does anyone know of a good recreational city in northern wyoming or southern montana? like to stay with in 400 miles of denver – flying a 182
Check out West Yellowstone, MT (WYS). I stop in there at least once a year. The Madison River and Hebgen lake are just north of the runway (good fishing). There’s a pilots campground on the field and complimentary mountain bikes for exploring the local area. The town is just 1.5 miles down the road and has outfitters for hiking/biking/rafting/4-wheeling trips if that’s your thing. If you’re going to be driving around on your own, check out the nearby (20 miles?) Earthquake Lake visitor center. The lake was formed in the 1959 earthquake when the side of a large mountain collapsed into the Madison River. Very cool place. For general info, check out : http://www.westyellowstonechamber.com/ already been to rapid city/devils tower. jackson hole probably booked over weekend, and a little far.
Jackson Hole is an overrated tourist trap. The FBO on the field caters to bizjets and gasoline burners are treated accordingly. Don’t bother. John Galban=====N4BQ (PA28-180)
or are there many recreational things to do it billings? it’s directly north of cody, but can skirt around smoke if problem. just don’t want to get "weathered in" by smoke at cody. would prefer a town that has river for fishing or rafting – and some good local restaurants and bars of course.
If you can, Butte or Missoula are awesome and have your recreation "needs".
i am taking parents up to cody, wyoming (COD) over labor day, first time flying with me. (yes leaving at 6am for mom) have motel and rafting trip scheduled, but current fires there might be a prob – -especially if wind is blowing smoke into city, and as i can attest to living in denver it’s extremely unpleasant on lungs and eyes. (and im sure airplanes)
I’m not au courant on the fires and of course in a few weeks the situation may change, so this might not help But have you considered West Yellowstone (WYS)? You can fly through the Tetons and get in there not going over 10k or swing around to the N We were at both Cody and West Yellowstone last summer, and I liked the latter better. It was a closer drive into Yellowstone Park, smaller city (very touristy still), beautiful airport with a nice long runway and an ILS so no problem at all landing there. I’m sure rafting trips and motels can be arranged, if not there’s a nice pilot’s campground at the airport 
Cheers, Sydney
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i am taking parents up to cody, wyoming (COD) over labor day, first time flying with me. (yes leaving at 6am for mom) have motel and rafting trip scheduled, but current fires there might be a prob – -especially if wind is blowing smoke into city, and as i can attest to living in denver it’s extremely unpleasant on lungs and eyes. (and im sure airplanes) I’m not au courant on the fires and of course in a few weeks the situation may change, so this might not help But have you considered West Yellowstone (WYS)? You can fly through the Tetons and get in there not going over 10k or swing around to the N We were at both Cody and West Yellowstone last summer, and I liked the latter better. It was a closer drive into Yellowstone Park, smaller city (very touristy still), beautiful airport with a nice long runway and an ILS so no problem at all landing there. I’m sure rafting trips and motels can be arranged, if not there’s a nice pilot’s campground at the airport Cheers, Sydney
Rafting trips are booked months ahead. Hotels are scarce, at times. — Jim in NC–
Cheney’s popping in and out of Jackson Hole (TFR Aug1-Sep1) so you may want an alternative.
<<I am in Billings. The smoke comes and goes. Yesterday morning was our worst day. It was 2 miles viz until about 8 am when a cold front came thru. That cleared it up to about 15 mile viz. thanks for the posts and the local info. visibility is my main concern – but sounds managable – so we’ll probably still land / stay in cody, but maybe head north to billings or further for day trips if cody isn’t pleasant environment.. cough cough << Jackson Hole is an overrated tourist trap. i’ve spent new years in jackson hole once– drove there but saw AF2 at JAC. one thing i like was teton county library south of town. largest small town library i’ve seen- modern and new titles -big bay window with deer wandering by. nice way to spend cold afternoon. west yellowstone – western montana is definetely on my list. now that i’m flying 182 shouldn’t be a prob for a 3-4 day trip thanks – and will post pics!
<<I am in Billings. The smoke comes and goes. Yesterday morning was our worst day. It was 2 miles viz until about 8 am when a cold front came thru. That cleared it up to about 15 mile viz. thanks for the posts and the local info. visibility is my main concern – but sounds managable – so we’ll probably still land / stay in cody, but maybe head north to billings or further for day trips if cody isn’t pleasant environment.. cough cough
Now today we had vis of 50 miles. Still a little fuzzy looking but flyable.
Rafting trips are booked months ahead. Hotels are scarce, at times.
I’m sure both are true, especially if one has specific preferences or wishes a multi-day trip or to stay at a lodge in the park. However, just for a comfortable but not fancy motel, we were there after July 4th and there were vacancies in both W. Yellowstone and Cody, at motels and at "dude ranches" outside town. There was also space available on several different day and half-day rafting trips, trail rides etc. Whether they would have been available a week ahead of time, or whether they represented the inevitable "last minute cancellations", I can’t say. Whether the sitch is different on Labor Day, can’t say either but I suspect it’s pretty much the same. FWIW Sydney
Got into this a bit late, but I’m a big fan of Sheridan. Have some info and pics on my web site: http://www.flyingmutts.com. FYI, the Big Horn Fire that was burning NW of Sheridan is pretty much contained so that shouldn’t pose a problem Flying time from Boulder to Sheridan in my 182 is usually about 2′15" depending on wind. Have fun. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -i am taking parents up to cody, wyoming (COD) over labor day, first time flying with me. (yes leaving at 6am for mom) have motel and rafting trip scheduled, but current fires there might be a prob – -especially if wind is blowing smoke into city, and as i can attest to living in denver it’s extremely unpleasant on lungs and eyes. (and im sure airplanes) still hoping for cody, but prepping an alternate if needed. does anyone know of a good recreational city in northern wyoming or southern montana? like to stay with in 400 miles of denver – flying a 182 already been to rapid city/devils tower. jackson hole probably booked over weekend, and a little far. anyone been to sheridan / buffalo area? or are there many recreational things to do it billings? it’s directly north of cody, but can skirt around smoke if problem. just don’t want to get "weathered in" by smoke at cody. would prefer a town that has river for fishing or rafting – and some good local restaurants and bars of course. thanks in advance — will post flying pics of wherever we end up!
