Question:

I am spending a week in the Jackson Tenn. area.  Anyone know of any good flyfishing to be had within an hours drive? Thanks for your reply.   Dee

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I don’t really know of anything near Jackson, however if you are willing to drive about 6 hours you can fish some of the finest fly fishing waters in the world in NorthEast Tennessee.   The tailwaters of the S. Holston has been rated in the top ten trout streams in the nation, and if you are looking for the mountain stream experience the Doe Creek which runs through Roan Mountain State Park is great.  Also Laurel Fork, etc.  There are also some great spots in the Smoky’s, but I have never fished them. If you want to come up here, I can guide you or I can recommend a guide. Joe Byrd – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am spending a week in the Jackson Tenn. area.  Anyone know of any good flyfishing to be had within an hours drive? Thanks for your reply.   Dee

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You are closer to the White River area of Arkansas than East Tenessee. Call Gaston’s near Mountain Home Ark. or Ozark Anglers in Heber Springs, Ark.If you want to fish for small mouth try Buffalo River near Flatwoods Tn. Its about 1 hour southeast of Jackson. Try and find a book, Home Waters, written by the Mid -South Flyfishers of Memphis, Tn. It gives you good advice about the Ark. area and also about Buffalo River in Tn. Best wishes. Jack.

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One hour east of Nashville is the Caney Fork River.  It has fished excellent this year.  The Caney is a tailwater.  One to two hours south of Nashville are the Elk and the Duck rivers.  They are both excellent tailwaters.  Closer to you is the Little Buffallo River.  It has a section of trout water, but I have not fished it.  Lots of smallmouth and largemouth water all over middle Tennessee.   Some of the colder smallmouth streams are stocked with trout in the spring.  Maybe some summer survivors. Maybe this will help. If you decide on a tailwater in Tennessee, please-please, call the TVA generation schedule for that particular dam.  1-800-238-2264 and follow their instructions.  The generation schedules have been pretty good for the three tailwaters I listed.  Sometimes. Michael

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Regarding the Upper Sac…. Last year I fished it with lures not flies due to the fact I didnt know how to fly fish:) I caught some beautiful McCloud Redbands around the Sim’s Campground area. Nice place to stay and good trails to walk the river up and down for a couple miles or so along the train tracks. Kurtz-

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If anybody could tell me what the first hatch of the year in the Upper Sac.  I would appreciate it.  My tying is slow, and I need to get as many as I can.  Any spots or stories are always welcome too.

Hello, The first hatch of the year on the Upper Sac is the famous Bead Head Prince Nymph hatch.  :-)  Sorry. Ok, actually it’s probably the Baetis, but the stoneflies get more attention. Both  salmonflies and golden stones will hatch, though it seems the numbers are down since the spill. Besides the standard stonefly imitations (Sofa Pillow, Stimulator, etc.) definitely try the Orange Humpy – for some reason it’s always a good searching pattern on the Sac (Pteronarcys, October Caddis?). Don’t forget to keep a few Green Drakes in your box. Last year I happened to be fortunate enough to be there when they came off and it was "stupid" fishing. Don’t let anybody fool ya’, the Sac is *still* a great river. Good fishing,    Alan.   Alan Barnard   Kiene’s Fly Shop   Sacramento, California   WWW Fly Tyer   http://www.ns.net/~barnard

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If anybody could tell me what the first hatch of the year in the Upper Sac.  I would appreciate it.  My tying is slow, and I need to get as many as I can.  Any spots or stories are always welcome too.

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In article If anybody could tell me what the first hatch of the year in the Upper Sac.  I would appreciate it.  My tying is slow, and I need to get as many as I can.  Any spots or stories are always welcome too.

I am sure there are caddis coming off already but it’s not open season there until April 27th.  As the water will be very high when it does open, you should tie up plenty of bead head nymphs – I find light green and regular hare’s ears do well there.  Dry fly fishing will be worthwhile on the side eddies and pockets with caddis emergers and dries, especially in the evenings, but you’ll get more action throughout the day with a two-nymph rig in the pockets as long as the current is down enough for the pockets to exist.  If not cast them right into the white water and hold the rod high and follow them down, what they call high-sticking.  Be careful wading as this river can be slippery. If you have an appreciation for flyfishing oldtimers, be sure to visit the Ted Fay Fly Shop located on the main street on the north end of Dunsmuir. You’ll want some black bombers like Ted Fay fly shop sells – lead wire under black yarn fat body with bit of grizzly hackle and optional splayed grizzly hackle tips for wings. If you are a home brewer fill a carboy at any of the fountains in Dunsmuir – this "best water on earth" makes for the best homebrew too. Here’s some reminiscing: I used to fish the area around Pollard Flat close to lake Shasta when I was a student and had no money.  I would take the Greyhound bus and have the driver drop me off there on I5, set up camp and fish a day or two then hike or hitchhike up to Dunsmuir to take the bus home. Back before about 1984 there was a free forest service campground a short walk from the all night truck diner there at Pollard Flat. I could fish all day up the river and hike back along the tracks in the dark, then instead of cooking in the dark enjoy a cheap cheeseburger and a lettuce salad and read a Field and Stream and even see a little TV.   They had Anchor Steam beer for 75 cents a bottle which was cheaper than buying sixpacks in SF.   This lower section usually had less fish but a high proportion of them were big.  There was one bend that always had a giant trout surface feeding that I could never approach without putting down, year after year. Joe Kinsey at the Ted Fay Fly Shop showed me their crude-looking flies which looked pretty much exactly like the smaller than normal black stonefles they had in vials in the shop, and told me some good places right there in Dunsmuir.  One time I caught ten good trout in one spot and after the third fish the fly was just a ragged blob of black yarn but it kept working better and better.  From this I learned that those pretty and delicate looking flies aren’t what you want. Later when I had an income I tried to take two friends up there. The campground was closed and overgrown, the diner had been sold and had born again reactionary hate messages posted on the walls inside and they had no beer at any price. From this I learned to enjoy things while you can. The weekend before it was wiped out in the pesticide spill I stopped enroute from the Klamath are caught a rainbow that took me into the backing but turned out to only be about 12 inches long – this must be some kind of record.   Have a good time – it is still a beautiful river and getting better all the time. Mark Vinsel http://www.lanminds.com/local/vinnie/gallery.html

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