Question:

Hello all, I did a search for past messages and didn’t find any help. Could anyone suggest a book(s) for info on flyfishing in Montana? It would be much appreciated. I live in E. Washington and am looking to make a few trips to into Montana this year. The books don’t have to be super-detailed–I’d prefer overviews to an entire book on just one river. However, if the book covered a "region" (like Yellowstone Park), that would be fine. I’m just looking for some basic info on times, hatches, accessability, etc. Thanks! -TyKo

Response:

Flyfisher’s guide to Montana by Greg Thomas is pretty good. The Montana Angling Guide by Fothergill and Sterling is also good. The former has a better narrative and information on lodging, dining, etc. The latter has better maps.  All my opinions, of course. John

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all, I did a search for past messages and didn’t find any help. Could anyone suggest a book(s) for info on flyfishing in Montana? It would be much appreciated. I live in E. Washington and am looking to make a few trips to into Montana this year. The books don’t have to be super-detailed–I’d prefer overviews to an entire book on just one river. However, if the book covered a "region" (like Yellowstone Park), that would be fine. I’m just looking for some basic info on times, hatches, accessability, etc. Thanks! -TyKo

Response:

Flyfisher’s guide to Montana by Greg Thomas is pretty good. The Montana Angling Guide by Fothergill and Sterling is also good. The former has a better narrative and information on lodging, dining, etc. The latter has better maps.  All my opinions, of course.

I found the latter extremely helpful because of all the pullout maps, in a ring binder format  you can easily lay flat.

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Question:

I usually take two to three guided trips each year and have been doing this now for the past 8 years.  The great majority of the time the guides I’ve used have been good companions, wonderful teachers, more than willing to share their knowledge of the local fishing, and in general more than worth the money I’ve spent. I believe however that much of that experience has been what I brought to the table.  I never count fish, try hard to listen to suggestions and instruction, don’t try to be an expert when in fact my enthusiasm far outweighs any talent I have, treat the guide with respect, and tip well, even when I’ve been totally skunked.  As I diabetic I have dietary restrictions and I’ve had guides drive 40 miles out of their way to be sure I could get a lunch that met those needs.  On the other hand I do remember sharing one trip with a stranger who seemed to expect at least 6 fish over 24", gourmet streamside meals, and treated the guide as if he were some hired servant for the day.  Needless to say he was not treated well. Guides are people.  Some are real jerks and I’ve dumped one by 10:00 a.m. when I unfortunately ran into him.  But most are genuinely interested in seeing their clients have a great day and learn something new.  It has been my experience that nearly all respond in kind when you treat them with respect, humor, and honesty.  Also, I’ve learned the shop is VERY interested in the clients having a great time.  The flyfishing community is fairly small and most of the shop owners know each other.  I generally use my home shop for recommendations and the folks at my destination know I’ll be going home and reporting back on how I was treated.  One bad report can mean at lot of lost recommendations. I have one shop that I’ve been back to three times, Mountain Anglers in Breckenridge, CO.  The last time I was there I was treated like a long lost friend, shared drinks and dinners with several of the guides, and generally made to feel like "one of the gang".  Jackson Streit and his group rank at t he very top in my book and I wouldn’t hesitate to send anyone their way. But with the strong recommendation that you go prepared to do your part. Just my $.02… Don — Don Anderson

Response:

I think this is generally true in every perfection.  I know that as a performer, the better the audience is the better the show they will get.  It’s unintentional but true.  I receive energy from the audience and I’m more concerned with minute nuances of my performance when the audience is appreciative.  I think guides are the same. — Vern Before you buy.

Response:

That should be "profession" not "perfection."  Oops, I did it again. Vern I think this is generally true in every perfection.  I know that as a performer, the better the audience is the better the show they will get.  It’s unintentional but true.  I receive energy from the audience and I’m more concerned with minute nuances of my performance when the audience is appreciative.  I think guides are the same. — Vern Before you buy.

Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been fishing streams recently and noticing that the last 2-3 feet of my line is sinking.  It is a Cortland 444 WF-5-F line and is about a year old and hasn’t been heavily fished.  Besides cleaning the line, is there anything else I can do to prevent this?….it makes it hard to keep the fly up! Also, what is the best product out there for making the line slide through the guides better? Thanks Dustin Let the line dry out for a good period, and then ensure that the end is sealed with a good waterproof glue or similar, water may be seeping into the core. Otherwise use the cortland line cleaner and dressing. TL MC

Yes, I agree. Check the line to make sure, let it dry and use some line cleaner/dressing. If that doesn’t work, make sure you are mending your line so that that current isn’t pulling it under. DAYGLOW York Team DBE

Response:

I get the same problem with my Airflo 7000, I tried cleaning it and that helped, but I will try sealing it now!

Response:

I have been fishing streams recently and noticing that the last 2-3 feet of my line is sinking.  It is a Cortland 444 WF-5-F line and is about a year old and hasn’t been heavily fished.  Besides cleaning the line, is there anything else I can do to prevent this?….it makes it hard to keep the fly up! Also, what is the best product out there for making the line slide through the guides better? Thanks Dustin

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been fishing streams recently and noticing that the last 2-3 feet of my line is sinking.  It is a Cortland 444 WF-5-F line and is about a year old and hasn’t been heavily fished.  Besides cleaning the line, is there anything else I can do to prevent this?….it makes it hard to keep the fly up! Also, what is the best product out there for making the line slide through the guides better? Thanks Dustin

Let the line dry out for a good period, and then ensure that the end is sealed with a good waterproof glue or similar, water may be seeping into the core. Otherwise use the cortland line cleaner and dressing. TL MC

Response:

Question:

Hello all, This is my third year fly fishing and I am gearing up for another great season. I live in NH which I feel fortunate for because we have some fine fishing up here. My question…I’m wondering what the lifespan of my line is? I have scientific angler on my reel and it has served me well for the last two years I keep it clean and it casts smooth but is it time to retire it and re-line my reel? Upon examination the line seems to have many little kinks in it, I mean very small kinks, but it doesn’t seem to affect the cast. I need the proverbial collective wisdom. Keith

Response:

Is your line cracked? If it has many tiny cracks–it’s time to get a new one. I fish every day in the summer–and I’m very lucky to get one entire season out of a flyline.