thanks – i’ve seen your site – nice pics – and salida and buena vista are on my list of places to go. leaving sat morning for cody – called the FBO and they said viz is been ok -but i have riverton as a b’up also taking a 182 from front range – planning 2.5 to 3 hours – if you can get to sheridan in just over 2 that’s good to hear! my only concern now is front moving in from north this weekend- hope it doesn’t make it an IFR morning still 25 hours away from that IFR checkride — but getting closer all the time…
Now today West Yellowstone is a no go, viz about 1-2 miles around 11 am. Hazy here in Billings and the viz is only about 30-40 miles. There has been a lot of rain in southwestern MT over the past week. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – thanks – i’ve seen your site – nice pics – and salida and buena vista are on my list of places to go. leaving sat morning for cody – called the FBO and they said viz is been ok -but i have riverton as a b’up also taking a 182 from front range – planning 2.5 to 3 hours – if you can get to sheridan in just over 2 that’s good to hear! my only concern now is front moving in from north this weekend- hope it doesn’t make it an IFR morning still 25 hours away from that IFR checkride — but getting closer all the time…
i am taking parents up to cody, wyoming (COD) over labor day, first time flying with me. (yes leaving at 6am for mom) have motel and rafting trip scheduled, but current fires there might be a prob – -especially if wind is blowing smoke into city, and as i can attest to living in denver it’s extremely unpleasant on lungs and eyes. (and im sure airplanes) still hoping for cody, but prepping an alternate if needed. does anyone know of a good recreational city in northern wyoming or southern montana? like to stay with in 400 miles of denver – flying a 182 already been to rapid city/devils tower. jackson hole probably booked over weekend, and a little far. anyone been to sheridan / buffalo area? or are there many recreational things to do it billings? it’s directly north of cody, but can skirt around smoke if problem. just don’t want to get "weathered in" by smoke at cody. would prefer a town that has river for fishing or rafting – and some good local restaurants and bars of course. thanks in advance — will post flying pics of wherever we end up!
Sheridan or Buffalo are definitely options. Buffalo is a little closer to Story, which is a great place to visit. OTOH, I don’t think you can get a rental car at Buffalo. Buffalo has cheaper gas than Sheridan, though, and is more of a rustic airport.
still hoping for cody, but prepping an alternate if needed. does anyone know of a good recreational city in northern wyoming or southern montana? like to stay with in 400 miles of denver – flying a 182
I am in Billings. The smoke comes and goes. Yesterday morning was our worst day. It was 2 miles viz until about 8 am when a cold front came thru. That cleared it up to about 15 mile viz. You’ll get what you get. You can fly to Red Lodge(RED) and have a short walk into town. It’s a cool mountain town similar to Cody. Go to Bogarts for lunch, and don’t miss the candy store that is in a 75 year old movie theater…squeaking wood floors and all. already been to rapid city/devils tower. jackson hole probably booked over weekend, and a little far.
And a ton of TFR’s. Cheney is in and out of JAC for the month of August. anyone been to sheridan / buffalo area?
I’ve been to Sheridan a few times, nice scenery. or are there many recreational things to do it billings? it’s directly north of cody, but can skirt around smoke if problem. just don’t want to get "weathered in" by smoke at cody.
You won’t get weathered in by smoke but you may get actual 10 mile viz, which sucks. If you are a golfer Billings has a few places to play. would prefer a town that has river for fishing or rafting – and some good local restaurants and bars of course.
All the rivers are low right now as we have not had measureable rain for 56 days now and most of the snow has already melted off the mountains this year. Columbus(6S3) is right on the confluence of the Stillwater and Yellowstone rivers 30 miles SW of BIL. You can easily fish the rivers or there are numerous float operators if you want to float the river. All towns around here have interesting bars and restaurants. I will give you more info if you’d like.
Jeff, Just so I have the details correctly: 1 dry and 1 wet caddis, in orange. Size can be anything the tyer wishes? Tom
Jeff, Just so I have the details correctly: 1 dry and 1 wet caddis, in orange. Size can be anything the tyer wishes? Tom
okay. see how agreeable i am… jeff (btw, yer now on the rules committee)
jeff writes: btw, yer now on the rules committee
man, this place is getting like my workplace! People calling me dumbo and maggot, now the committees! AARRRGH! Tom now, about that matter of defining "orange"
Tom writes: now, about that matter of defining "orange"
Yes. And perhaps a recipe….. Dave
Dave writes: Yes. And perhaps a recipe…..
no, that would take all of the creativity out of it. Tom
Tom writes: Dave writes: Yes. And perhaps a recipe….. no, that would take all of the creativity out of it.
Aha! I see….. heh, heh, heh.
So can i go buy some caddis and spay paint them orange ???Are these going to be distrubited to all entries into the rodeo ? Also bareback or saddle broncs? And i would imagine there will be alot of bull there also. Handyman Mike Standing in a river waving a stick
jeff writes: btw, yer now on the rules committee man, this place is getting like my workplace! People calling me dumbo and maggot, now the committees! AARRRGH! Tom now, about that matter of defining "orange"
If you’re tying Jeffies flies, I think you should be *real* creative.
