Question:

I rented a felluca for day sailing. I think that it would be little trouble to get one for a fair cruise.

Excellent idea, and definitely in my style. —      Mark Anderson – DBA Riparia Resources    www.riparia.org Medical info for cruisers and woodworkers.  Boatbuilding plans. Artistic photography       Landscapes – Nautical and marine – Abstracts, extracts and themes.

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I’m curious as to whether it is practical to cruise up and down the Nile R. with a private yacht. Legalities and other hassles: Practical draft limitations: Safety and pleasurability of your reception by the Egyptians: Any other information that may be of interest: —      Mark Anderson – DBA Riparia Resources    www.riparia.org

I rented a felluca for day sailing. I think that it would be little trouble to get one for a fair cruise. It would avoid all the problems of a rich-looking yacht. I’d not worry too much about piracy or big-deal problems. It’s petty theft that gets you. — Bernard W. Joseph     http://www.appliedgrammar.com   "Speak to us of Emailia."    James Joyce    FINNEGANS WAKE

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Last month I sailed a felucca from Aswan to Edfu, so based on limited knowledge of this stretch of water:

Thanks Tony, yours was the kind of info I was looking for.  As to the political climate, those responses are taken in mind, and as expected. For my own purposes, however, the time I might be taking this cruise will be at least several years into the future, so I’ll hope that the political situation might change by then.  In any event, it’ll be taken into account whenever, and probably I’d get the opinion of the state dept. first. —      Mark Anderson – DBA Riparia Resources    www.riparia.org Medical info for cruisers and woodworkers.  Boatbuilding plans. Artistic photography       Landscapes – Nautical and marine – Abstracts, extracts and themes.

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A rich American cruising his flashy yacht in the Middle East…… Now THERE’s a TARGET of OPPORTUNITY for you. Hated by millions of Arabs because of our undying support for the Israeli War Machine…..tearing up Palestinians. Can you answer your own question?  PLEASE DON’T!

When I was in Egypt a quite few years ago (just after Egypt and Israel "normalized" relations) the average Egyptian on the street preferred Israeli money to Egyptian money for the small cash purchases.  And that was after a 10 to 1 devaluation of Israeli money. Things certainly may have changed in the past 20 years but back then they were very friendly to American tourists.  The only thing that had me feeling unsafe was the way they drive, especially in and around Cairo.  You probably heard about driving in Italy.  Cairo is much worse. Steve

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Oh, I think the average Egyptian is still "American friendly".  Most Arabs I ever met when I lived there were very pro-American and simply LOVED Yankee dollars.  However, times have changed, not the people. This Al Queda network is only one of many anti-American networks with supporters across a wide spectrum of Arab countries.  Bombs are going off almost every day, now. Flashing the big yacht in their faces, and all the cash that goes along with it, attracts attention.  Word is passed to the network from the supporters who will never see their own cars, much less a flashy yacht.  The damned thing is a great "target" and would be a prize on any terrorist’s list.  Egypt is eat up with anti-Israeli, and therefore anti-American, groups. It just seems stupid to put the family, the boat and his personal safety in harm’s way flashing that yacht in their faces after 9/11. Middle East changed that day.  Until the "brothers" in Afghanistan get the word spread out that America is NOT the enemy, and saved them from the gangsters who were killing the country, I’d pick a nice, quiet island someplace for the flashy yacht full of Yankees.  With so MANY beautiful places on the planet, why take the chance? Larry We fail, miserably, to see how hated we are because of our support for Israel, no matter who they kill, no matter what they do.  You have to live in an Arab country to really feel it.

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Yotties are not tourists – we aren’t treated as tourists in most places, don’t use the same visas, don’t follow the same rules, processes, etc.  Most countries treat yotties same as commercial ships, fishing vessels, etc – crew lists, clearances, paid for visas, etc   They know we don’t stay in hotels, buy loads of tourist crap, spend big in restaurants, etc.  We’re not "respected" and "protected" in the same way at all.  We aren’t part of that industry. On Egypt – many cruising friends have transited the Suez and universally agreed (much to my disappointment) that Egypt is a miserable shithole of a country to cruise.  Big theft and bribe problems. They get through there as quickly as possible with as short and few stops as necessary. It’s much easier and safe to park the boat in Cypress in a marina and fly in/out of Egypt – as a respected and protected tourist. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [...] It just seems stupid to put the family, the boat and his personal safety in harm’s way flashing that yacht in their faces after 9/11. Middle East changed that day.  Until the "brothers" in Afghanistan get the word spread out that America is NOT the enemy, and saved them from the gangsters who were killing the country, I’d pick a nice, quiet island someplace for the flashy yacht full of Yankees.  With so MANY beautiful places on the planet, why take the chance? Personally, I don’t think it would be all that much of a chance.  At least compared to many other beautiful places people cruise to.  Egypt definitely had a problem a while ago with terrorists attacking visitors.  But from what I’ve heard, they cracked down on them pretty hard.  A large part of their economy is based on tourism, so there’s a big incentive to keep tourists safe. Larry We fail, miserably, to see how hated we are because of our support for Israel, no matter who they kill, no matter what they do.  You have to live in an Arab country to really feel it. That’s just not true for the average person you meet in many Arab countries, including Egypt, especially Egypt. Steve

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[...] It just seems stupid to put the family, the boat and his personal safety in harm’s way flashing that yacht in their faces after 9/11. Middle East changed that day.  Until the "brothers" in Afghanistan get the word spread out that America is NOT the enemy, and saved them from the gangsters who were killing the country, I’d pick a nice, quiet island someplace for the flashy yacht full of Yankees.  With so MANY beautiful places on the planet, why take the chance?

