Question:

Anyone here every made a vest? None of the vests I’ve owned have the right sized pockets in the right places.  The one I have now is close to what I want. I was thinking about taking it apart and using it as a pattern and then making the changes I want. I’ve made a tent, sleeping bag and a down vest in the past, but they were made from kits. Willi

My wife Kate, is currently making one for my son Brandon.  She got a pattern from the sewing shop, and is using my Colombia as an inspiration for modifications to the pattern (like mesh and grommet on the pockets, etc.). She is also using Supplex instead of the cotton material the pattern spec’d.  I thought it would be a better idea for drying. HTH, Brian

Response:

They don’t scream as loud as flies do. Hm…..sort of makes me wonder about the ethics of amputating limbs from captive trees.  I don’t suppose anyone out there has an opinion on this do they?

– Mike in PDX "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                          Tom McGuane

Response:

Willi, I have designed several fly fishing vests/shirts (not commercially, but for myself). I did the "engineering", my poor wife the sewing. One tip I have is to carefully consider how the load will be carried and distributed after the pockets are filled. If there is too much weight in the pockets in the front, the vest pulls down in front around your neck…very uncomfortable.

I have struggled for years to find a vest I liked. Bob’s point about a loaded vest digging into the back of your neck is quite true. Why do the makers invariably cut the necks of vests so high? Why do they put collars on the bloody things? Vest are supposed to be load carrying. It’s what they’re for. Moreover, the front bottom pockets are where most people want to carry stuff. It seems that very few vest manufacturers have grasped this fundamental design requirement. Some years ago I bought a Columbia Henry’s Fork vest (remember those bloody irritating adverts about ‘Ma’ knowing best and kicking arse if things weren’t just right, etc.). It cost a fortune having it shipped from the US, paying VAT and duty, etc. That bastard always left me with a sore, stiff neck. The Velcro on the pocket flaps matched nicely when the vest was hanging flat and empty in the closet, but didn’t when anything even slightly fat was put into the pockets. The following are my tips to any would be vest designer/maker, based on years of disappointment. 1. Go for fewer, better designed pockets, especially the big ones on the front bottom. Resist the temptation to include as many pockets as possible. More is NOT better! 2. Cut the neck low. 3. Make sure the pocket closures are designed for FILLED pockets. 4. Choose a material that is light, tough and strong and QUICK DRYING, rather than waterproof. 5. Use all plastic zippers (A friend recently gave me his old Sage ‘Strap vest’. It had been used in the sea and the YKK metal zippers had corroded badly). 6. Unless you really spend a lot of time wading very deep,  longer vests are more comfortable to wear: you feel less like Dolly Parton wearing them. My penny’orth Tight Lines, Tony Deacon

Response:

6. Unless you really spend a lot of time wading very deep,  longer vests are more comfortable to wear: you feel less like Dolly Parton wearing them.

I have no choice about what kind of vest I get.  I have to get the short vest or it will go past my massive ass.  I’m sorter than the other guy. However, I’m sure short men or ladies also need the short vest due to physical stature.  Very unlike sex, longer is not always better. Vern

Response:

…I don’t remember the pattern number but if you have trouble finding it I believe I still have it around somewhere and can look it up….

Just did an on line search and came up with the following.  This is the pattern I used.  #2198- men’s sport vest. http://www.kwiksew.com/Patterns/_Cat_North/Frame.htm Good luck!

Response:

What has ROFF turned into!?!?  Some sort of girly-man group?  Let’s all get out our needles and thread now!

It’s a balance thing Jon.  This Saturday I plan to take Becky out in the fields and teach her to kick shit.  Sunday we bake bread and do the Trick or Treat thing.  The next weekend is devoted to killing things and then we move on to bonsai.  :)

Response:

: What has ROFF turned into!?!?  Some sort of girly-man group?  Let’s all : get out our needles and thread now! : : : It’s a balance thing Jon.  This Saturday I plan to take Becky out in the fields and teach her to : kick shit.  Sunday we bake bread and do the Trick or Treat thing.  The next weekend is devoted to : killing things and then we move on to bonsai.  :) In my case: bonsai = killing things (poor little tree never had a fighting chance we me wielding the clippers)

Response:

In my case: bonsai = killing things (poor little tree never had a fighting chance we me wielding the clippers)

Hm…..sort of makes me wonder about the ethics of amputating limbs from captive trees.  I don’t suppose anyone out there has an opinion on this do they?

