Question:

We ran along the Deerfield for a good stretch. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much floating plastic, rubber, and styrofoam in one place, ever. /daytripper (water looked low, slow, and warm, too…)

The two raft/kayak/tube outfitters in Zoar pretty much clog the river on weekends.  You have to fish dawn and dusk and pray the water level’s right. A real crap shoot considering the drive time and the lack of alternatives in the area.

Response:

The two raft/kayak/tube outfitters in Zoar pretty much clog the river on weekends.  You have to fish dawn and dusk and pray the water level’s right. A real crap shoot considering the drive time and the lack of alternatives in the area.

Are there trout in the little river that runs up Route 2 as is climbs up through the State Forest to Florida, MA, just past Berkshire East? — Gary M

Response:

The two raft/kayak/tube outfitters in Zoar pretty much clog the river on weekends.  You have to fish dawn and dusk and pray the water level’s right. A real crap shoot considering the drive time and the lack of alternatives in the area. Are there trout in the little river that runs up Route 2 as is climbs up through the State Forest to Florida, MA, just past Berkshire East?

Sounds like the Cold River, which isn’t mentioned in TU’s guide for MA trout waters…

Response:

Sounds like the Cold River, which isn’t mentioned in TU’s guide for MA trout waters…

Yes that sounds correct. I do see the ubquitous Salmon Parr/Trout differentiation signs on the trees up there though? — Gary M

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I grew up in Springfield MA but haven’t fished the Farmington in MA for at least 8 years.  I used to regularly fish the Deerfield, Westfield, Swift, and  the Nissi when I lived in Boston and my brother lived in Southwick.  I live in NJ now and mainly fish the Farmington and Housie in CT if I’m not exploring PA’s streams and trails. Bill Bill, Can you recommend any good spots along the Deerfield?  Drove

along it the other day, water level was very low but looked like the river had promise.  I live in CT but am always in search of good water. Jim

Response:

Bill, Can you recommend any good spots along the Deerfield?  Drove along it the other day, water level was very low but looked like the river had promise.  I live in CT but am always in search of good water. Jim

The best places on the Deerfield are close to the Fife Brook Dam – without the cold water releases from Fife the river would be too hot for trout this year… Here are maps of the two C&R areas on the upper Deerfield: http://www.jacksmola.com/deerfield_upper.html http://www.jacksmola.com/deerfield_lower.html Be aware that the dam releases water for hydro power and the areas near the dam fluctuate between low water and dangerous.  If you want to try the area, be sure to check the release schedule (which is often wrong) at 1-888-356-3663. Press 1 & 6 when prompted. You can get a good idea of the releases by checking the stream flow gauge: http://mass1.er.usgs.gov/rt-cgi/gen_stn_pg?station=01170000 It looks like the releases are way down the past couple of days, so things could be very good indeed… This gauge is way downstream from the Fife Brook dam – near the Connecticut river.  The times of high flow are a couple of hours delayed compared to the main release.  There are also several other dams between Fife and West Deerfield that do secondary releases that slow down the surge. The whole river is accessible by roads and pretty much any place there’s a pullout is worth a look,  Just be aware that the lower you get, the slower and warmer the water will be.  Wherever you fish, make sure you know your exit route if the water starts coming up. –Stan

Response:

I’ve got to agree (and defer) with Stan.  Fife is probably the best place but I haven’t fished the Deerfield in 2 years since I moved to NJ so I don’t know the condition of the river.  Fife was always consistent though.  Most likely I’ll make a trip up this fall. As Stan points out, remember to watch the water.  It comes up fast. —

|

| Bill, Can you recommend any good spots along the Deerfield?  Drove | along it the other day, water level was very low but looked like the | river had promise.  I live in CT but am always in search of good | water. | Jim | | The best places on the Deerfield are close to the Fife Brook Dam – without | the cold water releases from Fife the river would be too hot for trout this | year… | | Here are maps of the two C&R areas on the upper Deerfield: | http://www.jacksmola.com/deerfield_upper.html | http://www.jacksmola.com/deerfield_lower.html | | Be aware that the dam releases water for hydro power and the areas near the | dam fluctuate between low water and dangerous.  If you want to try the area, | be sure to check the release schedule (which is often wrong) at | 1-888-356-3663. Press 1 & 6 when prompted. | | You can get a good idea of the releases by checking the stream flow gauge: | http://mass1.er.usgs.gov/rt-cgi/gen_stn_pg?station=01170000 | | It looks like the releases are way down the past couple of days, so things | could be very good indeed… | | This gauge is way downstream from the Fife Brook dam – near the Connecticut | river.  The times of high flow are a couple of hours delayed compared to the | main release.  There are also several other dams between Fife and West | Deerfield that do secondary releases that slow down the surge. | | The whole river is accessible by roads and pretty much any place there’s a | pullout is worth a look,  Just be aware that the lower you get, the slower | and warmer the water will be.  Wherever you fish, make sure you know your | exit route if the water starts coming up. | | –Stan | |

Response:

http://www.jacksmola.com/deerfield_lower.html

The only time I fished the Deerfield was a little below the Yankee Power Plant. I did not do well, plus, as I thought the plant will still operating I was really uncomfortable standing in the water. Any comment on this stretch? I don’t think these maps are of this stretch are they? — Gary M

Response:

The only time I fished the Deerfield was a little below the Yankee Power Plant. I did not do well, plus, as I thought the plant will still operating I was really uncomfortable standing in the water. Any comment on this stretch? I don’t think these maps are of this stretch are they?

I believe the road to Rowe is just upstream of the Cold River (Rowe Rd.)?  I haven’t fished upstream from the Cold River  in years except just below Fife Brook Dam.  So, yes, I think that map is of the stretch you’re thinking of, and while I don’t have any recent firsthand knowledge about that section, Jack Smola has told me good stories about it.  The section I’m most familiar with is downstream a ways, below Bardwell’s Ferry down to the South River. I spent many days fishing that section and used to really love the riffle just below the South River.  I have stayed away from the Deerfield for several years because of the big daytime releases from Fife (that and the river runners). –Stan

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The only time I fished the Deerfield was a little below the Yankee Power Plant. I did not do well, plus, as I thought the plant will still operating I was really uncomfortable standing in the water. Any comment on this stretch? I don’t think these maps are of this stretch are they? I believe the road to Rowe is just upstream of the Cold River (Rowe Rd.)?  I haven’t fished upstream from the Cold River  in years except just below Fife Brook Dam.  So, yes, I think that map is of the stretch you’re thinking of, and while I don’t have any recent firsthand knowledge about that section, Jack Smola has told me good stories about it.  The section I’m most familiar with is downstream a ways, below Bardwell’s Ferry down to the South River. I spent many days fishing that section and used to really love the riffle just below the South River.  I have stayed away from the Deerfield for several years because of the big daytime releases from Fife (that and the river runners).