Stan writes: If you’re tying Jeffies flies, I think you should be *real* creative.
well, shoot! Within a minute or two after scrambling down the bank, they will all be wet flies anyway! Tom p.s. I am tying flies for myownself, thanks!
Stan writes: If you’re tying Jeffies flies, I think you should be *real* creative.
hmmm… may i suggest a bunch of orange thread and deerhair on a bottle opener? i lose bottle openers some kinda bad. p.s. I am tying flies for myownself, thanks!
kinda kills the swap idea then don’t it? jeff
Jeff writes: p.s. I am tying flies for myownself, thanks! kinda kills the swap idea then don’t it?
sorry if you misunderstood, I just wasn’t tying "proxy" flies for others. However, can someone clear up this confusion? Are we having a swap or also a one-fly angling contest at Blue Rock Hole? Ignorant little shit which I am, I am starting to get murky on the details. Tom
Jeff writes: p.s. I am tying flies for myownself, thanks! kinda kills the swap idea then don’t it? sorry if you misunderstood, I just wasn’t tying "proxy" flies for others. However, can someone clear up this confusion? Are we having a swap or also a one-fly angling contest at Blue Rock Hole? Ignorant little shit which I am, I am starting to get murky on the details. Tom
sorry about the murky details – it’s residue from the anticlave thing. anyway, yer the rules committee, so issue a ruling. i thought we were tying, swapping, and then fishing the swaps (orange caddis only) at the axelrad rodeo at the blue rock hole. jeff
jeff clarifies: orry about the murky details – it’s residue from the anticlave thing. anyway, yer the rules committee, so issue a ruling. i thought we were tying, swapping, and then fishing the swaps (orange caddis only) at the axelrad rodeo at the blue rock hole.
Wow, is this stuff complicated! I mean, I invited you damned confeder….er, I mean Southerners up here, and now we have this convoluted mess! Good Lord! I say we tie them, swap them and then all go and get drunk after we drop them in the woods someplace whilst trying to sort them into boxes. Pretty much what is going to happen anyway, I figure. Alright, I will go along with your version, but don’t say I didn’t warn you, this is going to get Ugly. Good of you to take care of those tshirts for me. Tom
Hearing about this rodeo, I couldn’t resist… Two cowboys are out on the range talking about their favorite sex positions. One says, "I think I enjoy the rodeo position the best." "I don’t think I have ever heard of that one," says the other cowboy. "What is it?" "Well, it’s where you get your wife down on all fours and you mount her from behind. Then you reach around and cup each one of her breasts in your hands and whisper in her ear, ‘Boy, these feel just like your sister’s.’ Then you try and hold on for 8 seconds." – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well alrighty then… here it is. Participants must tie one dry and one wet/nymph. Only those attending the Penns clave can join the swap, but, you can have a surrogate (only one) tie your flies for you to be sent to me (only way wayno and pj could participate). So, sign up, name your seconds (the one whats gonna tie your flies) and send them to me. I’ll send my snail mail address to those participating. Now, before anybody else makes the solicitation, I need a surrogate to tie my flies – with full attribution to you, of course! Wolfgang, Mike Connor, rw, willi (if you aren’t attending), warren (if you aren’t attending), daytripper, petah c, somebody…i know one of you guys (or girls?) will be happy to help me out <G. Those who sign up and who attend the Penns clave automatically will be entered as participants in the 1st Annual Axelrad Memorial Bizarre Fly Rodeo at the Blue Rock Hole. You will be allowed to use only orange caddis – dry and/or wet/nymph – for the duration of the rodeo at the Blue Rock Hole. Further details will be announced by the Board of Directors, once we figure out who the hell they are gonna be. jeff
(SPLORK VANG MU!) I’ll try to remember that one Jeff. Good one. bruce h
Well alrighty then… here it is. Participants must tie one dry and one wet/nymph. Only those attending the Penns clave can join the swap, but, you can have a surrogate (only one) tie your flies for you to be sent to me (only way wayno and pj could participate). So, sign up, name your seconds (the one whats gonna tie your flies) and send them to me. I’ll send my snail mail address to those participating. Now, before anybody else makes the solicitation, I need a surrogate to tie my flies – with full attribution to you, of course! Wolfgang, Mike Connor, rw, willi (if you aren’t attending), warren (if you aren’t attending), daytripper, petah c, somebody…i know one of you guys (or girls?) will be happy to help me out <G. Those who sign up and who attend the Penns clave automatically will be entered as participants in the 1st Annual Axelrad Memorial Bizarre Fly Rodeo at the Blue Rock Hole. You will be allowed to use only orange caddis – dry and/or wet/nymph – for the duration of the rodeo at the Blue Rock Hole. Further details will be announced by the Board of Directors, once we figure out who the hell they are gonna be. jeff
Yo, Any ROFFers headed to the International Sportsmen’s Expo in Pomona at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds next week? peace, Mu
Would love to Mu, was born there but gonna have to settle for the Maryland Fly Fishing Show. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any ROFFers headed to the International Sportsmen’s Expo in Pomona at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds next week? peace, Mu
Hi All, I just spent a week at a wonderful little cottage on the edge of Glacier National Park, MT. The fishing was outstanding! It was the perfect place for a fishing base in the Glacier area – convenient location near restaurants, stores, etc. near some of the best fishing in Montana. I’d highly recommend it to all anglers. http://www.GlacierParadise.com –Skoop
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, I just spent a week at a wonderful little cottage on the edge of Glacier National Park, MT. The fishing was outstanding! It was the perfect place for a fishing base in the Glacier area – convenient location near restaurants, stores, etc. near some of the best fishing in Montana. I’d highly recommend it to all anglers. http://www.GlacierParadise.com –Skoop I