Response:

Hello all, This is my third year fly fishing and I am gearing up for another great season. I live in NH which I feel fortunate for because we have some fine fishing up here. My question…I’m wondering what the lifespan of my line is? I have scientific angler on my reel and it has served me well for the last two years I keep it clean and it casts smooth but is it time to retire it and re-line my reel? Upon examination the line seems to have many little kinks in it, I mean very small kinks, but it doesn’t seem to affect the cast. I need the proverbial collective wisdom. Keith

Cleaner and Dressing, Gehrke’s PZ.  It will return the plasticizers back into it.  Naturally, it is the only product in the world that can/will do that Keith.  If your fly line isn’t cracked yet, which is the next thing it will do if you start casting and stretching it in this condition (before PZ repairing it) you should get a new fly line even if for just a back up. Keep them in the fridge in the off season in zip lock bags.  This keeps the plasticizers from evaporating.  Fly lines DO HAVE a short shelf life.  They hate light, sun light, heat, and especially water but definitely, soap and water is worse still.  This statement trashes all the wives tales on how to best clean fly lines.  Do not use soap and water unless you have PZ Fly Line Dressing and Cleaner immediately at hand Keith.  Finally, if the cost of a fly line is of concern, trot down to Wal-Mart and get a Cortland fly line for only $11.57.  These are all I fish excepting of course Lee Wulff Triangle Taper Fly Lines. Hope this information is of help to you buddy. Mr. G. — Visit: http://www.gink.com        http://www.xink.com        http://www.rodbuilding.com        http://www.rodbuilder.com All Writings & Rights Reserved

Question:

Hi All, A friend has asked me to build what is know as an AuSable river boat.  It is a flat bottom skiff type boat commonly used for fly fishing on the AuSable river here in Michigan.  It may be similar to an adirondack guide boat. If anyone can point me to resources that may help me sort this out such as websites, pics etc.  I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Craig "Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government"

Response:

OK Craig – you asked for it!!! are as goodat helping out as the people here (I know, some days I’m incredulous too ). Wait a minute! about anything boat related, like maybe skiff AND plans (or something). There are a gazillion books of plans — maybe not the AuSable river boat, but certainly something very much like it, and probably using modern construction techniques and materials.   For starters:  Build the New Instant Boats — Dynamite Payson                  American Small Sailing Craft — Howard Chapelle                  Forty Wooden Boats (also 30 and 50 wooden boats)                          by WoodenBoat Magazine http://www.woodenboat.com                  ANTYHING by WoodenBoat                  ANYTHING by Phil Bolger (Boats with an Open Mind is fun reading) Check out http://www.amazon.com for more books. No doubt someone else will jump in with really good advice, and I’ll bow to his/her superior knowledge. BTW – remember that boat building  (and all woodworking) is supposed to be fun.  For boats in particular, you can generally buy a ready-made boat cheaper than you can build one, so, if you do not WANT to build, and I mean really want to build, tell your friend to find something used and buy it. Have fun, and good luck with your search Rob (building a Sinepuxent skiff from Smithsonian plans) Weaver – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, A friend has asked me to build what is know as an AuSable river boat.  It is a flat bottom skiff type boat commonly used for fly fishing on the AuSable river here in Michigan.  It may be similar to an adirondack guide boat. If anyone can point me to resources that may help me sort this out such as websites, pics etc.  I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Craig "Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government"

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Question:

I am looking for someone who will provide first-time instruction to a fly fishing beginner in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico.  Please

Response:

There is at least one shop in Santa Fe that offers a guide service. Look them up in the yellow pages at your local library. (Yep, paper still works to transmit information!) — Ken Clark Ft. Lupton, CO

Response:

There is at least one shop in Santa Fe that offers a guide service. Look them up in the yellow pages at your local library.

Try: Santa Fe Flyfishing School & Guide Service (505) 986-3913 Bill Schudlich Santa Fe, NM

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Question:

As a last resort he started to dog paddle,and managed to get enough air (and a bit of water)in his lungs to keep going.He managed to make it to shore. I always assumed that if my tube turned over, I would use the Kayakers’ last restort: a wet exit.  I.e., calmly reach down (or is it up?), pull my feet out, and exit the tube.  Anyone see a problem with this assumption? Wet exits are the one and only facet of kayaking I’m proficient at, having had lots of practice while trying to learn to roll.

I for one am going to take my tube out in the lake in a controlled situation and flip it until I am comfortable with this "wet exit". I didnt even realize flipping my tube was possible- It’s pretty wide. You got my attention! Jack Jack Wheeler

Response:

Maybe you/they don’t need a hand (i.e. is there a lawsuit pending against the tube manufacturer?