Response:

Hm…..sort of makes me wonder about the ethics of amputating limbs from captive trees.  I don’t suppose anyone out there has an opinion on this do they?

Depends on if you eat the limb or not. — Charlie…

Response:

: What has ROFF turned into!?!?  Some sort of girly-man group?  Let’s all : get out our needles and thread now!

Really…we gonna fish or we gonna sew ? (Mine has darts !) — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Response:

Anyone here every made a vest? None of the vests I’ve owned have the right sized pockets in the right places.  The one I have now is close to what I want. I was thinking about taking it apart and using it as a pattern and then making the changes I want. I’ve made a tent, sleeping bag and a down vest in the past, but they were made from kits. Willi

Response:

Willi, I made a vest.  I always wanted one made from Blue Denim, sort of like a Levi Denim Jacket without sleeves.  I just used a vest I had and drew a pattern on some paper.  Then I laid out the things I wanted to carry and figured out the places and size for the pockets. The pockets all have Velcro closures.  It came out good and I have worn it for years.  I also made a tent, it was a lot of fun. Ernie Harrison Have you tried a Blood Knot Machine?  http://home.pacbell.net/ernie2

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Anyone here every made a vest? None of the vests I’ve owned have the right sized pockets in the right places.  The one I have now is close to what I want. I was thinking about taking it apart and using it as a pattern and then making the changes I want. I’ve made a tent, sleeping bag and a down vest in the past, but they were made from kits. Willi

Response:

Somehow I had a feeling Ernie was going to answer saying he’d made his own vest. My hat goes off to you. Steve Zimmerman

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Willi, I made a vest Ernie Harrison

Response:

Anyone here every made a vest? None of the vests I’ve owned have the right sized pockets in the right places.  The one I have now is close to what I want. I was thinking about taking it apart and using it as a pattern and then making the changes I want. I’ve made a tent, sleeping bag and a down vest in the past, but they were made from kits. Willi

I made several vests. I was ultimately satisfied with none of them  although my brother and a couple of other people still use them ). I went back to a custom made fishing jacket. With far too many pockets ! TL MC

Response:

Anyone here every made a vest? None of the vests I’ve owned have the right sized pockets in the right places.

I made a vest while a grad student; I was too poor to buy one.  That was about 1956.  I used it till 1996.   It was still in good condition but I decided to treat myself to a new one. The trick is to plan ahead very carefully, so that you can sew the pockets on the inside the and outside without  interference. vince norris  The one I have now is close to – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -what I want. I was thinking about taking it apart and using it as a pattern and then making the changes I want. I’ve made a tent, sleeping bag and a down vest in the past, but they were made from kits. Willi

Response:

Willi, I have designed several fly fishing vests/shirts (not commercially, but for myself). I did the "engineering", my poor wife the sewing. One tip I have is to carefully consider how the load will be carried and distributed after the pockets are filled. If there is too much weight in the pockets in the front, the vest pulls down in front around your neck…very uncomfortable. Also, it can be a challenge getting the best waterproof materials. Good luck. Bob Elliott

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Anyone here every made a vest? None of the vests I’ve owned have the right sized pockets in the right places.  The one I have now is close to what I want. I was thinking about taking it apart and using it as a pattern and then making the changes I want. I’ve made a tent, sleeping bag and a down vest in the past, but they were made from kits. Willi

Response:

Anyone here every made a vest? None of the vests I’ve owned have the right sized pockets in the right places.  The one I have now is close to what I want. I was thinking about taking it apart and using it as a pattern and then making the changes I want. I’ve made a tent, sleeping bag and a down vest in the past, but they were made from kits.

