Question:

Two places in paradise. Does anyone have any tips for flyfihing the Animas River around Durango. We are vacationing in the area the 2nd week in June. My plans also include a day on the San Juan but my concern is that the water will be high with spring run-off and extra water released for irrigation. Any input appreciated. guy

Response:

Yes.  My tip of the day is stop in the Durango Fly Shop. George Gehrke

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Two places in paradise. Does anyone have any tips for flyfihing the Animas River around Durango. We are vacationing in the area the 2nd week in June. My plans also include a day on the San Juan but my concern is that the water will be high with spring run-off and extra water released for irrigation. Any input appreciated. guy

Response:

Two places in paradise. Does anyone have any tips for flyfihing the Animas River around Durango. We are vacationing in the area the 2nd week in June. My plans also include a day on the San Juan but my concern is that the water will be high with spring run-off and extra water released for irrigation. Any input appreciated. guy

There will be no runoff in that part of Colorado. There is VERY little snow or no snow left in the southern mountains. They are predicting major fish kills in southern Colorado this year because of lack of snowpack. Things might be OK in mid June, but things will get bad soon after. Willi

Response:

I’d go to Duranglers, right on Main St. http://www.duranglers.com bruce h

Response:

Two places in paradise. Does anyone have any tips for fly fishing the Animas River around Durango. We are vacationing in the area the 2nd week in June. My plans also include a day on the San Juan but my concern is that the water will be high with spring run-off and extra water released for irrigation. Any input appreciated. guy

IMHO: Be prepared with alternatives close by such as Delores, etc.  I have found that the Animas is a 50/50 if there is a lot of rain at the time you want to fish.  It gets rather roiled and can be a tough nut to crack if there is a lot of rain.  Same with the San Miguel. SJ should be good, but watch the flows, again a lot depends on good old CO getting some badly needed rain. K

Response:

Thanks all! (The upper Delores is on my list also. Did pretty good there last year on caddis and terrestrials. Lower Delores skunked me – tough river in the summer). guy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Two places in paradise. Does anyone have any tips for fly fishing the Animas River around Durango. We are vacationing in the area the 2nd week in June. My plans also include a day on the San Juan but my concern is that the water will be high with spring run-off and extra water released for irrigation. Any input appreciated. guy IMHO: Be prepared with alternatives close by such as Delores, etc.  I have found that the Animas is a 50/50 if there is a lot of rain at the time you want to fish.  It gets rather roiled and can be a tough nut to crack if there is a lot of rain.  Same with the San Miguel. SJ should be good, but watch the flows, again a lot depends on good old CO getting some badly needed rain. K

Response:

Your ace in the hole is the San Juan River.  If you can afford it, hire out a guide and go there for a couple of days with or without one.  This is tail water and there is enough talent always fishing it that you can talk too. It’s a shame if you don’t plan enough time to stay in the area long enough to smell the roses. George Gehrke

Response:

George, Don’t worry about the roses. I will be smelling plenty of them with the family there. I will have 3 days to fish, possibly 4 if I beg. The smell of trout water – kinda like heaven – is much preferred over roses. (We are splitting our 9 days between Telluride and Durango). guy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Your ace in the hole is the San Juan River.  If you can afford it, hire out a guide and go there for a couple of days with or without one.  This is tail water and there is enough talent always fishing it that you can talk too. It’s a shame if you don’t plan enough time to stay in the area long enough to smell the roses. George Gehrke

Response:

Thanks all! (The upper Delores is on my list also. Did pretty good there last year on caddis and terrestrials. Lower Delores skunked me – tough river in the summer).

The DOW is predicting a "total" fish kill on the Delores this summer. Willi

Response:

George, Don’t worry about the roses. I will be smelling plenty of them with the family there. I will have 3 days to fish, possibly 4 if I beg. The smell of trout water – kinda like heaven – is much preferred over roses. (We are splitting our 9 days between Telluride and Durango).

Telluride is too high and it’s mostly "upper water" and actually hard to breath there.  It takes 30 days just to acclimate.  Durango is almost like going for the bull’s-eye.  That Gunnison Black Canyon is, "interesting". Well, you know what you’re doing. George

Response:

Telluride is too high and it’s mostly "upper water" and actually hard to breath there.  It takes 30 days just to acclimate…..