After a long cold spell, the temps hit sixty yesterday. As a respite for the 14 hour days I work during Christmas Break, I decided to get out for a couple of hours and enjoy the weather. My home river had been well frozen but since early December the flows have been good. When I got to the river, I noticed it had opened up some and it carried a slight amount of color from the melting snow and ice. I walked along enjoying the warm sun and checking the most promising areas for midging fish. I walked down to the river and dipped in my hand to check the water temp. The water was/seemed even colder than it was during the colder weather. I’ve read that thawing ice and melting snow from warmer weather can actually lower stream temps. My experience echoes this. It usually takes a couple of warmer days in the middle of the Winter to get the fish stirring. The first warm day seems to result in fewer feeding fish. Anyway, the usual Winter midging areas were devoid of fish and I saw very few midges out. The trail rises high above the the upper flats area, a major feeding area for a large, deep pool downstream, and fish spotting is good. I saw no fish in this quarter mile stretch. I continued to walk for awhile watching the ducks and the other birds and enjoying the day. Seeing no fish, I turned around and headed back to my van. I decided to check out one more spot before calling it quits. I sat down on a rock and watched the river for awhile. There, at the end of a current tongue was a small dimple or was it my imagination? A couple of minutes later, the fish sipped another midge. Fish rising very occasionally like this one are often very difficult to rise to a fly because they are either mainly feeding underwater or are not earnestly feeding. Since, it was the only feeding fish I spotted, I gave it a try. Using a size 22 emerger midge, I made a series of casts to the general area of the rising fish with no results, when I spotted a dimple in a different area. Either the fish was cruising or there was more than one fish out. I stopped fishing for minute and watched for the next rise. A fish sipped a midge closer in and I covered the rise with several casts, then had a solid take. The fish was surprising lively, given the cold water, and leapt out of the water several times. I slid the the fish onto an ice shelve and admired the bright coloration the Rainbows seems to take on during the Winter. I removed the hook, slid it into the water, sat down and watched the river again for spell. The fish was either the only one feeding, or more likely, the others were put down by its aerobatics because I saw no other feeders. I packed up and headed home. Today, the temps will again be in the upper 50’s and maybe they’ll be a few more fish! Willi
…..Usual good reportage snipped… Thanks for the report, Willi. Just goes to show how a one-fish-trip can be a great trip. Danl Who would walk out to his "home water" cept for the 6 hour drive.
(captivating report snipped) damn, man, i love getting these reports. you have a terrific, direct prose style. paradise painted with a few strong colors. wayno
After about a week of training some extra summer help, I finally found time to get away yesterday. Runoff has really been moderate this year. Although the river was fairly high, it was only slightly discolored and carried some mud. I fished midday and there were numerous hatches going on, small Mays and a variety of caddis. The fish were very active and had moved into aggressive feeding stations in the few small pockets of calm water they found in the shallow runs and rapids. I got a number of strikes and landed a couple fish on a skittered dry, but didn’t really get into the fish until I started using nymphs. The fish I was targeting were in the areas of shallow, but heavy water. They were in the slower water lies at the edges of the stream and behind every substantial obstruction that provided protection from the current. Fishing was easy. The fish were totally unselective and were feeding aggressively enough that they would come out of their lies and chase down the nymphs instead of waiting for the food to be drifting to them. The fights were spirited and aerobatic in the heavy flows. Fun, non fussy fishing. Willi
(pleasant report snipped) The fish were totally unselective and were feeding aggressively enough that they would come out of their lies and chase down the nymphs instead of waiting for the food to be drifting to them. The fights were spirited and aerobatic in the heavy flows. Fun, non fussy fishing. Willi
willi, i think you have more pleasant trips astream than all the rest of us combined. thanks for the report, and congratulations on a charmed piscatorial life. wayno
I live five minutes away from an urban river, as do over 100,000 other people, but very few other people fish it for a variety of reasons. I’m self employed and I try to get out, even if it’s only for an hour, as often as possible. Much better for your soul than watching the tube. Every where I’ve lived, with the exception of Chicago, I’ve managed to find some fishing close by that was ignored by other people. Not always trout sometimes a stream with smallmouth and rockbass, a farm pond with bluegills and bass, or a muddy creek with catfish. People tend to drive past lots of good water to get to some far off place that is somehow better. Willi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (pleasant report snipped) The fish were totally unselective and were feeding aggressively enough that they would come out of their lies and chase down the nymphs instead of waiting for the food to be drifting to them. The fights were spirited and aerobatic in the heavy flows. Fun, non fussy fishing. Willi willi, i think you have more pleasant trips astream than all the rest of us combined. thanks for the report, and congratulations on a charmed piscatorial life. wayno
The roads are dirt most of the way, but they don’t endander your oilpan. The drive from the Roach over to the dam would be about 45 minutes or a bit less. Nesowadnehunk Falls is down stream from the dam several miles, approximately at mile marker 22. As you head toward Millinocket, there is a pull-off on the right for the falls. It is marked on the Maine Map and Gazeteer (de Lorme). -Rich – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Oops. I got my rivers mixed up. I was thinking about the West Outlet of the Kennebec out of Moosehead. I’ve fished below Ripogenous Dam before. I got skunked, but it’s a beautiful spot. You’re talking "not far from the Roach" in sort of North Woods terms, right? I seem to remember it being about an hour’s worth of logging roads. Is that about right? I ended up at Nesowdehunk Lake once while getting lost on the way to Baxter SP. That was fun, but my oil pan doesn’t want me to do it again. (Missed my turn in the dark on the way back, too. Ended up in NE Carry before I realized it.) Where’s N’hunk Falls? If I can squeeze out the time, I might have to head on up there. Thanks and tight lines, Joe F.