Personally, I don’t think it would be all that much of a chance.  At least compared to many other beautiful places people cruise to.  Egypt definitely had a problem a while ago with terrorists attacking visitors.  But from what I’ve heard, they cracked down on them pretty hard.  A large part of their economy is based on tourism, so there’s a big incentive to keep tourists safe. Larry We fail, miserably, to see how hated we are because of our support for Israel, no matter who they kill, no matter what they do.  You have to live in an Arab country to really feel it.

That’s just not true for the average person you meet in many Arab countries, including Egypt, especially Egypt. Steve

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Last month I sailed a felucca from Aswan to Edfu, so based on limited knowledge of this stretch of water: Draft limitation: most of the cruise boats had a draft of 4 feet or 4′ 6".  Our felucca had a centre board so that we could pull into the bank. Buoyage: Almost non existent.  There are shallows and a few rocks. Local knowledge desirable. Wind:  Prevailing wind in this Southern stretch is Northerly (i.e. against the stream) so one can tack North with the stream or run South against it. Height:  The bridge North of Aswan is not yet complete – awaiting the final span.  When finished this would restrict mast height to that of the big cruise boats (30 – 40 feet at a guess). Formalities: I don’t know details, but almost certainly Yes.  Our felucca captain had to advise the police of our trip. Pleasure:  Definitely!  We swam in the river (no crocs below the High Dam), saw water buffalo, ibises etc.  We found people universally friendly, although a strong feeling that America would do anything to support Israel to the detriment of Arab states. Tony Boas Sadler 34 – Bold Warrior – Southampton, UK.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m curious as to whether it is practical to cruise up and down the Nile R. with a private yacht. Legalities and other hassles: Practical draft limitations: Safety and pleasurability of your reception by the Egyptians: Any other information that may be of interest: —      Mark Anderson – DBA Riparia Resources    www.riparia.org Medical info for cruisers and woodworkers.  Boatbuilding plans. Artistic photography       Landscapes – Nautical and marine – Abstracts, extracts and

themes.

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Irving Johnson did his "TwiLight" cruise through the canals of Europe and up the Nile just before the Aswan dam was complete. I have the video here and it looks like a nice cruise. His boat was about 50 ft and moderate draft (not over 5 ft or he wouldn’t have been able to do the canals of Europe). I went to Egypt for a visit back in the mid 80s while I was working in Saudi Arabia. There was no problem as long as you didn’t have any Israeli stamps in you passport. I would imagine the climate is rather hostle now-a-days. I’d be more worried about stopping in Alexandria or transiting the Red Sea and it wouldn’t be the Egyptions that i would be afraid of. My opinion and experience, FWIW. Steve s/v Good Intentions

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A rich American cruising his flashy yacht in the Middle East…… Now THERE’s a TARGET of OPPORTUNITY for you. Hated by millions of Arabs because of our undying support for the Israeli War Machine…..tearing up Palestinians. Can you answer your own question?  PLEASE DON’T! larry I’d love to back to the Middle East where I lived and worked in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.  But, not now.  Not after 9/11/2001, PLEASE DON"T! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m curious as to whether it is practical to cruise up and down the Nile R. with a private yacht. Legalities and other hassles: Practical draft limitations: Safety and pleasurability of your reception by the Egyptians: Any other information that may be of interest: —     Mark Anderson – DBA Riparia Resources    www.riparia.org Medical info for cruisers and woodworkers.  Boatbuilding plans. Artistic photography      Landscapes – Nautical and marine – Abstracts, extracts and themes.

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I’m curious as to whether it is practical to cruise up and down the Nile R. with a private yacht. Legalities and other hassles: Practical draft limitations: Safety and pleasurability of your reception by the Egyptians: Any other information that may be of interest: —      Mark Anderson – DBA Riparia Resources    www.riparia.org Medical info for cruisers and woodworkers.  Boatbuilding plans. Artistic photography       Landscapes – Nautical and marine – Abstracts, extracts and themes.

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Question:

I’ll be in Richand-Pasco, WA next week and would like to get some time on the river in between job assignments. What can anyone tell me about this area?  All I read is that the rivers are big; I would need a boat to fish them; and the fish on the Columbia around the Hanford area will glow! I’d appreciate any tips on flies and conditions. Regino —

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<< I’ll be in Richand-Pasco, WA next week and would like to get some time on the river in between job assignments. What can anyone tell me about this area?  All I read is that the rivers are big; I would need a boat to fish them; and the fish on the Columbia around the Hanford area will glow! I’d appreciate any tips on flies and conditions. Regino   Regino, You will be about an hour to hour and a half from the famous Yakima River.  I highly recommend fishing it for wild Rainbow trout.  A local store in the area keeps a good web page about conditions.  I believe it is www.worleybugger.com In case that isn’t the right URL search under Worly Bugger Fly Shop. Fishing on the Columbia is very limited this time of year.  You can head over towards the Idaho border and get into some Spring Chinooks.  The Clearwater would be a decent bet there.  Unfortunately, I don’t fish that run so can’t be much help. Mike Spokane, WA

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I’ll be in Richand-Pasco, WA next week and would like to get some time on the river in between job assignments. What can anyone tell me about this area?  All I read is that the rivers are big; I would need a boat to fish them; and the fish on the Columbia around the Hanford area will glow! I’d appreciate any tips on flies and conditions. Regino

The Yakima River between Yakima and Ellensburg is pretty good.  It takes a bit over an hour to get there from Richland.   Unfortunately, this time of year usually means considerable flow in the river to support irrigation, but you may be able to find decent fish along the banks using hoppers. About an hour north of Richland is a spring creek called Rocky Ford.  It is between Moses Lake and Ephrata off of SR 17.  When I lived there, it was great in the early morning and in the evening, but quite slow during the day.  Fish (Columbia Redsides) averaged ~20-24 inches and 3-8 lbs.  If you go there, take small flies (no bigger than 18s). You also might try the Jon Day and the Deschutes in Oregon.  They are not that far from the Tri Cities.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll be in Richand-Pasco, WA next week and would like to get some time on the river in between job assignments. What can anyone tell me about this area?  All I read is that the rivers are big; I would need a boat to fish them; and the fish on the Columbia around the Hanford area will glow! I’d appreciate any tips on flies and conditions. Regino The Yakima River between Yakima and Ellensburg is pretty good.  It takes a bit over an hour to get there from Richland.   Unfortunately, this time of year usually means considerable flow in the river to support irrigation, but you may be able to find decent fish along the banks using hoppers. About an hour north of Richland is a spring creek called Rocky Ford.  It is between Moses Lake and Ephrata off of SR 17.  When I lived there, it was great in the early morning and in the evening, but quite slow during the day.  Fish (Columbia Redsides) averaged ~20-24 inches and 3-8 lbs.  If you go there, take small flies (no bigger than 18s). You also might try the Jon Day and the Deschutes in Oregon.  They are not that far from the Tri Cities.

I also recommend Rocky Ford.  Very small flies work great, but we also did well for very large bows using San Juan Worms, so take those along too.  At times the lunkers would hit those like a freight train. Good Luck, Pat Kirkpatrick * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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I also recommend Rocky Ford.  Very small flies work great, but we also did well for very large bows using San Juan Worms, so take those along too.  At times the lunkers would hit those like a freight train. Good Luck, Pat Kirkpatrick

Oops….I also forgot one:  try wooly buggers around dusk. Pat:  Is the stretch below the lower hatchery still closed?  It used to be a great place to go to avoid other fishers….

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place to go to avoid other fishers….

Better check the reg’s.  We were there 2 years ago and it was open right below the hatchery.  Btw, we ran out of San Juan Worms and couldn’t find any locally.  Finally found a tackle/hardware shop in Soap Lake, and the owner/tyer tied some up while we ate dinner across the street–kind of a flys made to order while-you-wait deal! Cheers, PatK * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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Btw, we ran out of San Juan Worms and couldn’t find any locally.  Finally found a tackle/hardware shop in Soap Lake, and the owner/tyer tied some up while we ate dinner across the street–kind of a flys made to order while-you-wait deal! Cheers,

Ah….I remember the Soap Lake shop well…..I always thought that opening a shop in Ephrata would be a good thing to do.  You know…..go to RF in the morning, figure out what is hatching, tie a bunch up and sell them for an exorbitant price to all the folks getting skunked on the stream. When I left WA (about 4 years ago or so) RF had just been closed to public access right above the discharge stream from the lower hatchery.   The first year it was closed I managed to obtain access from the owner, but he subsequently ceased granting such access.  Oh, well.

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There certainly is a dearth of flyfishing gear in that area, despite the ffing opportunities.  To insure a successful shop opening in that impoverished area, however, you may need to combine the flyshop with a Greasy Spoon diner, and maybe a gas station/general mercantile.  You know–a shopping mall not to exceed 1000sq.ft.! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Btw, we ran out of San Juan Worms and couldn’t find any locally.  Finally found a tackle/hardware shop in Soap Lake, and the owner/tyer tied some up while we ate dinner across the street–kind of a flys made to order while-you-wait deal! Cheers, Ah….I remember the Soap Lake shop well…..I always thought that opening a shop in Ephrata would be a good thing to do.  You know…..go to RF in the morning, figure out what is hatching, tie a bunch up and sell them for an exorbitant price to all the folks getting skunked on the stream. When I left WA (about 4 years ago or so) RF had just been closed to public access right above the discharge stream from the lower hatchery. The first year it was closed I managed to obtain access from the owner, but he subsequently ceased granting such access.  Oh, well.

Before you buy.

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Question:

Beats the hell out of nymphing IMHO. …unless its being done at the Pixie Motel, eh?  

and they’ve changed the sheets. thanks for the advice peter. in passing the winter with wooly bugger hi-jinks on the watauga, i’v noticed that when drifting and twitching the fly, most of my fish took just as the bugger finished its "u" and started upstream.  btw…it’s good to know that the big belly i get naturally in my casts is good for something other than challenging my drift and mending abilities… jeff

That’s the hot corner.  Most of my fish come from that turn.  The fly slows down as it heads upstream, just like a natural.  They often pursue it across the base of the U and only hit it on the turn.  The across stream turn also is a good spot as well since it gives the fly the appearance of a fleeing minnow. yup, big bellies are good for something after all.  I keep telling SWMBO that all the time. Peter

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I make ‘em out of sparkle, pearl, chenille with some kind of flash in the white marabou tail.  silver and brass bead heads. Killer on spring smallmouth here in Ohio…..but this seems to be a spring/early summer color. Summer sees the green, blue, yellow……punk rocker colors. In the fall, those hmmmm, Colonial Williamsburg colors are effective, darker browns, greens and blacks…. smallmouth have always seemed a little fashion and style

Well of course, they are discerning fish.  :) Peter

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<PC wrote Beats the hell out of nymphing IMHO.  …unless its being done at the Pixie Motel, eh?

speaking of the Pixie…. I have "discovered" an institution within shouting distance of the Pixie that has the best damn bbq sandwhiches up here in the High Country. They also serve grits waldo

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<snipped info on streamers Excellent info Peter.  Was a good reminder for not limiting myself to just one method. Warren X#-[

Trout Dwellers Unite! Western Conclave Guru For info: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/wclave/wclave.html

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speaking of the Pixie…. I have "discovered" an institution within shouting distance of the Pixie that has the best damn bbq sandwhiches up here in the High Country. They also serve grits

The Pixie Motel, bbq sandwiches, grits?   You’re making me try harder to work this trip in. OBROFF:    I’ve come across a little rainbow trout version of the Clouser minnow.   I’m tying a few #4’s to send for the clave raffle if I can’t bring ‘em myself.   Haven’t tried them yet, but it seems a good idea. Joe F.

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Nice post Peter, What’s you favorite book on fishing streamers? Seems like there are hundreds of books on fishing nymphs & drys but I can’t see to find a good book on fishing techniques with streamers. Thanks, Sol

I only have one, its been out of print for years and it’s not tat great.  You’re right, there aren’t many.  The local shop just got one in but I forget the title.  I’m hoping for Father’s Day so I didn’t paw it too much.  I’ll see if I can get the title, Mastering the Streamer rings a bell. Peter

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For a book on streamer fishing, the classic is Bates’ Streamer Fly Tying and Fishing, which now has a new edition by the author’s daughter. One point worth mentioning about movement: Any fly hanging in the current will be perceived by the fish as "moving." George

I agree and they look good but I don’t pick up many strikes this way. Something to be worked on. Peter

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Nice post Peter, What’s you favorite book on fishing streamers? Seems like there are hundreds of books on fishing nymphs & drys but I can’t see to find a good book on fishing techniques with streamers. Thanks, Sol

The penny dropped.  Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout by Galloup & Linsenman Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some of the guys saw me use the cross current mend in NC.  Cast directly across stream then make a bit downstream mend, producing a big belly of line.  Point the mend at any structure you want to fish. As the current drags the belly, it’ll accelerate the fly downstream then across stream, then upstream.  The fly runs a "U" pattern across the stream.  Throw in a few strips to add movement.  Keep in mind that a fleeing minnow will head downstream or across stream rather than up as a big fish has the advantage going upstream.  Don’t worry about hookups with all that belly, the browns whack the fly so hard they hook themselves half the time.  It’s a real hoot watching the swirl made by a charging brown as he takes the shallow running fly.

  I use this method very often, in fact almost all the times with excellent result  on sea trout that range from 2.5 to 5.5 pounds. I have seen numerous times these big trouts race for the fly for 30 ft. I fish in very clear water with streamer ranging in size from 2 to 5 inches long. Not too bad on atlantic salmon too. One move I make is when my line is thight in the current, I move my arm from front to rear thus giving a 3 feet motion to the fly. This seem to drive the fish crazy and when they hit, your arm stop as if you hit a rock. — Carol Dugas Caplan Quebec Canada

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Willi’s post got me thinking that a little fishing info posted to this group couldn’t hurt. We all have our favourite methods and I’d rate dries on a small stream as my tops, streamers in big water second, swing wets third and nymphing dead last.  Ken will attest that me and nymphing don’t get along.  There’s often discussion here about dries and nymphing but preciously little about streamer methods.  So here’s 2 cents worth, (CDN.) To state the obvious, streamers imitate small forage fish so they have to be presented in that manner.  Most streamer patterns need movement to change their profile to a small fish imitation.  At rest, they are too broad to effectively imitate anything.  Stripping is the obvious choice to keep a streamer moving, but with the right mending the current can be used as well. I use four methods; standard down and across swing, cross current mend, straight strip, and deep dead drift.  Pretty well everyone is familiar with the quartering downstream "down and across" but some of the others don’t get much print. Some of the guys saw me use the cross current mend in NC.  Cast directly across stream then make a bit downstream mend, producing a big belly of line.  Point the mend at any structure you want to fish. As the current drags the belly, it’ll accelerate the fly downstream then across stream, then upstream.  The fly runs a "U" pattern across the stream.  Throw in a few strips to add movement.  Keep in mind that a fleeing minnow will head downstream or across stream rather than up as a big fish has the advantage going upstream.  Don’t worry about hookups with all that belly, the browns whack the fly so hard they hook themselves half the time.  It’s a real hoot watching the swirl made by a charging brown as he takes the shallow running fly. The straight strip is very commonly used in drift boats and guides often call it "spanking the bank" but you can use it wading too.  As Willi pointed out, big fish often can be up tight in shallow water against the bank or rocks.  I caught a beauty last year on my cane using one of my mini patterns just inches from the bank doing this. Cast directly across stream, a few feet upstream of where you expect the big guy to be holding, wait a bit for the fly to sink and drift toward him, then when it seems about right, strip the hell out of the fly.  To the fish, it looks like a drifting minnow has suddenly spotted him and is now boogying out.  Talk about ringing the dinner bell. The last method, the dead drift, needs a weighted streamer pattern that has a natural profile at rest; like the Joe Penich’s Niagara Smelt shown on my site.  Wounded minnows are often swept along the bottom of runs so there’s no reason why we can’t do the same.  Using a fast sinking, sinktip line, cast upstream at the top of a deep run. Put in a big upstream mend to help sink the fly.  As the fly approaches directly across from you, pull in the slack and hang on. If you don’t get a hit, then put in a couple of sharp strips as the fly begins to swing.  That gives a fish the impression that the wounded minnow is still alive but in it’s death throes. Beats the hell out of nymphing IMHO. Good luck Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

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<snip very good stuff Though you mentioned it in passing, I feel a need to stress that one of the very best things about streamers (especially as compared to nymphs) is that there is rarely any doubt at all about the strike!  More often than not I don’t have time to set the hook when a fish takes a streamer.  That’s o.k. though because the fish generally does the job for you.  Trout take streamers below the surface the way they do hoppers on top; they smack them HARD! How about favorite patterns Peter?  The Muddler Minnow and the Woolly Bugger (please, those who don’t think of the WB as a streamer, spare me!) hardly need mentioning as their popularity is nearly universal, though I have never been fond of muddlers myself.  The Hornberg Special is probably my all time favorite and, naturally, best producer, with a hair wing Royal Coachman a distant second.  Mickey Finns, Gray and Black Ghosts and my own variations on the Thunder Creek series have also been very good producers.

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Trout take streamers below the surface the way they do hoppers on top; they smack them HARD!

Ya, I watched a brown take three shots at one of my minis.  Gotta hookup on the third.  Nearly as good as a dry. How about favorite patterns Peter?  The Muddler Minnow and the Woolly Bugger (please, those who don’t think of the WB as a streamer, spare me!) hardly need mentioning as their popularity is nearly universal, though I have never been fond of muddlers myself.  The Hornberg Special is probably my all time favorite and, naturally, best producer, with a hair wing Royal Coachman a distant second.  Mickey Finns, Gray and Black Ghosts and my own variations on the Thunder Creek series have also been very good producers.

I’ve always been partial to Mickey’s for landlocks, brookies and smallmouth.  I’ve also taken my fair share of smallies on wooolly buggers and and muddlers too.  I like to experiment with patterns and one of my most productive to date has been Joe’s Niagara Smelt.  I’ve also had very good luck with steelhead and salmon on my Rainbow Smelt. For browns, my mini and the "Little Trout" series have been the best. I’ve never fished the Hornberg or the hair wing Coachman.  I’ll have to give them a try. Peter

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Try White WB’s sometime. Idon’t know why white, but trout will destru this color Wb in lakes.

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I’ve never fished the Hornberg or the hair wing Coachman.  I’ll have to give them a try.

I’ll be bringing some Hornbergs to the clave.  Will begin tying them up tonight.        :)

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Try White WB’s sometime. Idon’t know why white, but trout will destru this color Wb in lakes.

Yup. I was introduced to cone head white woollies by Gary from Atlanta.  They work wonders with smallies too. Peter

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Wolfthing writes: I’ll be bringing some Hornbergs to the clave.  Will begin tying them up tonight.    :)

Sounds kinky to me, Wolfthing.  You’re gonna fit in real nicely with the NC contingent. d;0) Dave LaCourse

Response:

Nice post Peter, What’s you favorite book on fishing streamers? Seems like there are hundreds of books on fishing nymphs & drys but I can’t see to find a good book on fishing techniques with streamers. Thanks, Sol

Response:

For a book on streamer fishing, the classic is Bates’ Streamer Fly Tying and Fishing, which now has a new edition by the author’s daughter. One point worth mentioning about movement: Any fly hanging in the current will be perceived by the fish as "moving." George

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Willi’s post got me thinking that a little fishing info posted to this group couldn’t hurt. We all have our favourite methods and I’d rate dries on a small stream as my tops, streamers in big water second, swing wets third and nymphing dead last.  Ken will attest that me and nymphing don’t get along.  There’s often discussion here about dries and nymphing but preciously little about streamer methods.  So here’s 2 cents worth, (CDN.) To state the obvious, streamers imitate small forage fish so they have to be presented in that manner.  Most streamer patterns need movement to change their profile to a small fish imitation.  At rest, they are too broad to effectively imitate anything.  Stripping is the obvious choice to keep a streamer moving, but with the right mending the current can be used as well. I use four methods; standard down and across swing, cross current mend, straight strip, and deep dead drift.  Pretty well everyone is familiar with the quartering downstream "down and across" but some of the others don’t get much print. Some of the guys saw me use the cross current mend in NC.  Cast directly across stream then make a bit downstream mend, producing a big belly of line.  Point the mend at any structure you want to fish. As the current drags the belly, it’ll accelerate the fly downstream then across stream, then upstream.  The fly runs a "U" pattern across the stream.  Throw in a few strips to add movement.  Keep in mind that a fleeing minnow will head downstream or across stream rather than up as a big fish has the advantage going upstream.  Don’t worry about hookups with all that belly, the browns whack the fly so hard they hook themselves half the time.  It’s a real hoot watching the swirl made by a charging brown as he takes the shallow running fly. The straight strip is very commonly used in drift boats and guides often call it "spanking the bank" but you can use it wading too.  As Willi pointed out, big fish often can be up tight in shallow water against the bank or rocks.  I caught a beauty last year on my cane using one of my mini patterns just inches from the bank doing this. Cast directly across stream, a few feet upstream of where you expect the big guy to be holding, wait a bit for the fly to sink and drift toward him, then when it seems about right, strip the hell out of the fly.  To the fish, it looks like a drifting minnow has suddenly spotted him and is now boogying out.  Talk about ringing the dinner bell. The last method, the dead drift, needs a weighted streamer pattern that has a natural profile at rest; like the Joe Penich’s Niagara Smelt shown on my site.  Wounded minnows are often swept along the bottom of runs so there’s no reason why we can’t do the same.  Using a fast sinking, sinktip line, cast upstream at the top of a deep run. Put in a big upstream mend to help sink the fly.  As the fly approaches directly across from you, pull in the slack and hang on. If you don’t get a hit, then put in a couple of sharp strips as the fly begins to swing.  That gives a fish the impression that the wounded minnow is still alive but in it’s death throes. Beats the hell out of nymphing IMHO.

 …unless its being done at the Pixie Motel, eh?   thanks for the advice peter. in passing the winter with wooly bugger hi-jinks on the watauga, i’v noticed that when drifting and twitching the fly, most of my fish took just as the bugger finished its "u" and started upstream.  btw…it’s good to know that the big belly i get naturally in my casts is good for something other than challenging my drift and mending abilities… jeff

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I make ‘em out of sparkle, pearl, chenille with some kind of flash in the white marabou tail.  silver and brass bead heads. Killer on spring smallmouth here in Ohio…..but this seems to be a spring/early summer color. Summer sees the green, blue, yellow……punk rocker colors. In the fall, those hmmmm, Colonial Williamsburg colors are effective, darker browns, greens and blacks…. smallmouth have always seemed a little fashion and style – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Try White WB’s sometime. Idon’t know why white, but trout will destru this color Wb in lakes. Yup. I was introduced to cone head white woollies by Gary from Atlanta.  They work wonders with smallies too. Peter

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Question:

I’ve found an exellent flytying page…… Take a look at this URL……: http://nff.sit.no Jan D.

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Wow what a great site. I am getting the materiel to tie fys. Can’t wait. Thanks for the site.

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Question:

Hi Iain, For your information: my absolute favourite is a rod made from the Loomis F1808/9-4 blank. This is a 4-piece, AFTMA # 8 rod with a length of 16 ft. IMHO this is the nicest Spey-rod & I never had the urge to go heavier! Also I’m very sure there isn’t such thing as a 8 ft. Spey rod. This must be a mistake in typing. Greetings, Hans van der Stroom Iain Sorrell heeft geschreven in bericht – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -How many folks out there fish Spey or Double handed rods? My interest is to learn what are the most popular rod weights – how many folks fish the new lighter sizes in say 7, 8 or 9 weights? Cheers, Iain.

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How many folks out there fish Spey or Double handed rods? My interest is to learn what are the most popular rod weights – how many folks fish the new lighter sizes in say 7, 8 or 9 weights? Cheers, Iain.

Hello.  I use 9 weights, and 7 weights.  The 9 can handle any steelhead that swims.  The 7 on the other hand is fine for fish up to 10 pounds, after that, I’m not sure I would use it.  It excels however on runoff conditions for large trout.  There are large, frightening, rivers I fish in the spring in total safety, even with brush at my back.  The only issue is, with a fish under 16 inches you have to really discipline yourself to keep the rod tip down and to the side.  Otherwise the bouncy tip will result in almost every fish coming unbuttoned.  For trout 18 inches and above, the rod is amazingly fun and efficient. Phil

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Iain, I have a 14ft 9/10 and a 12ft 7/8. I find the lighter rod tougher to cast because I tend to over power it. When I take it easy it is effortless. The rod is a blast on shad and the halfpounder steelies we have in California. I have had an easier time with the rod by up lining it to a 9/10 line. It loads deeper and really casts nice. With an 8 wt. double taper, my rod is a pure finness rod. I like the rod but I find myself fishing my 14fter more often. It is softer and more forgiving of my inept casting. Both my Spey Rods handle steelies and salmon well. Good Luck, MJR

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How many folks out there fish Spey or Double handed rods? My interest is to learn what are the most popular rod weights – how many folks fish the new lighter sizes in say 7, 8 or 9 weights? Cheers, Iain.

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How many folks out there fish Spey or Double handed rods? My interest is to learn what are the most popular rod weights – how many folks fish the new lighter sizes in say 7, 8 or 9 weights? Cheers, Iain.

I use 7wt and 8wt. I have 2 7’s an 8′ and an 11′, the 8wt is 8′. Any one who fishes Florida will have at least a 7wt for bass and another of the same weight for salt with 8wt or better preffered by most. I stick to the lighter weights for the finesse factor. The joy of the play so to speak. Those really into the really big fish use two handed 10wt and up for the power needed for Florida fish. Needless to say fishing here is much different than say Vermont where a 10" brookie is on the large side while our lower limit on large mouth bass is 14". Rainbows in North Carolina average less than 4lbs which makes a 3 to 5wt ideal in the mountain streams and rivers. Also in the mix is the size of fly needed for different species, an 18 or 20 used for brook or brown trout won’t get a second glance from a hunting bass or red. Plus on the salt breezes can be quite a factor. Of course if you are an ardent c&r advocate the equazion changes because to play the fish lessens its’ chance of survival so a rod must be choosen at least 1 size up from the wt you might expect use for the species you pursue.Thats my 2 cents worth hope it helps                                                         John Popp                                                        in Sanford Fl.

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I’m currently using a 9 wgt. for summer and winter steelhead.  I’m thinking about a 7 wgt. for summer steelhead.

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I’m sorry–did I miss something? Did you say you had an 8-foot Spey rod. Never heard of such a thing. Who makes that? George

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I’m sorry–did I miss something? Did you say you had an 8-foot Spey rod. Never heard of such a thing. Who makes that?

Hi, Ian Sorrell asked the question "What are the most popular light rods (not spey rods)" at least the question could be read like that.  John Popp gave his answer fairly. I little bit of confusion here I think. — Bill

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I’m sorry–did I miss something? Did you say you had an 8-foot Spey rod. Never heard of such a thing. Who makes that? George

    I was under the impression that what was asked was spey AND the reason a person used weights such as 7/8. To this end was my answer. If you noticed I included the 11′ 7wt. NOT included in the comments was 3wt or 5wt used in trout streams. I thought I had made clear that the larger heavier wts were seldom used in my area except for game fishing. If my answer did not fit the bill, sorry but it was only 2 cents worth.                                                   John Popp                                                  in Sanford Fl.

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Question:

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

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

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Question:

After much debate, I finally went out and  purchased a new rod.  A Scott 5wt STS.  Why am I telling you all this?  Mostly because I need advice on which reel will be the best match for this rod.  Under $200.00.  The dealer I purchased the rod from has recomended a make I’ve never seem before T Tom (T Top?).  What do the sages (no pun inteneded) of

rec.outdoors.fishing.fly have to suggest? Thank you in advance! Ross

Ross, The dealer probably said "Teton". John Johnson Lilburn,GA

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You probably mean Teton!  I have seen that one reccomended here before.   A small Lamson or STH would also be good. -Burton On Mon, 13 Jan 1997, Ross Laurie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After much debate, I finally went out and  purchased a new rod.  A Scott  5wt STS.  Why am I telling you all this?  Mostly because I need advice on which reel will be the best match for this rod.  Under $200.00.  The dealer I purchased the rod from has recomended a make I’ve never seem before T Tom (T Top?).  What do the sages (no pun inteneded) of rec.outdoors.fishing.fly have to suggest? Thank you in advance! Ross

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After much debate, I finally went out and  purchased a new rod.  A Scott 5wt STS.  Why am I telling you all this?  Mostly because I need advice on which reel will be the best match for this rod.  Under $200.00.  The dealer I purchased the rod from has recomended a make I’ve never seem before T Tom (T Top?).  What do the sages (no pun inteneded) of rec.outdoors.fishing.fly have to suggest? Thank you in advance! Ross

Hey Ross, This is just my 2 cents, but unless you are fishing for Salmon, Steelhead or any of the big saltwater species known for long runs, a reel is just a device to hold your line. Don’t waste your $$$ on an expensive reel to fish for trout. YMMV, Tom

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After much debate, I finally went out and  purchased a new rod.  A Scott 5wt STS.  Why am I telling you all this?  Mostly because I need advice on which reel will be the best match for this rod.  Under $200.00.  The dealer I purchased the rod from has recomended a make I’ve never seem before T Tom (T Top?).  What do the sages (no pun inteneded) of rec.outdoors.fishing.fly have to suggest? Thank you in advance! Ross

 Hello Ross, I believe the reel he is speaking of is a Teton.  They make a nice reel.  Although, if you are looking for a real clean setup I would look no further than the new Ross Colorado.  The size you want is about $100 and the spools are about $50.  This reel only has a pawl to keep it from free spooling.  No Drag!  But really, is a drag that important on anything under a 6-7 weight rod.  I like the exposed rim. If you feel that you need a drag, maybe the cimmaron by ross would be a good bet.  It is lighter than the Teton. Enjoy Life, Paul Johnson,

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I would go with the Ross reels. Either the Cimarron ($170) or the Gunnison ($210). The gunnison has a great disc drag. Very good reels, beautiful finish and they are light. I would go with the extra $10. Otherwise, the Cimarron is great. No disc drag, otherwise, just as good and pretty. kmustad – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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After much debate, I finally went out and  purchased a new rod.  A Scott  5wt STS.  Why am I telling you all this?  Mostly because I need advice on which reel will be the best match for this rod.  Under $200.00.  The dealer I purchased the rod from has recomended a make I’ve never seem before T Tom (T Top?).  What do the sages (no pun inteneded) of rec.outdoors.fishing.fly have to suggest? Thank you in advance! Ross

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After much debate, I finally went out and  purchased a new rod.  A Scott  5wt STS.  Why am I telling you all this?  Mostly because I need advice on which reel will be the best match for this rod.  Under $200.00.  The dealer I purchased the rod from has recomended a make I’ve never seem before T Tom (T Top?).  What do the sages (no pun inteneded) of rec.outdoors.fishing.fly have to suggest? Thank you in advance! Ross

It getting to be a real bitc… when $200 is a mid priced reel.  The good news is IMHO, that it tough to beat the Cortland LTD’s, which you can have for around $100, and xtra spools for under $40.  Fine disc drags, easy to clean, graphite construction. made in UK (sorry George) USA made look to Tetons, and Lamsons.  There are undoubtedly others but these I own and use. jg

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It getting to be a real bitc… when $200 is a mid priced reel.  

Can you believe it? The good news is IMHO, that it tough to beat the Cortland LTD’s,

They are a good reel. I use the size 80 for my DT5F and WF6F lines and it works just fine. Not as smooth as others, but it’s always been reliable for me. Room for 100 yards of 20lb backing (give or take). Mine is 5(?) years old and has seen lots of streamside rocks and boat bottoms and is still kicking. I’ve never been particularly careful with that reel and it’s never given me a problem. I sort of like the fact that I can bang it around a bit and not fret and fuss. If I had one of the Abel reels with the "Coral" finish, I think I’d be afraid to bring it outside. look to Tetons, and Lamsons.

I would also look at the Orvis Battenkill. I know some on the group tend to quiver at the O-word, but I do very much like their reels. If I had the cash, you can bet I’d have a CFO on my trout sticks. My Battenkill 8/9 Disc has served me well over the past few years since I bought it. The SA System 2L reels are nice and more trout sized than their bigger cousins. I like their smooth drag system (at least the few I’ve fondled in the shops). Bob Petti Endwell, NY

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After much debate, I finally went out and  purchased a new rod.  A Scott  5wt STS.  Why am I telling you all this?  Mostly because I need advice on which reel will be the best match for this rod.  Under $200.00.  The dealer I purchased the rod from has recomended a make I’ve never seem before T Tom (T Top?).  What do the sages (no pun inteneded) of rec.outdoors.fishing.fly have to suggest? Thank you in advance! Ross

I definitely don’t qualify as a sage (no pun inferred) but, I am ecstatic about an LL Bean Streamligh that I paid around $60.00 for.  It has a pawl drag without much oomph to it, but other than that, its extremely ligh weight and has a great feel to it.  On top of that, LL Bean has as good a return policy as you will ever find.  I am using a 4/5 on a 9 ft sage LL 4 wt.  Good Luck! Randy

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Question:

Will be in Lake Almanor, No. CA area end of May.  Any suggestions on good streams, patterns, etc.? Sincerely, William Collins

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Will be in Lake Almanor, No. CA area end of May.  Any suggestions on good streams, patterns, etc.? Sincerely, William Collins

Hi-    You might go 10 miles downstream to Butt Lake. PG&E is draining it and the fish will be concentrated. They might also be dead, but hey, it’ll be worth a shot.    Failing that you can go Yellow Creek, a cute but highly over rated spring creek a few miles west of Almanor.    Lake Almanor itself should be good. The smallmouth should be turned on. Fish the rocky points with buggers. As an added bonus you can "accidently" whack jet skiers with your backcasts. Great fun.    -Ralph —

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Question:

Hello Dcoop,    I’ve been flyfishing for only a few years now here in NY state. I live in Rensselaer near Albany, NY and don’t get to as much fishing as I would like to, but I do fish the adirondacks once in a while. I do have some friends though that fish it quite a bit up on the Ausable and Scroon rivers. What would you like to know? Maybe I can help. Email me at – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  I writing this article to see if there is anyone on the web who flyfishes the Adirondacks. I’m looking to chat about fly hatches and fishing conditions in the great northeast. Thanks’ Dcoop

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  I writing this article to see if there is anyone on the web who flyfishes the Adirondacks. I’m looking to chat about fly hatches and fishing conditions in the great northeast. Thanks’ Dcoop

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Question:

Within San Francisco city limits is Lake Merced.   Dont Waste ypur time even considering Lake Merced in the Summer.  The fishing is KILLER in the winter though. Across the Bay Bridge is San Pablo Reservoir. A MUCH better prospect. Lots more water and the algae isn’t the same problem that it is at Lake Merced in the summer.  By the Way….. I am told that San Pablo is managed by "That Dam Co.",the same folks that manage Lake Merced.  They stock with the standard state planters as well as the Lassen Broodstock fish. The big slugs are the Lassen fish. But in July, the fishing is great in the Sierra, so I’ll be there. Happy fishing. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My fiance and I will be honeymooning in the S.F. area between July 4 and July 16, 1994.  We would like to do some fishing (maybe 1 or 2 days) while there.  I fly fish, she doesn’t (but she’s willing to learn).  We’d prefer to not spend a fortune, but if a guide is the only way to insure a fairly successful outing then we’ll certainly consider one.  We are looking for fresh water, trout or possibly bass. Within San Francisco city limits is Lake Merced.  It is stocked with Rainbows and catches in the 3 to 8 pound range are not uncommon.  The fishing is usually good to very good and the price is right.  Across the Bay Bridge is San Pablo Reservoir.  It is stocked with trout and small mouth bass.  Fishing from shore is usually productive, especially around the dam, but fishing from boat is definitely better.  Boats are available for rent but, if you go on the weekend, get their early. If you want to get away from the urban areas, take a trip north to the little town of Anderson.  Rent a rowboat and fish the river just south of Anderson for Rainbows in the 8-12 pound range.

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My fiance and I will be honeymooning in the S.F. area between July 4 and July 16, 1994.  We would like to do some fishing (maybe 1 or 2 days) while there.  I fly fish, she doesn’t (but she’s willing to learn).  We’d prefer to not spend a fortune, but if a guide is the only way to insure a fairly successful outing then we’ll certainly consider one.  We are looking for fresh water, trout or possibly bass.  Any help would be appreciated.  Please respond by e-mail if possible.  Thanks. —

The other posting is correct.  If you are around for a few days, suggest you go outside of SF to the Sierras.  Remarkably I have just published a Guide to the Desolation Wilderness which is near Lake Tahoe and makes a nice stop with a fiance.  Guide available from Frank Amato pub 1-800-541-9498

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My fiance and I will be honeymooning in the S.F. area between July 4 and July 16, 1994.  We would like to do some fishing (maybe 1 or 2 days) while there.  I fly fish, she doesn’t (but she’s willing to learn).  We’d prefer to not spend a fortune, but if a guide is the only way to insure a fairly successful outing then we’ll certainly consider one.  We are looking for fresh water, trout or possibly bass.  Any help would be appreciated.  Please respond by e-mail if possible.  Thanks. —

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