Two years ago Becky and I went on a little trip.  We drove from our home in Milwaukee (the highest point in Milwaukee is 816 feet above sea level) to a parking lot on the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park.  From there, we commenced a six day backpacking trip (her first ever) in the Never Summer Wilderness which took us to over 12,000 feet on the third day…..we started at 9,000 and reached 11,200 on the first day.  It was a tough first day, and the third wasn’t much better, but we "acclimated" within twenty-four hours or so. As always, George is entirely full of shit and absolutely incapable of rendering an opinion on ANYTHING without a boatload of factual errors, and worse.  There is more to be said with regard to this matter, but I am content to let it rest here for the moment unless anyone who hasn’t been here long enough to get to know him would like a bit of background……or unless George insists. Wolfgang your move shithead.

Response:

The DOW is predicting a "total" fish kill on the Delores this summer.

What about any of the other rivers in the region?  I’m really concerned about a number of SWern Colorado trout streams and rivers.  I spent quite a bit of time in the region last year and it was in pretty bad shape.  That was in a year where they had above average snowfall, but still experiencing the effects of drought conditions from previous years.  My favorite high mountain stream might become a nice little sand creek…. — remove all x and y’s for reply email. To worry is folly so let us be jolly.

Response:

Question:

I believe in some of the main places like Dusy, Leconte, Mcclure has bear boxes.  

No bear boxes in Dusy.  KCNP requires bear cans there.

Response:

It’s a beautiful and enjoyable hike to do.  I did it several years ago and saw no bears.  I believe in some of the main places like Dusy, Leconte, Mcclure has bear boxes.  Though I remeber the mosquitos were a pain in the meadows, I think I did this in August or so.  As for fishing it was pretty good.  For flies I would take mosquitos as well as any flies which has a little red in it.  I believe somewhere I have a briefly written trip report.  Email me if you want it. Jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Looking to do North Lake to South Lake, in the Sierra’s (Bishop) via JMT and PCT, on TOPO! and Topo USA 3.0 looks to be just under 60 miles.  Tips are always welcome. Planning on early Semptember (yeah I want more snow too), would like to do late July, but am booked for another hike in Idaho, Sawtooth NF to be exact. Am planning on 12 – 15 miles a day to enjoy the scenery.  Any gotcha’s on this trail?   Does not look to heavy duty for most of the way, except a few miles. Obviously bears will be a big problem or atleast what I have experienced in the past Sierra trips.  I plan on eating atleast a mile from campsite, and stealth camping is always on my list. Am also looking to fly fish for the most part.  Have had great luck with wooly buggers in most Sierra’s, but am wondering what else works. Many thanks, Oh yeah, will be going solo too, my dog has got to stay home.  Can’t carry her out that long if she develops a pad problem. tmc

Response:

The last time that we did this route, we did it the other direction (South Lake to North Lake) and it was in May, so we were on X-C skis. No bears in sight. Climbing to Lamarck Col from the west was a job, then skiing down the east side was sheer panic. Good trip. An old guy needs some of that. —Bob Gross—

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The only tough part for me was climbing Lamarck Col. After that it’s a snap except for climbing up to Dusy Basin from Le Conte Canyon. Never have seen a bear on my trips to this area but they are out there, usually Le Conte Canyon and between Bishop Pass and the South Lake. I plan to do it again this year…6 to 7 days; I’m older and less wiser. Have fun, Oscar

Response:

Tahoe Rim Trail? Dan — It becomes us to remember that arbitrary power has often originated in Justice and necessity. – Benjamin Rush –  1776 It is a wise maxim to avoid those things which our enemies wish us to practice. – John Weatherspoon –  1777 Let us disappoint the men who are raising themselves on the ruin of this country. – Sam Adams –  1772

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The only tough part for me was climbing Lamarck Col. After that it’s a snap except for climbing up to Dusy Basin from Le Conte Canyon. Never have seen a bear on my trips to this area but they are out there, usually Le Conte Canyon and between Bishop Pass and the South Lake. I plan to do it again this year…6 to 7 days; I’m older and less wiser. Have fun, Oscar

Response:

The only tough part for me was climbing Lamarck Col. After that it’s a snap except for climbing up to Dusy Basin from Le Conte Canyon. Never have seen a bear on my trips to this area but they are out there, usually Le Conte Canyon and between Bishop Pass and the South Lake. I plan to do it again this year…6 to 7 days; I’m older and less wiser. Have fun, Oscar

Response:

Obviously bears will be a big problem or atleast what I have experienced in the past Sierra trips.  I plan on eating atleast a mile from campsite, and stealth camping is always on my list.

I ran into a very aggressive camp bear in Dusy Basin 3 years ago.  It has since been killed (or so I heard), but any area that popular is likely to be camp bear country–and you’ll be on the John Muir Freeway for much of the trip.  btw, KCNP requires storage in bear cans in Dusy Basin, so you’ll have to have a can unless you don’t camp in Dusy. Oh yeah, will be going solo too, my dog has got to stay home.  Can’t carry her out that long if she develops a pad problem.