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Thanks, Rich. I do remember that the road was pretty good most of the way to the dam. Last time I was up there, I took a side road down to check out Frost Pond after crossing the dam. That one was pretty tough. On the other hand, the Taurus SW wasn’t really the ideal off-road vehicle. Joe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The roads are dirt most of the way, but they don’t endander your oilpan. The drive from the Roach over to the dam would be about 45 minutes or a bit less. Nesowadnehunk Falls is down stream from the dam several miles, approximately at mile marker 22. As you head toward Millinocket, there is a pull-off on the right for the falls. It is marked on the Maine Map and Gazeteer (de Lorme).
Thanks, Rich. I do remember that the road was pretty good most of the way to the dam. Last time I was up there, I took a side road down to check out Frost Pond after crossing the dam. That one was pretty tough. On the other hand, the Taurus SW wasn’t really the ideal off-road vehicle.
Frost pond road is bad coming from Rip but if you go the long way around it’s not too bad. (Telos road and take a left just before {or was it just after?} Harrington Lake) The Kakadjo road (Roach to Golden Road) was in pretty bad shape last summer, take it slow and you’ll be fine, go 45 and you’ll get bounced around a bit… flyfish
Peter Charles: <<I’m off to Labrador with my grandson in two hours. Dave LaCourse
Good luck, we’ll be thinking of you. Peter I’m baaaaaaaack. Wonderful trip. Colder than a well digger’s kapootee, but a wonderful experience for my grandson. Report Dave LaCourse
Oops. I got my rivers mixed up. I was thinking about the West Outlet of the Kennebec out of Moosehead. I’ve fished below Ripogenous Dam before. I got skunked, but it’s a beautiful spot. You’re talking "not far from the Roach" in sort of North Woods terms, right? I seem to remember it being about an hour’s worth of logging roads. Is that about right? I ended up at Nesowdehunk Lake once while getting lost on the way to Baxter SP. That was fun, but my oil pan doesn’t want me to do it again. (Missed my turn in the dark on the way back, too. Ended up in NE Carry before I realized it.) Where’s N’hunk Falls? If I can squeeze out the time, I might have to head on up there. Thanks and tight lines, Joe F. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well- You should go up the Greenville Road to the Golden Road and turn right and head toward Ripogenus Dam. You can fish at McKay power station (streamers, quill minnows, nymphs) or lower down at Holbrook pool (best with caddis nymphs, try light or dark olive, usually 14 or 16, with bead heads) Fishing at Nesowadnehunk Falls with streamers can be good (Stand right at the falls) or fish below with nymphs. The warmer the weather, the closer to the dam you fish. A good rain will drop the temperature and pick up the fishing. Hope for thundershowers! Good Luck! -Rich I returned from the West Branch, not too far from the Roach, just over a week ago. Water temperatures were high and rising and the fishing was slowing down. The Roach is a small river and it heats quickly. When I fished there last year in late June, warm weather turned the fishing off. Try driving over the West Branch and fishing some of the deeper and faster water with nymphs and streamers there. Good luck. Sounds as if I may have little choice but to abandon the Roach. Let’s s ay I head over to the West Branch instead. Assuming I park on Rt. 15, where would you suggest I go? Joe F. — Remove "nospam" from address if emailing direct.
Well- You should go up the Greenville Road to the Golden Road and turn right and head toward Ripogenus Dam. You can fish at McKay power station (streamers, quill minnows, nymphs) or lower down at Holbrook pool (best with caddis nymphs, try light or dark olive, usually 14 or 16, with bead heads) Fishing at Nesowadnehunk Falls with streamers can be good (Stand right at the falls) or fish below with nymphs. The warmer the weather, the closer to the dam you fish. A good rain will drop the temperature and pick up the fishing. Hope for thundershowers! Good Luck! -Rich – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I returned from the West Branch, not too far from the Roach, just over a week ago. Water temperatures were high and rising and the fishing was slowing down. The Roach is a small river and it heats quickly. When I fished there last year in late June, warm weather turned the fishing off. Try driving over the West Branch and fishing some of the deeper and faster water with nymphs and streamers there. Good luck. Sounds as if I may have little choice but to abandon the Roach. Let’s say I head over to the West Branch instead. Assuming I park on Rt. 15, where would you suggest I go? Joe F.
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[snip] I’m off to Labrador with my grandson in two hours. Dave LaCourse
Good luck, we’ll be thinking of you. Peter
I returned from the West Branch, not too far from the Roach, just over a week ago. Water temperatures were high and rising and the fishing was slowing down. The Roach is a small river and it heats quickly. When I fished there last year in late June, warm weather turned the fishing off. Try driving over the West Branch and fishing some of the deeper and faster water with nymphs and streamers there. Good luck.
Sounds as if I may have little choice but to abandon the Roach. Let’s say I head over to the West Branch instead. Assuming I park on Rt. 15, where would you suggest I go? Joe F.
advice snipped< I’m off to Labrador with my grandson in two hours. Dave LaCourse
Thanks, and good luck. Joe F.
I returned from the West Branch, not too far from the Roach, just over a week ago. Water temperatures were high and rising and the fishing was slowing down. The Roach is a small river and it heats quickly. When I fished there last year in late June, warm weather turned the fishing off. Try driving over the West Branch and fishing some of the deeper and faster water with nymphs and streamers there. Good luck. Obviously I’ve scheduled the family vacation by factors other than optimal fishing conditions, but I’ll nonetheless find myself on the Roach River in late July. I’ll check in at Maine Guide Fly Shop when I hit Greenville, but any helpful suggestions from anyone who’s been there would be appreciated. TIA, Joe F.