You know, it wasn’t till several hours after I read this comment that it occured to me how offensive it is.  Why is it that every time somebody hurts themself we assume it is someone else’s fault? Sue the float tube manufacturer?  Come on.  Do you really think the float tube is to blame? — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

On March 29, 1996 my younger brother Bill died when his float tube Sheesh: you write a post like that to a group consisting of thousands of

… paragraph of inappropriate sarcasm deleted … know? Geez, I mean I might have to put off buying that new  reel I want for a whole month or so but I think I could swing it….

You insensitive bastard.  I gather no one will shed a tear when your tube flips. Bob Luneski

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Maybe you/they don’t need a hand (i.e. is there a lawsuit pending against the tube manufacturer? You know, it wasn’t till several hours after I read this comment that it occured to me how offensive it is.  Why is it that every time somebody hurts themself we assume it is someone else’s fault? Sue the float tube manufacturer?  Come on.  Do you really think the float tube is to blame? — -Wayne Trzyna

Wayne has a good point, unless of course the manufacurer designed a tube that would obviously flip under normal operation. i.e. shaped like a kayak.  If an angler choses to forego a PFD and drowns because the tube completely deflated before going ashore, then too bad. (Which is a different circumstance than the subject victim) I personally limit my use of the float tube to calm still waters on small lakes with land very accessible.  I view my tube as the "only" option as a boat on a small pond or lake where a regular boat would be less intimate.  Larger waters require a normal boat or even a pram, a tube is not viewed as my "poor man’s boat".  No white water adventures here because no fish is worth my life. My condolences to the familiy of the unfortunate angler. — Howard

Response:

Maybe you/they don’t need a hand (i.e. is there a lawsuit pending against the tube manufacturer? You know, it wasn’t till several hours after I read this comment that it occured to me how offensive it is.  Why is it that every time somebody hurts themself we assume it is someone else’s fault? Sue the float tube manufacturer?  Come on.  Do you really think the float tube is to blame?

If it was a manufacturing or design defect, then yes, there is every right to sue, provided that it was being used as intended. It might very well be a design which places the rider COG too high…the lawsuit might 1) get it fixed and 2) save more lives. Something that seems really ludicrous to me is the price of some of the tubes…like Browning…around $50…imagine that, really, something for $50 that has such serious implications, a $50 boat. Hmmmm…boggles the mind…freaking fly line costs more… TimW

Response:

Wheee!

If you can maintain this attitude, you will survive the flip. — -Wayne Trzyna

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: I have spent many an hour in a float tube ,and I must tell you : that I am amazed that anyone has had one flip over on them????? It _CAN_ be done!!  I have not managed to do so yet, but there have been times where I leaned way over the side of tube to reach for a snagged line. I would have the opposite side of the tube lift out of the water and start to roll. I am only about 175#, but I used to flip truck tire tubes in the pool when I was a kid by leaning on one side of them. There were times when I had to worry about this, but they are several pounds

ago. My COG is pretty safely placed, now.   I did flip once, getting into the water, because I was careless, and tried to walk forward rather than back.  Really scary for about 10 seconds.  I am really careful, now. I have to say, seems like the carrying straps add to the danger.  I don’t use them.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : I have spent many an hour in a float tube ,and I must tell you : that I am amazed that anyone has had one flip over on them????? It _CAN_ be done!!  I have not managed to do so yet, but there have been times where I leaned way over the side of tube to reach for a snagged line. I would have the opposite side of the tube lift out of the water and start to roll. I am only about 175#, but I used to flip truck tire tubes in the pool when I was a kid by leaning on one side of them. The trick is to stay reasonably centered and keep your butt in the water. Even when I get a big wake from a boat, I easily stay upright and ride it out. Wheee! Jon Porter

In reflection, my previous post might be considered to be flippant and callous regarding the original incident.  I meant no disrespect, and extend my sympathies to the family and friends of the unfortunate tuber.

Response:

: I always assumed that if my tube turned over, I would use the Kayakers’ : last restort: a wet exit.  I.e., calmly reach down (or is it up?), : pull my feet out, and exit the tube.  Anyone see a problem with this : assumption? You should be able to _drop_ out of a tube. I can get into my Caddis with the seat strap buckled while wearing fins. I figure that getting out (even upside down) should not be much harder. The trick is to keep your wits about you when the thing flips! Jon Porter

Your waders will be tough to pull under water upside down.  You might give it a try (with help nearby) and let us know how it goes.  Sobering thought being upside down with your neoprenes, all snug and airtight, waving around in the breeze.  Perhaps the open-ended tubes have more to recommend them than easy entry. John Porter, I’m truely sorry for your loss and appreciate the warning. Good fishing!  J. Rice

Response:

With regard to an earlier post of mine to the fellow who’s brother drowned a "Bob" [Last name omitted to protect the guilty] apparently skimmed same and, thinking I was being sarcastic/insensitive, submitted a post of his own with a  few of the lines from my post he misconstrued. For the opportunity to restate the point of my original post will gladly forego asking for mea culpa from Bob for wrongful skimming/snipping me to make me sound like a bastard/calling me a bastard/etc., etc. since I also know his heart was in the right place. Thus, again: Here’s hoping the fellow who lost his brother will tell us if his brother’s two boys are in financial straits and, if so, whether and where there’s a trust fund where those of us who are interested can send something. (And oh, Bob, re your calling me a bastard: No hard feelings (Though I hope you didn’t hurt my father’s feelings, whoever he is….)