Can’t bring the dog anyway–NP regs prohibit it.

Response:

Hiya Folks, Looking to do North Lake to South Lake, in the Sierra’s (Bishop) via JMT and PCT, on TOPO! and Topo USA 3.0 looks to be just under 60 miles.  Tips are always welcome. Planning on early Semptember (yeah I want more snow too), would like to do late July, but am booked for another hike in Idaho, Sawtooth NF to be exact. Am planning on 12 – 15 miles a day to enjoy the scenery.  Any gotcha’s on this trail?   Does not look to heavy duty for most of the way, except a few miles. Obviously bears will be a big problem or atleast what I have experienced in the past Sierra trips.  I plan on eating atleast a mile from campsite, and stealth camping is always on my list. Am also looking to fly fish for the most part.  Have had great luck with wooly buggers in most Sierra’s, but am wondering what else works. Many thanks, Oh yeah, will be going solo too, my dog has got to stay home.  Can’t carry her out that long if she develops a pad problem. tmc

Response:

Question:

I could be mistaken but I thought I read (perhaps it was about George LaBranche) how he would constantly cast while keeping the fly above the water. The idea was to dupe trout into thinking there was a hatch going on. If my reading is correct, then this technique predates Maclean and dispells Borgers’ misinformation. Guess I’ll have to re-read THE DRY FLY AND FAST WATER.

Response:

Shadow Casting… Is it real – or just something pretty dreamed up by Maclean and stunt-filmed by Redford. …and if it is real how does one attempt it. Ari Ari Bert                                        Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903                             +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230                             Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax)                       Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za                                Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

Response:

Shadow Casting… Is it real – or just something pretty dreamed up by Maclean and stunt-filmed by Redford. ..

It’s the latter. Kevin

Response:

Shadow Casting… Is it real – or just something pretty dreamed up by Maclean and stunt-filmed by Redford.

It’s been a while since I read the book.  If memory serves me, it was just something that Paul MacLean made up.      - Ken

Response:

Ari, Go to Jason Borger’s website and read what he has to say about shadow casting. http://www.jasonborger.com/NewFiles/shadowcast.html Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Shadow Casting… Is it real – or just something pretty dreamed up by Maclean and stunt-filmed by Redford. …and if it is real how does one attempt it. Ari Ari Bert                                        Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903                             +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230                             Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax)                       Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za                          Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Shadow Casting… Is it real – or just something pretty dreamed up by Maclean and stunt-filmed by Redford. …and if it is real how does one attempt it. Ari Ari Bert                                   Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903                                +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230                                Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax)                  Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za                           Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

There is a little merit to it. If one can show  only the leader and a fly over a certain area several times, it may arouse curiousity in a trout. They are more aware of what goes on above the surface than most give them credit,  especially in lakes in calmer conditions. Bob S — Free Fly Fishing E-Magazine http://go.to/lakeflyfishing Lake Fly Fishing Instructional CD’s & VHS Top Fifty Lake Fly Patterns on CD-ROM

Response:

Question:

I haven’t fished them yet; but I’m from Long Island originally, and when I visit the family this summer I will definitely fish one or both of these streams.  I’ve reached the point in my life when I realize that there are few trips that can’t be extended a day to fish a few hours. Growing up in Brentwood on Long Island, I was mentally a million miles away from fly fishing for trout.  It’s only from the vantage point of 900 miles away that I see the opportunities on Long Island. Keep your rod tip up. Memphis Jim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If anyone fishes these streams please let me know. I’ve been fishing them on and off for years with mostly poor results. I do better on the Ausable. Meanwhile beginners seems to out catch me easily. Any tips/advice? or do you want to buy my rods?

Response:

If anyone fishes these streams please let me know. I’ve been fishing them on and off for years with mostly poor results. I do better on the Ausable. Meanwhile beginners seems to out catch me easily. Any tips/advice? or do you want to buy my rods?

Response:

Any tips/advice? or do you  want to buy my rods?

 If they are T&T, Winston or Cane….maybe. Wayne Always looking for fine rods-cheap.