Willi; I have made several vests using a Kwik Sew pattern.  The pattern is for a general purpose vest, not specifically for fishing.  But if you’re good enough with a sewing machine to make your own you won’t have any trouble modifying it to suit your needs.  I use my vest for hunting so the pockets outlined in the pattern are sufficient for my needs.  It won’t be much trouble to add a few more if you like.  this pattern is also too long for a good fishing vest but again, it should be easy enough to shorten.  I don’t remember the pattern number but if you have trouble finding it I believe I still have it around somewhere and can look it up.

Response:

Yeah Charlie, but it was before she was famous. Ernie Harrison Have you tried a Blood Knot Machine?  http://home.pacbell.net/ernie2 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Somehow I had a feeling Ernie was going to answer saying he’d made his own vest. My hat goes off to you. Hell, Ernie made Martha Stewart once<g. — Charlie…

Response:

Question:

Hi everybody, I am an Italian brand new member of AOPA USA with an FAA PPL license. I am actually planning a flying journey in the Western states with a friend of mine. I will take off from Los Angeles on next July 1st and the goal is to fly northbound through Central and Northern California, Oregon, Washington State, Seattle, up to Vancouver and back to LAX. The trip will last no more than 16 days, and it

Question:

        i would have preferred to send this communication on an email basis;  but we are too many for that.         finally, i hope that i am not too late to change the mind of one of the best of us; i hope that our english will reconsider, and stand with the rest of us, from timbo to jimbo, to….(god help me) ralph h,

God has helped me and I am sure he will help you as well.. Ralph H

Response:

<A bunch of nice stuff Usenet tradition addresses a good many of the problems that led to our brouhaha. I’m going to append the Welcome to Usenet from news.announce.newusers. Anyone that comes to a Usenet newsgroup should be able to expect a level of respect and decorum. Everyone from an 11 year old looking at flyfishing for the first time to a 60 year old with a closet full of degrees. We shoot the bull, swap tall tales and start to feel like we’re the Famous Grouse Good Old Boy’s Club, but we’re not. We are a Usenet newsgroup and in a junior high computer lab somewhere an 11 year old is getting a decidedly unfair advantage over his peers. I mean, imagine, swearing lessons from the great George Gehrke himself delivered straight to the screen. The kid will be a scourge and I hope his mom doesn’t ask where he learned that ! "The resources of civilization against its enemies are not exhausted."                                                         -Gladstone- Ken Fortenberry Welcome to Usenet!  The newsgroup news.announce.newusers contains a lot of introductory information about Usenet.  All new users should read and fully understand all the documents in news.announce.newusers before trying to post messages to Usenet or create new Usenet groups.  This may take a while, but it will help you find your way around Usenet much more easily. This short message is repeated three times a week to ensure that it is always available on your news system.  All other documents in news.announce.newusers are repeated every two weeks and should stay around for at least a month.  If you find news.announce.newusers empty (or cannot figure out how to read documents in it), please contact the help desk, customer support or news administrator on the computer system or service that you’re using and ask them for help.  Please do not send me e-mail asking for help reading news on your computer system or service. Please do not try to post or send any messages to news.announce.newusers. This is the list of the documents that news.announce.newusers should contain:         What is Usenet?         What is Usenet?  A second opinion.         Rules for posting to Usenet         Hints on writing style for Usenet         A Primer on How to Work With the Usenet Community         Emily Postnews Answers Your Questions on Netiquette         How to find the right place to post (FAQ)         Introduction to news.announce         A Guide to Social Newsgroups and Mailing Lists         Introduction to the *.answers newsgroups         FAQs about FAQs         Anonymous FTP: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) List         Advertising on Usenet: How To Do It, How Not To Do It         Copyright Myths FAQ: 10 big myths about copyright explained         Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Usenet         How to Get Information about Networks         How to become a Usenet site         Usenet Software: History and Sources         Guidelines on Usenet Newsgroup Names         How to Create a New Usenet Newsgroup If you don’t see any of these documents in the newsgroup, you can ask for them by sending mail to with the following in the body of the message.  Note the address carefully; please do NOT send these requests to me. setdir usenet-by-group/news.announce.newusers send What_is_Usenet? send What_is_Usenet?__A_second_opinion. send Rules_for_posting_to_Usenet send Hints_on_writing_style_for_Usenet send A_Primer_on_How_to_Work_With_the_Usenet_Community send Emily_Postnews_Answers_Your_Questions_on_Netiquette send How_to_find_the_right_place_to_post_(FAQ) send Introduction_to_news.announce send A_Guide_to_Social_Newsgroups_and_Mailing_Lists send Introduction_to_the_*.answers_newsgroups send FAQs_about_FAQs send Anonymous_FTP:_Frequently_Asked_Questions_(FAQ)_List send Advertising_on_Usenet:_How_To_Do_It,_How_Not_To_Do_It send Copyright_Myths_FAQ:_10_big_myths_about_copyright_explained send Answers_to_Frequently_Asked_Questions_about_Usenet send FAQ:_How_to_find_people_s_E-mail_addresses send How_to_Get_Information_about_Networks send How_to_become_a_Usenet_site send Usenet_Software:_History_and_Sources send Guidelines_on_Usenet_Newsgroup_Names send How_to_Create_a_New_Usenet_Newsgroup quit You can also find these documents on the World Wide Web;  see         http://www.netannounce.org/news.announce.newusers/