Response:

On March 29, 1996 my younger brother Bill died when his float tube over turned in a small pond near Prineville, Oregon. I don’t know what made the tube flip – but I know I will never use one again. Bill left two small boys – Sam, 2 and Jake, 7. Bill was an avid fly fisherman, moving to Prineville to teach science and be closer to the rivers he loved to fish. His last project, about two weeks ago,  was to take his class out and they planted 800 trees bordering a stream that had suffered from cattle grazing. I hope the stream recovers… If you have any information on why or how tubes can flip – please drop me a note.

Response:

On March 29, 1996 my younger brother Bill died when his float tube over turned in a small pond near Prineville, Oregon. I don’t know what made the tube flip – but I know I will never use one again. Bill left two small boys – Sam, 2 and Jake, 7. Bill was an avid fly fisherman, moving to Prineville to teach science and be closer to the rivers he loved to fish. His last project, about two weeks ago,  was to take his class out and they planted 800 trees bordering a stream that had suffered from cattle grazing. I hope the stream recovers… If you have any information on why or how tubes can flip – please drop me a note.

I’m sorry to hear about your brother,I offer my condolences.My brother did the same thing,luckily he survied.I was to far from him to help and I just stood there in disbelief.I think he was trying to get out of the water to take a leek,and tripped on a rock and fell forward. Being a steep dropoff right next to shore he could not reach the bottom with his hand.  As a last resort he started to dog paddle,and managed to get enough air (and a bit of water)in his lungs to keep going.He managed to make it to shore.  I now fish with a floater vest or a floater collar,and so does my brother, we enjoy our fishing trips together and especially float tubing. It’s a very exciting sport and I hope you do not give it up. BTW he is my twin brother,and I don’t want to lose him. Just sharing my experience with everybody and maybe it hits home to some people. Tight lines,Frank

Response:

On March 29, 1996 my younger brother Bill died when his float tube over turned in a small pond near Prineville, Oregon. I don’t know what made the tube flip – but I know I will never use one again. Bill left two small boys – Sam, 2 and Jake, 7. Bill was an avid fly fisherman, moving to Prineville to teach science and be closer to the rivers he loved to fish. His last project, about two weeks ago,  was to take his class out and they planted 800 trees bordering a stream that had suffered from cattle grazing…..

Sheesh: you write a post like that to a group consisting of thousands of lunatics who by definition sit around staring at their $2000 and up computertoys and fairly regularly drop $300-$500 on flyrods, $100-$400 on reels, take fly-in trips around the world, etc., etc., and you don’t tell us if the boys’ mother and you and whatever other family is involved could use a hand with the expenses of raising the boys and whether a trust fund has been set up for them and the address….? Maybe you/they don’t need a hand (i.e. is there a lawsuit pending against the tube manufacturer?) but if they do why don’t you let us know? Geez, I mean I might have to put off buying that new  reel I want for a whole month or so but I think I could swing it….

Response:

: On March 29, 1996 my younger brother Bill died when his float tube : over turned in a small pond near Prineville, Oregon. I don’t know what : made the tube flip – but I know I will never use one again. Bill left : two small boys – Sam, 2 and Jake, 7. Bill was an avid fly fisherman, : moving to Prineville to teach science and be closer to the rivers he : loved to fish. His last project, about two weeks ago,  was to take his : class out and they planted 800 trees bordering a stream that had suffered : from cattle grazing. I hope the stream recovers… : If you have any information on why or how tubes can flip – please drop : me a note. Sorry to hear of your loss. Can the tubes be flipped while leaning backwards with one arm extended to the rear and feet out in front of you? Suggestion for discussion: When diving, I wear a large dull knife strapped to my leg. This is mostly to impress the tourons. However, after having managed to get all tangled up in a monoline fishing net once, there is now a small, double-edged, very sharp, serrated (sp?) edged knife fastened to my shoulder strap. Next time I’ll leave all that equipment down there with a few quick strokes of that knife when the release buckles are all tied up. Maybe it is just me, but after a couple of emergency situations, you go prepared. When upside down in a tube, can an escape be managed with a slash to the tube and a couple cuts on shoulder straps? I know, like you don’t have enough junk hanging on your vest already. Also, there are ankle weights for divers that don’t like diving upside down. I assume tubers have these also to help paddle around? Bill

Response:

On March 29, 1996 my younger brother Bill died…

Rich: My sincerest condolences to you and your family… very sorry to hear this tragic news.

Response:

As a last resort he started to dog paddle,and managed to get enough air (and a bit of water)in his lungs to keep going.He managed to make it to shore.

I always assumed that if my tube turned over, I would use the Kayakers’ last restort: a wet exit.  I.e., calmly reach down (or is it up?), pull my feet out, and exit the tube.  Anyone see a problem with this assumption? Wet exits are the one and only facet of kayaking I’m proficient at, having had lots of practice while trying to learn to roll. — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

I always assumed that if my tube turned over, I would use the Kayakers’ last restort: a wet exit.  I.e., calmly reach down (or is it up?), pull my feet out, and exit the tube.  Anyone see a problem with this assumption? Wet exits are the one and only facet of kayaking I’m proficient at, having had lots of practice while trying to learn to roll.