Sunday afternoon on the way back from visiting #1 Son at Cornell we avoided a monster jam on the Pike by winding our way northeast on the back roads. Gorgeous day and an engaging drive. We ran along the Deerfield for a good stretch. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much floating plastic, rubber, and styrofoam in one place, ever. /daytripper (water looked low, slow, and warm, too…)

Response:

Mike: http://www.valley.net/~ThomasAmes/insects/mayfly/needhami.htm Sometimes called a blue-wing olive, and a chocolate spinner. –Stan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy Bill      I am a Ct. resident and don’t know what a Needhami is could you enlighten me or anyone else as far as that goes Picture maybe???                    Handyman Mike         Standing in a river waving a stick

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Pretty much.  The one I was using was a dun pattern tied on a 26 hook.  Just a dark brown/black body with a gray CDC post wing and no hackle.  Nice and simple.  My brother was lucky with a size 24 BWO dun.  Different body color but the same wing profile and color.  Leads me to believe they were keying into the wing, not the body. Then again, a few hit a size 14 Tan hair caddis with a lot of grizzly hackle palmered on the body.  Go figure. Bill —

| Mike: | | http://www.valley.net/~ThomasAmes/insects/mayfly/needhami.htm | | Sometimes called a blue-wing olive, and a chocolate spinner. | | –Stan |

| Howdy Bill |      I am a Ct. resident and don’t know what a Needhami is could you | enlighten | me or anyone else as far as that goes Picture maybe??? | | | |                    Handyman Mike |         Standing in a river waving a stick | | |

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Thanks as i am still new to learning what flies are what getting better all the time but alot to learn still.                    Handyman Mike           Standing in a river waving a stick

Response:

| from the Classic and Custom Flyshop website | (http://www.classicandcustomflyshop.com): | | "Here are some tips on how to peg the needhami hatch . The needhami spinners | need an air temp of 80 to fall.  The hatch is pretty consistent about 9-10 | am each day . However the spinners are air temp sensitive, 80 seems to be | what they like and when the air over the water hits 80 they come down IN | MASS no matter what time it is.  Here on the Farmington you have to remember | that the river is a tail water, the water stays cold and  the cold water | effects the air over the water.  The river will chill the air over it by as | much as 6-8 feet, the less the humidity the higher the effect is in the air, | the higher the effect the latter the spinner drop.  Needhami spinners mass | high in the air as much as 30-50 feet above the surface and fall in mass . | They will start down to the rivers surface hang over the river and then | return to the trees if the air temp over the water is to cold. They hit the | cold air and return to the trees, they will do this time and time again | until they feel that the air temp has hit the 80 mark.  On a clear day with | no humidity this may take as long as early afternoon.  On those days when | the humidity is high and the air sultry get to the river by 9 am and the | spinners will be falling.  This happens because the heavy moist air has | pushed the cold air coming off the surface of the water down , and the air | temp over the water reaches 80 fast.  Some times this humid air can have a | dramatic effect on the conditions and will cause a fog to form over the | water. | | If you run into this wait until the fog lifts as needhami will not fall | through the fog.  Needhami can come off from mid morning to midday along | with a spinner drop in early afternoon. | | The spinner of this fly is very important on the river, but falls almost | unseen by many anglers.  When needhami returns to the water in mass it lays | down its wings and dies . The wings are flat on the surface of the water, | and all but disappear.  Anglers are looking down for the fly on the surface | of the water and view needhami against the dark background of the rivers | bottom.  What they see is just the rich brown body about the size of a pin | head.  This is all but impossible for most anglers to pick out . | | However when the spinner is viewed from the bottom as the fish would look at | it they are looking at the fly against a light background [ the sky ] and | the body and wing are very visible to them.  On sunny days the wings of | needhami when viewed as a fish,  appear like plastic wrap with a  light coat | of oil on them.  The spinner of needhami is the one time I prefer using poly | for the wings, and the sparkle spinner for sunny days. | | This hatch can last well over a month , the next time you are in a pool and | the fish are rising all around you and you can not see a thing on the | surface, or that needhami dun that worked all morning and the fish are still | rising and now ignoring the dun, try a needhami spinner or sparkle spinner | on a 9x tippet. | | The duns of needhami are a red/brown  with yellow legs , the spinners are a | very dark brown" | | — | | |

| | Howdy Bill | |      I am a Ct. resident and don’t know what a Needhami is could you | enlighten | | me or anyone else as far as that goes Picture maybe??? | | | | | | | |                    Handyman Mike | |         Standing in a river waving a stick | | | |

Response:

Thank You very useful info. Does that apply to most rivers and streams that have a spinner hatch or just the Farmington.   When i was down in Pa. last month spinners were bobbing up and down as you described and then nothing there was a fog  air temp i am not sure water was warm as i was wet wading.and fish were rising at the Elk/Penns junction pool caught some on a dun but alot of fish wouldn’t even look at the dun.       Again Thanks                    Handyman Mike           Standing in a river waving a stick

Response:

I can’t take credit for writing the info.  I cut and pasted it from the from the Classic and Custom Flyshop website (http://www.classicandcustomflyshop.com).  When spinner decide to come down depends on the fly.  Some like it hot, some like it cold (I’m leaving myself exposed here….).  What the fly does after it hits the water and how it looks when it’s dead also depend on each species.  I’m not a great expert on this behavior.  I’ve only been fly fishing for 10 years so I’m still learning myself. The site I listed above has some examples that relate to the Farmington but should work on most CT streams and rivers. Maybe someone else can pop in with a few examples. —

| Thank You very useful info. Does that apply to most rivers and streams that | have a spinner hatch or just the Farmington. |   When i was down in Pa. last month spinners were bobbing up and down as you | described and then nothing there was a fog  air temp i am not sure water was | warm as i was wet wading.and fish were rising at the Elk/Penns junction pool | caught some on a dun but alot of fish wouldn’t even look at the dun. | |       Again Thanks | | |                    Handyman Mike |         Standing in a river waving a stick |

Response:

Howdy Bill      I am a Ct. resident and don’t know what a Needhami is could you enlighten me or anyone else as far as that goes Picture maybe???                    Handyman Mike           Standing in a river waving a stick

Response:

Bill B writes:

<nice tr snipped Overall it was a slow day but it sure beat hanging out in the AC. —

Sure sounds like it.  Do you know what the water temp was?  Also, have you ever fished the Farmington in Mass? Dave

Response:

My brother. Mike, and I fished the Farmington River Sunday.  We had a great day on the river.  lot of fishing but not a lot of catching.  We arrived at the River around 8:15 after a short stop at Up Country on Rt 44 to pick up some tricos (22s) and Needhami (26s).  I’m glad we stopped since they were just about the only flies the fish would take.  The river is lower and slower than the last time I fished it  about 3 weeks ago.  But there is still quite a bit of water and quite a few trout.  Abet, very finicky trout. [snipped] Overall it was a slow day but it sure beat hanging out in the AC.

Is this the Farmington River in Connecticut? If so, what was the water temperature??

Response:

Is this the Farmington River in Connecticut? If so, what was the water temperature??

Classic & Custom Flyshop says it’s 68 degrees.