Response:

        some observations:  it appears to me, unscientifically, that the postings to this group have undergone a massive increase in the last couple months.  the influx of newcomers has included some very bizarre, often unpleasant contributors.  many of the newbies have failed to understand (understandably) some of george gerkhe’s posts, and the wierdness thereof.  confrontations have been engendered thereby.  furthermore, the tendency of many to engage in what i will always contend are the only taboos (politics and religion) have contributed to the confrontational atmosphere.  this is a wonderful, but fragile, environment.  by my best count, there are more than fifty souls that emit consistently high levels of humor, insight, information, life advice, and all around bullshit, on a daily basis. many of us have made friends here.         but growth carries with it certain problems.  some folks don’t assimilate as comfortably as others.  some folks have no patience with the foibles of others, others who are fixtures in this group.  there comes a time when we must deal with the changes wrought by growth. one of those times has come, today.  one of the most intelligent, witty, and general good guys i have ever known has announced his intention to resign from this group.  that is truly unfortunate.  all of us hope that he will reconsider, find patience, and stay.  surely, though, this is a sufficient sign that we must discipline ourselves in the areas of communication that are most disruptive of the general good:  politics, and spam.         in short, we must call upon george to cease his relentless spamming.  i have come to consider the man a friend of mine; but we can no longer wink at george’s excesses while tearing the stranger limb from limb for less offensive posts.         i would have preferred to send this communication on an email basis;  but we are too many for that.           finally, i hope that i am not too late to change the mind of one of the best of us; i hope that our english will reconsider, and stand with the rest of us, from timbo to jimbo, from ken to ken, from charlie to yankee dave, from snedeker to the royal wulff, from fletcher (who is too silent for our own good) to (god help me) ralph h, to jon, the father of us all.  from waldo and john (not ever annis) popp, and all the rest of us,  the waynes and mark, and tom…         stick with us, connor. wayno  

Response:

Question:

I am looking for anyone who may have some tips to share for fly fishing in cairns australia.  I am planning to go for two weeks at the end of october to through the middle of november.  Any information on charters, areas, tackle and lodging would be very helpful.

Peter Haynes is part of the Australia’s Premier Fly fishing Guides group, and would be the best guy for that area. His phone Number is 61 7 4033 2398, or if E-Mail is better, make contact through Peter Hayes Guided Fishing, via Neil Grose Tasmania Australia

Response:

I am looking for anyone who may have some tips to share for fly fishing in cairns australia.  I am planning to go for two weeks at the end of october to through the middle of november.  Any information on charters, areas, tackle and lodging would be very helpful.                 Fly-guy

  vcard.vcf

< 1K Download

Response:

Question:

Does anyone have information on fly fishing in France in early September?  Any sources to look for?  My son and I would apreciate any help.