The panic factor and 35 degree water might be a problem with this assumption.  Keeping your wits about you would be difficult.  I assume you practiced rolling your kayak under somewhat controlled conditions.  I never practiced flipping my tube. Does a PFD really help if you are flipped over.  Will it keep your head up when the tube is flipped over and your legs are pointed to the sky, or will it keep you from flipping in the first place?.  Just curious if anyone has experienced a flip while wearing a life jacket. John

Response:

: I have spent many an hour in a float tube ,and I must tell you : that I am amazed that anyone has had one flip over on them????? It _CAN_ be done!!  I have not managed to do so yet, but there have been times where I leaned way over the side of tube to reach for a snagged line. I would have the opposite side of the tube lift out of the water and start to roll. I am only about 175#, but I used to flip truck tire tubes in the pool when I was a kid by leaning on one side of them. The trick is to stay reasonably centered and keep your butt in the water. Even when I get a big wake from a boat, I easily stay upright and ride it out. Wheee! Jon Porter

Response:

: I always assumed that if my tube turned over, I would use the Kayakers’ : last restort: a wet exit.  I.e., calmly reach down (or is it up?), : pull my feet out, and exit the tube.  Anyone see a problem with this : assumption? You should be able to _drop_ out of a tube. I can get into my Caddis with the seat strap buckled while wearing fins. I figure that getting out (even upside down) should not be much harder. The trick is to keep your wits about you when the thing flips! Jon Porter

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I have spent many an hour in a float tube ,and I must tell you that I am amazed that anyone has had one flip over on them?????

Response:

First for safety I would say we need to wear PFD’s of some type.  Second we should never be without a good readily available knife.  Third it isn’t a bad Idea to try to flip one with a friend present and try a water exit. Not panicing is probably the key.  Neoprene waders are very bouyant and can hinder a water exit plus they are cumbersome.

Response:

If you have any information on why or how tubes can flip – please drop me a note.

I find that the lower I set my self in the tube the better control I have over it  This may take away some of my casting ability but I feel safer. Condolences on your loss

Response:

On March 29, 1996 my younger brother Bill died when his float tube over turned in a small pond near Prineville, Oregon. I don’t know what made the tube flip – but I know I will never use one again. Bill left two small boys – Sam, 2 and Jake, 7. Bill was an avid fly fisherman, moving to Prineville to teach science and be closer to the rivers he loved to fish. His last project, about two weeks ago,  was to take his class out and they planted 800 trees bordering a stream that had suffered from cattle grazing…..

   First of all, let me say I’m very sorry for your loss.    This should be a heads-up for float-tubers and anyone thinking about buying one.  A friend of mine flipped his in the Green River and fortunately was able to right himself in shallow water while I watched helplessly from fifty yards away.  He is 6′2" and 250 lbs and was in a Browning tube which is way too small and carries you way too high, especially if you are his size.  He will never use that tube again.  In the same year a boy drowned in that river when his tube flipped.  Tubing in rivers is especially dangerous because the current can make it even more difficult than it already is to free yourself from a flipped tube, not to mention hazards like rocks.  If you flip, don’t try to right yourself.  Try to remain calm and just swim out.    For what it’s worth, I have a Caddis tube.  It is about the largest diameter tube I have ever seen and I sit quite low in it.  I am 6′ and 170 lbs. and I don’t think I could flip it if I tried unless I was standing in very shallow water.  I also always wear a lifevest. -alan

Response:

On March 29, 1996 my younger brother Bill died when his float tube over turned in a small pond near Prineville, Oregon. I don’t know what made the tube flip – but I know I will never use one again. Bill left two small boys – Sam, 2 and Jake, 7. Bill was an avid fly fisherman, moving to Prineville to teach science and be closer to the rivers he loved to fish. His last project, about two weeks ago,  was to take his class out and they planted 800 trees bordering a stream that had suffered from cattle grazing. I hope the stream recovers… If you have any information on why or how tubes can flip – please drop me a note.

Tragic.  Deepest, deepest condolences. You did not mention the use of a life jacket.  Was your brother wearing one ? TW

Response:

On March 29, 1996 my younger brother Bill died when his float tube over turned in a small pond near Prineville, Oregon.  

        (Snip) Sheesh: you write a post like that to a group consisting of thousands of

lunatics who by definition sit around staring at their $2000 and up computertoys and fairly regularly drop $300-$500 on flyrods, $100-$400 on reels, take fly-in trips around the world, etc., etc., and you don’t tell us if the boys’ mother and you and whatever other family is involved could use a hand with the expenses of raising the boys and whether a trust fund has been set up for them and the address….? Maybe you/they don’t need a hand (i.e. if there a lawsuit pending against the tube manufacturer?) but if they do why don’t you let us know? Geez, I mean I might have to put off buying that new   reel I want for a whole month or so but I think I could swing it….

        Well, . very crass, but I think your heart is in the right place. I think its a super idea. If, after they recover some from the shock of their loss, the family would accept some help from others who shared your brothers passion, I for one would be very willing to help.  

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Question:

There is an article in the Long Island Edition of The Fisherman Magazine which, as I understand it, is distributed for several other areas as well on the east coast. I found some interesting tips in the article so I thought I’d pass it along…. HighHooks-n-TightLines,      Jose

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We have a farm pond that’s over-run with gills, I keep a cane pole with a #14 wooly-worm at ready to reduce the numbers, Over the past two years we’ve really improved the fishing there alot.  We ocasionally get one that’s big enough to eat, but they get thrown back. Bob

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I know during the early spring season bluegills get very little respect.   But I love to catch those little ^%&^%&^*&*!  I admit I           lots of fun on the fly, but I don’t know what patterns to throw at them. Dry flys, streamers, nymphs….Any suggestions?