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Obviously I’ve scheduled the family vacation by factors other than optimal fishing conditions, but I’ll nonetheless find myself on the Roach River in late July. I’ll check in at Maine Guide Fly Shop when I hit Greenville, but any helpful suggestions from anyone who’s been there would be appreciated. TIA, Joe F.
Joe F.: <<Obviously I’ve scheduled the family vacation by factors other than optimal fishing conditions, but I’ll nonetheless find myself on the Roach River in late July. I’ll check in at Maine Guide Fly Shop when I hit Greenville, but any helpful suggestions from anyone who’s been there would be appreciated. I think you will find the Roach just a little warm in late July. I fished the Rapid (a tail water) two weeks ago and the temp was 70 degrees. The temp for July/early August would normally be 70 — much too warm. Much of Maine is suffering from high temps this year. The water temp coming out at the Middle Dam should have been in the low 50s on the 1st of June. Instead it was 63. Major hatches (Hendrickson specifically) normally occur at 53 degrees on the Rapid. Fishing was outstanding until the water temp reached 70 and it began to slow down. I would count of using nymphs and streamers in the deeper holes of the Roach, although caddis hatches may come off sporadically. I’m off to Labrador with my grandson in two hours. Dave LaCourse
Can someone out there explain to me why trickin dumb fish is so much fun? Clinchknot
probably not. — Marty Silva P.E.T.A (People for the Ethical Termination of Antihunters) If people aren’t supposed to eat animals… then why are they made out of meat.
Can someone out there explain to me why trickin dumb fish is so much fun? Clinchknot
Can someone out there explain to me why trickin dumb fish is so much fun?
You may be fishing for the wrong fish. I won’t say that fish are particularly intelligent. But they do have a will to survive and thousands of years of genetic development to perpetuate their species. You may just be so successful that you have outgrown the resource and need to pick another diversion. You must be one awesome fishermen with several line records as well. If I were to call fish ‘dumb’ it would be a slam to myself as they regularly elude me somehow. Maybe I miss the pointof your question and it is more rhetorical. Are you by chance reflecting on the fact the EVEN THOUGH fish are dumb, you still have fun catching them. That I can not explain. Maybe a 12 step program would be helpful. I for one am not near ready to give it up. regards, J. Webb Atlanta Mac User Group
In article – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can someone out there explain to me why trickin dumb fish is so much fun? You may be fishing for the wrong fish. I won’t say that fish are particularly intelligent. But they do have a will to survive and thousands of years of genetic development to perpetuate their species. You may just be so successful that you have outgrown the resource and need to pick another diversion. You must be one awesome fishermen with several line records as well. If I were to call fish ‘dumb’ it would be a slam to myself as they regularly elude me somehow. Maybe I miss the pointof your question and it is more rhetorical. Are you by chance reflecting on the fact the EVEN THOUGH fish are dumb, you still have fun catching them. That I can not explain. Maybe a 12 step program would be helpful. I for one am not near ready to give it up.
I know that this is a flyfishing newsgroup but I can still recognize trolling when see it. John Fereira
Can someone out there explain to me why trickin dumb fish is so much fun? Clinchknot
‘Cause I haven’t got a prayer in hell of trickin’ the smart ones:)
Can someone out there explain to me why trickin dumb fish is so much fun? Clinchknot No. Just can’t do it. You either like it or you don’t. It must be genetic. You sound a little put off by such silly, trite behavior. Get over it. Nice troll. JE
Can someone out there explain to me why trickin dumb fish is so much fun? Clinchknot
I’m A Frayed Knot. — TimW Halfordian Golfer
Very clever Moe. — Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail Ernie Harrison – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can someone out there explain to me why trickin dumb fish is so much fun? Clinchknot I’m A Frayed Knot. — TimW Halfordian Golfer
GG whore-news-hounds like Bob Silie and Charlie Myers were taken there. If GG you want to destroy a river or cathedral like this, simply write about it. I just love your writing style George and I believe you are right about these things most of the time. You know the water I fish from our conversations regarding John and Elna. I have recently stopped giving information in my posts which refer to the river I fish and live on. Hell, I may even stop referring to the entire State. My question, which is posed to you with the greatest respect for your experience, is simply: 1. Am I a selfish, greedy fool for not wanting my rather private party crashed, or 2. Have I been a loudmouthed fool for the many past years and posts I have made inviting everyone I knew, and many I didn’t to come partake in the pleasure? I have very mixed emotions about this, but I have seen what you are talking about here happen in so many places. Thanks for the shared experiences and cerebral pleasures your posts have brought me George. Dennis Vick … nfx v2.6 [C0000] http://www.westonia.com/blueview/
Thanks for the images Mr. Gink. Again, I can only try and imagine. By the way, that 10 pound cutthroat is swimming around Pyramid lake with a bunch of buddies the same size……JE
How ravaged was she when 1983 came around? My first meeting with this fine fair princess was not a solitary affair, but I know the 14 years since since then have been brutal, accelerating with every season. Now, I can’t stand to see her. The agonizing destruction brought on by her own, complex beauty hurts too deeply. And the trout, tell me, give me an idea of just how much I missed. In 1983 she seemed in good health, but I have no other version of her to compare, except her violated ugly present state. Then, I thought I was still seeing at least a glimpse of what you two recall. Now I can only imagine…
Of course, if the Denver Water Board had their way, it would be a great big recreation area now… — Chester Bullock Affordable Web Design and Hosting for Small Businesses http://www.black-diamond.com
Comes now, thundering towards the lady, from over the horizon – the goat-fuckers of the Platte River. The crown jewel trout stream in the entire state. At least, I knew her when she was still virgin. Unmolested, unbaited, with wild rainbows as big and as long as your leg. Challenged, fought, released for another day. The genes of yesterday, saved for my tomorrows, and for the tomorrows of children then, yet unborn . . . who want to come now and kill you and your children that play in dark, clear, secret pools. From wheel-chairs, jeeps, skidoo’s, spinners, and campers filled with canning jars! Let us strip her garments, her flowing gowns and dress away. Strip her naked to be raped with drive up camp grounds so the goat-fuckers can cast from the seat of an open topped 4-WD, or float on down the center of the river in black, ugly truck inner-tubes, with rat-faced macdoogal, sun freckled rug rats screaming in your ears. Who wants to hear those peeping Water Oozels anymore, or the cheer of the blue-bird, or the rattling of the great woodpeckers in the pines? Its going to be more fun listening to those Coleman Electrical generators and some bitch screaming . . . "Didn’t I tell you to come eat these damned hamburgers?!!" Goodby, sweet Princess. We knew, one day you were going to be murdered. We all must die, someday but some of us, in the quiet reaches of Colorado’s Outdoors, do it better than others. Your death has begun and it will be a public affair attended by all of Denver this public hanging that has long been . . . overdue? Mr. G.
Poignant, truthful and sad. Might as well build the Two Forks dam, just to put our mother out of her anguished misery.
You know, I’ve thought the same thing myself. Although I don’t consider the Platte my "mother" (that’s another river in another place far from here) she has certainly been a lover. Almost better to wipe it all away than see it get worse. </chaz
Go back to 1968-1972 before the road was paved. When the Denver Water Board had all of it locked up and then after that, the entire Lake above the Dam. It was in the days when on a weekend only one or two other cars were hidden or parked on the path in. When I could fish all week and never see another soul. When you could look down into Anticipation Pool and watch Rainbows chasing another with a face full of green algae filimentagous moss full of caddis worms, trying to steal it like a pack of puppies chasing the nipples on mother. When I could sit on one of those huge basalt/sandstone boulders by the hour watching fish up to fifteen and sixteen pounds darting around like minnows! Spunky, fearless, not knowing what ‘man’ was about and the depth of the pool protected them from predators, so they hid seldom. It was water that had no brown trout in it then. Those were introduced by the idiots at the Wig-Wam Club. But once started, it hurt the fishery beyond imagination. It was long before the outdoor writers of the Rocky Mountain News, and the Denver Post and the whore-news-hounds like Bob Silie and Charlie Myers were taken there. If you want to destroy a river or cathedral like this, simply write about it. It was Brad Fort who first took me here. It was Brad Fort who taught me that here, little was better and where literally, "Matching the Hatch" meant you took viles of samples home and you INVENTED the emerging caddis flies with the short-side duck-quill-tip wings, the fine gold ribbing, the beaver chest and the black mink fur head and the trailing wood-duck flank legs in sizes 18/2X and 16 hooks. It was when you stood in front of a little shoot of water and forced yourself to believe that there WAS a fish THERE. You fished with total focus, no indicators, you concentrated just on the leader where it entered the water. If you can read water you must learn how to read the drift of a leader. How it moves, in or out, fast or slows with the current, or how it may simply ‘pause’. You don’t lift with each ‘guess’ but rather I snap the rod tip down towards the water for about two or six inches. Its enough to move the mico-caddis offerings to touch a trout without having to come out of the water or off the bottom. Few, if any other fly fishermen knew this trick I guessed at and was taught by this river to do. And then the day came of all glorious days in my life. I had been fishing her in secret for many years. It was the only place in the west I knew of that had such large fish and so many of them. Over 8,000 per mile. I began to dream of ‘a feat’. A club I want to start, even to this day. But with the Rainbow, I think I am the only man in the world to do this feat, but I have not been able to do it with all the other species but I am near to completing it with the brown. It goes like this. A sixteen inch trout caught on a size sixteen hook. This makes me a member of the 16/16 club. With the Rainbow Species and all of them caught on the Platte River above Deckers. I am my own member in good standing for completing all the fish and hook sizes. They are: The 18/18 Club, the 20/20, 22/22 and 24/24 Club and then a year later the 26/26 club, the 28/28 club and finally a 32 inch Rainbow caught on a size 32 fly slightly over-sized-dressed as a midge. With the Brown Trout, I have them all except the 26/26 Club and most of those are caught at the Miracle Mile and Big Horn River before the Indians opened it up to public fishing. In this world, on this planet, I don’t think there is a man alive that could spend a lifetime and get this far let alone do all four species on all seven hook sizes. Such a man, would be remembered forever, I think. This idea, which is copyrighted by me is on the back-burner because the patches and certificates could be won by a little boy fishing a fly in an irrigation ditch such as the 16/16 inch Club Master with a Brown Trout. As the years pass, the patches start to gather and it would not require killing fish to do it. Just a camera and a witness. Two witnesses after one gets over the 20 sizes. There is a man named Charlie Kroll who is the son-in-law of Fred Bear of Bear Archery fame. Mr. Kroll (who used to be my neighbor in Blackhawk Colorado where I invented Gink) has done something nearly as marvelous and as difficult. Catching a ten pounder or greater trout of each species on a fly. He has them all except the Cutthroat. By the time he got to Reno, the big Cutts had already been pan-fried and are gone. I don’t think there is another 10 pound cutthroat left in the lower 48 but I think he can still find one in South America. That, remains to be seen. Mr. Gink – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How ravaged was she when 1983 came around? My first meeting with this fine fair princess was not a solitary affair, but I know the 14 years since since then have been brutal, accelerating with every season. Now, I can’t stand to see her. The agonizing destruction brought on by her own, complex beauty hurts too deeply. And the trout, tell me, give me an idea of just how much I missed. In 1983 she seemed in good health, but I have no other version of her to compare, except her violated ugly present state. Then, I thought I was still seeing at least a glimpse of what you two recall. Now I can only imagine…