Response:

Try the travel agents/tourist pages on yahoo uk/Ireland we found some good Information on fly fishing in France. Best Regards & Tight lines Chris & Sue Simmons. U.K.         – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have information on fly fishing in France in early September?  Any sources to look for?  My son and I would apreciate any help.

Response:

Assuming you haven’t left already — Where will you be?  I was in France in July and picked up a really helpful book called "Guide des Parcours de Peche en France" which lists almost every river and lake in detail.  I fished a number of rivers in northeastern France.  Full of wild fish but very tough fishing (v. low water in midsummer).  There is also a legendary fly fishing hotel in a small village called Goumois on the Swiss border (River Doubs).  I really enjoyed staying there, and prices are reasonable.  But it all depends where you plan to be — Normandy, for example, is full of classic English-style chalk streams.  E-mail me if you’d like more details and I’ll be happy to pass on tips from the book I mentioned.  Beware, by the way, of the incredibly complicated and bureaucratic licensing requirements — you basically have to buy a new license for each river, often each section of river, you intend to fish. Best wishes, George Black

Response:

Question:

It’s spring. i.e. steelhead runs in Michigan.  I am a student, who for the first time since comming to collage had time to go fish the early spring runs off of Lake MI.  Any tips on how I can rig my 5-wt. line (leader & tippet) to even have a chance landing a steelhead with my brookie/brown rod? Thanks in advance, this group

Hi Bri, That was easy to say because that’s what I call my son Brian.  You con do OK with your 5wt. on most steelhead.  I have landed numerous steelhead on my 4 wt. Orvis Western Spring Creek (fast action).  I prefer to use a reel with a disc drag so I can provide some resistance to the running fish.  They like to run up and down the stream.  Get yourself a steelhead leader, they have less taper and finish up at about 0x or 1x at the tip and have a high breaking strength.  The tippet should be 10-15 lb. test, depending on how big a fish you expect.  I have landed several steelhead on my trout gear fishing a stonefly nymph on 3x Orvis Super Strong Tippet which is rated at 8.5lb test. I had a big 20 lb’er on this set up one day and got him close to me a couple of times until the last trip when he got too close to the rocks on shore.  He decided at that point he wanted to go back the the Columbia River.  Down the rapids he went, and pop went my tippet. Then you will need to find out from a shop near where you are going to fish what flies are working.  Then away you go!  One thing to remember, you have got to put the fly in front of his nose.  That frequently means split shot, sink tip lines, or shooting heads. Good luck, -Burton — L. Burton Hawley         2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, OR

Response:

It’s spring. i.e. steelhead runs in Michigan.  I am a student, who for the first time since comming to collage had time to go fish the early spring runs off of Lake MI.  Any tips on how I can rig my 5-wt. line (leader & tippet) to even have a chance landing a steelhead with my brookie/brown rod? Thanks in advance, this group has helped my out before and I’ve learned a ton since ‘joining the group’. Bri

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [some deleted] The gist was that FFF is in serious money trouble.  He didn’t give any details, so I don’t know how it happened, who is/are responsible, or what is being done to correct the situation, but one thing the organization is doing is raising annual dues to $29.00 to counter a dramatic decrease in membership. Greetings Granite. What on earth could the FFF done that would result in a *dramatic decrease* in membership ? "Hmmm….", he ponders deeply. Very interesting indeed. Is "the new flyfishing craze that is sweeping America" ebbing ? One can only hope. TimW

Amen to that.  I’m ready to pounce on all that barely used second-hand gear that will undoubtedly flood the classifieds if such an ebb occurs. Brett

Response:

Here is a forwarded response for wondering readers: To: Dave Richards Dave: A copy of your note about the Federation’s troubles was forwarded to me tonight, and I thought your questions deserved an answer. The simple answers are: — Yes, the Federation has financial problems. Who doesn’t? — Yes, membership is down. But that can be remedied. — No, we’re not even close to shutting down. Frankly, I see too many opportunities to even think about closing shop. I stepped in as president in August, not because I have any wish to preside over the Federation’s demise, but because there are so many things I want to do. And I intend to be quite aggressive in doing them. A few examples: — The FFF Clubwire. Quite an innovative news service intended to help club and council newsletter editors, who in the past have had to beg, borrow, steal material to fill their pages. Now, they have routine access to information from the Federation about education activities, conservation issues, Federation news and fly-fishing in general. This free service is available by E-mail to every FFF chapter and has been getting enthusiastic response since its introduction this past summer. — The Flyfisher is being redesigned to deliver a more-targeted message to our members. You’ll see the first changes in this upcoming issue. — You mentioned the upcoming increase in dues, but you’ve been given misleading information about the reason. I asked the board of directors in August to approve the increase, not to bail out our finances, but to allow the national office to begin paying money back to the councils. Simply put, national will rebate $5 back to the councils for every member they add as off Aug. 1, 1996. I don’t deny that I hope such a program will inspire the councils to work harder to generate more members, but the reasons go beyond that. The councils carry a great deal of responsibility and do a lot of the Federation’s work, and it’s about time they started getting some financial support from national. — In the past year or so, we’ve distributed something like $20,000-$25,000 in free rods and lines for clubs to use in their education programs. Perhaps you’re more interested in conservation matters. If so, it’s that much more important to keep the Federation around. We were instrumental in having the National Marine Fisheries Service invoke the Endangered Species Act in protecting West Coast steelhead this year; we sponsored the first symposium ever on saving searun cutthroat trout; we have been active in banning gill nets along the Gulf of Mexico; we joined a coalition to get the Magnuson Act reauthorized by Congress; we are sponsors of next year’s Wild Trout symposium; we are the experts on the relicensing of hydro dams and have been especially effective with this issue in the Great Lakes area; and we were an important voice in opposing the New World Mine adjacent to Yellowstone Park. And in a couple weeks, we’re hosting the only public forum (via our newly opened International Fly Fishing Center) designed to explain what’s going on with the damaged spring creeks near Livingston, Mont. We won’t take sides in this difficult situation, but we think it’s important that everyone have the chance to hear all the arguments. Please accept my apologies if I’m pummeling you with stuff. But I’m at work, it’s late and I’m trying to go home. If you still need answers, let me know. I’m happy to give them. In the meantime, let me assure you that the problems we face can and will be handled, and you’re going to see a much more active Federation than you might have otherwise expected. And pardon me if I revert to one of my favorite Mark Twain quotes: The news of our death is much exaggerated. Regards, Tom Jindra

Response:

I received a fairly disturbing communique recently from the head of the local chapter of the Federation of Fly Fishers.  I’m not sure when it arrived since I was out of town for a couple of weeks.  It could be old news, although I doubt it. The gist was that FFF is in serious money trouble.  He didn’t give any details, so I don’t know how it happened, who is/are responsible, or what is being done to correct the situation, but one thing the organization is doing is raising annual dues to $29.00 to counter a dramatic decrease in membership. I’m also a member of another national orgainzation unrelated to fly fishing that has undergone a similar near-disaster and has recovered.  In that case the financial disaster was directly related to bad advice from a tax attorney and fiscal incompetence on the part of the yahoos running the show.  It seems likely that something similar has tripped up FFF. I’m not interested in pointing fingers, except to say that the people responsible for mismanagement need to be put someplace where they can do no further harm and replaced with others who have a bit more savvy.  Then there is also the question of whether the organization can or even should be saved. Are there any FFF members out there with more info?  Please email me directly. Dave Richards

Response:

[some deleted] The gist was that FFF is in serious money trouble.  He didn’t give any details, so I don’t know how it happened, who is/are responsible, or what is being done to correct the situation, but one thing the organization is doing is raising annual dues to $29.00 to counter a dramatic decrease in membership.