Response:

Is this the Farmington River in Connecticut? If so, what was the water temperature?? Classic & Custom Flyshop says it’s 68 degrees.

If true, that’s amazingly low. Everything around here is bath water…

Response:

If true, that’s amazingly low. Everything around here is bath water…

The CT Farmington is a cold water release tailwater. It is currently running quite low. 68 would be about normal at that level this time of year, but given the heat wave, it could exceed 70 at midafternoon in some of the lower TMA areas such as the Boneyard and Ovation. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

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I didn’t have a thermometer with me but it was warmer than I’ve experienced lately.  As you’d expect, Pipeline was cooler (perceptively cooler) than Ovation.  I didn’t wet wade but I only had a pair of shorts on under the breathables.  Only "natural" insulation (and plenty of it!).  Dave at Classic and Custom had 68 degrees on his board.  Felt about right but maybe a little cooler at Pipeline.  Warm water probably caused inactivity and the lack of fish feeding on the surface (it could never have been the fishermen . FYI – The water wasn’t as low as I’ve seen it.  It’s low but the gravel at Ovation is still covered with just enough water to fool the canoe’rs I grew up in Springfield MA but haven’t fished the Farmington in MA for at least 8 years.  I used to regularly fish the Deerfield, Westfield, Swift, and  the Nissi when I lived in Boston and my brother lived in Southwick.  I live in NJ now and mainly fish the Farmington and Housie in CT if I’m not exploring PA’s streams and trails. Bill —

| Bill B writes:

| | <nice tr snipped | | Overall it was a slow day but it sure beat hanging out in the AC. | — | | Sure sounds like it.  Do you know what the water temp was?  Also, have you ever | fished the Farmington in Mass? | | Dave | | | | | | |

Response:

Ovation was warm and there was very little activity.  I managed to pick up a couple of fish by sheer luck.  I was using dries, the guy upstream from me was nymphing and everyone was having a slow day.  There are fish but they are amazingly picky. Basically a good day for fishing and a lousy day for catching….. Didn’t mind it one bit….. —

| | If true, that’s amazingly low. Everything around here is bath water… | | The CT Farmington is a cold water release tailwater. It is currently running | quite low. 68 would be about normal at that level this time of year, but given | the heat wave, it could exceed 70 at midafternoon in some of the lower TMA | areas such as the Boneyard and Ovation. | | | George Adams | | "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was | worth the comin’ down." | ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

My brother. Mike, and I fished the Farmington River Sunday.  We had a great day on the river.  lot of fishing but not a lot of catching.  We arrived at the River around 8:15 after a short stop at Up Country on Rt 44 to pick up some tricos (22s) and Needhami (26s).  I’m glad we stopped since they were just about the only flies the fish would take.  The river is lower and slower than the last time I fished it  about 3 weeks ago.  But there is still quite a bit of water and quite a few trout.  Abet, very finicky trout. We started just downstream of Pipeline and fished up to the it.  FYI – The Gas Company is doing construction on the pipeline and have cleared all of the brush from the area around it.  We both picked up several 8 to 12 inch browns on both tricos and needhami.  Small fish but very strong and feisty. Mike lost a large fish that bent his 5# in half before snapping the 8X. Once the sun was high enough to chase away the shadows on the River we moved down stream, skipping the Church Pool and headed to the Boneyard.  We parked at the end of the access road and fished the upstream runs and riffles. Classic water.  Aside from dodging canoes and kayaks I had a good time Fishing.  We stayed until 2.  Picked up 2 browns, 1 on a size 12 isonychia comparadun and another on a size 14 tan caddis with a lot of palmered hackle.  Nice healthy 12 inch fish.  Mike picked up a few as well but he fished the slower flatter water farther upstream.   Decided to move again and went to Ovation.  After lunch we hit the water and for a while had the pool to ourselves.  Very slow going.  I picked up a 9inch brown just past the bridge head.  He was hanging just below the surface along side a large boulder.  I saw him from the shore and watch for a few minute.  My first cast looked like it was on the money until a salmon fry decided to swoop in. A few casts later I had the right float and he took the Needhami.  It was great to watch as he took the fly.  Nice strong fish for a 9"er.  Very fun on the 4#.  We stayed until 6:30 or so but only took a couple more fish apiece.  We moved back up to Pipeline hoping for a hatch or spinner fall that never materialized.  We stayed until I couldn’t see the white wulff I had tied on.  Mike picked up a 13 or 14 inch rainbow but I struck out. Overall it was a slow day but it sure beat hanging out in the AC. —

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Question:

Hello! Anyone have any experience fishing in Yellowstone National Park?  Where are the good, relatively secluded spots?  What type of fly pattern would one use in the area in August?  My two sons (12 and 9) and I will be heading that way next summer, and any advice would be sincerely appreciated. -Don Sioux Falls

Response:

I had a good trip to Yellowstone the first of  August.  You have got to try the 7 mile hole – if you don’tmine a 5.5 mile hike, one way!   Check out a diary of my trip, with pictures, at http://fishing.about.com/sports/fishhunt/fishing/mpboards.htm – look in the "vacations folder" Let me know how you do! Anyone have any experience fishing in Yellowstone National Park?  Where are the good, relatively secluded spots?  What type of fly pattern would one use in the area in August?

Ronnie http://fishing.about.com

Response:

I only fished the Madison near the madison campground.  Caught one fish but was small.  A pointer on Yellowstone.  The only hot pools in he park open to the public are at the Madison Campground.  We motorhomed there (can not call it camping) and only found this out the last night. Bill

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello! Anyone have any experience fishing in Yellowstone National Park?  Where are the good, relatively secluded spots?  What type of fly pattern would one use in the area in August?  My two sons (12 and 9) and I will be heading that way next summer, and any advice would be sincerely appreciated. -Don Sioux Falls

Response:

Hello! Anyone have any experience fishing in Yellowstone National Park? Where are the good, relatively secluded spots?  What type of fly pattern would one use in the area in August?  My two sons (12 and 9) and I will be heading that way next summer, and any advice would be sincerely appreciated. -Don Sioux Falls

DON, MY INFORMATION IS AT LEAST 30 YEARS OLD.  the hiway between west yellowstone and bozeman crosses a stream called Fann Creek….If you hike upstream untill there is  no sign of humans being there and were very careful about exposing yourself to the clear deep water pools,,,,,there were cutthroat? trout to be caught with out end… Id ask at a local tackle shop about Fann Creek,,,it could be better now,  could be worse…   after all these years i still remember KW Before you buy.

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Question:

I will be going to a family reunion in Northern Wisconsin next summer and I would like to do a little flyfishing while I’m there.  I’m new to flyfishing and have only fished in Colorado.  I will be North of Green Bay on the Oconto River.  Does anybody know what type of fly is good in June/July time frame?  I will be taking my tying equipment but would like to know so I can tie up some flies before I drive to grandma’s house. I’m also interested in fishing for walleye and pike or anything else that swims!!!!!  Any advice would be welcomed.  You can either post Thanks, Rik Meyers Colorado Springs, CO

Response:

I will be going to a family reunion in Northern Wisconsin next summer and I would like to do a little flyfishing while I’m there.