Response:

I fished the Connetquot twice. I did not find it particularly satisfactory: inspite of the 3 to 4 fish per hour catch rate, the fish behave mostly like large stockers (heck, they are mostly large stockers), they thrash rather than fighting. Probably, fishing during this time of the year for sea-run ‘bows is more exciting than fishing in the summer. My advice: wholly buggers, large bead-head nymphs. The river is small, mostly very flat, with one or two deep holes per beat. That’s where the fish like to hang out, all of them, in quite large pods. Work those holes carefully, starting from the side closest to you, and from the downstream side of the hole. Inspite of the fact that these fish are stocked, they can be weary, since they see a lot of fishermen.  Using a stealthy approach helps too !. -Vittorio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If anyone fishes these streams please let me know. I’ve been fishing them on and off for years with mostly poor results. I do better on the Ausable. Meanwhile beginners seems to out catch me easily. Any tips/advice? or do you want to buy my rods?

Response:

Question:

I’m planning a 9 day flyfishing trip to the northern Calif area and plan to visit areas like  Hat Creek, McCloud, Truckee, Owens, etc. When would be the best time to do this between early August and October? Thanks.

Response:

Skiroc,    Any time after school starts. Ernie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning a 9 day flyfishing trip to the northern Calif area and plan to visit areas like  Hat Creek, McCloud, Truckee, Owens, etc. When would be the best time to do this between early August and October? Thanks.

Response:

To minimize backroad travel. I would checkout deer hunting seasons on the places you are going. FWIW, if you are going to fish Hat Creek, and maybe wonder on East and fish Fall River, then I suggest you head on East to Alturas in California’s most Northeast county then go South on 395 to Likely California and go East into the Warner Mountains Wilderness area.  They have a Red Band strain of the McCloud Rainbow that is truly a magnificent fish to catch and release. There are a number of lakes and streams in the area that are an easy hike in with float tube.  Due to the sensitive nature of the habitat of these very special animals, this is all of the info I’ll post but for more info e-mail me. Compared to the hordes of folk at Hat Creek, Truckee and Walker, this area will knock your socks off at the lack of people.  I think Alturas, the county seat of Lompoc county has, uh 3 stoplights?  This beautiful part of the West (NW Nevada, SCentral Oregon NE California) is remote 4×4, tent camping off the road fishing on small high mountain streams and high country lakes. Unlike those other places, when the jokers run out of Powerbait here, there aint no 7/11 nearby! Enjoy! John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning a 9 day flyfishing trip to the northern Calif area and plan to visit areas like  Hat Creek, McCloud, Truckee, Owens, etc. When would be the best time to do this between early August and October? Thanks.

Response:

Question:

Anyone out there fish the Deschutes River.  Looking for someone to share information with.

Response:

Anyone out there fish the Deschutes River.  Looking for someone to share information with.

I fish the lower 20 miles of the Deschutes.  I already have had freinds catch some steelhead.  this is th time of the year to get to the river and swing a fly across the current….hang on, he will jerk the rod out of your hand. Sharp Hooks, Pat Holdzit Fishing Products Inc. http://www.holdzit.com Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Question:

I’ve seen plenty of days when it wasn’t running.  To see the difference, visit the following URLs:         http://www.shore.net/~malmros/Images/Paddling/Rafting/aftermath.jpg         http://www.shore.net/~malmros/Images/Paddling/River_Pics/Zoar3.jpg Not shot from the same POV, but you can see the large square rock that the paddlers are standing on in the first photo also in the second one, and note the difference.

HAHAHAHAHAHA! I remember my friend Gabe (who is a crabapple guide) telling me about how bill had pinned a raft on that rock below the gap the day before. I remember hearing of pictures, but never saw them…This is a riot! I am gonna send this to every crab apple guide I know Chris

Response:

These are SCHEDULED releases, dates on which there will definitely be water (absent low water, in which case the cancelled releases will be made up the following year, as is the case with 2 releases on the Dryway this year). Although there are often **unscheduled** releases many other days, they are not certain and may not happen if US generating choses not to generate at Fife Brook on those days.

Well, I ran fife brook 3-4 days a week this past summer, and I can’t remember a single day this past summer that they didn’t release. True…sometimes they don’t release, but it is extremely rare. There is a good 95% chance there will be water, and if there isn’t going to be…you’ll know because you have to call to find out discharge anyway Chris

Response:

I’ve seen plenty of days when it wasn’t running.  To see the difference, visit the following URLs:         http://www.shore.net/~malmros/Images/Paddling/Rafting/aftermath.jpg         http://www.shore.net/~malmros/Images/Paddling/River_Pics/Zoar3.jpg Not shot from the same POV, but you can see the large square rock that the paddlers are standing on in the first photo also in the second one, and note the difference. HAHAHAHAHAHA! I remember my friend Gabe (who is a crabapple guide) telling me about how bill had pinned a raft on that rock below the gap the day before. I remember hearing of pictures, but never saw them…This is a riot! I am gonna send this to every crab apple guide I know

Twasn’t Bill, it was Dirk.  It happened last October, so I’m not sure if it’s the same incident.  The whole sequence of events is:         http://www.shore.net/~malmros/Images/Paddling/Rafting/sofarsogood.jpg         http://www.shore.net/~malmros/Images/Paddling/Rafting/unexpectedbump.jpg         http://www.shore.net/~malmros/Images/Paddling/Rafting/overtheside.jpg         http://www.shore.net/~malmros/Images/Paddling/Rafting/uhoh.jpg         http://www.shore.net/~malmros/Images/Paddling/Rafting/aftermath.jpg Every raft guide needs fifteen minutes of fame.  The real lucky ones get fifteen minutes of fame and a rock named after them — ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::         "They write books that contradict the rocks…"

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Fife Brook April 10-11, 14-18, 21-23, 28-30 May 1-2, 8-9, 13-16, 20-23, 27-30 June 10-13, 17, 19-20, 23-27 July 3, 7-11, 17-18, 21-25, 28-31 August 1, 4-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29 Sept. 1-5, 8-12, 18-19, 22-24 Oct. 2-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-22 Total number of releases: 106 don’t listen to these dates…I don’t know where US generating pulled these from. Fife brook runs every single day…with a flow of at least 700 cfs.

I’ve seen plenty of days when it wasn’t running.  To see the difference, visit the following URLs:         http://www.shore.net/~malmros/Images/Paddling/Rafting/aftermath.jpg         http://www.shore.net/~malmros/Images/Paddling/River_Pics/Zoar3.jpg Not shot from the same POV, but you can see the large square rock that the paddlers are standing on in the first photo also in the second one, and note the difference.   — ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::         "They write books that contradict the rocks…"

Response:

These are SCHEDULED releases, dates on which there will definitely be water (absent low water, in which case the cancelled releases will be made up the following year, as is the case with 2 releases on the Dryway this year). Although there are often **unscheduled** releases many other days, they are not certain and may not happen if US generating choses not to generate at Fife Brook on those days. -Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Fife Brook April 10-11, 14-18, 21-23, 28-30 May 1-2, 8-9, 13-16, 20-23, 27-30 June 10-13, 17, 19-20, 23-27 July 3, 7-11, 17-18, 21-25, 28-31 August 1, 4-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29 Sept. 1-5, 8-12, 18-19, 22-24 Oct. 2-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-22 Total number of releases: 106 don’t listen to these dates…I don’t know where US generating pulled these from. Fife brook runs every single day…with a flow of at least 700 cfs. The river runs even this time of year. call 1-888-flo-fone for times and discharge Chris

Response:

US Generating Company publishes these dates because they are the ONLY scheduled releases for Fife Brook in 1999.  It’s true that they often release on unscheduled days when there is power demand, especially this time of year.  But don’t expect there to be many unscheduled releases mid-summer unless we have a wet summer.  It certainly does not run every day in the summer.  They usually update the flo-fone (888-356-3663) around 5pm for the next day, but they are not always consistent about it in the winter. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Fife Brook April 10-11, 14-18, 21-23, 28-30 May 1-2, 8-9, 13-16, 20-23, 27-30 June 10-13, 17, 19-20, 23-27 July 3, 7-11, 17-18, 21-25, 28-31 August 1, 4-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29 Sept. 1-5, 8-12, 18-19, 22-24 Oct. 2-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-22 Total number of releases: 106 don’t listen to these dates…I don’t know where US generating pulled these from. Fife brook runs every single day…with a flow of at least 700 cfs. The river runs even this time of year. call 1-888-flo-fone for times and discharge Chris

Response:

kathy,         those are last years dates, ya gotta move them all back a day.    black: july 24   beaver sept. 4-5 i think moose oct.16 deerfield july 31  hope that helps and hope to see ya ’s there. in anticipation for precipitation!

Response:

Oh um   yeah      that’s what I meant    thanks for waking me up and bringing me forward with time. for a Moose River virtual tour,  check out www.dreamscape.com/kkemp/moose/index.htm Kathy

kathy,         those are last years dates, ya gotta move them all back a day.    black: july 24   beaver sept. 4-5 i think moose oct.16 deerfield july 31 hope that helps and hope to see ya ’s there. in anticipation for precipitation!

Response:

Full schedules will be posted by the end of the week to the American Whitewater and NOWR web sites.  www.awa.org and www.nowr.org.  Sorry for the delay. Jayne Abbot, Events Manager American Whitewater/NOWR

Response:

Fife Brook April 10-11, 14-18, 21-23, 28-30 May 1-2, 8-9, 13-16, 20-23, 27-30 June 10-13, 17, 19-20, 23-27 July 3, 7-11, 17-18, 21-25, 28-31 August 1, 4-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29 Sept. 1-5, 8-12, 18-19, 22-24 Oct. 2-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-22 Total number of releases: 106

don’t listen to these dates…I don’t know where US generating pulled these from. Fife brook runs every single day…with a flow of at least 700 cfs. The river runs even this time of year. call 1-888-flo-fone for times and discharge Chris

Response:

New England FLOW and USGenerating 1999 Deerfield River Whitewater Schedule Fife Brook April 10-11, 14-18, 21-23, 28-30 May 1-2, 8-9, 13-16, 20-23, 27-30 June 10-13, 17, 19-20, 23-27 July 3, 7-11, 17-18, 21-25, 28-31 August 1, 4-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29 Sept. 1-5, 8-12, 18-19, 22-24 Oct. 2-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-22 Total number of releases: 106 Monroe Bridge May 23, 29, 30 June 5, 6, 13, 18 (Fri.), 20, 25 (Fri.), 26 July 3, 4, 10, 11, 16 (Fri.), 17, 24, 30 (Fri.), 31 August 1, 6 (Fri.), 7, 14, 15, 20 (Fri.), 21, 28, 29 Sept. 4, 11, 12, 19 Oct. 9, 10 Total number of releases: 34 Notes: The May 23 and July 3 dates on Monroe Bridge are make-up days for the two lost days in September, 1998. Special Events: One Fly Fishing Tournament, June 5-6 – minimum flow in Fife Brook only. Lions Club Canoe Race, June 26 – Fife 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. release Riverfest, July 30-31-Aug. 1.

Response:

(I have the following dates for the Bloomington releases: 4/17, 18; 5/1, 2, 16, 17, 29, and 30; can someone confirm these dates?)

I can and so can the Army Corps of Engineers at their Bloominton info website: http://nab71.nab-wc.usace.army.mil/projects/rand/WHITEWATER99.html – Mothra  (aka Kathy Streletzky) "Life on the newsgroup is a strange gestalt of folks who are brethern at heart the long distance trippers, and rads throwing ends, and those who ask how to start" – CubicDog

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Moose River Festival October 17 Old Forge, NY "Don’t call this a Festival River Rendezvous" September 5-7 Belfort, NY/Beaver River and I must add the: Black River Festival July 25-26 Watertown, NY ……What are the dates for the Moose (NY) Fest, Beaver (NY) Rendezvous…… Enquiring Minds Want To Know!

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Of all of these, ol’ dynamo_ratt, you must not miss the Beaver releases. — Richard Hopley, concise and to the point, as always. OC-1; Rockville, Maryland, USA, BBM; (301) 330-8265 Monocacy Canoe Club, Blue Ridge Voyageurs, Canoe Cruisers’ Ass’n, Greater Baltimore CC, Coastal Canoeists, Rhode Island Canoe/Kayak Ass’n, Carolina CC, Tennessee Scenic Rivers Ass’n, ACA, and AWA Note 1: Sometimes I just forget to type that smiley-face emoticon. Note 2: Nothing really matters except Boats, Sex, and Rock’n'Roll.

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No, I’m not trying to find my pet moose and beaver a romantic tryst. Rather, I’m putting together this year’s Tripp schedule for Keel-haulers, and I need to know: What are the dates for the Moose (NY) Fest, Beaver (NY) Rendezvous, and the West River (VT), Deerfield Dryway (MA), and North Branch Potomac (Bloomington) releases? (I have the following dates for the Bloomington releases: 4/17, 18; 5/1, 2, 16, 17, 29, and 30; can someone confirm these dates?) Enquiring Minds Want To Know!

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No, I’m not trying to find my pet moose and beaver a romantic tryst. Rather, I’m putting together this year’s Tripp schedule for Keel-haulers, and I need to know: What are the dates for the Moose (NY) Fest, Beaver (NY) Rendezvous, and the West River (VT), Deerfield Dryway (MA), and North Branch Potomac (Bloomington) releases? (I have the following dates for the Bloomington releases: 4/17, 18; 5/1, 2, 16, 17, 29, and 30; can someone confirm these dates?) Enquiring Minds Want To Know!

Zoar Outdoor posted the Deerfield dates on their website (www.zoaroutdoor.com).  Make sure you look at the dryway dates and don’t confuse them with Fife Brook — there are a LOT more Fife Brook dates! — ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::         "They write books that contradict the rocks…"

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Question:

<Snip  You may want to underline it by one size.  In any case, try some lines on it and see what works best for you in the way of line weight…as the rod will probably throw several line sizes…but with a different action etc. Barry

I would concur with this idea.  In fact, I did just that on my South Bend mod. 59.   The rod’s rated for a 6 weight, but I use a DT5 on it and it casts great.   The rod has a stout "bass action", but I can cast dry flies with noticeably greater speed, pinpoint accuracy, and the delicacy of a two weight.   IOW:  Try it! Good luck… Homey

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<snip Wes Jordan (of Orvis fame) was the master rod builder at South Bend when your rod was probably made.  He started there in 1926.  The Model Number 47 describes the rods action.  In this case, a stiff or Bass Action.   100 series rod were light action, 300 series rods were considered Dry Fly action.

<snip again Al Manchester NH Still fishing a South Bend 359

Hi Al, If the numbers indicate the action, where does the model 59 fit in to this scheme? Just wondering… Homey

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If the numbers indicate the action, where does the model 59 fit in to this

scheme? Just wondering…<BR Hi Homey South Bend made most if not all of thier rods in thee actions. Bass Action model numbers with   *xx* Wet fly or Trout  modle numbers with   *1xx* Dry Fly Action modle numbers with *3xx* This is for the three piece rods. The rods all had the same hardware and wraps, only the taper was different. So a modle 59 would be a fast action rod, a 159 would be a slow or wet fly action rod, and a 359 would be a dry fly action rod – medium to fast. The modle 59’s were made, depending again on the handle and sticker sometime after 1936 and originaly sold for $5.00 to $9.35. If the rod has a grip that has distinct lines in it, and a thumb rest, called by South Bend a Comficient Grip ( comfortable and efficient ) it was made after 1939, which is when South Bend first started using these grips.  The reel seet will also give a clue as to the rods age. You can pick these rods up pretty cheep, around $125 to $150 and they are ok casting tools and good old everyday rods.  I have an 8 1/2 ft  359 that I have completely redone with modern hardware.  It is a fun nymphing rod.  Although it is a bit heavy.  There isn’t much collector interest in Sout Bend rods it seams becasue they were mass produced, made on milling machines and the sections came from different culms of bamboo.   But so were many other companies rods.  Some big names too that just might shock some people.  It is interesting to read in Wes Jordan – Profile of a Rod Maker, his attention to detail and quality when he was at South Bend.  My personal opinion is that these rods are somewhat undervalued and one day just might get some recognition.  This is in part becasue Wes Jordan always worked for a company, and never produced rods under his own name, so the lack of recognition follows..  For right now, if you want to have some fun fishing cane for a not a lot of money, a South Bend rod just might be the ticket.  You can fish them as is, or, if they are in need of some work, replace the hardware with modern stuff and have a decent cane rod.  The ferrules are the keys, make sure you have a good fit and that they are tight to the cane.  My 359 throws a DT 5 very nicely, mends well, and if I fall down and brake it, well, it’s not a Leonard or a Payne.   Mike Sinclairs book, Bamboo Rod Restoration has a chaper in it in South Bend rods, and has some good advice for those wishing to refinish or even resore an old rod.  For $25.00 it is not a bad refference to have around. Well, see, you asked a simple question and got me started )  Hope this helps. Al

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Some years ago I acquired a South Bend No. 47 split cane rod. It is a nine feet long, three piece rod in a cotton rod bag, and marked in the ‘old’ line ratings as suitable for HCH.C or GBF lines. It came with(and still has) a spare top section. I was hoping someone might be able to give me a little history of the rod, in particular over what time was it made, and what would be its equivalent modern line ratings. The present management of South Bend was unable to help. The rod was previously owned by a well known Australian fisherman and tackle dealer named Hank Newman, now dead for some years. Thanks Peter Barda

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(snip) I was hoping someone might be able to give me a little history of the rod, in particular over what time was it made, and what would be its equivalent modern line ratings. The present management of South Bend was unable to help. The rod was previously owned by a well known Australian fisherman and tackle dealer named Hank Newman, now dead for some years. Thanks Peter Barda

Which model of rod is this?  I believe South Bend made several models/price ranges/quality etc.  Also…if memory serves me correctly, the line size that you mentioned is about an eight weight.  The HCH signified a double taper line and the GBF a weight forward.  This was back when they marked line by diameter….and not just weight.  Today’s lines are categorized by weight….as you know.  By the way, my first fly rod was a South Bend rod that my dad gave to me.  I wish I still had it. One other comment on line sizes for old bamboo rods….  Back in the "good old days", we accepted a slower action than is now standard in most rods. Consequently, you may find that the recommended line size is too heavy for your casting style on the South Bend rod.  You may want to underline it by one size.  In any case, try some lines on it and see what works best for you in the way of line weight…as the rod will probably throw several line sizes…but with a different action etc. Barry

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Some years ago I acquired a South Bend No. 47 split cane rod. It is a nine

feet long, three piece rod in a cotton rod bag, and marked in the ‘old’ line ra0tings as suitable for HCH.C or GBF lines. It came with(and still has) a spare top section.<BR I was hoping someone might be able to give me a little history of the rod, in

particular over what time was it made, and what would be its equivalent modern line ratings. The present management of South Bend was unable to help. Peter, Your rod was made sometime after 1936.  If you could describe the grip and the decal,  I could date it much more acurately for you.  It it has the Comficient Grip, with a gold decal, it was probably made after1939.  If the decal on the grip is a yellow rectangle, the rod was made sometime after WWII. Wes Jordan (of Orvis fame) was the master rod builder at South Bend when your rod was probably made.  He started there in 1926.  The Model Number 47 describes the rods action.  In this case, a stiff or Bass Action.   100 series rod were light action, 300 series rods were considered Dry Fly action.  The HCH refers to a modern DT 7 and GBF is the equivilent of a modern WF8.  The rod sold for around $10.00 to $15.00 depending on when it was made.   A good refference for South Bend Rods is Michael Sinclair’s Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook and Dick Spur’s and Gloria Jordan’s Wes Jordan – Profile of a Rod Maker.  Gloria Jordan still lives in Manchester Vt and runs a fly shop there. Hope this bit of info helps. Al Manchester NH Still fishing a South Bend 359

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Question:

Next month there will be a fly fishing/tying seminar, January 9 & 10 at Boise State University.  Big names like Jack Dennis, Mike Lawson, and Gary LaFontaine are the headliners.  Two day seminar; each day different, and you can go for one or both days.  Cost is $25 for one day, $45 for both.  A free video with admission.  Raffles, other good stuff. Good way to spend that extra Christmas cash you will find in your stocking. Better yet, hint to your spouse or email Santa Claus that a seminar pass would be a great Christmas gift. The local fishing clubs, like the Ted Trueblood Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Boise Valley Fly Fishermen, Fly Fishers of Idaho etc. are working with the Idaho Angler to put this on.  Proceeds will go to a special account set up for the purpose of making some appropriate investments at Mormon Reservoir, the new trophy trout reservoir south of Fairfield, Idaho. For more information, or to sign up call the Idaho Angler at:  800-787-9957,

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The seminar is actually on January 10 and 11, Saturday & Sunday.

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Question:

Does Anyone know any good flyfishing rivers/lakes in or near Halifax, NovaScotia? I will be traveling there for about two weeks and would like to know if there even is flyfishing there. Please E-mail me back or just posting it up might be good if I ever see it again.                        Thanx JT

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Does Anyone know any good flyfishing rivers/lakes in or near Halifax, NovaScotia? I will be traveling there for about two weeks and would like to know if there even is flyfishing there. Please E-mail me back or just posting it up might be good if I ever see it again.                       Thanx JT

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Submit one or browse what we’ve got!!! http://www.sklarew.com/vaflyfish/reports/index.html

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Submit one or check out what we have!!! http://www.sklarew.com/vaflyfish/classifieds/index.html

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Please stop by and add your link to our "Add-a-link" section!!! http://www.sklarew.com/vaflyfish/index.html (Netscape 2.0) http://www.sklarew.com/vaflyfish/aol.html (non Netscape Users)

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Stop by our site, add you links, browse our classifieds and Virginia Reports, leave us your comments!!! www.sklarew.com/vaflyfish for netscape users www.sklarew.com/vaflyfish/aol.html for other browsers

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I’ve been out with a pulled back for over one month now!  I pulled it setting up my research project up in the Blue Ridge.  How’s the fly fishing going in VA?  What hatches have come off?  Any successful fishing reports? Thank, steve

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Well, smallmouth fishing in the northern half of the state has been pretty lame due to an unusually wet spring and high water. But I had a great day in May catching native brookies in Shenandoah National Park! Scott W.

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Fishing has gone from poor to worse here at least in northern parts of Virginia since Memorial day. We’ve had record rains and flash flooding. Fishing was fairly good for a short spell about a week ago, but then the rains hit AGAIN!!! Keith in Waterford, VA

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