How ravaged was she when 1983 came around? My first meeting with this fine fair princess was not a solitary affair, but I know the 14 years since since then have been brutal, accelerating with every season. Now, I can’t stand to see her. The agonizing destruction brought on by her own, complex beauty hurts too deeply. And the trout, tell me, give me an idea of just how much I missed. In 1983 she seemed in good health, but I have no other version of her to compare, except her violated ugly present state. Then, I thought I was still seeing at least a glimpse of what you two recall. Now I can only imagine…
Poignant, truthful and sad. Might as well build the Two Forks dam, just to put our mother out of her anguished misery. — TimW Halfordian Golfer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Comes now, thundering towards the lady, from over the horizon – the goat-fuckers of the Platte River. The crown jewel trout stream in the entire state. At least, I knew her when she was still virgin. Unmolested, unbaited, with wild rainbows as big and as long as your leg. Challenged, fought, released for another day. The genes of yesterday, saved for my tomorrows, and for the tomorrows of children then, yet unborn . . . who want to come now and kill you and your children that play in dark, clear, secret pools. From wheel-chairs, jeeps, skidoo’s, spinners, and campers filled with canning jars! Let us strip her garments, her flowing gowns and dress away. Strip her naked to be raped with drive up camp grounds so the goat-fuckers can cast from the seat of an open topped 4-WD, or float on down the center of the river in black, ugly truck inner-tubes, with rat-faced macdoogal, sun freckled rug rats screaming in your ears. Who wants to hear those peeping Water Oozels anymore, or the cheer of the blue-bird, or the rattling of the great woodpeckers in the pines? Its going to be more fun listening to those Coleman Electrical generators and some bitch screaming . . . "Didn’t I tell you to come eat these damned hamburgers?!!" Goodby, sweet Princess. We knew, one day you were going to be murdered. We all must die, someday but some of us, in the quiet reaches of Colorado’s Outdoors, do it better than others. Your death has begun and it will be a public affair attended by all of Denver this public hanging that has long been . . . overdue? Mr. G.
Comes now, thundering towards the lady, from over the horizon – the goat-fuckers of the Platte River. The crown jewel trout stream in the entire state. At least, I knew her when she was still virgin. Unmolested, unbaited, with wild rainbows as big and as long as your leg. Challenged, fought, released for another day. The genes of yesterday, saved for my tomorrows, and for the tomorrows of children then, yet unborn . . . who want to come now and kill you and your children that play in dark, clear, secret pools. From wheel-chairs, jeeps, skidoo’s, spinners, and campers filled with canning jars! Let us strip her garments, her flowing gowns and dress away. Strip her naked to be raped with drive up camp grounds so the goat-fuckers can cast from the seat of an open topped 4-WD, or float on down the center of the river in black, ugly truck inner-tubes, with rat-faced macdoogal, sun freckled rug rats screaming in your ears. Who wants to hear those peeping Water Oozels anymore, or the cheer of the blue-bird, or the rattling of the great woodpeckers in the pines? Its going to be more fun listening to those Coleman Electrical generators and some bitch screaming . . . "Didn’t I tell you to come eat these damned hamburgers?!!" Goodby, sweet Princess. We knew, one day you were going to be murdered. We all must die, someday but some of us, in the quiet reaches of Colorado’s Outdoors, do it better than others. Your death has begun and it will be a public affair attended by all of Denver this public hanging that has long been . . . overdue? Mr. G. Dear Mr. Gehrke: I was lucky enough, one time many years ago to meet you as I had watched you fishing above the Wigwam Club long before the paved roads were put in. When that long grade down into the Platte Canyon could literally kill you. When it was still wilderness. I watched you fish the big, deep pools from a huge boulder high above and you were below . . . and I
I have an e-mail freind who lives in Michigan who would like to join a fly fishing club ! She lives in Ann Arbor area ! Please e-mail me any info you have or may be a small list of shops in the area which are recommended? General question ; Is there a site on the WEB which lists Fly Fishing clubs and or organizations ie. FFF Trout Unlimited ect. ??? Thanks in advance Rich Lob Left Coaster Livermore Fly Fishers
Check with MacGregors in AA 616-761-9200. I think a TU group meets at their fly shop. Ann
The Ann Arbor chapter of Trout Unlimited is going to meet at Community High School, starting next month. The meetings are usually on the third Wednesday night of the month. Carl Heuter is the current president (in the A2 phone book), and MacGregor’s is another good place to get the meeting information.
Does anyone know about fishing in Western Mass., particularity around Turners Falls/Greenfield and/or in Lake Quabin? I’m interested in knowing about bass, trout and/or what-ever-there-is fishing. I also love flyfishing. Thank you in advance!
Does anyone know about fishing in Western Mass., particularity around Turners Falls/Greenfield and/or in Lake Quabin? I’m interested in knowing about bass, trout and/or what-ever-there-is fishing. I also love flyfishing. Thank you in advance!
I fished Quabin resevoir with my dad in the 60’s. Most folks fished for lake trout. I liked to cast spoons or spinners from shore and sometimes hooked some nice sized rainbows (19 inches). I also liked to head up that creek which was full of brook trout at that time. Since then I have heard that atlantic salmon have been introduced and have produced some excellent fishing. There was a river called the icy river I think that was popular for trout. Can’t remember where it was. Andy S.