Greetings Granite. What on earth could the FFF done that would result in a *dramatic decrease* in membership ? "Hmmm….", he ponders deeply. Very interesting indeed. Is "the new flyfishing craze that is sweeping America" ebbing ?   One can only hope. TimW

Response:

: The gist was that FFF is in serious money trouble.  He didn’t give any : details, so I don’t know how it happened, who is/are responsible, or what : is being done to correct the situation, but one thing the organization is : doing is raising annual dues to $29.00 to counter a dramatic decrease in : membership. Taxes? : I’m also a member of another national orgainzation unrelated to fly : fishing that has undergone a similar near-disaster and has recovered.  In : that case the financial disaster was directly related to bad advice from : a tax attorney and fiscal incompetence on the part of the yahoos running : the show.  It seems likely that something similar has tripped up FFF. Mmmmm, attorney-types, financial institutions, fiscal incompetence, and "yahoos" running the show. : I’m not interested in pointing fingers, except to say that the people : responsible for mismanagement need to be put someplace where they can do : no further harm and replaced with others who have a bit more savvy.  Then : there is also the question of whether the organization can or even should : be saved. I think ‘Merica is worth saving! : Are there any FFF members out there with more info?  Please email me : directly. : Dave Richards Not to muddy up Dave’s request for info, but reading his post looks like a study in current politics. It REALLY stood out. You’re on to something Dave. Remove all the incompetent leeches and start over. Bill You’re either for Perot-type changes or YOU are the problem.

Response:

Question:

[snip snip] in the other direction. The Blue is good as is the Frying pan but the smaller and less fished rivers and creeks of N. Co. are a true joy. The fish may not be as big but the crowds are not there and the experience is

[snip snip] they won’t be for long if this keeps up… Tim Walker

Response:

I am going to Colorado next summer to fly fish.  Since I will be driving from West Virginia, I would prefer not to go more than 2 hours from Denver. I need advice as to the best streams to fish and possibly places to stay. I would prefer a cabin or cottage.  What about the South Platte, Fryingpan, Colorado, and Blue River? Which would be the best choice? Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for you time. Scott

Response:

There are many good places within 2 hrs of Denver. The S.Platte is over fished and crowed with very inconsiderate fishermen. I would suggest going in the other direction. The Blue is good as is the Frying pan but the smaller and less fished rivers and creeks of N. Co. are a true joy. The fish may not be as big but the crowds are not there and the experience is much better. Pristene settings, little or no trash. Check out the high mountain lakes and streams of the RMNP. Estes Park Anglers can help with guides and places to stay in the area.

Response:

I try and visit my some of my kids in Colo every summer.  But as you know even in late August the So Platte at Deckers was unfishable and the Arkansas as well.  But maybe this summer will be normal…. South Platte River in Deckers.  Take Rt 285 west out of Denver.  Turn Left at Pine Junction.  Follow to the bottom the the canyon.  Use 2 flies, RS-2 and Buckskin (both nymphs) size 18 or 20.  No larger than a 6X leader is mandatory.  Use a small floating strike indicator and place a very small shot about 6 to 8 inches from the fly.  The idea is to keep the nymph just off the bottom so adjusting the indicator for water depth is essential.  Fish places where slow water meets fast water like behind larger rocks.  The fish are there so make sure you work the section very well adjusting the indicator for depth.  Looking for flashing fish near the bottom that are feeding.  Flip the rig up stream and let the indicator float as naturally as possible.  Keep repeating until the indicator hesitates the slightest in the float.  Just raise up you rod tip and bingo! there’s a fish on.   If you use this method correctly you will get hook ups (gauranteed!!) the trick is to bring them to net on a 6X leader in fast water.  The regulations are flies and lures only, 2 fish per day over 16 inches.  Try just down stream from the trestle bridge at Deckers.  The technique is effective on all Colo streams.  The "Flies and Lies" fly shop in Deckers can also help in supplying you with flies. On a Saturday, you will not be alone.  But there are so many fish and so few fisherman that know the method and use it effectively , it has never gotten in my way.  I’d recommend getting there at 1st light (Say 5:30) fish unitl 1000 AM and then leave.  Return at say 6 Pm and fish until dark (9 PM).  I’ve found you can avoid a crowd this way.                                                indicator                                                                                                                                  micro shot                        (e.g. lil corkie) In the current, looks like this flow is right to left                                                                                !                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 !                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ! I’d also suggest Tarryall Resevoir, over Kenosha Pass (RT 285 west and turn left at Jefferson) in south park.  Wade fish from shore with damsel fly/dragon fly/sonefly nymphs twitched just below the surface (long leader, 10′).  You can cast to feeding fish.  Fish the side that has the paved road frontage toward the dam (in between the stone jettys).  There is very good dry fly activity there after the sun goes down (say 7pm) and dark. (Native browns, stocked rainbows (12-14") and even some cutthroat and kokanee).  Tarryall creek (not subject to runoff) downstream from the resevoir is also pretty good (this section is now part of a private club). We have had great success on the Arkansas River down stream from Salida.  Good success fishing for Browns on brown stone fly nymphs fished close shore.  Best technique is walk down the middle and fish both shore lines.  The other 2 flies that have been good to us are the muddler minnow and the Renegade.  This stretch has the same regulations as the Deckers section of the So. Platte.  The signs this summer indicated it is now Public Lands all the way down to the bridge in Wellsville. Keep in touch, maybe we can "hook up" when I am out there this summer (I hope). Good fishin!!! Bill Althoff