Yee!  I use small spider fly, which I will let go with the edge of the current, you will see the splash!  By the way, red is my favorite color in Summer, and spider is easy to tie by yourself don’t waste money! Bill

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Lines: 12 I too love to flyfish for bluegill.  I lived in the great basin area of the west for 25 years, and only thought that trout were worth flyfishing for. Then I moved to Indiana, bass and bluegill heaven.  I use a 2weight rod and poppers that I make out of foam, cork, or balsa.  The average bluegill in this area  is about 6 inches, but I have caught several bluegill out of a particular lake that have been 12 inches long.  I don’t dream about owning a house on a stream in the west anymore, I dream about owning a small lake that has big bass and bluegill in it. "I am haunted by waters." -Norman Maclean-

Chris, what is the length of the rod? I use to use a 9ft 2wt, but now I use a 10ft 3wt. From the Float Tube of Elmer G. Meiler Somewhere on the Pond of OZ

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I like a black wooly buggerish fly tied out of just black marabou on a #10 3906b (or a reasonable facsimile).  Just tie it in at the bend, wrap the marabou to the eye, tie it off and viola!  A simple bluegill killer.  A small deer hair frog will also take bluegills and bass.  When all else fails, a peacock body with a hungarian partridge hen hackle in front fished wet is also a killer.

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Any black midge or small callabaetis works well.

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   I have literally NEVER cast one of those without catching a bluegill!

Try this on for size for bluegill madness! Same as above for the fly, but try using a three weight rod. A teeny bluegill suddenly feels like a 5 pound monster! Bluegill ho! edwin

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When they are down deeper try a Bully bluegill spider byTerry Wilson, great fly. The bass pond has them or all Terry at 417-777-2467

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I’ve found that the small to middling bluegills are the ones you’ll find hitting anything up top. The really big ones become more solitary and hang out at the lower levels. For these, the best flies by far are nymphs in the 8-12 size range. You’ll probably want to custom-tie some weighted ones with weed guards to get down there quickly, but it’s worth the effort to feel a big dinner-plate sized bluegill turning sideways and pulling with all its might. BTW, the April issue of 8-Wt Journal is, coincidentally, on bluegills. JL 8-Wt Editor

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I know during the early spring season bluegills get very little respect.   But I love to catch those little ^%&^%&^*&*!  I admit I love to fish for trout, but pound for pound bluegills are one of the most aggressive fresh water fish out!   Is there anyone who know of any big bluegill hot spots in Mississippi! I hear they get up to 1.5 – 3 pounds down there! Greg

There are many man made lakes brimming with bluegills that would be lots of fun on the fly, but I don’t know what patterns to throw at them. Dry flys, streamers, nymphs….Any suggestions? -jmc

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My Friends, I really appreciate everyones respond to my message! It seems like bulegill get a little respect after all! I thought I was one of few who enjoyed catching them! I read everyones message, but I did not hear about any hot fishing spots. I already have a box full of flies ready for this weekend! If there are any lakes or ponds that you suggest let know. Thanks Greg Classic Fly Fisherman Company P.O. Box 4521 Greenville, De 19807-4521 Phone: (302) 764-3236 Fax: (302) 764-5974

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I’ve had great luck catching bluegills using a two fly rig with an Irristible dry fly as a strike indicator and a Silver Hilton as the trailer.  The silver hilton is a steelhead pattern which I tie on a size 12 79580 Mustad sized right for the small mouths of our bluegills. Why this miniature Silver Hilton pattern drives the bluegills nuts is a mystery to me, maybe the action of the split wing, maybe the size and color imitates some common bug?   In some years, we get heavy infestations of a dusty gray moth we here call ‘millers’ (moth of the ordinary cutworm). In those years, a Hornberg is deadly on bluegills during miller season.

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There are many man made lakes brimming with bluegills that would be lots of fun on the fly, but I don’t know what patterns to throw at them. Dry flys, streamers, nymphs….Any suggestions? -jmc

Two Words: Sneaky Pete.  Available many places (even Orvis!).  Bluegills can’t say no to this guy…. Phil Calvin                                       ‘91 Hawkgt, DoD#242

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: There are many man made lakes brimming with bluegills that would be : lots of fun on the fly, but I don’t know what patterns to throw at : them. Dry flys, streamers, nymphs….Any suggestions? For BIG bluegill, try a popper bug .. it will always float (if its wood), and don’t be suprised if a largemouth bass hit it too, or a pickerel for that matter. — pete

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Greg, Yep.  All of the above.  dries, nymps, streamers, wet’s they’ll all catch ‘gills. in early spring – pre-spawn, a small nymph works great, as do woolly worms and smaller woolly buggers.(wooly’s are great all season) During the spawn — wooly’s or just about anything slowly swimming through the spawninb beds.  Humpy’s for dries or small poppers, are a blast when the water is smooth as glass! Jim Elias Blue Grass IA H.Y.M.R.

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There are many man made lakes brimming with bluegills that would be lots of fun on the fly, but I don’t know what patterns to throw at them. Dry flys, streamers, nymphs….Any suggestions? -jmc

The feature that most great bluegill flies have in common is white rubber legs.  Look for the very fine strands; sometimes it is hard to find in fly shops. My favorite fly is a girdle bug:  black chenille body on a long shank nymph hook (size 10 or 12, depending on the fish), white rubber legs and a couple of strands for a tail.  Weight with lead wire, a bead head, or just a split shot on the leader if the water is more than a couple feet deep. Frank Stetzer                        "…a cheerful comrade is better Information and Media Technologies    than a waterproof coat and a Univ Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA         foot-warmer."  Henry Van Dyke,

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: There are many man made lakes brimming with bluegills that would be : lots of fun on the fly, but I don’t know what patterns to throw at : them. Dry flys, streamers, nymphs….Any suggestions?

I have been fly fishing for bluegills for many years now and have settled on two flys: For a dry fly I use the renegade which has hackle front and back to keep it afloat. If they’re not taking the dry,I use a Montana nymph which seems to work on just about any fish. The trick is to find a lake with big bluegills and not like most lakes with lots of but mostly stunted fish!!!!! Anyway, good luck and have fun !!

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I too love to flyfish for bluegill.  I lived in the great basin area of the west for 25 years, and only thought that trout were worth flyfishing for. Then I moved to Indiana, bass and bluegill heaven.  I use a 2weight rod and poppers that I make out of foam, cork, or balsa.  The average bluegill in this area  is about 6 inches, but I have caught several bluegill out of a particular lake that have been 12 inches long.  I don’t dream about owning a house on a stream in the west anymore, I dream about owning a small lake that has big bass and bluegill in it. "I am haunted by waters." -Norman Maclean-

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I know during the early spring season bluegills get very little respect.   But I love to catch those little ^%&^%&^*&*!  I admit I           lots of fun on the fly, but I don’t know what patterns to throw at them. Dry flys, streamers, nymphs….Any suggestions?

I’ve been using small #10 yellow popping bugs, the kind that are shaped like a small cigar and have four ruber feet and a small feather tail. the bluegills and crappie have been tearing them up, and i’ve had the ocaisional small large mouth hit them too, but big brim really love’m,. Bill C.

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I own a one acre pond that is full of large bluegills. The oldest are 5 years old and there are plenty of them. Since the second year I have fished the pond almost entirely with a fly rod. Since I release nearly all of them, they have become very educated to my patterns. At one time a wooly bugger could take about everything including the channel cats. Now I have to change patterns all the time. As soon as I find an effective fly, it takes about a week, they just stop biting on it. Then its a trial and error search until I find the right combination. Any suggestions?  I have had great luck with chrinomidge patterns, nymphs, wooly buggers ( olive and black), and limited luck with dry fly patterns. These are smart fish!

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Newgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly

I was just browsing through Wulff on Flyfishing.  He recommends the backwards-tied fly for these smart, educated fish.  Its just the same as a normal pattern, except the hackle & head are at the hook bend.  Lee Wulff opines that its the bend in the hook that is the giveaway to the educated fish and that when the hackle is tied over the bend and hides it, you are one up on the fish.  Also, he suggests that, especially with dry flies, the flotation is better since the hackle floats the heavier portion of the fly (the bend) better. I haven’t tried these "backwards flies" but it might work. Regards, Al Soroka

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I know during the early spring season bluegills get very little respect.   But I love to catch those little ^%&^%&^*&*!  I admit I love to fish for trout, but pound for pound bluegills are one of the most aggressive fresh water fish out!   Is there anyone who know of any big bluegill hot spots in Mississippi! I hear they get up to 1.5 – 3 pounds down there! Greg

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There are many man made lakes brimming with bluegills that would be lots of fun on the fly, but I don’t know what patterns to throw at them. Dry flys, streamers, nymphs….Any suggestions? -jmc

Just about anything that moves will catch bluegills.  Dry ones are fun just twitch them a bit enough to make a ripple.  Watch the bugs on the water.  The flit about just making ripples, then **WHAM** bluegill will hit it and take it under.  They go for anything that moves though.

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   In my experience, the ONE guaranteed-to-catch-em bluegill fly is one of those tiny little cork/balsa flat-faced poppers, in either yellow or pearl, with rubber legs and a tuft of feather out the back. (I’m talking about the kind that are almost a dime a dozen in bubble packaging at K-Mart!)    I have literally NEVER cast one of those without catching a bluegill!    BTW, I too love to fish for bluegill.  Many days, after fishing with bigger flys for smallmouth, I’ll end the day by tying on one of those little poppers and catching some bluegill.  I find the tiny poppers are a joy to cast with an 8-weight rod as they are virtually weightless on a big tippet, allowing you to really "slice-n-dice" on casts, delicately placing the popper under branches, overhangs, etc.    Ditto on bluegill being great fighters…they’re like the ants of the fish world…super-strong for their size! —         Scott Wilkinson         Montgomery County, Maryland

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know during the early spring season bluegills get very little respect.   But I love to catch those little ^%&^%&^*&*!  I admit I love to fish for trout, but pound for pound bluegills are one of the most aggressive fresh water fish out!   Is there anyone who know of any big bluegill hot spots in Mississippi! I hear they get up to 1.5 – 3 pounds down there! Greg There are many man made lakes brimming with bluegills that would be lots of fun on the fly, but I don’t know what patterns to throw at them. Dry flys, streamers, nymphs….Any suggestions? -jmc

There are a LOT of flies that will work for bluegill and other panfish, but the two best, bar none, are the rubber spider, and the Sneaky Pete popper. The spiders, in sizes 8 to 16, are _absolutely_ the most deadly fly around. The best day I ever had fishing was one in which I caught 200 bluegill in _2_hours_, all on a black rubber spider. It was taking me longer to unhook the fish than it was to catch them! <<grin However, if you want ONLY pan-size panfish, use the Sneaky Pete, size 10 or larger, in chartreuse. Small fish will hit at it, but won’t be able to grab it. Only the larger fish will take it down… and then you’ve got ‘em! Nymphs, dries, and poppers of all types, as well as small streamers, will all work for bluegill… but these two flies are the top producers. — Joe Ellis         o/~ The Synthetic Filker o/~ |    TesserAct Studios

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Question:

We have a TU group  going into Alaska this summer to flyfish. It’s expensive but the quality is sensational. The attached letter was sent to this year’s participants. If you have any interest please e-mail me. Copy of letter:

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If you send me an e-mail I will send you copy of my letter containing all the info on trip. Thanks!

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Before I begin this trip report I would like to thank the following folks who provided much useful information via e-mail that helped me to plan Jeff Bryson, Nic Lyons, Lyle Nichols, Kief Hillsbery, Tim Medley, Ed Zalta, Keith Price.  I would also like to thank the park rangers, but I can’t, because what little information they provided was either badly out of date or just plain wrong.   Day 1:  Arrival Loaded the VW in a cold drizzle in San Francisco.  Fortunately, this was the most weather we would see the entire trip.  Arrived at South Lake at 4:30 pm and stashed the bike.  Got to North Lake trailhead parking at 5:00. Had shocking realization that I had left all coffee apparattus at home.   Searched the car and came up with one cotton sock, slightly used.  It would have to do.  Hit trail and hiked for 1 hour to Lower Lamarck Lake.  Made camp in a luxurious site on the east shore.  From campsite we thought we could see Lamarck Col, our next day’s destination.  Fortunately, we were way wrong as we were looking up at the very steep snow field on the north face of Mt. Lamarck.  Went to sleep beneath billions and billions of stars.  (Who needs a tent in the Sierra?)  Everything went fine until the brightest goddamned moon I have ever seen came out and rioted around the lake.  Maybe a tent would have been a good idea after all. Finally fashioned eye shades and nodded off. to be continued… -Matt Spitzer

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Day 2 (Monday, September 6):  Darwin Canyon via Lamarck Col Awoke very early to get morning reflection shots of Mt. Lamarck on the lake. Then I made my first attempt to make coffee using my sock/drip maker.  It wasn’t very successful, as the sock tended to soak up all the boiling water and scald my fingers.  Off to a fine Alpine start (10:00 am) we headed up the trail to the upper Lamarck Lake and then  took the made, but unmarked trail up to the Col.  About 4 miles (I’m guessing) and 2,000 ft later we arrived at the foot of the Col, a little winded (yeah, right).  We hadn’t known what to expect, so we had brought along ice axes.  As it turned out, the snowfield on the Col was so rutted out by people’s foot tracks that there was a waist high wall on the downhill side to prevent us from falling.  At the top (12,900) we had great views of the Piute Crags and the lovely town of Bishop to the North and Glacier encrusted Darwin Peak and the gorgeous (literally) Darwin Canyon to the South and West.  After a brief break Minio shot head first down the slope into Darwin Canyon.  I followed behind, enjoying an occaisional plunge step in some loose stuff.  We arrived at the highest lake and then it was a simple walk, much of it over boulders ranging in size from a tv sets to VW buses, down to the lowest lake where we made camp, exhausted. Fishing in the lake was poor for golden trout to 8", but scenery was excellent. Scenery became even more intese at sunset when alpenglow lit the back wall of the canyon and everything glowed orange.  That night many billions of stars, some shooting, and several sattelites came out to play, until the friggin’ moon came out and drove them off. Day 3:  Darwin Canyon to Evolution Basin This morning I devised an improvement to the coffee maker.  I propped open the end of the sock with two crossed twigs and suspended the whole thing from a string tied to the twigs.  Using my new Hane’s drip maker I was (theoretically) able to make my morning cup of Guatemalan love juice without losing any layers of skin from the fingers.  However, the water goes through the sock much too quickly, resulting in an underextracted brew.  This was remedied by soaking sock in cup like a tea bag, but final squeeze scalds fingers again.  Packed up camp and countoured through Darwin Bench and around west slope of ridge extending from Darwin Peak.  From this slope we get excellent panoramic vista stretching from Evolution Valley to Evolution Basin including many snow packed peaks.  Minio and I reach consensus that Evolution Valley has been much over-hyped, as it is a rather unimpressive low stretch of bear country, lined by rather unimpressive walls. Evolution Basin, and the peaks to the south and east, by contrast, is glorious.  The slope we are traversing is itself a thing of beauty, covered with blooms of columbine, shooting star and numerous other flowers including some kind of onion-thing.  Eventually we work our way down toward Evolution Lake, but come to an impass where we have to do a little free climbing (50 ft of 5.4 at most) and then we are home free.  On our way to the lake we observe that if we had just gone up once more we could have waltzed down to our present position without any climbing at all.  By the shores of the stunningly beautiful Evolution Lake we join the John Muir trail and soon come across a trail crew, busily filling in the old trail and planting shrubs along its course. The new trail they have built for us is a work of art, a veritable super highway through the High Sierra. After a brief foot-soaking break by the lake’s edge we are off.  Leaving the lake we hike beside a small cascading stream up to Saphire Lake where we make camp.  In faithful observance of Labor Day Minio breaks out his copy of International Trotskyist and begins reading.  I head back down the stream that connects the two lakes and begin fishing at 4 pm.  By 6:30 I have fished my way back to our campsite in failing light, having caught and released 72 golden trout ranging from embarrasingly small to 10 inches on dry flies. A note about small goldens:  they are incredibly stupid.  About the only thing I could do to disuade them from hitting was to badly drag the fly against the current.  They never seemed to mind the fact that I fished right through a hatch of small brown mayflies with a #10 Cream Wulff.  That evening we slept out of the fairly stiff wind in a rock shelter that Minio built by the North shore of the Lake while I fished.  The whiskey bottle is already getting dangerously empty. to be continued… -Matt Spitzer

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