The two web sites I find most accurate and useful for WI trout: http://home.dwave.net/~patrick/ http://www.vbe.com/~heusers/ff_wi/streams/whereto.htm Hope this helps. — Ken Fortenberry

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Question:

 Hell no the war ain’t over. I’m with Wayno on this one. To all the smug yankees who think they defeated the South, may I remind you who presently runs your country (smirk, smirk).

Hillary was born in upstate New Yawk, wasn’t she?  :-) We Canucks of English descent (who defeated the French on the Plains of Abraham in 1800 and something, Canadian history-really boring) are in the same predicament, as we have a Franco-canadian running our country. (unsmirk, unsmirk)

Geez, Steve – even I, as nearly non-Canuck-history-aware as it’s possible to be, know that the French lost "New France" to the British during the Seven Year’s War sometime around 1760 or so.  (I seem to recall that George Washington fought on the British side, so I’m pretty sure that this was before the colonies told Fat Georgie to make like the wind and blow . Why do we always apologize for winning?

Because it’s the polite thing to do. — Bob Jarvis Mail address hacked to foil spammers!

Response:

Steve Cooper: << Hell no the war ain’t over. I’m with Wayno on this one. To all the smug yankees who think they defeated the South, may I remind you who presently runs your country (smirk, smirk). Yeah, a lying, draft-dodging coward, who can’t keep his dick where it belongs. Dave LaCourse

Response:

As a canuck too I think the real problems started when that damn frenchman came from france ans said aloud "Vive La Quebec Libre"….basically telling them they had the support of the French Nation…..In reality as a person who lived in europe for some time I can tell ya that the Fenrch look on the Quebecers as bastard childer and rednecks. As a final thought I say we give them all a shovel and they can dig the friggin’ place off the map for all I care. My .02+ cents Andrew Save the flames I don’t care either way

Response:

As a canuck too…

Ummm…just a point of clarification.  I’m not Canadian, having been born just south of Lake Erie, which explains why I know next to nothing about Canadian history.  However, some of my ancestors reportedly did live in Canada for a while before heading south…  :-) — Bob Jarvis Mail address hacked to foil spammers!

Response:

Wayne Harrison wrote FiddleAway wrote Wayne Harrison scientific studies have shown that the i.q. of both fish and fishermen east of the mississippi and south of the potomac are approximately double … I wonder how a bunch of smart guys like that lost the war     war ain’t over yet, yank:) wayno the undefeated

Being a second generation southern californian, I’m not sure I qualify for Yankee status (by the way, I hate the Yankees…especially this year…but that’s another story).  Though I wouldn’t be surprised if being from the West Coast puts me even lower on the Cracker Scale than a yankee. (However, 2 generations back my people are from Arkansas, so at least I have a little of that high IQ genetic material in my background). —                                                       -dnc- BTW – you can start a new war if you want to wayno, but I assure you that the first one did end on the day ol’ Bob E handed in his sword.

Response:

 Hell no the war ain’t over. I’m with Wayno on this one. To all the smug yankees who think they defeated the South, may I remind you who presently runs your country (smirk, smirk). Hillary was born in upstate New Yawk, wasn’t she?  :-)

You are correct. In my naiivete, I thought it was Wee Willy that runs the country, but your analysis is more accurate We Canucks of English descent (who defeated the French on the Plains of Abraham in 1800 and something, Canadian history-really boring) are in the same predicament, as we have a Franco-canadian running our country. (unsmirk, unsmirk) Geez, Steve – even I, as nearly non-Canuck-history-aware as it’s possible to be, know that the French lost "New France" to the British during the Seven Year’s War sometime around 1760 or so.  (I seem to recall that George Washington fought on the British side, so I’m pretty sure that this was before the colonies told Fat Georgie to make like the wind and blow .

That was the first time the Francos and Anglos did battle on N.A. soil. The fight for Canada happened much later, after the U.S./British thing was pretty much settled (but before the North/South disagreements).This all happened when Louis Riel rallied the French and the Metis for independence from the Brits in Canada. They all gathered to yell insults at General Wolfe et al on the Plains of Abraham, but I don’t remember the exact date. Yes its true, we Canadians actually had our own war that involved no one but ourselves. For such an apathetic bunch, we musta been really pissed to start fightin’ amongst ourselves about it! Why do we always apologize for winning? Because it’s the polite thing to do.

But we never seem to get anything resolved Stevo "I’m really PISSED about being so apathetic..well not really pissed, just abit mad…. well actually only a little upset…well actually it doesn’t really bother me that much …well actually I don’t really care…"

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We Canucks of English descent (who defeated the French on the Plains of Abraham in 1800 and something, Canadian history-really boring) are in the same predicament, as we have a Franco-canadian running our country. (unsmirk, unsmirk) Geez, Steve – even I, as nearly non-Canuck-history-aware as it’s possible to be, know that the French lost "New France" to the British during the Seven Year’s War sometime around 1760 or so.  (I seem to recall that George Washington fought on the British side, so I’m pretty sure that this was before the colonies told Fat Georgie to make like the wind and blow . That was the first time the Francos and Anglos did battle on N.A. soil. The fight for Canada happened much later, after the U.S./British thing was pretty much settled (but before the North/South disagreements).This all happened when Louis Riel rallied the French and the Metis for independence from the Brits in Canada. They all gathered to yell insults at General Wolfe et al on the Plains of Abraham, but I don’t remember the exact date.

that was in 1970 after crowds of angry francophone snowmen pelted then Prime Minister Trudeau with bottles of screech during the annual Quebec City Winterfest riot – this happens every year on the Quebecois National fete (holiday) named after the dead French monk St Jean De Batiste. BTW the Plains of Abraham were named after Abraham Lincoln following his assination. We always loved Lincoln as it was thanks to his heroic actions emmigration of US residents to Canada dropped dramatically. We were so happy following that event we formed the country named the plains had a battle with the Grand Armee of Napoleon the First and confederated the country all in one drunken melee. We’ve all been hung over since that great day. Canadian Politics give me such a head ache! Vive La Canada! Ralph H (always on topic) remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply. "I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." – Hamlet

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Ralph H wrote [snip]…   …Canadian Politics give me such a head ache!

Beats the politics of your southern neighbors (at least currently), eh? —                                                       -dnc-

Response:

I am 57 years old and lived in New England for the past five years after moving from so. Calif.  I go fly fishing each year  to Maine or Rhode Island and I haven’t caught anything yet.  The problem is because I insist on using flys I’ve tied myself.  It’s very sporting that way.  I used to catch fish in Calif. but nothing in Maine or R.I. I guess the fish are smarter out here.

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I am 57 years old and lived in New England for the past five years after moving from so. Calif.  I go fly fishing each year  to Maine or Rhode Island and I haven’t caught anything yet.  The problem is because I insist on using flys I’ve tied myself.  It’s very sporting that way.  I used to catch fish in Calif. but nothing in Maine or R.I. I guess the fish are smarter out here.

        scientific studies have shown that the i.q. of both fish and fishermen east of the mississippi and south of the potomac are approximately double that of the same subjects westerly and northerly therefrom.           i can’t help it if i’m lucky…(yeah, i know, bob dylan said it first)         wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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   i can’t help it if i’m lucky…(yeah, i know, bob dylan said it first)    wayno

That song always makes me think of my first wife<g. — Charlie…

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        scientific studies have shown that the i.q. of both fish and fishermen east of the mississippi and south of the potomac are approximately double that of the same subjects westerly and northerly therefrom.         i can’t help it if i’m lucky…(yeah, i know, bob dylan said it first)         wayno

Um, doesn’t the chosen location of the fisherman provide a fairly dramatic refutation of at least part of your assertion?  ;-) From the fellow living in God’s country. ATB — Andrew Brunette

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        scientific studies have shown that the i.q. of both fish and fishermen east of the mississippi and south of the potomac are approximately double that of the same subjects westerly and northerly therefrom.         i can’t help it if i’m lucky…(yeah, i know, bob dylan said it first)         wayno

        (strategic snip) From the fellow living in God’s country. ATB — Andrew Brunette

        hell, andrew, i didn’t know you lived in rowan county!  just outside granite quarry, maybe? wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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        scientific studies have shown that the i.q. of both fish and fishermen east of the mississippi and south of the potomac are approximately double that of the same subjects westerly and northerly therefrom.

Well, let’s see…I live east of the river and work west of it. In an effort to maximize my intellectual capacity I think I’ll stay home today… Scot

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –         scientific studies have shown that the i.q. of both fish and fishermen east of the mississippi and south of the potomac are approximately double that of the same subjects westerly and northerly therefrom. Well, let’s see…I live east of the river and work west of it. In an effort to maximize my intellectual capacity I think I’ll stay home today… Scot

    ah, yet another testimonial to the impeccable accuracy of my intial post.     wayno the smug

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Wayne Harrison scientific studies have shown that the i.q. of both fish and fishermen east of the mississippi and south of the potomac are approximately double that of the same subjects westerly and northerly therefrom.     wayno the smug

I wonder how a bunch of smart guys like that lost the war —                                                       -dnc-

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I wonder how a bunch of smart guys like that lost the war —                                                     -dnc-

 Ever see "The Mouse That Roared"?  The US is known to spend millions upon millions in countries they defeat in war.  Just note how those dumb, ignorant Southerners in Arkansas Spring Arkansas sold WATER to those BRILLIANT Yankees! It also worked in Warm Springs Va., Hot Springs Va., Sarasota Fla., even Miami Beach! Wayne Hart to fish is human…to release divine

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Wayne Harrison scientific studies have shown that the i.q. of both fish and fishermen east of the mississippi and south of the potomac are approximately double that of the same subjects westerly and northerly therefrom.     wayno the smug I wonder how a bunch of smart guys like that lost the war —                                                      -dnc-

    war ain’t over yet, yank:) wayno the undefeated – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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    war ain’t over yet, yank:) wayno the undefeated

  Hell no the war ain’t over. I’m with Wayno on this one. To all the smug yankees who think they defeated the South, may I remind you who presently runs your country (smirk, smirk). We Canucks of English descent (who defeated the French on the Plains of Abraham in 1800 and something, Canadian history-really boring) are in the same predicament, as we have a Franco-canadian running our country. (unsmirk, unsmirk) Why do we always apologize for winning? Stevo the unsmug

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Question:

Hi Jeff, Marc, Fishtales – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – of regulars there from your area.  And, many of them flyfish. later, Jeff I’m new at fly fishing and have know idea where to go. if you do please let me know. The Canal is not full of to many fish. — Let’s Talk Fish! Big Fish! New Canadian Fishing Newsgroup Is Here! Jeff Goddard, Ottawa, Ont. Canada

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I’m new at fly fishing and have know idea where to go. if you do please let me know. The Canal is not full of to many fish.

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Try the newsgroup can.rec.fishing  if you don’t get answer there or can’t get to the group let me know. You may have to get your internet provider to place that group on their newsgroups listing. — <*))))< Paul Phillips Director of Operations Fintastic Fish Mounts http://www.fintastic.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m new at fly fishing and have know idea where to go. if you do please let me know. The Canal is not full of to many fish.

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of regulars there from your area.  And, many of them flyfish.         later,                 Jeff I’m new at fly fishing and have know idea where to go. if you do please let me know. The Canal is not full of to many fish.

– Let’s Talk Fish! Big Fish! New Canadian Fishing Newsgroup Is Here! Jeff Goddard, Ottawa, Ont. Canada

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Question:

Reed (yes, I work for 5.10)

Hey, give it a rest reed.  5.10 is just another 85 buck a pair bunch of low volume bullshit.  Feed a kid in Guetemala for 2 years or help save the Blackfoot with your money.  Wear a worn out pair of keds.  Tell it to rec.boats.consume     — TJS Spokane, WA

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Looking through the threads it seems lots of people are seeking an excellent kayak shoe.  Gary Mekan in Salt Lake City has just the ticket, a neoprene upper based on a climbing shoe design. It provides a tight-to-your- foot fit for the close tolerances of a kayak, and excellent foot protection and support for scouting missions.  In an early prototype he even stiffened up the midsole for me so I could use it as a rafting shoe.  Truely excellent.  Worth the $$. Kayak scouting missions would be less demanding than canoe portages. Any idea how they would perform on a portage — especially a long, rocky, hilly one? — JB

Just got a peek at the new Salomon water shoe (ok,so it was a rep’s catalogue and not the real thing..) called the Exhydra or something like that.It looked pretty good.Colors to match your boat and it looked like a cross between an approach shoe and a jogger,kinda.Mesh and neoprene and a decent sole for those who need to shlep their boats. FWIW, I bought a pair of the Columbia watershoes for a whitewater trip in Ontario last summer and promptly returned them after the trip.The stitching was poor and blew out the webbing for the laces the first day…then the drainage hole things popped out…you get the picture.Salomon has more experience with feet so they should know what works and they also incorporated feedback from paddlers who tested them.There should be some shoes at Canoe Expo in Pickering,Ont. in March and I’ve been told they’ll probably cost in the neighbourhood of $100 Cdn give or take , and Trailhead will have them. Cheers, Fred

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If you hear, I’d like to know.  I’d love to have personalized paddling shoes.    Sonny Salomon

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Yeah, so where can we get’em and how much are they??

Response:

Yeah, so where can we get’em and how much are they??

A local, independent water sports retailer, Mountain Gear, REI, or Campmor. http://www.campmor.com         "         rei.com I forget Mountain Gear’s page…something with "mgear" in it. My guess in price from low to high: Campmor, REI, Mountain Gear.  And of course, quality usually changes from those places as well.

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Looking through the threads it seems lots of people are seeking an excellent kayak shoe.  Gary Mekan in Salt Lake City has just the ticket, a neoprene upper based on a climbing shoe design. It provides a tight-to-your- foot fit for the close tolerances of a kayak, and excellent foot protection and support for scouting missions.  In an early prototype he even stiffened up the midsole for me so I could use it as a rafting shoe.  Truely excellent.  Worth the $$.

Kayak scouting missions would be less demanding than canoe portages. Any idea how they would perform on a portage — especially a long, rocky, hilly one? — JB

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In about a month, Five Ten will have their new water shoe on the market.  It is designed to be low volume so it will fit into small cockpits, yet have enough support so that you can use it for difficult portages.  Of course, it will have Five Ten’s excellent rubber on the bottom, which you should be familiar with from some of Teva’s and Chaco’s top of the line sandals.  It will retail for $85.  You should be able to check them out at a local paddling shop.  Also check out the NOC and NRS catalogs, as they will both be carrying them. Reed (yes, I work for 5.10)

Response:

In about a month, Five Ten will have their new water shoe on the market.  It is designed to be low volume so it will fit into small cockpits, yet have enough support so that you can use it for difficult portages.  Of course, it will have Five Ten’s excellent rubber on the bottom, which you should be familiar with from some of Teva’s and Chaco’s top of the line sandals.  It will retail for $85.  You should be able to check them out at a local paddling shop.  Also check out the NOC and NRS catalogs, as they will both be carrying them. Reed (yes, I work for 5.10)

  I saw these at the outdoor retailer show last month, and was not impressed.  Yes they’re flexible and low volume to fit in a kayak cockpit, but they look and feel like they have about the same amount of support and sole stiffness as a pair of neoprene booties – maybe enough for a short scout, but certainly not anything I’d want to use on a 1/4 mile portage.  Basically, they’re like a pair of Nike aqua socks with a five-ten rubber sole, and at $85 the price is exorbitant.

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Has anyone seen anything of the paddling footwear that is rumored to be available from Salomon this year?  I checked their web site to no avail. Thanks! Mike

Response:

Looking through the threads it seems lots of people are seeking an excellent kayak shoe.  Gary Mekan in Salt Lake City has just the ticket, a neoprene upper based on a climbing shoe design. It provides a tight-to-your- foot fit for the close tolerances of a kayak, and excellent foot protection and support for scouting missions.  In an early prototype he even stiffened up the midsole for me so I could use it as a rafting shoe.  Truely excellent.  Worth the $$. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – On the same vein, a pair of Converse Chucks do a similar job.  Get em a half size large and put on a pair of neo booties/sox over poly-something sox. such a deal! and warm enough for me.  I’ll wear ‘em over my drysuit booties too. More such a deal. Rob — Rob Molyneaux, PA-C I took so many rescue classes, now my wife teases me. remove "nospam" from address to return mail Would be very reluctant to recommend converse-type boots. Tried a pair of old Airwalk canvas "skatin’ shoes" for paddling (soon after they ceased to be cool). Had a big problem that there is a stiff plastic support bit at the heel which really dug in to my ankle when bent appropriately for insertion into my boat. Never tried with the Cons, but would assume that they would have a similar structure. tim

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this re Re: river footwear??: Would be very reluctant to recommend converse-type boots. Tried a pair of old Airwalk canvas "skatin’ shoes" for paddling (soon after they ceased to be cool). Had a big problem that there is a stiff plastic support bit at the heel which really dug in to my ankle when bent appropriately for insertion into my boat. Never tried with the Cons, but would assume that they would have a similar structure.

Vasque (Portege) and 1 other boot manufacturer (can’t remember name) now make shoes soecifically for this use.  I’ve also seen "wet climbing shoes" and can’t imagine anything so described biting a bent ankle. Scott A. Miller Have a new Java product? Annouce it @ www.javalobby.org/javawire Incoming fire has the right of way

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On the same vein, a pair of Converse Chucks do a similar job.  Get em a half size large and put on a pair of neo booties/sox over poly-something sox. such a deal! and warm enough for me.  I’ll wear ‘em over my drysuit booties too. More such a deal. Rob — Rob Molyneaux, PA-C I took so many rescue classes, now my wife teases me. remove "nospam" from address to return mail

Would be very reluctant to recommend converse-type boots. Tried a pair of old Airwalk canvas "skatin’ shoes" for paddling (soon after they ceased to be cool). Had a big problem that there is a stiff plastic support bit at the heel which really dug in to my ankle when bent appropriately for insertion into my boat. Never tried with the Cons, but would assume that they would have a similar structure. tim

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I must have missed/not gotten Joshs original post,  but I’ve been using Teva "sandlehikers".  They are not really sandles as they have a full rand around the foot, and the top is a nylon mesh, with the regular teva like strap.  They drain/dry quickly, are not super heavy, work well in water, and have enough support and sole for portaging.  Much easier than having to change for rough portages.  However, as you can tell I’m a wilderness tripper, have never been in a kayak, so I don’t know what kind of room problem you might have with shoes.   Keep your stick on the ice — and your paddle wet!! Rick – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This subject came up a few months ago and someone suggested going to one of those used sporting goods shops and picking up some wrestling shoes. Well, thats what i did. Got a pair for $7.00. The outsoles are very thin and have great traction and are very flexible. The only thing they lack is the insulative property of a neoprene material. Overall they are the best kayaking footware I’ve had. Also they don’t dry as quickly. : I’m looking to get some decent paddling shoes.  HAs anyone got any : comments about any non-sandal, non-neoprene booties??  I’ve seen ads for : the Patagonia CFS and the water tennie from 5.10 and they look cool, but : will they do the job AND fit inside my Hammer?? : PLease email me any comments, thanks a bunch. : Josh — J West

– CANOE NORTH! Rick Etter http://www.bright.net/~retter Step outside.  The graphics are AMAZING!!

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This subject came up a few months ago and someone suggested going to one of those used sporting goods shops and picking up some wrestling shoes. Well, thats what i did. Got a pair for $7.00. The outsoles are very thin and have great traction and are very flexible. The only thing they lack is the insulative property of a neoprene material. Overall they are the best kayaking footware I’ve had. Also they don’t dry as quickly. : I’m looking to get some decent paddling shoes.  HAs anyone got any : comments about any non-sandal, non-neoprene booties??  I’ve seen ads for : the Patagonia CFS and the water tennie from 5.10 and they look cool, but : will they do the job AND fit inside my Hammer?? : PLease email me any comments, thanks a bunch. : Josh — J West

On the same vein, a pair of Converse Chucks do a similar job.  Get em a half size large and put on a pair of neo booties/sox over poly-something sox. such a deal! and warm enough for me.  I’ll wear ‘em over my drysuit booties too. More such a deal. Rob — Rob Molyneaux, PA-C I took so many rescue classes, now my wife teases me. remove "nospam" from address to return mail

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This subject came up a few months ago and someone suggested going to one of those used sporting goods shops and picking up some wrestling shoes. Well, thats what i did. Got a pair for $7.00. The outsoles are very thin and have great traction and are very flexible. The only thing they lack is the insulative property of a neoprene material. Overall they are the best kayaking footware I’ve had. Also they don’t dry as quickly.

: I’m looking to get some decent paddling shoes.  HAs anyone got any : comments about any non-sandal, non-neoprene booties??  I’ve seen ads for : the Patagonia CFS and the water tennie from 5.10 and they look cool, but : will they do the job AND fit inside my Hammer?? : PLease email me any comments, thanks a bunch. : Josh — J West

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Akona makes a wrestling type of shoe for watersports.  My friend has a pair, and loves them.  I got him some 5-10 rubber climbing shoe resoling kits, and now he has super sticky soles, super light shoes to fit in his Kinetic.

I just got the new NRS catalog over the weekend and they have a new 5.10 Water Tennie that looks pretty good.  I’ve got a pair of their felt soled "kickers" that I really like.  They hold wll on slippery rocks and I use them for when I’m flyfishing and wet wading. John Fereira

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Akona makes a wrestling type of shoe for watersports.  My friend has a pair, and loves them.  I got him some 5-10 rubber climbing shoe resoling kits, and now he has super sticky soles, super light shoes to fit in his Kinetic.

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I find that a cheap pair of Asics wrestling shoes work the best out of anything.  They have the lowest bulk and the best grip.  Drainage can get annoying but I just cut some holes in them.   justmy .02 cents Matt Matt Young

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I’m looking to get some decent paddling shoes.  HAs anyone got any comments about any non-sandal, non-neoprene booties??  I’ve seen ads for the Patagonia CFS and the water tennie from 5.10 and they look cool, but will they do the job AND fit inside my Hammer?? PLease email me any comments, thanks a bunch. Josh

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I like Pataguchi, but I have to say the CFS shoes suck.  My $20 booties grip better than the super hype CFS rubber.  Gave up on mine.

Response:

I like Pataguchi, but I have to say the CFS shoes suck.  My $20 booties grip better than the super hype CFS rubber.  Gave up on mine.

I stick with my 10$ (sale) thick soled linnen schoes. They are the model that has these army-type thick soles, sturdy multi-layer linnen top and laces. The rubber of the soles is also used to create a protective layer over the toe-section. They float, are cheap, very strong and after a year the only wear I can spot is where the side of the shoe has been in touch with my boat. If they get damaged, I’ll buy a new pair You can get them everywhere around here, seems like some fashion thing. I is a bit hard to get sizes over 45 (is that 11 US?) though. Bye, — Sociology Student  at the Tilburg University,  The Netherlands Whitewater Kayaker                         AD&D Dungeon Master Secretary  of  the  Eindhoven  Canoe Club  "De Genneper Molen"   No man is wise enough, nor good enough                                      to be trusted with unlimited power.                                       Charles Colton P.S. Spammers, be informed of the installment of a spam-filter on my account.   It functions in the same way insect repellent does: It makes sure that vermin like you can’t reach me.

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I’m looking to get some decent paddling shoes.  HAs anyone got any comments about any non-sandal, non-neoprene booties??  I’ve seen ads for the Patagonia CFS and the water tennie from 5.10 and they look cool, but will they do the job AND fit inside my Hammer??

I use some Teva Wet Climbers.  They are a tennis shoe, with drain holes, and rubber soul which reach up an inch high.  So if water goes over that inch height, your foot gets wet, yet the water will drain, and the materials dry quicker than most shoes.  There is little, if any, padding so they are not the best for wearing several days.  The bottom of the soul is nearly flat with just a bit of tread, and it’s hard to get them to slip when wet.

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Question:

I’m having a real problem finding a pair of wading boots that don’t slip.

I think the footwear you need are two different beasts.  You are asking one pair of boots to adequately perform two wildly different tasks; if your boot works well for hiking it’s no good for wading, and if it works well wading it’s a crummy hiking boot.  I don’t think one boot will meet both your needs. You’ve just got to be willing to carry the extra weight. Anglerboy — Trout fear me, Women want me.

Response:

I’m having a real problem finding a pair of wading boots that don’t slip. I had Orvis boots with carbide cleats that worked pretty well for 5 or 6 trips but then they lost traction. Part of the problem may be that to get to the good fishing on the little local creeks I fish, a 5-10 mile hike over broken terrain is required. I’ve used tennis shoes, but they fall apart after 3 or 4 trips. My last 3 trips I’ve tried rubber wading shoes ( uncomfortable after 5 miles and not much traction) and regular hiking boots, which are great for the walk in but clumsy and slippery in the stream. I’m thinking about sandals with cleats but hate to keep throwing out $50 a pop to experiment. If anyone can advise me I’d be eternally grateful.

Response:

I’m having a real problem finding a pair of wading boots that don’t slip. I had Orvis boots with carbide cleats that worked pretty well for 5 or 6 trips but then they lost traction. Part of the problem may be that to get to the good fishing on the little local creeks I fish, a 5-10 mile hike over broken terrain is required. I’ve used tennis shoes, but they fall apart after 3 or 4 trips. My last 3 trips I’ve tried rubber wading shoes ( uncomfortable after 5 miles and not much traction) and regular hiking boots, which are great for the walk in but clumsy and slippery in the stream. I’m thinking about sandals with cleats but hate to keep throwing out $50 a pop to experiment. If anyone can advise me I’d be eternally grateful.

I usually have shorter walks in the one to two mile range, mostly on gravel or over forest paths with my Weinbrenner studded boots.  The soles are felt with a metal stud.  They have lasted well, probably because the studs support the soles over rock etc.  I’m in to my fifth season with them and they have probably been used on over 100 occasions, most involving some kind of hike.  The studs on my boots are hardly worn despite the use. Peter

Response:

I’m having a real problem finding a pair of wading boots that don’t slip. I had Orvis boots with carbide cleats that worked pretty well for 5 or 6 trips but then they lost traction. Part of the problem may be that to get to the good fishing on the little local creeks I fish, a 5-10 mile hike over broken terrain is required. . . .

You can make your own chain sandals with supplies from the hardware store, that weigh less than a pound so are worth carrying on a hike.  In use they often slip, but once customized you can usually add extra hooks to one or two eyelets to keep them in place. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

Last year I was given a pair of wading boots from LL Bean that have a special rubber bottom which was supposedly designed by a company that manufactures rock climbing shoes. The soles are designed to grip wet rocks well instead of slipping. I was a bit dubious about these boots when I first got them, but I have used them now for awhile and they work quite well. They are at least as stable as felt soles when wading and work just like hiking boots on the way to the stream. They are called "Aqua-Stealth" wading boots and cost $90/ pair. I would think that they might be ideal for someone who likes to hike a long ways into a stream. You may want to give LL Bean a call (800) 221-4221. I have no financial interest in LL Bean (sigh…) but thought this might help solve your problem. Steve Rosenblum Ann Arbor, MI

Response:

I’m having a real problem finding a pair of wading boots that don’t slip. I had Orvis boots with carbide cleats that worked pretty well for 5 or 6 trips but then they lost traction. Part of the problem may be that to get to the good fishing on the little local creeks I fish, a 5-10 mile hike over broken terrain is required. I’ve used tennis shoes, but they fall apart after 3 or 4 trips. My last 3 trips I’ve tried rubber wading shoes ( uncomfortable after 5 miles and not much traction) and regular hiking boots, which are great for the walk in but clumsy and slippery in the stream. I’m thinking about sandals with cleats but hate to keep throwing out $50 a pop to experiment. If anyone can advise me I’d be eternally grateful.

I’ve a similar problem. . . only I walk in on sharp gravel access roads that tear all the felt off the boot. . . So I got a pair of cheap Fly-Tech boots. . . really just a glorified canvas boot with a rubber boot sole ($27.00). Then I use galoshes style cleats that slip over the boot. I can carry the cleats in a vest or fanny pack until I get where I’m going. The other option is to pack a day pack and stash it or lug it around with you all day. . . or wet wading and fishing from the bank a great deal.

Response:

I think the footwear you need are two different beasts.  You are asking one pair of boots to adequately perform two wildly different tasks; if your boot works well for hiking it’s no good for wading, and if it works well wading it’s a crummy hiking boot.  I don’t think one boot will meet both your needs. You’ve just got to be willing to carry the extra weight.

I disagree.  Gym shoes are my favorite hiking attire, and make decent wading shoes. Besides, like it or not, all hiking shoes tend to become wading shoes at stream crossings or during heavy rains. — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

Question:

Any suggestions for good fly fishing in the Vernon, B.C  (Canada) area, will be visiting the area at the end of the month and wondered if there are any worthwhile spots, Cheers, Ken

Response:

There are hundreds of *excellent* areas – far too numerous to mention.   Vernon is in the Okanagan Valley which is surrounded by plateaus, mountains, etc., containing some of the best Kamloops rainbow fishing anywhere.  Any local fishing shop will be able to give you lists of what is in the area you are going to/passing through.  But you will need to travel out of Vernon by 1-2 hours in order to reach most of them. Good Luck. Don

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: There are hundreds of *excellent* areas – far too numerous to mention.   : Vernon is in the Okanagan Valley which is surrounded by plateaus, : mountains, etc., containing some of the best Kamloops rainbow fishing : anywhere.  Any local fishing shop will be able to give you lists of what : is in the area you are going to/passing through.  But you will need to : travel out of Vernon by 1-2 hours in order to reach most of them. Some general ideas: 1. the area to the east of Kelowna, e.g. Dee or Beaver Lakes 2. the Thompson-Nicola plateau west of Kelowna, e.g Pennask, Hatheume, Headwaters, Logan etc Lakes 3. go east on the Monashee highway through Lumby and over to the Columbia and Kootenay watersheds; some possibilities might include Whatshan (sp) Lake, just north of the Fauquier/Needles ferry (west side) and Summit Lake, about a half-hour south of Nakusp on the road to New Denver 4. go north to Shuswap or Mara Lakes, or continue on to the Thompson at Kamloops 5. take the road (hiway 33?) between Kelowna and Rock Creek (via Beaverdell) and fish any section of the Kettle River that looks good (most of it will) 6. Go south to Vaseux Lake (between Okanagan Falls and Oliver) to fish the second-best bass lake (almost all LM’s) in BC; use a tube or canoe (no motors allowed) Most of these destinations, like Don says, are 1-2 hours from Vernon. Generally, the Okanagan does not boast a lot of stream fishing, but the lakes are pretty good. (born in Penticton Hospital and raised in Keremeos and Oliver) 3798 Woodland Drive     voice: (604) 368-9315 Trail, BC               data:  (604) 368-9341

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Question:

I am going on a 7 day canoe trip in Quetico Prov. Park in Ontario in July. Does anyone have any information on what gear and flys to use for the smallmouth bass and pike. Thanks

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I am going on a 7 day canoe trip in Quetico Prov. Park in Ontario in July. Does anyone have any information on what gear and flys to use for the smallmouth bass and pike. Thanks

I was up there 2 years ago for a 14 day trip and what an experience!!  Although we weren’t fly fishing, several people were.  The patterns which they said were effective were assorted minnow patterns (Muddler, Sculpin) as well as a crawfish pattern.  Glo balls would probably work well from what I saw.  I was primarily spincasting and killed the smallmouth on a little floating rapala about 2 inches long.  We seemed to hit most of the bass below waterfalls.  My dad caught one that was almost 4 1/2 pounds!  Watch out for the Pike.  They chomped anything that they could catch.  You might also have fun with the walleye.  Besides, IMHO walleye taste much better than smallmouth. Let me know how it went (I’m jealous). Tom Cavitt

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Question:

Flamebait Alert! I guess I will have to confess.  I sound like that yuppie.  I have been lurking on this group for about a month, listening to opinions about this and that and soaking up alot of info.  I have read a couple of books and took a flyfishing course that was offered at the local university. I haven’t bought a rod yet.  I think that it will be a St. Crois or a Sage.  I am leaning for the Sage.  As a Yuppie it might be status, or it might be that it seems to be a better rod and I liked the feel.  Oh, by the way the people who taught the fly fishing course brought TU info with them.  I sent in my dues.  I will try not to try your patience on the water. GRF

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OK OK OK I will admit it I like using nice equipment, having fitted waders, sized wading boots, and my Kangol hat as much as I like putting on a crisp white shirt and tie.  I enjoy the better things of fly fishing but….. even if I were wearing a Tux in the stream I would not hesitate to dive in after a well tied adams.  A lot of this has to do with having respect for the trout and the stream.  They put on their best for me so I put on my best for them.  Sure I could tie trash bags around my legs,  haul in a case of beer and catch fish with a cane pole but then it wouldn’t be the same for me.  And if I only fished for food I would use chum and a cast net.  If a guy wants to spend a grand on a fly rod I say let him do it.  The important thing is to not look down on those who cannot afford such equipment, to show respect for the other guy in the stream, and to understand that to a trout there is little difference between Simms waders and Hefty bags.   Thank you. Tom

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Flamebait Alert! I guess I will have to confess.  I sound like that yuppie.  I have been lurking on this group for about a month, listening to opinions about this and that and soaking up alot of info.  I have read a couple of books and took a flyfishing course that was offered at the local university. I haven’t bought a rod yet.  I think that it will be a St. Crois or a Sage.  I am leaning for the Sage.  As a Yuppie it might be status, or it might be that it seems to be a better rod and I liked the feel.  Oh, by the way the people who taught the fly fishing course brought TU info with them.  I sent in my dues.  I will try not to try your patience on the water. GRF

By all means, try their patience – it’s how you learn. And if someone tells you that they didn’t need to try other people’s patience while they were learning, ask them to introduce you to their father, God. — There is no such thing as a dumb question, but there IS such a thing as a dumb answer – I’ve given some.

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