Response:

Question:

Steve, There is the San Mateo Sportsman’s show that used to be held in March and will be held in Jan or Feb. this coming year (96).  This is a consumer show with all the big guns represented whereas the Fly Tackle Dealer Show is a dealer show not a consumer show.  If you like fly fishing, and live in the Bay Area, don’t miss it.                                                    Dan Dan Gracia Schools Coordinator 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’ll be attending the The Fly Tackle Dealers’ Show in Denver next month. Anyone wishing information on new products (particularly rod blanks and components) exhibited at the show, feel free to post e-mail. I’ll be returning on approx. Sept. 25 and I’ll have a chance to respond at that time. You can also receive a free copy of our current catalogue with custom rods, blanks, componments, fly tying material and accessories by sending your name and snail mail address via e-mail. Phil Koenig Manhattan Custom Tackle    

Response:

Question:

I turned back to the 444SL after I tried othrs. The LASER line is very nice to cast and floats very high (makes line pickup easier), but: all this only for a very short time (I used it for only one season!). The hard coating is worn out very fast and you have to replace the line. The Wulf Triangel taper is very nice to fish, too. I used it in the 3/4 and 5/6 weight. Rollcasting is much fun and, especially with the 3/4, presentation of drys to very shy trout is terrific. The disadvantage, especially for the 3/4, is that it is very hard to transport heavier or more wind resistant flies. I now returned to the 444SL which can do the job much better: Very long casts are much easier with the 444SL, rollcasting nearly as good as with the TT, but if the situation requires it, I can also tie on a heavy stremer or a heavy weigthed nymph with a few split shots with still comfortable casting.                             Thomas

Response:

If anyone needs a Cortland Fly line or has any questions about

Response:

I used a 444SL for many trouble-free years.  In fact, I wore it out — the first line that I ever killed.  I’ve been thinking about giving the Lazer line a try, but have been playing around with Lee Wulf’s Triangle taper, as well as a few others.  Give me your pros and cons on the 444SL and the Lazer Line, with regard to durability, floatability.  Thanks.

Response:

I used a 444SL for many trouble-free years.  In fact, I wore it out — the first line that I ever killed.  I’ve been thinking about giving the Lazer line a try, but have been playing around with Lee Wulf’s Triangle taper, as well as a few others.  Give me your pros and cons on the 444SL and the Lazer Line, with regard to durability, floatability.  Thanks.

According to the folks at FEATHER-CRAFT Fly Fishing in St. Louis, 444SL is designed specifically for fast-action rods, is stiffer than most lines and is considered 1/4 weight higher than it’s rating.  The Lazer line are supposed to be best for light action rods because it loads the rod quickly for short casts.  

Response: